The Clare Echo 28/05/26

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May31, 28,2024 2026 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct

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Surfers ditch waves to save lives

Photo by Tom Micks

LOCAL SURFERS sprung into action to make life-saving rescues across the county this week.

It comes as Clare County Council moved to put lifeguards on duty in the absence of lifeguards ahead of their scheduled return on Saturday .

One woman was airlifted to University Hospital Galway on Tuesday after she was rescued by three surfers in Lahinch. It was one of a number of incidents where surfers were on hand to save distressed swimmers.

Clare County Council on Wednesday moved to install emergency crew of lifeguards with a swelling of beach-goers. “The Council had arranged for lifeguard cover at Lahinch and Whitestrand Miltown Malbay for Wednesday 27th, Thursday 28th and Friday

29th considering the current heatwave and expected visitor numbers at these locations,” a spokesperson for the local authority told The Clare Echo.

Fifty four lifeguards will be employed across Clare for the season.

“The availability of lifeguards is a major factor in providing the lifeguard service. Our lifeguards are typically drawn from a student cohort who are only available for the summer months”.

According to the spokesperson, “This incident does highlight however the dangers of swimming in certain sea conditions and in particular when there are no lifeguards on duty. We request all beach users to be mindful of all Water Safety Ireland advice.”

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Crowds flock to Lahinch as Clare records hottest day in May

Photo by Tom Mick

Pope appoints Scariff ’s Nugent as Papal Nuncio to the Czech Republic

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SCARIFF native, Archbishop Eugene Nugent has been appointed as the Papal Nuncio to the Czech Republic.

Pope Leo XIV announced the appointment of the East Clare man on Monday. He is currently the Apostolic Nuncio to Kuwait and Qatar and has held this post since January 2021, a month later he was also given the role of Apostolic Nuncio to Bahrain.

He is the titular archbishop of Dunshaughlin.

Born on 21st October 1958, Eugene attended Clonusker National School, Scariff Community College and studied for the priesthood in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth.

A graduate in Celtic Studies form the National University of Ireland (Maynooth) and subsequently in theology and canon law at

the Gregorian University in Rome, Archbishop Nugent also studied diplomacy and international relations at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome.

At the age of 24, he was ordained a priest. He spent three years as a curate in Ennis from 1984 to 1987. From 1988 to 1991, Nugent worked in Rome in the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State. To prepare for a career in the diplomatic service, he entered the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in 1991.

He earned his doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1992.He entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See on 1 July 1992. His first assignments were in Turkey, Jerusalem, and the Philippines.

From 2001 to 2010, Nugent headed the Holy See S t u d y Mission in Hong Kong, dur-

ing this time he had responsibility for communications between the Chinese dioceses and the Vatican.

In February of 2010, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to Madagascar, Apostolic Delegate to the Comoros, and Titular Archbishop of Dunshaughlin.

A month later, he was named Apostolic Delegate to Mauritius and Seychelles.

Before moving to the Middle East five years ago, he had been Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti since February 2015 where he had been working in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of 2010.

He championed many causes during his mission, including the reconstruction of churches following the 2010 earthquake to facilitating political dialogue in order to end the political crisis in the country.

Eugene was consecrated a bishop in Rome on 18 March 2010 by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. As his episcopal motto he chose “Quodcumque dixerit facite” (Do whatever he says), taken from the Gospel of St John.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 28, 2026

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Multi-million development of 160 homes afoot for Our Lady’s site in Ennis

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PLANS are to be lodged in September for a multi-million euro development at the site of Our Lady’s Hospital in Ennis to result in the construction of 160 new homes, commercial space and community amenities.

Walsh & Sheehan Investment Groups headquartered in Kilkenny with a strong Waterford base have this week released details of their plans for Páirc Mhuire which are to cost in the region of €35-40m.

They have said the “landmark project” will “breathe new life into the historic site, transforming the underutilised former HSE buildings into a dynamic and sustainable community hub”.

Design for the project has yet to be completed but the mechanical services company have confirmed they will be lodging a large-scale residential development with Clare County Council for the Gort Rd sitel.

It will be a mix of one, two and threebedroom properties. The homes will be within and around the existing structure of the former hospital.

A spokesperson for Walsh & Sheehan told The Clare Echo it will be “the largest adaptive re-use project of its kind in Ireland to date will feature more than 160 new homes comprising a balanced mix of housing typologies across several buildings, both existing

and new. The development will also include over 20,000 sq ft of commercial space, providing a range of local amenities, including a crèche facility”.

An existing church building on the grounds will be adapted into a community building with a sensory playground area and significant restoration works intended to be carried out.

According to Walsh & Sheehan, “The proposed homes will be designed to a high standard with careful interventions within the existing buildings helping to deliver unique living spaces and a strong sense of community. The development will respect the site’s long-standing historical links to Ennis and the wider Clare community while delivering contemporary, energyefficient homes and facilities to help meet the growing housing demand in the region”.

CEO of Walsh & Sheehan Investment Groups, Owen Sheehan told The Clare Echo, “We are incredibly proud to unveil this project.

The former Our Lady’s Hospital served the community faithfully for decades. However, in recent years the property has unfortunately fallen into significant disrepair and has become associated with increasing levels of antisocial behaviour. With Páirc Mhuire, we are building upon an incredibly strong foundation, one that has not received the care, respect, or investment it deserved

put back on the market in October 2019 for €850,000. The hospital was designed by William Fogerty, it opened as the Ennis Asylum in 1862, it became Ennis Mental Hospital in the 1920s and was renamed Our Lady’s Hospital in the 1950s.

In February 2013, planning permission was granted at the site for the development of a healthcare facility comprising a four storey

An artist’s impression of the plans for the site of Our Lady’s Hospital

for many years, despite several previous proposals for the site failing to materialise.

“Given its exceptional location within walking distance of Ennis Town Centre, this development represents a unique opportunity to revitalise a landmark site while delivering meaningful benefits to Ennis and the wider community. Páirc Mhuire will provide much-needed high- quality housing, new commercial amenities, employment opportunities, and a vibrant new neighbourhood that will support the continued growth and vitality of Ennis for generations to come. Our ambition is to create a place where people can live, work, and belong within a thoughtfully planned and sustainably designed

environment that respects the history of the site while looking confidently to the future”.

Sitting on a 6.74 hectare site, the former psychiatric hospital has changed hands several times since the hospital closed in March 2002, the most recent buyer acquiring the lands in November 2024 with negotiations ongoing between the developer and Clare County Council since then.

Valued at €1.25m in 2015, the site was sold at an online auction in Febuary 2018 for €750,000 and was

over basement building to provide a full range of medical and related services including 97 in-patient beds, recovery cubical, consultants suites, administration office accommodation, pharmacy, shop, catering facilities, crèche, energy centre, plant rooms and all ancillary accommodation.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 28, 2026

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Clare records hottest day in May & sunshine brings business bounce

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON has broken the warmest temperatures recorded in the country for the month of May. On Tuesday, Shannon broke the 30C May temperature record when the Met Éireann weather station at Shannon Airport hit temperatures of 30.5C. This was the first time in the country that temperatures went above 30C during the month of May in Ireland.

Mercury hit 28.5C at Shannon Airport on Monday across the record-breaking week.

run of it, the weather has been so bad so this has been great”.

She told The Clare Echo, “This has been my best three days since I took over and we’re six months in. The blue flag going from Lahinch has boosted Fanore, I can see it in even in the evening time this week that the beach has been leathered in Fanore”.

Water, ice-cream and all minerals are proving to be the most popular items flying off the shelves in Fanore this week. “There is a great buzz, the pub and Fanore Cafe have been busy all weekend, people are out there smiling and

restaurants, boutiques, bars, there’s something for everyone. Anyone who comes for the first time is blown away by what is on offer in a condensed area within the main street and the side streets. We have something to be proud of and we have a lot of repeat business from Galway, Tipperary and Limerick not to mention our people of Clare.

Owner of the café, Anna & Co, Paddy noted they had a “massive” bump in business due to the weather. “We’ve had a few bumper days but this has been right up there, it has gone way beyond our expectations. We’re a new product and we’re establishing ourselves but I notice a lot of people are going in subconsciously, they don’t look at the name on the door. I’m not your typical coffee shop man, I’m in the middle winding people up and telling the children to be eating their spinach and broccoli”.

Morale as well as business has been lifted across the county, Paddy observed.

“There is lovely activity and a buzz around, seeing people smiling is incredible. It is a great lift for everyone, sometimes we lose the run of ourselves and take good weather for granted. I notice a

Scott Sheehan and Max Kuzmenko,both from Ennis

All pictures by Tom Micks

you can’t tell everyone about it. The whole Blue Flag issue, the way it has been represented is a challenge to us, a lot of people depend on the water, all the activities like summer camps which parents rely on their children to be doing them, people are now questioning it which is disappointing because the water is excellent. Everyone goes to the seaside for the beach, without the beach we wouldn’t have any of these facilities around

Lily Dinan, Emma McInerney and Nada Embouazza from Ennis

Sunshine and the heat has resulted in a swell of visitors to coastal parts of the county all week with parts of North and West Clare recording a bounce in economic activity.

Siopa Fan Oir in Fanore has enjoyed its busiest spell. Catherine O’Connor who took over the shop from Mick O’Toole on New Year’s Day admitted it was a well-needed lift. “We’ve been waiting for this since we took it over, we’ve had a bad

they are happy, the sunshine puts them all in good form.

I’m very grateful to the people who have helped to keep us open over the last six months when we didn’t have the footfall coming in”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo from a hot and sunny Lahinch, Paddy Murphy said, “the last three days have been exceptional, we have a great product in Lahinch between surf schools, the beach, cafés,

Beibhinn Madden and Ailbhe Curran,both Ennis,TY students colaiste muire

John Maloney, Scarriff Tadgh Doolaghty, Barefield

Mary Molloy, Jamie Kinnane and Ariana Purcell

lot of parents this week know that we only have a window of three or four days so they are letting their children out in the sun. We’ll see what June and July brings, it is a different world up here when the sun is shining with the atmosphere and business, it takes a lot of pressure off the retailers, we have seen our costs increase in the last couple of years, the good weather lets us come up for air before the season starts properly”.

Absence of the Blue Flag has not impacted on Lahinch too much, the Tulla native felt.

“I find that a conversation develops from time to time in the coffee shop, you explain it is one step from excellence,

it”.

Met Éireann have forecast that conditions will begin to worsen from Thursday on, though it will still be warm with highs of 18 to 24C. It will be much cloudier than the recent fine spell and there will be some rain and drizzle in western areas. Any lingering rain will clear up again on Friday to leave another dry, sunny day, but cloud will build up again during the afternoon and evening, with highs of 17 to 21C. Current signs from Met Éireann show the long weekend will bring “a return to more unsettled conditions”, with rain and showers on the cards and temperatures dropping to “the mid-to-high teens”.

Lisa Halpin with Tilly Rose, Mia Rae and Paddy Harding, Ennis

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 28, 2026

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Clare Council ranks second in Clare Council legal spend on re-possessions doubles Ireland for pothole repairs

by Amy Copley news@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council is amongst the most efficient in the country for the repair rate of reported potholes.

This information was revealed by a new Pothole Index from its4women, combining a survey of Irish motorists and nationwide FOI data.

The data reveals that County Clare is tied with South Dublin with a highly efficient 95% repair rate for reported potholes.

They are both rated behind Donegal who has an impressive 100% repair rate for reported potholes.

Its4women CEO, Gary McClarty, praises Clare’s proactive approach to repairs and encourageslocal drivers to report any hazards to the council.

County Cork recorded the highest number of unrepaired defects, with 754 potholes outstanding in 2025.

In Cork City, around 40% of reported issues remained unresolved.

The data also shows a

major financial gap when Clare motorists suffer vehicle damage.

Clare County Council’s average compensation payout stands at just €67.25.

This is significantly less than the national average of €157.

It is shown that nationally 1 in 5 drivers suffered pothole damage last year, leaving the motorist faced with repair bills up to €1,000, yet 90% still paid out of pocket rather Its4women data revealed Clare in top than making a claim to lSURVEY: ranking county for pothole repairs their insurance.

The survey of Irish dri- requests shows the avera- ple don’t report it. If you vers show that tyres are ge council payout stands hit a pothole, check your hit the hardest by damage at just €157 with Cla- vehicle as soon as possibcaused by potholes, with re awarded the second le. Take a photo, note the 78% of affected drivers lowest average payout by location, and report it to reporting punctures, bul- authorities at €67.25. your local council. It’s the ges or sidewall damage.

Wicklow and Donegal first step towards making Despite the repair offer the highest average a claim, and it also helps costs, just 5% submitted a compensation payout at ensure these hazards are claim to their local autho- €271.04 and €267.37, res- fixed before they cause rity, and only 1% turned pectively. more damage.” to their insurance.

Gary McClarty, CEO For more informaMeaning that a stag- of its4women car in- tion, please visit: https:// gering 90% of motorists surance, commented, www.its4women.ie/potwho acquired damage “We’re seeing people pay holes-2026 from a pothole paid out up to €1,000 for damage, of their own pocket. while the average council Data obtained by it- payout sits at just €157.” s4women via Freedom “What’s just as concerof Information (FOI) ning is how many peo-

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council last year more thandoubled its legal spend to €52,530 in courts fees seeking repossession of council homes from tenants.

New figures provided by the Council show that the legal spend of lCouncil legal spends on repossessions double €52,530 last year on and five in relation to of resolution through repossessions follows rent arrears”. alternative means. a spend of €22,355 in Asked the number of She said: “When the 2024 under the same Council tenants evict- council receives comheading - a rise of ed from their Coun- plaints from neigh135per cent. cil homes in 2025, the bours, we use proIn relation to the spokeswoman said cesses available in our €52,530 legal spend on there were no evictions Anti-Social Behaviour repossessions in 2025 a in 2025.

(ASB) policy. council spokeswoman She said: “A number Only a very small said that “some costs of cases were resolved number of complaints pertain to cases initi- without need for evic- finish up in court, and ated prior to 2025, and tion and seven are still the level of ASB is high which are still ongo- ongoing." in these cases. ing”.

The spokeswoman The Council spokesThe Council spokes- said that “Clare Coun- woman said that the woman said that in ty Council prefers to numbers of Council 2025 “we sought 11 resolve issues without tenants are published evictions, four in rela- proceeding to court monthly across a range tion to anti-social be- and in most cases this of categories and at the haviour (ASB) and sev- approach is successful". end of March there en in relation to rents The spokeswoman were 3,419 households arrears”. said that the Council across local authority The spokeswoman “may proceed to seek homes, Rent Accomsaid that in 2024 “we repossessions where modation Scheme sought six evictions, there is no engagement (RAS) and leased propone in relation to ASB from tenants or no sign erties.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 28, 2026

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Renewed focus ‘now commences seriously’ on One Shannon Hub following funding bid

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SUBMISSION of a funding application for the One Shannon Hub has been labelled as marking a ‘serious start’ for the project with senior officials in Clare County Council determined to have shovels in the ground by September 2027.

On May 1st, Clare County Council submitted an application for the One Shannon Hub to the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund which was formerly called URDF funding.

Senior executive officer in the Shannon MD, Suzie Clifford said the One Shannon Hub was “a key transformational project to emerge from the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan. It seeks to create a civic and cultural centre for the town of Shannon”.

Building elements included in the application are a library, multi-purpose event space, an exhibition space, community space and a café.

An update on the project was sought by Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) at Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon Municipal District. “A raft of work has gone into this application, it is on the go for 15 years, let’s keep the fingers crossed and I thank everybody involved in bringing it to this stage”.

Efforts of the local authority were also commended by Cllr David Grif-

l The One Shannon Hub has been brought back into focus aftera large scale capital fund application fin (FF) who acknowledged it is now up to the politicians to ensure the application gets a favourable response.

“This is the first time we’ve gone

for a large scale capital fund for the One Shannon Hub and it is now up to us on the political side to push to get the money”.

Director of Service for Finance,

Investment and Enterprise with the Council, Noeleen Fitzgerald told the meeting that following the submission of the application the work “now commences seriously” for the

Hub. She praised Ms Clifford, Morgan Lahiffe and Tomás Prendeville for compiling the application within three weeks.

She said a project plan is intended to be completed within the next week. “We need to have shovels in the ground by September 2027,” Noeleen stressed.

“We will brief members as we go through detailed design, it is important to acknowledge that and Clare County Council’s commitment to the Clarecare building in Shannon, it is not our project but it is a very ambitious project of Clarecare which will be a further community space available in Shannon”.

In July 2023, contracts were signed between Clare County Council and BDP (Integrated Design Team) and Tom McNamara & Partners (Integrated QS & Project Manager) for the design of a multi-functional building known as the ‘One Shannon Hub’.

BDP in 2022 were tasked by the Council with creating a Shannon Town Centre Masterplan which saw the Hub emerge as a key element. The site on which the Hub will be located is in the ownership of Shannon Commercial Properties but they agreed a 999 year lease with Clare County Council from August 2022.

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Thursday, May 28, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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Two Carrigaholt Post Office accused refuse to accept 'chapter and verse' allegations

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

TWO of the four Clare men accused of taking part in a robbery at Carrigaholt Post Office in west Clare in January won’t be 'muted' in the circuit court by a demand by the DPP that they now accept everything alleged against them.

That is according to solicitor, Daragh Hassett who said that his clients, Darren Cassidy and Michael McMahon are ready to go forward to the circuit court on signed pleas of guilt to the robbery of Carrigaholt Post Office on January 21st.

Both accused men were appearing via video-link from Limerick prison where they have been on remand since January.

Mr Hassett told Judge Adrian Harris at Ennis District Court that the DPP is demanding that he write back to the State on behalf of his clients accepting everything in the disclosure.

Concerning Mr Cassidy’s case, Mr Hassett said: “I have no intention of writing to the DPP accepting chapter and verse of what is in these booklets - that is not how cases proceed and that would set a very dangerous precedent in this court where you are effectively muting the defendant’s right in the court to mitigate his participation in an offence he has long pleaded guilty to.

Mr Hassett said: “Mr Cassidy is

lACCUSED: Darren Cassidy (pic) Michael McMahon (inset) and Martin Downes remain in custody

accepting his guilt in relation to the charge but whether there is some dispute in relation to this or that - that is a matter for the circuit court to adjudicate upon."

In relation to Mr McMahon, Mr Hassett said that there has been no change in Mr McMahon’s position and he is not resiling from his position of pleading guilty to the charge of robbery.

Mr Hassett said that Mr McMahon would potentially be offered a signed plea of guilt to go forward to the circuit court.

He said: “That is not how the

defence should be asked to do business and effectively muted the defence in mitigation. On top of that - I have gone through the disclosure and there are already inconsistencies which Mr McMahon flagged to me on day one and and which were put to him at interview.”

He said: “In relation to a particular issue which arises in the post office, Mr McMahon gave his reply at interview in not accepting a particular contention about an injury to the postmistress.

Mr Hassett said: “He has put

that on the record and that is not accepted."

Mr Hassett said: “Mr McMahon has pleaded guilty to the charge and if there is discussion about the minutiae of what happened in the post office that is a matter for the circuit court."

A third accused, Martin Downes also appeared in court via video-link from Limerick prison and his solicitor, Tara Godfrey said that Mr Downes “is in a holding pattern” with his three co-accused in the case.

Ms Godfrey said that the case could be adjourned to allow her to get instructions from Mr Downes.

Michael McMahon (38) of Plunkett Drive, Kilkishen, Darren Cassidy (38) of Lifford Mews, Lifford, Ennis and Martin Downes (36) of Seafield Park, Quilty are each charged with robbing Maura McKiernan, the post-mistress at An Post Carrigaholt, The Square, Carrigaholt of cash, coins and a cheque to the value of €8,944.63, contrary to Section 14 of the Criminal justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 on January 21st.

A fourth accused, Darragh

Pender (30) of Dun na hInse, Ennis is also accused of the same offence and is due to appear before court next week.

At a contested bail hearing in January, Sgt Shane Graham successfully opposed bail and told the court that it is the Garda belief that the four member strong gang “involved two getaway drivers and two members of the gang that entered the premises where the post mistress was violently and viciously assaulted with iron bars by both males”.

Sgt Graham was one of the members of An Garda Síochana who was involved in a high speed car chase across west Clare that ended on the outskirts of Ennis where the four suspects were apprehended by members of the Garda Armed Response Unit (ARU) at 3.45pm, January 21st.

Sgt Graham said that during the case, items were thrown from the alleged second getaway car, a BMW, and he said that Gardai later recovered €6,500 in notes and coins from the road.

Sgt Graham said that it will be alleged that Mr Pender and Mr Downes were the getaway drivers involved in the alleged robbery and both have no previous convictions.

Judge Adrian Harris further remanded all three in custody to re-appear at Ennis District Court.

Judge grants teacher civil order against 'obsessed' pensioner

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has granted a female teacher a five-year civil restraining order against a pensioner with an alleged “dangerous obsession”.

At a district court in Clare, Judge Adrian Harris has granted the five year restraining order to the woman against the pensioner after hearing that anonymous cards he sent to her caused the teacher ‘great upset”.

The anonymous cards sent in 2020, 2021 and again in 2025 included a Valentine’s Card, a Deepest Sympathy Card, a Thank You card, a Happy Christmas card and a Congratulations on Your New Baby and a Congratulations on your new Home cards.

Solicitor, John Casey for the woman said that as a result of the anonymous card-sending his client “couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat and she has undergone counselling to deal with it”.

Granting the woman the five year order, Judge Adrian Harris said that the man’s actions had brought about “huge upset and fear” for the young woman. Mr Casey told the court that there was a “creepiness” in sending the woman the anonymous cards.

Mr Casey said that the man had made a written “self serving” apology to the woman but it was “too little, too late”.He said that investigations at the local post office determined that the mystery sender of the cards was in a neighbour of the woman’s, resulting in the woman contacting the Gardai.

Civil restraining orders were introduced to deal with stalking behaviour and Mr Casey said that his client “has done nothing to bring

this upon herself and this is a very fitting case for a civil restraining order”. Mr Casey said that the woman received her first card from the then mystery sender in 2020 to her school through An Post.

He said that the first card was a blank card with a ‘Thank You’ and his client felt "very unsettled". Later in 2020, the woman received another anonymous card on December 21st saying “Happy Christmas Friend” and a Valentine’s Card in February 2021 saying ‘Totally and utterly head over heels’.

The card sending stopped for four years and recommenced in May of last year when she received a card entitled ‘For you’ and there was an upside down ’T’.

Solicitor, Mary Cuffe for the man said that he told her that he had an envy towards the woman where she was starting off in her life and people calling to her home and no one came to his door.

Ms Cuffe said that her client was quite depressed and incredibly anxious at the time. She said that he is incredibly embarrassed by his behaviour “and told me ‘I can’t believe I did this. I have never been before a court before’” .

Ms Cuffe said that her client told her that “it was a period of my life where things were not going well for me”. She said that her client would consent to a one year civil restraining order but believes that a five year order is excessive.

Mr Casey told the court that his client is concerned that the man has not sought professional help. If the man is convicted of breaching the order over the next five years he faces a prison term.

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Thursday, May 28, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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Lahinch car parks generates €500k in 27 months

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

HOT SPOT: Kenny's bar, Lahinch, is one of four Grassroots Music Venues

€70,000 funding for Clare music venues

by Erika Sanger news@clareecho.ie

A WELL-KNOWN Lahinch pub is among four music venues in Clare to receive their share in almost €70,000, to support the promotion of live music in the county.

Four music venues in Clare are set to benefit from funding under the Grassroots Music Venues Support Scheme, according to Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney.

The Clare venues receiving funding are The Attic in Doolin, Kenny’s in Lahinch and Pot Duggans in Ennistymon, which will each receive €20,000, while The Grey-

hound in Kilkee will receive €7,900.

Following a successful pilot scheme in 2025, funding for the initiative has increased to €1 million this year to support grassroots venues and help showcase emerging musicians and performers across Ireland.

Sixty venues nationwide have been approved for funding of up to €20,000 under the 2026 scheme, up from 34 venues last year. The scheme also supports venues promoting Irish comedy and emerging comedians.

Deputy Cooney said the investment would provide an important

boost for local venues and young performers.

“Grassroots music venues play a hugely important role in supporting emerging artists and giving musicians a platform to perform in front of live audiences,” he said.

“This increased funding will help venues across Clare continue to showcase local talent and support musicians who are starting out in their careers.

“It is a great opportunity for young artists in Clare to gain valuable experience and exposure while performing in their own communities.”

OVER HALF a million euro has been generated in parking fines and charges at Lahinch across a 27 month period.

Parking fines in Lahinch more than tripled last year rising from €3,155 in 2024 to €9,790 in 2025. For the first three months of 2026, €710 was collected from fines.

Lahinch’s parking charges are also increasing, jumping from €225,224 in 2024 to €271,724 in 2025 and already for January, February and March in 2026 the figure stands at €33,411.

From both parking charges and fines, the Council generated €544,034 from Lahinch in 2024, 2025 and the first three months of this year for the upper promenade, lower car park and the Liscannor Rd car park.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) said he was frustrated with the lack of return visible in Lahinch from the finance generated. “We’re being deprived of services in North Clare, Lahinch is no longer from June to September as Clare County Council seem to think, that is gone, it is busy yearround with surfers, day swimmers, golfers, it is more than a three month season”.

Cllr Slattery confirmed that he made a complaint to the Council over the condition of the promenade over the May Bank Holiday weekend, “the response I received was we didn’t have the manpower”.

With fees of €228,399 in 2024 and €281,514 in 2025, the funds are “sufficient to pay for staff to the clean the streets,” he Parking fines a Lahinch have stressed. “The money is down tripled in the past year because of the campervan situ- at our coastal locations like Laation, they are taking up spaces, hinch and elsewhere”.

I want Clare County Council to Voicing his support, Cllr Joe give a guarantee that Lahinch Garrihy (FG) commented, “We will be looked after from Easter have a gym in Lahinch that is at least to end of October”. internationally and nationally Seconding the proposal at known, when we have success it Wednesday’s West Clare MD is going back to earlier motions sitting, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) about minding it and being stated, “We don’t want to go careful of it. down the rabbit hole of who Investing in where is successpays more rates, there’s quarter ful and making sure places are of a million per year collected in clean, working in those long Lahinch”. intensity weekends is not easy, He flagged, “the valuation of they are the frontline of the rates for businesses in Lahinch Council and they deserve to be is significant and they have seen recognised”. huge increases over two years.

Director of Service for TransCllr Talty calculated that the portation, Climate Action, Envifigures pulled in on parking ronmental and Emergency Seralone would equate to five full- vices, Carmel Kirby admitted, time equivalent staff within “it wasn’t nice to see the litter the Council. “We have pristine over the Bank Holiday weekend. public toilets, the season has "I don’t want it to happen extended to a twelve month sea- again,” Cllr Slattery replied. son, even a mediocre weather forecast you will get day trippers

10

Thursday, May 28, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Local Londis team raise a massive €20,000 for Irish Hospice Foundation’s night nurses

by Erika Sanger news@clareecho.ie

MCNAMEE'S LONDIS Miltown Malbay, McNamee’s Londis Kilmaley, McNamee’s Kilkee and McNamee’s Londis Darragh, Ennis have raised over €20,000 and completed the Londis Irish Camino Challenge for Nurses for Night Care, a national charity fundraising initiative in support of Londis’ charity partner, Irish Hospice Foundation.

McNamee’s Londis Miltown Malbay, Kilmaley, Kilkee and Darragh, Ennis alongside 115 other Londis retailers, staff, family members and friends representing 42 Londis stores nationwide took on a challenging 22km hike through Laragh and Glendalough, Co Wicklow earlier this month.

The challenge formed the centrepiece of a nationwide fundraising effort to support the Nurses for Night Care service, which provides overnight nursing care to patients at end of life in their own homes across every county in Ireland 365 nights a year and relies on fundrais-

ing support and donations to operate.

The Londis Irish Camino Challenge was the culmination of weeks of fundraising activity carried out by five McNamee’s Londis stores in their local County Clare communities. As part of its local fundraising efforts, each of the stores organised a Spinathon.

In addition to this, Londis Miltown Malbay organised a raffle, an ice bucket and a waxing challenge. In McNamee’s Londis Kilmaley, local man Joe Burke offered to have his beard and hair shaved if they reached a fundraising target of €2,000 – which they did in record time.

Elsewhere in the county, McNamee’s Londis Darragh, teamed up with local companies and hosted a superb raffle including prizes such as, a voucher from Senan Coughlan Riding School in Lisseycasey, a Fanny O’Dea lunch voucher and two NC Paints vouchers.

Not to be outdone, McNamee’s Londis in Kilkee organised a giveaway where shoppers could win much sought-after Westlife tick-

lREADY TO GO: Retailers before the hike and Michelle McNamee hiking through the Wicklow mountains (inset)

ets who are playing in Dublin this September. Shoppers could donate through iDonate fundraising pages, in‑store donation buckets, POS kits featuring QR codes and a “Donate €1 at the till” mechanic. All the stores received strong support from the local community and helped drive huge engagement for the cause.

The 22km route began at Laragh GAA Club and concluded at Lynham’s of Laragh Hote. The finish point provided an opportunity for retailers and participants to come together following the

hike for a post‑challenge meal and refreshments, marking the collective achievement.

Londis has partnered with Irish Hospice Foundation since 2023, with the collaboration raising over €250,000 to date in support of services that provide vital care to families nationwide.

The Londis Irish Camino Challenge builds on this ongoing partnership, with funds raised supporting Irish Hospice Foundation’s Nurses for Night Care service, which enables patients to remain at home, supported by expert

nursing care, during their final days.

Commenting on the initiative, Conor Hayes, Sales Director at Londis, said: “Supporting Irish Hospice Foundation is hugely important to our retailers, many of whom see first‑hand the impact of services like Nurses for Night Care in their own communities.

Coming together for this challenge was a powerful way to raise awareness and funds for a service that supports families right across Ireland. Completing Londis Irish Camino Challenge was no small undertaking, and I’m incredibly proud of the 42 Londis retailers who took part in this challenge, along with their staff and local communities.”

Caroline O’Connell, Director of Fundraising at Irish Hospice Foundation, added: “The support shown by Lon-

dis retailers, their staff and local communities has been incredible and has a very real impact for families who rely on our Nurses for Night Care service.

Funds raised through initiatives like the Londis Irish Camino Challenge help ensure people at end of life and their families can receive expert, compassionate care at home at a time when it matters most, so we are sincerely grateful for the commitment shown across the Londis network.”

Irish Hospice Foundation is a national charity that addresses dying, death and bereavement in Ireland. Our vision is an Ireland where people facing end of life or bereavement, and those who care for them, are provided with the care and support that they need.

From advocacy and education to services such as Nurses for Night Care and our Bereavement Support Line, Irish Hospice Foundation believes in the importance of dying well and grieving well wherever the place. www. hospicefoundation.ie

€3.5 million invested into Fire and Rescue Services across Clare A €3.5 MILLION investment by Clare County Council in the county’s Fire and Rescue Service marks a major step forward for emergency services in Clare, ensuring that communities continue to benefit from a highly capable, professional, and wellequipped Fire and Rescue Service.

Aimed at strengthening emergency response capabilities, improving firefighter safety, and enhancing services to communities throughout the county, the investment programme will have a significant impact on the capacity of the service, being directly in-

vested into several key capital projects.

Speaking on the programme, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy said, “This investment programme demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that communities across Clare are protected by a modern, well-equipped Fire and Rescue Service. It is particularly important that we continue to invest in both infrastructure and equipment to support our firefighters in the vital work they carry out every day.”

Director of Services for Transport, Climate, Recreation, Environment and Emergency

Services, Dr Carmel Kirby said, “This range of projects reflects a balanced approach, encompassing station development, fleet, and critical operational equipment. It ensures that our personnel have the tools and facilities required to safely and effectively deliver services to the public.”

A key priority within the investment programme is firefighter safety. Significant funding has been allocated to the replacement of Breathing Apparatus (BA) sets and the procurement of new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Fire Kit. The replacement of breathing apparatus sets will ensure firefighters are equipped with the latest technology in respiratory protection, enhancing safety in smoke-filled and hazardous environments.

Clare County Fire and Rescue Service is also progressing the acquisition of battery-operated hydraulic rescue equipment, representing a major advancement in road traffic collision response. This new equipment will replace traditional petrol-powered generators and hydraulic systems.

Battery-operated tools are significantly quieter and eliminate exhaust emissions, providing a cleaner working environment for firefighters, casualties, and other emergency responders.

In addition, the removal of petrol engines and fuel handling reduces operational, allowing crews to work more efficiently. The technology is also more environmentally friendly.

Further developments to the fleet in this procurement programme include a new

lClare Fire and Rescue Service will benefit from a €3.5m fund

Water Tanker, the refurbishment of the Incident Command Unit to strengthen on-scene coordination, as well as the Scorpion Class B Appliance, currently in build and due for delivery in 2026.

Chief Fire Officer Adrian Kelly said, “This level of investment will significantly enhance our operational capability and the safety of our firefighters. The introduction of new breathing apparatus, modern fire kit, and battery-operated rescue tools represents a major step forward in how we protect both our personnel and the communities we serve.”

This investment, achieved through grant funding from the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management and directly from Clare County Council, follows the announcement of the significant developments in the Ennis Fire Station Project, currently at evaluation stage for a fit-for-purpose facility for the county’s busiest station.

11

Thursday, May 28, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Ennis news

Tee-rific day for Ennis Chamber Golf Classic

lAn un-fore-gettable day was had by all at the Ennis Chamber Golf Classic on Friday May 22, 2026. Held at Ennis Golf Club and sponsered by Campion Insurance, there was an array of prizes for placed teams, plus individual prizes for the nearest pin and longest drive. The cost per team of four was €350, which included a meal and a goody bag (refreshments) per player.

Results for the Ennis Chamber Golf Classic are not yet publicly published, as official winners are traditionally finalized and announced in local media during the weeks following the event.

AIB team top left pic (L-R) Liam Duggan, Gerry O BrienJohn Skeritt, Tommy Scales Denis Herlihy teeing off Team Campion (L-R) Lawrence Kelly, Jamie Mulcaire, Ivan Cauwley, Michael Henchy Ivan cauwley (bottom left)

Richard Woods (bottom right) Team Flynn (L-R) Bob Dunne, John Moloney, Robert Power and Alan Hogan

12

Thursday, May 28, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Ennis

Clare County Council Cathaoirleach to lead 160km ‘Mind Over Miles’ Charity Cycle

by Erika Sanger news@clareecho.ie

CATHAOIRLEACH of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy, is to lead a 160km charity cycle in aid of mental health services in Co Clare on Saturday, June 6.

The ‘Mind over Miles’ charity cycle, which will benefit the Samaritans (Clare Branch), will begin at Loop Head at 8am, with the riders making their way through County Clare. The 100-mile route takes in Kilrush, Kildysart, Clarecastle, Quin, Tulla, Feakle, Scarriff, Mountshannon and Whitegate before finishing at the Galway county boundary.

On the route, the cyclists will take in some breath-taking scenery, including along the Loop Head Peninsula, Doonaha, back onto the

Wild Atlantic Way as the riders head for Killimer, Labasheeda, Ballynacally and into the Cathaoirleach’s Clarecastle home base.

From there, the cyclists will make their way onto East Clare, through Quin, Tulla, Feakle and on to Scarriff, Mountshannon and Whitegate before reaching the Galway border at Garryeighter.

The Cathaoirleach, who is a member of the Cycling Ireland-registered Clare Crusaders Cycling Club, took up the pastime 12 years ago and says he enjoys the mental health benefits of heading out on his bike.

Cllr Murphy explained that himself and a number of friends have been organising a charity cycle for the past three or four years to co-incide with the changing of the clocks and onset of

lWHEELIE GOOD TIME: Cllr Murphy prepares for the 160km charity cycle on Saturday, June 6

winter. The ‘When it Doubt, Pedal it Out’ cycles have also helped raise money for mental health services in Clare.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy, said, “This upcoming cycle in early June has

a similar theme, it’s ‘Mind Over Miles’.

“I am a pretty keen cyclist.

I took it up as a pastime. I don’t train seriously, but I find it is a great form of exercise, it’s also something I enjoy. When I get out there on

Kites fly for Gaza

the bike it clears your head.

It’s a fantastic way of clearing your brain.

“If there are things you are finding challenging, be it from a council point of view or a personal point of view, anything which is bothering you or is a challenge I find that when I’m on the bike it blows it through your brain and you can come up with solutions. It’s absolutely fantastic.

“That’s a common theme you hear from other cyclists as well. That is why I cycle myself.

“Clare Crusaders is a leisure cycling club, not a racing club, so it is as much about having the chat and the cup of coffee along the way as much as the physical side of it.”

“There will be a core group of people going from Loop

Dubliner 'guilty as charged' over huge cannabis find

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

lFLYING HIGH: Kites are a symbol of solidarity with the children of Gaza

GLOBAL Palestine Kite Day was celebrated in beautiful sunshine at Ennis Fair Green last Saturday, 23rd May. Kites have become a symbol of solidarity with the children of Gaza. Communities around the world get together and fly kites in memory of the thousands of children murdered by Isreali Defence Forces.

It also sends a message of love and support to the children who have been maimed, left homeless or living alone without any family.

The event also raised awareness and funds for Neurt Nūr, an organisation linking Irish volunteers with Palestinian caregivers to provide displaced and medical evacuee children with trauma-informed play therapy

and psychological support.

As last year was such a huge success, people in Clare are invited to join us at Dough Beach, Doonbeg for ‘Kites not Flights’ on Sunday 26th July to mark the anniversary of when the children of Gaza achieved their place in the Guinness Book of Records in 2011, flying the most kites, a marvellous 12,350, being flown simultaneously.

We will pay homage to the joy and resilience the Gazan children brought to the world and highlight the undemocratic use of Shannon Airport and Irish Airspace by US and other military.

Head all the way to Whitegate. There are about 10 people committed at present, but that could snowball too. If people want to dip in and do 10km or 30km, they will be able to track us and they are more than welcome to come along. They will be able to register online beforehand.

There is no cost, but we will be doing a link online to fundraise for the Clare charities.”

The link to register for The Cathaoirleach’s Charity Cycle can be accessed through the ‘Events’ section of the Cycling Ireland website at www.cyclingireland.ie/ events/find-an-event/ while those wishing to make donations should do so at www. idonate.ie/fundraiser/paulmurphy9

A 40-year old Dublin man yesterday appeared in court in connection with an estimated €4.2 million cannabis drug seizure on the outskirts of Shannon on Tuesday.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday afternoon, James Lawlor of Killininny House, Firhouse, Dublin 24 appeared after being charged with two drug related offences arising from the alleged cannabis seizure at the N19, Smithstown, Shannon on May 26th.

The seizure of the 210 kgs of cannabis was made as a result of a joint operation conducted by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), the Clare Divisional Drug Unit and Revenue’s Customs Ser-

vice.

In evidence of arrest, charge and caution, Garda Eoin Healy of Ennis Garda Station told the court that he arrested Mr Lawlor for the purpose of charge at 1.30pm on Wednesday afternoon at Shannon Garda Station.

Mr Lawlor is charged with having cannabis at the N19, Smithstown, Shannon on May 26th for the purpose of selling or otherwise contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

Mr Lawlor is also charged with having in his possession cannabis at the same location on the same date contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

Garda McCabe said that Mr Lawlor made no reply when cautioned on the Section 3 Misuse of Drugs charge and replied ‘guilty as

charged’ in reply to the Section 15 Misuse of Drugs charge.

Solicitor, Shíofra Hassett told the court that there is no application for bail for Mr Lawlor.

Ms Hassett said that Mr Lawlor is a suitable candidate for legal aid and asked that the legal aid be for solicitor Matthew Kenny to represent Mr Lawlor.

Ms Hassett told the court that she was stepping in to act on behalf of Mr Kenny in the case today.

Sgt Frank O’Grady told the court that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are not yet available in the case.

Judge Adrian Harris remanded Mr Lawlor in custody to appear via video-link from prison at Ennis District Court on June 3rd next.

Thursday, May 28, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

13

Clare MEP calls for action on drug debt intimidation

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

SPEAKING in the European Parliament's plenary debate on the rights and protection of victims of crime, Independent MEP from Clare, Michael McNamara, called for urgent action at national and European level to support victims of drug debt intimidation, a growing crisis he described as affecting young people across Ireland and, increasingly, across the EU. MEP McNamara drew attention to the particular vulnerability of young people caught in cycles of drug debt, noting that victims are routinely threatened not to approach police and they comply because they do not believe they will receive protection.

He described this pattern as increasingly prevalent right across the Ireland South constituency, is no longer confined to cities and argued it cannot be unique to Ireland as drug use rises across the European Union.

CALL FOR ACTION: MEP McNamara voiced his concerns for vulnerable young people in drug debt

Speaking in the Chamber, McNamara highlighted: “These are often young people who are afraid to seek help. They are told: don't go to the gardaí. And they don't, be-

cause they don't believe they will receive protection. We need to find a way instil confidence in people that they will receive protection."

The scale of the problem at home

is stark. Ireland's first national data report on drug-related intimidation, published this year by the Health Research Board, recorded over 1000 cases across every county of the State in 2024-2025.

Almost two-thirds of victims were living with family members and over one-third of those cases were actively experiencing intimidation at the time they sought help.

Drug-related debt was present in over two-thirds of cases, ranging from under €100 to more than €20,000. Nearly three in ten victims endured intimidation for more than a year, and in over a third of cases no support was offered to the individual despite their disclosure.

Responding to this report, McNamara stated: These figures should be a wake-up call for the Government. Over a thousand cases recorded in a single year and that is only what has been disclosed.

Behind every one of those cases

SHINY CAR LOANS

Geopark focus on Burren cave

SEIZED: A massive 210kg of cannabis has been found at a Shannon address

€4.2m Cannabis haul in Shannon

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BIRTHDAY CAVE: Nuala Mulqueeney, Ailwee Cave, Dr Eamon Doyle, Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, Colin Bunce and Prof David Drew and other attendees celebrating 50 years of Ailwee Cave

Photo by Eamon Ward

by Erika Sanger

news@clareecho.ie

THE SUN was shining this week for attendees gathering at Ailwee Cave as part of the two day Geopark Academy event at the Burren College of Art. Incorporating the 50th Anniversary of Ailwee Cave opening, guest speakers were invited to give presentations

on new research of relevance to the Geopark area.

The Geopark Academy is an annual initiative to promote learning and the dissemination of new research within the Geopark.

The Geopark Academy 2026 focused on the themes of caves, karst, and hydrology in recognition of the work of Prof. David Drew in the Burren.

is a family living in fear. We need properly resourced support services, we need victims to believe they will be protected if they come forward, and we need a serious political commitment to tackling this at home as well as in Europe.

MEP McNamara called on the European Commission and member states to treat victims of drug debt intimidation as the victims of crime they are, ensuring access to genuine protection and meaningful support.

He argued that as drug use increases across the EU, drug debt enforcement through intimidation and violence is a pan-European problem that demands a coordinated European response alongside robust action at national level.

210kg of cannabis worth an estimated €4.2m has been seized in Shannon.

On Tuesday, Revenue Officers seized 210 kilograms of suspected cannabis herb with an estimated value of €4.2m. The seized drugs are to be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis.

This seizure was made as a result of a joint op-

eration conducted by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), Clare Divisional Drug Unit and Revenue’s Customs Service.

A man aged in his forties was arrested by An Garda Síochána is detained in a Garda Station in the county under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

Investigations are ongoing.

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Thursday, May 28, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Shannon News

Bank Holiday boost for Shannon Airport as more than 67,000 passengers expected to travel June weekend

by Stuart Holly news@clareecho.ie

SHANNON Airport is set for another bumper June Bank Holiday period as it gets ready to welcome over 67,000 passengers, an increase of 11 per cent on the same period in 2025.

The airport is expecting this weekend to be the busiest of the year to date as the summer holiday travel period gets into full swing.

The figures point to continued strong demand and a solid start to the summer travel season at the airport, with over 2 million seats to and from Shannon Airport this summer.

Commenting, Ray O’Driscoll, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, said: “Shannon is experiencing very strong demand this June Bank Holiday period, with over 67,000 passengers expected, up 11% on last year. It marks a very positive start to the summer at the airport.

“We now have our largest route

network in over 17 years, with 40 services in operation this year, including new routes to Rome, Warsaw, Madrid, Poznań and Frankfurt. Our transatlantic services to New York, Newark, Boston and Chicago also remain a key part of the programme, giving passengers across the region excellent choice this summer.

“Just as importantly, these services are benefiting the wider region. They bring significant numbers of visitors directly into the West of Ireland, supporting tourism and hospitality businesses along the Wild Atlantic Way and beyond.

This, in turn, has a clear and positive impact on jobs and local economies across the region."

The airport is seeing strong demand across traditional summer sun routes, with destinations like Alicante, Faro, Malaga and Lanzarote attracting significant interest from passengers in the West of Ireland and increasingly from across the country, alongside a consistent

lFLYING IT: Shannon airport is offering the most flight routes in 17 years

transatlantic programme to the United States.

Shannon Airport makes travel easy, with five convenient car parks located from just a 30 second to

Passengers are also encouraged to arrive early to enjoy shopping at the world’s first airport Duty Free, featuring luxury brands alongside the best of Irish beauty, home and wellness in the Curated by Shannon range.

Travellers can download the Shannon Airport mobile app, which provides real-time flight updates, gate and baggage information, and an interactive terminal map. The app also allows users to book parking, access route information and locate their car on return using the ‘Pin My Car’ feature, while an augmented reality tool can be used to check cabin bag sizes in advance of travel.

For more information on planning your holiday this summer visit www.shannonairport.ie

seven minute walk to the terminal.

At security, passengers can keep 100ml liquids and electronics in their bags, helping ensure a faster, hassle-free experience.

ADVERTORIAL

McCabes Pharmacy launches new McCabes PLUS Loyalty Programme in Clare and Limerick MCCABES Pharmacy has officially launched McCabes PLUS, a new loyalty programme designed to bring together pharmacy services, prescription management, exclusive offers, and customer rewards in one seamless digital experience.

The pilot launch, available in all Clare and Limerick pharmacies, marks the first phase of a nationwide and online rollout planned for later this year, with the aim of making everyday healthcare more convenient and better value for customers.

Created to simplify the way people manage their health, McCabes PLUS combines everyday pharmacy essentials with meaningful rewards through the McCabes Pharmacy app.

Whether it’s collecting prescriptions, booking appointments, or shopping in-store for health and well-

being products, customers can now earn rewards while taking care of their health.

As part of the programme, customers can earn PLUS points through everyday interactions and redeem them for savings and rewards instore.

Members receive 200 free PLUS points when they sign up and can continue earning points through purchases. Customers also benefit from bonus birthday rewards, as well as access to exclusive member-only offers, discounts, and vouchers throughout the year, adding extra value to everyday health and wellbeing shopping.

More than just a rewards programme, McCabes PLUS is designed to create a smoother, more connected healthcare experience.

Through the MY Health section of the app, customers can book vaccinations,

lPLUS POINTS: McCabes staff promoting the new PLUS app (main) and store manager, Marie McBrearty, with happy customer, Mandy O'Loughlin Frawley (inset)

blood pressure checks, and common condition consultations, while also managing prescriptions through the DigiScript online prescription service.

By combining digital tools with community pharmacy services, McCabes Pharmacy is continuing to modernise how everyday healthcare is delivered.

Brian O’Keeffe, Managing Director of McCabes Phar-

macy, says McCabes PLUS is focused on helping customers save time, access services more easily, and get more value from their everyday healthcare needs.

“We know customers want healthcare to be as convenient and accessible as possible,” he said. “McCabes PLUS helps simplify everything from prescriptions and appointments to shopping and rewards, all through one

connected app experience.”

“At the same time, the programme is focused on delivering real value through points, savings, and exclusive member offers. We wanted to create something that genuinely rewards customers while making their overall pharmacy experience more convenient.”

With more than 40 years serving communities across Ireland and a network of 111 pharmacies nationwide, McCabes Pharmacy continues to expand its focus on accessible, patient-centred healthcare.

The launch of McCabes

PLUS represents the next step in that journey, combining healthcare access, digital innovation, and customer value in one integrated platform.

Customers in Clare and Limerick can now join McCabes PLUS free of charge by downloading the Limerick McCabes Pharmacy app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or by scanning the QR code available in-store.

Following the pilot phase, the programme is expected to roll out nationwide later in 2026.

McCabes Pharmacy proudly serves the Clare community at the Skycourt Shopping Centre, Shannon, as well as a number of Limerick location.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 28, 2026

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Gort & South Galway

15

Civic reception in Ballinasloe for ladies football star Siobhán

ed in Kilkerrin-Clonbern winning a fifth successive All-Ireland Ladies Club SFC title.

An often-underrated player, Siobhán operates around the middle third with minimum fuss, providing a crucial link between defence and attack.

Siobhán was Player of the Match in the 2025 AIB All-Ireland Senior Club final.

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

Siobhán Divilly has been honoured at a Civic Reception hosted by Ballinasloe Municipal District after being named AIB Ladies Gaelic Football Club Player of the Year for 2025/2026.

Held earlier this month, the event recognised Divilly’s sporting achievements and her role in the success of Kilkerrin-Clonberne LGFA. Cathaoirleach Peter Keaveney (FG) praised the team’s contribution to the community and said Divilly had become an inspiration for young players across Galway.

She was presented with an engraved Galway Crystal trophy to mark the occasion.

Vastly experienced at club and county level, Siobhan is off the back of a phenomenal season which culminat-

l Cllr. Michael Connolly, Cllr. Alan Harney, Cathaoirleach of the Ballinasloe M.D. Cllr. Peter Keaveney, Mrs. Catherine

Divilly, Ms. Siobhán Divilly, Mr. Michael Divilly, Cllr Dermot Connolly, Cllr. Evelyn Parsons, Mr. Paul Batty Senior Executive Engineer, Ms. Angela Spelman Administrative Officer, Mr. Damien Mitchell, Director of Housing Credit Gerry Stronge

Feasibility report on project for Traveller specific housing at Galway City’s Circular Road

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

Galway City Council has launched a pioneering Feasibility Report on a Tenant Participation Pilot Project for Traveller-Specific Group Housing, at Bóithrín na Saoirse, Circular Road, Galway.

The results of the pilot support the development of a practical, culturally responsive, and sustainable framework for tenant involvement - with the potential to benefit more than 90 families living in Traveller‑specific accommodation in Galway City.

The report examines the feasibility of piloting a structured tenant participation model within Traveller‑specific group housing at Bóithrín na Saoirse. It explores governance frameworks and mechanisms for tenant engagement and estate management, adopting a rights‑based approach and drawing on input from stakeholders, policy and best‑practice frameworks. The report will be of interest to local authority personnel, Traveller organisations, housing practitioners, policymakers, community workers and researchers.

The report was commissioned by Galway City Council and prepared by Pro-

fessor Padraic Kenna, University of Galway, in conjunction with Cecilia Forrestal, Community Facilitator and former Human Rights Co‑Ordinator with the Community Action Network and contains contributions from Galway City Council, Offaly County Council and Birr Traveller and Settled Peoples Group, Cork City Council and CENA Approved Housing Body. The

research was made possible by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Dormant Accounts Fund.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, said, “This report represents an important step in strengthening tenant participation within Traveller accommodation. Meaningful engagement with tenants is essential to ensuring that Trav-

eller voices are central to decisions that affect their homes and communities and to supporting sustainable, well‑managed housing estates.”

Professor Padraic Kenna, University of Galway, commented on the publication, “The feasibility study highlights the potential benefits of structured tenant participation within Traveller‑specific group housing. It demonstrates how collaborative approaches, grounded in human rights and good governance, can support positive outcomes for tenants and local authorities alike.”

Galway City Council views this work as an important contribution to developing collaborative and participatory approaches to Traveller accommodation and to sharing learning across local authorities.

This initiative is delivered in partnership between the Traveller Accommodation Unit at Galway City Council and The Housing Agency with the aim of promoting more meaningful and structured engagement with Traveller tenants in Traveller-specific accommodation. The report is available from www.GalwayCity.ie.

PICTURED: Contributors to the Feasibility Report on a Tenant Participation Pilot Project for Traveller Specific Group Housing at Bóithrín na Saoirse,

16

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 28, 2026

Columnists

Thought for the week: When everything falls away, only love remains Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY

R

ECENTLY, my family re-

ceived one of those phone calls that changed everything. My brother Darragh had suffered a massive heart attack and urgently needed a quadruple heart bypass operation.

In moments like that, time collapses. The world narrows. Everything that once felt important suddenly fades into silence. Only one thing remains loud enough to matter. LOVE. A HOSPITAL CORRIDOR AND A SINGLE WORD Sitting quietly in the hospital during those long, anxious hours, surrounded by fear, prayer, hope, and uncertainty when suddenly my eyes were drawn to a simple painting on the wall. One word. LOVE. Nothing else. No explanation. No decoration. Just LOVE. And in that moment, it felt less like an artwork and more like a message from God Himself, gentle, unmissable, piercing through everything else.

As I looked around those hospital corridors, I began to see what I had not noticed before. Love was everywhere. In the exhausted nurse, still speaking kindly at the end of a long shift. In the doctor placing a steady hand on a worried shoulder.

In families sitting silently, holding hands, praying without words.

In text messages and phone calls received, in meals left at doors of our house. In candles lit in quiet churches. In friends simply saying: “We are here. We are praying.” And I understood something again that

we so easily forget: Love is not one of the most important things in life.

It is the most important thing.

"WHERE IS THE LOVE?" - A QUESTION OUR WORLD KEEPS ASKING Only days before, I had been listening to Marty Whelan on Lyric FM in the morning, a small daily refuge for me from the relentless tide of news such as stories of war, division, suffering, and fear. Then a song came on by Roberta Flack: “Where Is the Love?”

It felt less like entertainment and more like a prayer. A question that has echoed through generations, Where is the love in all of this?

Where is God in all of this pain?

And quietly, beneath everything else, the answer forms as a whisper, love is still here. But it is often hidden in ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

WHAT IS LOVE REALLY? Jesus gave many teachings, but only one commandment He called His commandment, “This is my commandment: Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12).

But love is not merely something God does. Love is who God is. The Catechism beautifully teaches that within the mystery of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, there exists an eternal exchange of perfect love, and humanity was created to share in that love. That means every genuine act of love has its source in God Himself.

LOVE THAT IS MORE THAN A FEELING Scripture never leaves love as an abstract idea. It gives it flesh, weight, and action: “Love is patient, love is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4). “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us…” (1 John 4:10).

“God is love.” (1 John 4:8).

Real love is not sentiment or convenience. It is choice. It is sacrifice.

St. Thomas Aquinas once said love is “to will the good of another.” Not just to feel good about someone, but to actively desire their good, even at cost to ourselves.

That is why the love in the hospital felt so real. It was not spoken, it was lived. “In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us…” (1 John 4:10).

Love cannot be forced, manipulated or earned. Love is a gift. And perhaps nowhere is this more visible than in moments of suffering.

When my brother lay vulnerable in that hospital bed, people showed up with love. Not because they had to.

But because love naturally moves toward the wounded.

Love sends the message. Love makes the phone call. Love cooks the meal. Love sits beside the hospital bed. Love stays. Love Is Sacrifice.

Real love always costs something.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13). Jesus did not merely speak about love. He carried it to the cross. And perhaps that is why the cross remains the greatest symbol of love the world has ever known. Not because suffering itself is holy, but because love was willing to suffer rather than abandon.

We see that kind of love every day if we are paying attention, A husband caring for his sick wife.

A mother staying awake through the night with her child. A nurse continuing gently when exhausted.

Love is the strongest force on earth.

THE LOVE THAT HOLDS THE WORLD TOGETHER There is a deeper truth beneath all human love that before anything was broken in this world,

love already existed. God Himself is eternal communion, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, perfect love shared without beginning or end. And out of that overflowing love, we were created. “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3).

“Come to me, all you who are weary…” (Matthew 11:28).

A FRAGILE REMINDER: WHAT TRULY MATTERS My brother’s illness reminded me how fragile life is. We assume there will always be more time such as more time to call. More time to forgive. More time to say “I love you.” But love delayed is often love denied. “Teach us to number our days.” (Psalm 90:12).

We leave this world with nothing we own. Only what we gave away in love remains. The Beatitudes teach us not simply how to behave, but how to become people of love.

Our culture tells us happiness comes through success, power, possessions and status. But Jesus tells us blessedness comes through compassion, humility, mercy and love.

And deep down, we know He is right. Because when life becomes fragile, as it suddenly did for my brother, none of the other things matter very much anymore. Only love remains.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK As your thought for the week, do not only ask: “Where is the love?”

Ask instead, “Where can I become love?”.

Try this: Speak gently where you would normally react. Forgive where you have held resentment.

Call someone you’ve been meaning to call. Sit with someone who feels alone.

Do one hidden act of kindness each day. Tell someone you love them, while you still can. Because there are no pockets in a shroud.

We carry nothing out of this world except love given and received.

Somewhere between a morning radio song on Lyric FM, a hospital corridor, a painting with a single word, and the fragile reality of life itself, a truth becomes unavoidable, "Love is not everything in life. Love is the meaning of life."

Let me leave you with a prayer I wrote about, "Where is the Love?" "Loving God, in a world that often feels heavy with pain and uncertainty, teach us again how to love.

Stand with those who are suffering, as You stood at the cross.

Hold those who are afraid, as You held the brokenhearted. Open our eyes to see love in ordinary places, in hospital corridors, in quiet kindness, in daily sacrifices. Soften our hearts where they have grown cold.

Make us gentle where we have become harsh. Make us present where we have been absent. And where we are weary, fill us again with Your love that never fails.

Let our lives become a reflection of You, so that when others ask, “Where is the love?” they may find it in us. Amen."

When exam stress looks like 'I don't care!'

by Sarah Broderick

AS EXAM season approaches across Ireland, many homes quietly begin to change.

Conversations become shorter.

Tension rises. Bedroom doors close more often. Parents become more worried. Teenagers become more withdrawn, irritable, exhausted, or glued to their phones.

And underneath much of it is often the same thing: pressure and overwhelm.

For many young people, the Junior Cert and Leaving Cert no longer feel like “just exams.” They can begin to feel like a judgement on intelligence, future success, opportunities, and self-worth.

In Ireland particularly, exams can carry enormous emotional weight, not just for teenagers, but for entire families.Parents often carry their own experiences of school into exam season too.

Some may regret not taking education more seriously themselves.

Some may remember struggling

financially or feeling limited in opportunities. Others simply want their children to have security, stability, and choices in an increasingly expensive and uncertain world.

Very often, pressure comes from love and fear rather than criticism.

But unfortunately, anxiety in teenagers does not always look like anxiety.

Sometimes it looks like: “I don’t care.” Phone scrolling. Avoidance.

Anger. Procrastination. Shutting bedroom doors. Withdrawing from family. Flatness or emotional distance.

And sometimes the teenagers who appear least motivated are actually the ones feeling most overwhelmed internally.

Research consistently shows that high stress affects concentration, memory, emotional regulation, and motivation. Teenagers under pressure may reread the same page repeatedly while taking very little in.

They may “blank” despite studying.

Avoidance can temporarily reduce anxiety, which is one reason

lCLEAR MIND: Sarah Broderick advises on keeping teens calm

so many overwhelmed teenagers end up stuck in cycles of procrastination and guilt.

This does not mean young people should have no boundaries or accountability. The reality is that exams and effort do matter. However, what is realistic will look different for every teenager. For one student, going from doing nothing

to studying consistently for an hour each evening may already represent significant effort and progress.

But many teenagers today are being asked to cope with enormous academic, emotional, and social pressure while their brains are still developing.

Sleep deprivation, constant comparison, social media, fear of failure and long study expectations can all contribute to emotional overload.

What often helps most is not increasing panic, but reducing overwhelm.

Sometimes support sounds less like: “You need to do more.” “You’re not doing enough.” And more like: “What’s the first small thing we can start with?”

Smaller study blocks, calmer communication, fewer comparisons, realistic expectations and creating calmer evenings and realistic boundaries around sleep can often be far more effective than panic-driven pressure.

Shorter, more focused study periods with proper breaks are often

more effective than exhausted, panic-driven hours. Parents also need compassion during this time.

Many parents are trying to support anxious teenagers while also carrying work stress, financial pressure, exhaustion, and their own worries privately.

And perhaps one of the most important things both parents and teenagers need to remember is there are many roads forward.

PLCs, apprenticeships, further education, technological universities, repeat options and alternative routes into careers all exist. Exams matter, but they are not the sole measure of a young person’s future, worth, or potential.

Sometimes the most powerful thing families can do during exam season is help things feel a little less overwhelming.

Sarah Broderick is a counsellor, trainee psychotherapist, and experienced post-primary educator based in Co. Clare and founder of Clear Therapy.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 28, 2026

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Healthy Clare

17

‘Not Around Us’ campaign sparks to life in Kilrush FET campus CLARE County Council is reaffirming its commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of children and young people through the continued expansion of the ‘Not Around Us’ campaign.

In advance of World No Tobacco Day 2026, the Council is partnering with Limerick and Clare Education Training Board’s (LCETB) College of Further Education and Training (FET), Kilrush Campus to promote a smoke-free and vape-free campus through the ‘Not Around Us’ initiative, helping to create safer and healthier environments for young people.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy, welcomed the expansion of the campaign. He said, “I am delighted to see this initiative broaden its reach. Ahead of World No Tobacco Day 2026 on Sunday, 31 May, we are sending a clear message that our young people deserve smoke-free and vape-free environments. This contributes to safeguarding their health now and into the future.”

As part of this collaboration, Clare County Council has supported the installation of ‘Not Around Us’ signage at Kilrush Youthreach.

The signage serves as a visible reminder that the campus is smoke-free and vapefree, reinforcing a shared commitment to health and wellbeing among students, staff and visitors.

Youthreach Co-ordinator at Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET, Kilrush Cam-

l Promoting the ‘Not Around Us’ campaign ahead of World No Tobacco Day were (L-R) Frank Benson, LCETB; Declan Farmer, Youthreach Co-ordinator at the College of FET, Kilrush Campus; Jamie Moran, Jonathon Stokes, Abby Jenkins, Youthreach learners at the College of FET, Kilrush Campus; Ann Lynch, Youthreach Resource worker at Limerick and Clare ETB’s College of FET Kilrush Campus; Pauline O’Mahony, LCETB; and Joan Tarmey, Healthy Ireland Co-ordinator, Clare County Council pus, Declan Farmer said, “We are delighted to display our ‘Not Around Us’ signage, provided through Clare County Council and funded by Healthy Ireland. We are fully com-

mitted to the health and wellbeing of our young people and all who attend our centre.

Our campus is smoke-free and vape-free, and this campaign supports our ongoing

efforts to create a healthy environment for everyone.”

Healthy Ireland Co-ordinator with Clare County Council, Joan Tarmey, emphasised the importance of partnership in promoting healthier communities. She said, “We are all working towards a Healthy Ireland, and I welcome the opportunity to work with Youthreach learners at the Kilrush Campus to raise awareness of the ‘Not Around Us’ initiative. The HSE has delivered excellent work locally through the Quit4Youth programme, and this partnership is a natural next step in promoting healthier lifestyles.”

“By reducing exposure to tobacco smoke and vape products, particularly among young people, we are reinforcing our commitment to wellbeing and setting a positive example for the wider community.”

The ‘Not Around Us’ campaign aims to protect children and young people from second-hand smoke, support the de-normalisation of smoking and vaping, and reduce the environmental impact caused by discarded tobacco and vape products. It also signposts HSE Quit services, encouraging individuals to access support to stop smoking or vaping.

World No Tobacco Day takes place annually on May 31 and provides an opportunity to highlight the risks associated with tobacco use and to promote initiatives that support healthier lifestyles.

World No Tobacco Day highlights need to protect young people HSE Mid West encourages families to talk openly About nicotine addiction and vaping HSE Mid West is marking World No Tobacco Day 2026 by encouraging parents and guardians to have open conversations with young people about the dangers of nicotine addiction and vaping.

This year’s World No Tobacco Day theme, “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,” highlights growing concerns around the marketing and use of nicotine products among teenagers and young adults.

As part of local efforts to raise awareness, a seven-week Quit4Youth programme was recently delivered in Clare. Led by Stop Smoking Advisor, Aoife O’Brien, the initiative supports young people through education, awareness and practical resources designed to help prevent nicotine addiction and encourage healthier lifestyle choices.

Aoife O’Brien (pictured right), Stop Smoking Advisor, HSE Mid West recalled: “Facilitating the Quit4Youth programme was truly rewarding, with participants showing honesty, humour and strong peer support throughout. Two participants successfully quit smoking and vaping, highlighting the importance of a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment in helping young people improve their health and wellbeing.”

HSE Mid West is encouraging parents and guardians to access the range of information and supports available through Tobacco Free Ireland and the HSE QUIT Mid West support services. Martina Blake, National Lead for Tobacco Free Ireland, recently joined Noreen Turley on the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast (available wherever you get your podcasts) for a special episode titled ‘Vaping, Teens & the Truth’.

The podcast explores the realities of vaping and outlines what parents, teachers and communities need to know to support young people.

The HSE website outlines the risks of vaping for children and teenagers, including nicotine addiction, effects on brain development, mental and physical health concerns, and links to smoking. It offers age-specific advice for parents on discussing vaping, recognising warning signs, and supporting young people who may already vape or use nicotine products. https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/quit-smoking/other-products/ World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on 31 May, serves as a reminder that support is available for anyone considering quitting smoking or nicotine products. HSE QUIT Mid West offers free support servic-

es, including one-to-one guidance from Stop Smoking Advisors, telephone and online appointments, and free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for participants enrolled in

the QUIT programme.

For support or more information, contact HSE QUIT Mid West on 065 686 5841 or email quit.midwest@hse.ie.

18

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 28, 2026

GREEN CLARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY CLEAN IRELAND RECYCLING

NEVER PUT BATTERIES, VAPES

OR ELECTRONICS IN ANY BIN OR SKIP

Keep 2026 Fire Free

VISIT responsiblerecycling.ie

17 Clare schools celebrate Green Flag success

by Stuart Holly news@clareecho.ie

SCHOOLS across Clare are being recognised and congratulated for achieving Green Flags as part of the An Taisce Green Schools Programme this school year.

Green Schools is Ireland’s leading environmental management and award programme, helping build awareness and develop practical habits that support the environment and actively protect our planet. The programme continues to make a real difference for students and school communities across Clare.

Participating schools have been working on themes such as litter and waste, energy, water, travel, biodiversity and global citizenship. Delivered by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in partnership with Clare County Council, the programme

l (L-R): Karen Foley, Environmental Awareness Officer, Clare County Council and Brendan Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer, Environment Department, Clare County Council

supports a whole-school approach to sustainability over

a two-year period.

At the recent

Green

Schools Awards ceremony in the Clayton Hotel, Gal-

way, 17 schools from across Clare were awarded Green Flags. These schools are: Annagh NS, Boston National School, Bridgetown National School, Broadford National School, Clarecastle NS, Coolmeen NS, Holy Family Junior School, St Joseph’s Community College Kilkee, Killaloe Boys National School, Kilnaboy NS, Mary K’s Childcare and Montessori, Scoil Mhuire (Corofin), Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire (Newmarket-on-Fergus), Shragh NS, St Flannan’s NS (Inagh), St John Bosco Community College (Kildysart) and Stonehall NS. There was also strong success for Clare at regional and national level. Mary K’s Childcare and Montessori in Doora was named Green Schools Junior National Winner 2026 for the Global Citizenship Energy theme. St Joseph’s Community College,

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VISIT responsiblerecycling.ie

Kilkee, received the Northern and Western Regional Energy School of the Year award.

Senior Executive Engineer Environment Department at Clare County Council, Brendan Flynn said, “Congratulations to all the schools on receiving their Green Flag.

It is a great achievement. It is inspiring to see the work being done by schools across the county to reduce litter and waste, support the circular economy, being more resource efficient and caring for nature.

Environmental Awareness Officer with Clare County Council, Karen Foley added, “Achieving a Green Flag is a big milestone for any school. It takes real commitment to work on a theme over two years and involves the whole school community. Great credit is due to all schools for their dedication and hard work.”

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 28, 2026

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Business & Recruitment

19

Boost for West Clare as Scattery Island reopens for 2026 season

R e s tor at i on works re c e nt l y carried out focused on preser ving elements of this later village life, including the island’s street.

Today, the island is managed by the Office of Public Works, with guided tours providing insight into both its built and natural environment.

Reopened for the summer since last week on on 21 May, visitors are encouraged to explore the island’s unique blend of history, nature, and tranquillity.

Please note access remains subject to weather and tidal conditions.

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

Scattery Island has reopened to visitors, marking the return of one of the Shannon Estuary’s most distinctive heritage sites for the summer season.

Located just off Kilrush, the island will once again welcome visitors from May through September, with ferry access from Kilrush Marina and guided tours available throughout the season.

The short crossing — typically around 30 minutes — brings visitors to a landscape shaped by over 1,500 years of history.

Scattery Island, or Inis Cathaigh, is known for its unique mix of early Christian heritage, maritime history and more recent island life.

Central to its story is Saint Senan, who established a monastic settlement on the island in the 5th century.

His legacy remains visible in the island’s ecclesiastical ruins, which continue to draw interest from visitors each year.

In more recent times, the island was home to a small but active community, including river pilots and a post office, before the last inhabitants left in 1978.

l Scattery Island has reopened to tourists for the summer and (inset) restored buildings on the island, managed by the OPW Photos courtesy Clare County Council / Eric Zanke

For further information, visit heritageireland.ie or email Scattery Island Tours at info@scatteryislandtours.com for ferry bookings.

Visitor queries can be addressed to scatteryisland@opw.ie.

20

Thursday, May 28, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

Professor Vincent Cunnane, founding President of TUS, set to retire

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

FOUNDING PRESIDENT of the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Professor Vincent Cunnane is to retire at the end of January.

Professor Cunnane who has led TUS since its establishment on October 1st 2021 informed its Governing Body on Monday that he will step down on January 31st 2027. The process to recruit his successor will now commence.

He has led TUS from formation through integration and into consolidation, operating across campuses in Limerick, Athlone, Ennis, Clonmel and Thurles.

At the end of this year, TUS will conclude its inaugural strategic plan and become the first Irish TU to lead a European University via its membership of the

RUN-EU European University Alliance.

TUS was recently recognised within the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035 and the sector has also moved closer to the appointment of its first cohort of professors under the new technological university professorial framework. The new representative body for the TU sector, the Technological University Association (TUA), has recently been formed with Prof Cunnane as interim Chair, having chaired its predecessor organisation, THEA. A native of Stranorlar in Co Donegal, Vincent said, “It has been the privilege of my career to lead the establishment of TUS and to serve the staff, students and communities of the Midlands and Midwest. Building a Technological University is a once-in-a-generation under-

taking, and the credit for what has been achieved belongs to colleagues across all of our campuses, who have given so much to the project.

With our first strategic plan drawing to a close, our structures embedded, and TUS now firmly established within the Irish and European higher education landscape, this is the right moment to step back and to enable a new President to lead the University into its next stage of evolu-

tion”.

Chair of the Governing Body of TUS, Josephine Feehily stated, “Professor Cunnane has rendered exceptional service to Irish higher education, to the region and to TUS. On behalf of the Governing Body, I want to record our sincere appreciation to Vincent for his vision, leadership and commitment.

The energy and personal qualities he brought to the position of President of TUS have been outstanding. The Governing Body will now commence the process of identifying his successor, and details of that process will be made public in due course”.

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

• Permanent Lifeguard/Instructor (Active Ennis Leisure Complex) Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 25th June 2026.

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

Only applications completed online will be accepted.

Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

For over two decades, Prof Cunnane has held senior leadership roles in Irish higher education, research and regional development for over two decades. He has previously served as President of Limerick Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Sligo.

A former Chief Executive of Shannon Development, he was also Vice President of Research at the University of Limerick and Chair of the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies (DIAS) for two terms, from 2010 to 2020.

He was Chief Executive and member of the MidWest Task Force which was set up in the aftermath of the announcement by Dell of the cessation of manufacturing (January 2009). He was also appointed to the Limerick Reorganisation Implementation Group charged with merging Limerick City and Limerick County Councils.

Professor Cunnane was also a member of the Aviation Business Development Task Force on the future of Shannon Airport and Shannon Development.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 28, 2026

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U20 ALL-IRELAND HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: CLARE VS GALWAY

Sport

MAY 31 @ 2PM, SEMPLE STADIUM, THURLES

Casey battling hamstring injury to make All-Ireland decider

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

CORNER BACK Joe Casey is the chief injury doubt for Clare’s U20 hurlers as they prepare for Sunday’s All-Ireland final with Galway attacker Aaron Niland ruled out.

Casey was forced off with a hamstring injury in Clare’s Munster semi-final win over Cork in Páirc Uí Chaoimh three weeks ago and missed out on the provincial final victory against Tipperary.

Kilmaley’s Joe had been an ever-present member of the first fifteen, alongside captain Eoghan Gunning and Éire Óg’s Robert Loftus, he formed part of Clare’s most consistent line on the field, the full-back line with the trio impressing in all of their appearances.

Joe made his breakthrough with the Kilmaley senior team last season with Brian Culbert’s charges reaching the last four. He plays his club football with Ennistymon and represent-

ed their intermediate outfit in 2025 while also winning an U21A football championship with the club, both sides were managed by Brendan ‘Beano’ Rouine.

Also battling to put himself in contention is Killanena’s Ronan Keane. He went off injured at half time in the Munster final and had missed earlier rounds of the championship. He was fullback on the side which won the 2023 All-Ireland minor championship.

James Cullinan of Ruan made the matchday twenty four for the Munster final after returning to fitness following an injury sustained in the opening round. The St Flannan’s College student had started at centre back in the absence of James Hegarty.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Clare U20 manager Terence Fahy outlined, “We don’t have a full squad yet but we would be hoping that lads are getting an inch closer all the time. You will never know what you will pick

up in the run-in to a match, it will be touch wood. At the moment, we don’t have a full hand but the attraction of an All-Ireland final and the potential to play in an All-Ireland final will mean that a county player will move mountains to get himself fit, our lads are no different”.

It was the same approach in the Munster final when players gave everything they could to get through extra time, Fahy noted.

“It will be the same mentality, the boys are very aware, they are very mature, they know the opportunity that is here, they have been in an All-Ireland final, they were there as minors and they know what it means, they have done a lot of hurling since, it has taken a long time to get back to that level, they’re doing that anyway and doing everything they possibly can to get themselves fit but they have more to go”.

Galway have been dealt a blow with manager Gavin Keary confirming that Aar-

on Niland will play no part in Sunday’s final. The Clarinbridge clubman sustained an ankle injury for Galway’s senior team in their defeat to Dublin in the fourth round of the Leinster SHC. Seán Murphy who is also part of the Galway senior hurling panel will also miss out due to a shoulder injury. Keary is hopeful that Luke Kennedy and Darragh Counihan will feature, the duo had to make way in the opening half of their Leinster final win over Kilkenny.

“Aaron obviously got a very bad injury, it’s clear for the whole country to see, he’s trying desperately hard but unfortunately it looks like it’s unlikely he will feature,” Keary told The Connacht Tribune. “It’s very important when you are talented as these guys are, a few guys involved in the senior squad. It’s a very busy time, they’ve a Leinster final the following week aswell, we would still hold hope on that aswell, it would be great if they can feature”.

21

l Joe Casey

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

22

Thursday, May 28, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport U20 ALL-IRELAND HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: CLARE VS GALWAY

MAY 31 @ 2PM, SEMPLE STADIUM, THURLES

Clare U20s look to

by Páraic McMahon editor@clareecho.ie

NOT for the first time this season, the onus falls to the Clare U20s to lift the spirits of the county’s deflated hurling public.

Grit and character has been evident in abundance for all six of Clare’s outings in the Munster U20 championship. The manner in which they secured provincial glory was quoted by Brian Lohan, Diarmuid Ryan and Diarmuid Stritch as providing the inspiration for them to bounce back from their fifteen point Limerick loss.

Now in the aftermath of Clare’s exit from the Munster SHC, the pendulum swings back to the U20s to offer a tonic to the saffron and blue supporters who are still in shock following the seniors sobering sixteen point defeat to Cork on Sunday.

For the likes of Lohan, Ryan and Stritch to note that the U20s gave the much-needed bounce for the seniors “shows the strength of the ties” between both set-ups according to U20 manager, Terence Fahy.

“We often speak about the Clare seniors and the way that they lead, we often speak about the behaviours needed to be an elite county player, we don’t have to look far in our county for that, it is straight in front of our eyes with the players on our senior team, we often referenced that and we often reference how near our players are to the set-up.

“We have three lads involved on the panel, Diarmuid Stritch and Jack O’Neill were with us last year, Niall O’Farrell and Seán Rynne the year before, Adam Hogan, they are all becoming strong players in the senior set-up, they have not left our set-up too long so if players can buy into development, discipline and learning those steps are there and it is achievable.

"We don’t have a big pool of

players in Co Clare but we have capacity to have the right players and we have the capacity to keep them, retain them and develop them, that has been obvious in that senior team, it was a big boost and it shows the links are strong but we need that as a county, it is not by accident, Brian Lohan leads that and he has built that, it is nice that we can contribute to that,” Terence told The Clare Echo.

In his fifth season as Clare U20 manager, success had eluded Terence at the grade until earlier this month when Munster glory was claimed in dramatic fashion with Mark Sheedy making three saves and scoring one in a memorable penalty shootout. Therefore, he’s well aware that reaching All-Ireland finals is far from easy. “Two teams get through to an All-Ireland final so it is a very privileged position, it is a rare position and we’re a good few years at it and we haven’t been here before so we appreciate the opportunity and the magnitude of the occasion”.

Fahy previously noted how Clare were tired of being “gallant losers” at the U20 grade and is now focused on adding a second piece of silverware in eighteen days. “Those opportunities don’t come around too often, it was very important when we were in our third final in four years and we hadn’t got over the line but the group got over the line the last day and that was very important for the county and for hurling in the county”.

Throughout the championship, Fahy’s management have not been afraid to make changes and have not named the same team for consecutive games. “We have a lot of belief in our group, we’ve thirty eight on our group and it is very hard to get into our group, some excellent players didn’t make our panel, some excellent players don’t

l GRIT: Terence Fahy (centre,

backroom team

make our twenty four, we do believe in the capacity of anyone on the thirty eight to come in and do a job, changes have needed to be made and we have been struggling in matches but we have no hesitation to throw people in and invariably they deliver because they are prepped, they do the same preparation, we have huge faith in our group, that is why you will see change and it is next man up, that brings freshness, belief, competitiveness to the group, it is a healthy thing”.

Clare men in Galway

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE MEN will be part of the Galway management looking to take down their native county in the All-Ireland U20 final this weekend.

Neighbours Clare and Galway clash in FBD Semple Stadium this Sunday at 14:00 in what is a repeat of the All-Ireland minor final of 2023 which also took place at the same venue.

Broadford’s Kieran Corcoran forms part of the Galway management and is coach of the side. He was a selector and coach with the Clare senior side for three years under Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor.

Subsequent to this, he was a coach with the Broadford senior hurlers for three seasons under Jimmy Browne in 2020, 2021 and 2022. He is the principal of Killaloe Boys NS. Tubber’s Ronan Monahan, himself a former Clare U21 hurler in 2017 also forms part of the Galway

ticket. He is strength and conditioning coach and assistant physio for the Tribesmen.

He won an U21B championship with Crusheen/ Tubber in 2018, delivering an influential performance from full forward when they overcame Broadford 1-17 0-13. Ronan is one of the key players on the Tubber intermediate side, lining out at midfield.

Manager of the Galway side is former Clare coach and current Tubber trainer, Gavin Keary.

The Loughrea native played at senior level with the club, captaining them when they contested the 2013 county final. He is currently coaching the club’s senior team and led them to consecutive championships in 2024 and 2025.

He was coach of the Galway minor hurlers when they won the All-Ireland title in 2015. In 2018 and 2019, he was coach to the Clare senior hurlers managed by Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor. Subsequent to this, he was part of Mattie Kenny’s man-

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U20 ALL-IRELAND HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: CLARE VS GALWAY

raise banner again

black tracksuit) alongside players and members of the Clare U20 Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Alongside his management of Andrew Fahey and Tomás Kelly, Terence was one of the interested observers at the Leinster final where Galway defeated Kilkenny 2-20 2-11.

“They were very impressive, they were the favourites beforehand, they were comfortable enough throughout the match, there was always three or four points but they finished very strong, they closed it out impressively and they were impressive in both sides of the field, we know that because we’ve played them ear-

lier on in the year, they gave us a lesson one night in Caherlohan so we know their capacity, they would have been favourites from a long way out”.

Whitegate’s Fahy knows a thing or two about Galway hurling and his proximity to the border adds some intrigue to Sunday’s showdown. “There’s always great banter, there’s a very good-natured and healthy rivalry, there is great craic around Whitegate and Woodford but very healthy. The intensity of the rivalry would be reserved for Tipperary across the lake”.

Within the staffroom of St Jo-

seph’s Tulla, neither he or Kelly have sidelined their colleague Aidan Harte who is currently coach to the Galway seniors and was part of Fahy’s U20 management in 2024.

“We’re around long enough and we won’t be talking U20 hurling, we will be talking everything but it.

Aidan is a key member of our staff, a great hurling man in our school, we’ll be minding our own business, he would have a serious investment because they have a good few players involved with their senior team and overlapping on their U20 team too, he is very involved in their development”.

Big occasions are not feared by this group of Clare hurlers who also tasted All-Ireland success as minors in 2023. “They are a composed, mature group with a lot of experience, they have played in Harty finals, All-Ireland and Munster minor finals, a lot of big club games, college games, they are well used to the big day and performing on the big day so hopefully that won’t be changing”.

On managing the approach to the All-Ireland, Fahy outlined, “The Munster campaign was relentless so we had to come down for a while after that, we will gradually be going back up the gears, a very clinical approach, a very simple and common sense approach will be what we’ll do to get them right for next weekend”.

He continued, “We preach balance to the players, we try and walk that balance ourselves, it is important because it is a past-time, it is sport, it is GAA, a bit of common sense, once the work is done and we have the group ready then everybody can switch off and conserve their energy for the weekend, it is another match for us, it is an All-Ireland final but we won’t deviate too much from standard routines”.

tribe for U20 final agement with the Dublin senior hurlers and was also involved with the Irish Shinty side.

PICTURED: Broadford’s Kieran Corcoran forms part of the Galway management and is coach of the side. He was a selector and coach with the Clare senior side for three years under Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor Photo by Gerard O'Neill

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Gunning for the

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE are a big stadium team and will relish the chance of lining out in FBD Semple Stadium for Sunday’s All-Ireland U20 final.

Captain Eoghan Gunning will lead Clare into battle as the county looks to lift the James Nowlan Cup for the fifth time.

He won’t turn 20 until September but Eoghan is a fan favourite among the Banner die-hards, due to his tenacity, leadership and his ability to burst out of defence. The fact that he is a nephew of the iconic PJ ‘Fingers’ O’Connell certainly hasn't hurt Eoghan’s standing among supporters.

Versatility has seen Eoghan line out at midfield for the U20s last season while with Broadford and Scariff Community College, he has been positioned in attack. The current preference is at corner back, he confirmed. “I don’t mind where I’m playing, I love playing so if I’m asked to play in the forwards or midfield I’ll do it. I do have a bit of a soft spot for corner back

too because I’ve played there a lot over the years”.

Often playing from the front, when he tears out with the sliotar in his hand, you’ll hear plenty supporters shout ‘A bhoy Gunning boy’ with the occasional Banner roar thrown in. “It happens sometimes, tempers rise and I remember in the semi-final I got a ball and I couldn’t help but give a fist pump so sometimes it has to be done.

There can be huge moments like that and we had them the last day with Robert Loftus catching a ball over Oisin O’Donoghue, Mattie O’Halloran got a hook in at the last minute, there were huge boosts for the team and you can get power from anywhere in the team”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the captain detailed that they were clear in their objectives on what they wanted to achieve in 2026. “It was very much focused on the Munster championship but we did say it in our analysis with Paul Flanagan that the goal was to get to a Munster final and win it, then go on

and win the All-Ireland final, it is very real now that we have got past Munster which is a bit of a jungle but we got over the line and there’s a huge buzz for the All-Ireland final”.

Now in his third year on the U20 panel, this marked the first season where Clare prevailed in a Munster final at the grade since 2014.

“Sometimes things go your way and other times they don’t, we worked seriously hard this year and there was no way that the rub of the green was going to affect us even if it didn’t go our way.

"It’s been a huge effort from everyone and we’ve been extremely locked on to the principles and going after everything, every ball and every play matters in our environment”.

Gunning added that some "hard truths" were thrown at the team at the beginning of the season, and they've reacted to that by leaving everything on the pitch "every day we go out".

Big games and venues suit this panel of players, the

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U20 ALL-IRELAND HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: CLARE VS GALWAY

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chance to lead Clare to U20 title Broadford native believed. “It is the tough battles that you look back on and you really enjoy, look at the first two days in The Bridge against Waterford and Limerick, we just about got over the line but it was huge grit and battling which got us over the line. When we got down to Thurles and to Páirc Uí Chaoimh twice then we got to express ourselves a bit more in the big stadiums, we always say in this group that we’re a stadium team”.

All members of the panel have been kept on their toes by management not having a fear of making changes. “It is unbelievable that the panel we have is hugely strong...To be fair to the management, if you put up your hand whether it is Clare Cup or training, they will throw you in, we have so many lads in the 38 that have put up their hands to start."

Whether it was their minor successes in 2023 or the Munster final win a fortnight ago, Gunning and this panel have enjoyed unforgettable occasions in saffron and blue.

“They are great days, we just about got over the line. It is important to say I don’t agree with the penalties,

we lost before on penalties, it is an unfair way to lose and an unfair

much, it made it easier”.

According to the first year primary teaching student at Mary Immaculate College, the Clare supporters have really drove the panel of players on.

“They have been great all year whether it is The Bridge, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Thurles or the Gaelic Grounds, they’ve really been behind us. Clare people really get behind a team that works hard, we’ve been working our best to do that, the Clare crowd has been brilliant at getting behind us and hopefully it will be the same on Sunday and they will come out in their thousands again”.

Sunday is a rematch of the 2023 All-Ireland minor final with Clare and Galway once more battling it out for a national title, from the get-go it was earmarked as the likely final pairing. "Galway didn’t have as much of a struggle as us but we’re very much focused on ourselves for the All-Ireland, if we can get to the level that we showed in the Munster final and go up again then there will be no fear of our group”.

An occasion like an All-Ireland is to be embraced and not feared,

I don't agree with penalties, it is an unfair way to lose and to win

“

way to win. The celebrations were unbelievable, a lot of hard work went into it, we had the pain of losing and to be able to bring the cup around East Clare was a great experience”.

Spectators among the 6,442 in the Gaelic Grounds were treated to another brilliant victorious speech from Gunning. Composing the speech is something, he likes to tick off well before games. “It was something I wanted out of my head so I just wrote it a couple of days before, I gave it to Andrew Fahey then and said ‘please God you’ll be able to give that to me later on’, I didn’t want to be worried about it too

Best of Luck to Clare Hurlers in their All-Ireland U20 Final on Sunday from all at

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l BIG MOMENT: Robert Loftus (pictured with Pauline Kilmartin) made

a big impact against Tipperary with a huge catch, according to captain Eoghan Gunning (opposite page) Photos by Gerard O'Neill

Gunning maintained. “It is another game but a huge game for us, we love going to Thurles, any day over the last five years going back to minor we love going out in Thurles and performing, it is one of the

greatest places to play, we will really embrace it now, we’ve a week to get it right and get things up again, we’ll see how things go”.

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CONOR DALY

CONOR RALPH

CONOR RYNNE

THOMAS O'CONNOR

EMMET MULCAHY

EOGHAN GUNNING

FRED HEGARTY

GRAHAM BALL

JOE CASEY

KALUM FAHY

MARC O'BRIEN

MARCO CLEARY

MICHAEL COLLINS

MICHAEL POWER

MICHEÁL VAUGHAN

NIALL DOYLE

RONAN KILROY

RYAN HAYES

SÉAN ARTHUR

SEÁN ÓG KILKENNY

EVAN CLEARY

Torpey leading the way with TORPEY, the Clare-based sports engineering company, has been named the Best Sports Business at the prestigious Irish Sport Industry Awards, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and innovation journey.

The award recognises Torpey’s leadership in performance-driven sports equipment, its commitment to sustainability, and its expansion into international markets.

The Irish Sport Industry Awards are organised by the Federation for Irish Sport and were held in Dublin at the College Green Banking Hall on the 19th May. The annual awards celebrate excellence across

Ireland’s sports sector, highlighting the industry’s contribution to economic growth, innovation, and global connectivity.

Special guest speakers on the night included Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD and a fireside chat with Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Minister Neale Richmond TD on “Sport as Ireland’s Global Soft Power”.

Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport addressed attendees stating: “Ireland is a nation where sport and physical activity are deeply woven into our national identity. Today, the Irish sports industry stands

as a powerful economic engine, a global innovation hub, and a vital cornerstone of our social fabric.

We gather tonight to formally recognise this immense impact and to map out our future through targeted innovation, public-private investment, and unprecedented global connection. “ Seán Torpey, MD at Torpey, said of the win: “From a small sports performance brand based in the heart of the West of Ireland, this recognition means a huge amount to us. In terms of innovative engineering and manufacturing to retail and commercialisation, our team punch above their weight in many aspects of the industry and we feel this award is

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 28, 2026

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U20 ALL-IRELAND HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: CLARE VS GALWAY

CORMAC DOYLE

DAIRE NEVILLE

DANIEL COSTELLO

DARREN MORONEY

HARRY DOHERTY

JACK MESCALL

JAMES CULLINAN

JAMES HEGARTY

MARK SHEEDY

MATTHEW CORBETT

MATTHEW CROTTY

MATTHEW O'HALLORAN

PÁDRAIC O'DONOVAN

PAUL RODGERS

ROBERT LOFTUS

RONAN KEANE

CONOR SHANNON

ANDREW FAHEY

TERENCE FAHY

KIERAN CONNELLY TOMÁS KELLY

ALL PHOTOS BY GERARD O'NEILL

best sports business award reflective of that. “ This win comes off the back of the teams’ recent appearance at the prestigious Smarter Sports Award (STA) at Fulham FC, London where they were nominated in the Smarter Ball and Racquet Innovation category for their Kláw Performance Glove. The Smarter Sports Awards, formerly The Sports Technology Awards, are recognized as the global gold standard for innovation in sport.

For 12 years, the Awards have honoured the outstanding solutions that redefine the sector. Although Torpey did not secure the award, being nominated alongside globally recognised sport brands provides strong validation of the

strides the company is making in innovation across hurling and wider bat-and-ball sports.

Torpey has built a strong reputation for combining traditional craftsmanship with advanced engineering, most notably through the development of its Bambú hurley, a sustainable alternative to ash that now represents a significant proportion of the company’s sales. Alongside its innovation in hurling, Torpey has expanded its product portfolio and international reach, positioning itself as a forward-thinking Irish brand shaping the future of sports equipment design.

PICTURED: Seán Torpey

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Fahey brings expertise back to All-Ireland arena

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FIFTEEN YEARS on from winning an All-Ireland title as a Clare goalkeeper, Andrew Fahey is hopeful of having his greatest hour as an inter-county coach.

Andrew has been part of the Clare U20 management for the past four years, up until this season he had been working on the analysis side whereas for 2026 he succeeded Conor Ryan as the team’s head coach. “It is a great privilege to be able to come and coach any county team when you get the opportunity, we’re blessed to have a good set of young lads which makes it very easy”.

Active on the coaching scene in his native Whitegate and also with Scariff Community College, Andy is in his second season as coach of the Ballyea senior hurlers.

“Huge learning comes out of it no matter what team you are with," he says, noting whether it's with a 15-year old at Scariff Community College or a 35-year old with Whitegate. "They call it sideline mileage, it is important to get it and to learn from experience. I’m still trying to play myself even though lots

have tried to retire me, it is nice to have the balance between playing and coaching while you can”.

When Whitegate last lined out in the Clare SHC in 2022, Andy was between the posts while U20 manager Terence Fahy was in charge of the East Clare club.

Transparency is central to Terence’s approach whether it is playing under him or working alongside him in management according to the former LIT student. “I’ve known Terence for a long time... he is very transparent and very true to his principles, we’ve always had a great relationship.

"I’ve known him since I was sixteen years of age, we know each other pretty well at this stage”.

On his future coaching ambitions, Fahey told The Clare Echo, “I really enjoy it, I like sitting down, planning, looking at it and trying to make something better, I’m not thinking past anything, I’ve learned not to think too far down the road because there’s loads of different things which happen, people might think they are in great health and they don’t get a chance to do it, you take each

l Head Coach Andrew

Fahey Photo by Gerard O'Neill

day at a time and make the best of it, just enjoy it because when it’s gone it’s gone, there’s tough days and hard days but the good days make it all the better”.

An Allianz National Hurling League winner in 2016, Andrew made his senior inter-county championship debut in 2017 following on from his central role in Clare winning All-Ireland and Munster intermediate titles in 2011. “There’s been loads of managers I’ve played under like Davy Fitz or Donal Moloney who were meticulous in their planning, I had the pleasure of being coached

by Paul Kinnerk which was a massive influence in me seeing the game in a way, I was quite young but I always liked his age profile when he was over the teams, he brings that really youthful bounce of energy, where he was back then to where he was gone, you can see where he is gone in the game, he was someone who rubbed off on me as a coach when I was growing up. I was maybe the nerd as a player, looking to see what it was like as a coach, I always the mindframe that coaching was something I wanted to do”.

Goalkeepers can tend to be that ‘nerd’, the sales representative with Wurth acknowledged. “There seems to be a lot at it. Some of the players that have gone into it and they all say it is the time, it is astronomical, the game is the game but the hours are the hours, it is the drug we all love, you were in Croke Park in 2024 and days like that make it all worth it as a player or what, you were in the backroom team in 2013 and saw what it was like, if you get one of those days in your lifetime then it probably makes it worth it”.

Similar to senior level, the

Munster championship at U20 is far from easy to qualify from, Andrew stressed.

“The Munster championship is no different to any other Munster championship, it is a bloodbath, to try get two points in the Munster championship is hard no matter who you are playing on any given day.

"We’ve improved as it has gone on, we’re just trying to help the players on their journey, they are bringing themselves along too. The night in Limerick was great, a cruel way to lose but a great way to win, in the championship we’ve got the bounce of the ball in some ways that we may not have got previous.

The big day with these lads, every day they get to meet they are happy”.

He acknowledged that it took Clare time to find their feet in this campaign.

“There was a little bit of that and possibly down to the opposition. Waterford were minor champions, they had eight of their lads starting which was no different to us a few years ago when we had the same barrel of talent, they had no fear.

"We relied on a late goal but that is where it was at it,

Waterford lost to Tipperary by a point and were one score behind in all their matches which shows how tight it was. We had some crazy days out but form goes out, it is that sixty minutes, you plan for everything and who can bring that little bit more”.

Situated in Whitegate, he is well aware of what Galway hurling teams bring to the table.

“We’re on the border but we have massive respect for Galway and everything they do.

"I don’t think a county produces hurlers like them consistently year on year, we played them earlier in the year and they beat us in a game, they are very well coached, their players are playing at an extremely high level, they have guys in with their senior team, they are progressing along, we are under no illusions as to what is ahead and how good they really are. No team had produced as many hurlers as Galway down through the years”.

For an extended version of this interview, visit www. clareecho.ie.

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Clare fans will back a team willing to fight

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

REACHING an All-Ireland final was where Clare’s U20 hurlers have been striving to get to since the current management were appointed in December 2021.

Tomás Kelly has been a selector and coach with Terence Fahy’s side over the past five seasons, their highpoint arrived in the Gaelic Grounds a fortnight ago when winning a first Munster championship at the grade in 11 years. Now, with an All-Ireland title in sight, they are determined to grab the opportunity.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Tomás outlined, “If we were offered this at the start of the year when we started at the end of November, I would have bitten your hand off for it, it is a privilege to be in this position and preparing for a Clare team in an All-Ireland final”.

Clare had been in three of the last four Munster finals before making the breakthrough following a penalty shootout against Tipperary.

There are very fine margins between success and defeat, Kelly said. “It boils down at the end of the day to a little bit of luck.

l Clare selector Tomás Kelly with Paul Rodgers

Kelly admits you will win nothing "with just luck".

"They have shown the capacity to fight, Clare fans will respond to a team that is willing to fight, we’ve got great support from the pub-

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

lic but the public might have rowed in behind us because they see the lads are willing to fight when the going gets tough”.

Along the way, Inagh native Tomás and his colleagues

in the management have not held back from shaking up their first 15.

“We have the luxury of having a great panel of players, it is easy to make changes when you’re looking around and you see what is there.

"To go back to the last day, we used 22 players in the final, the calibre of the player who can’t make the 24 all the way down to number 38, there is a serious calibre of player.

"You go out and play a training game and everyone is sticking their hand up, everyone is more than good enough to be here and to come on, it is a really hard job to pick the team."

Extra time of the Munster U20 final began with a 20m free for Cormac Fitzgerald, it was awarded by referee Nicky O’Toole for dissent against Kelly, an Irish and PE teacher at St Joseph’s Tulla.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Tomás confirmed he was not offering the Waterford official an invite to The Good House when he questioned him at full time.

“I was just asking Nicky how he was going to face the journey home to Waterford that night! It was one of those things, the heat of the mo-

ment, when you feel a couple of decisions are going your way you will question them, in hindsight it is something I wouldn’t do again."

Another Inagh/Kilnamona clubman not afraid to question referees is Nicholas Rynne of Clare TV and Scar-

iff Bay Community Radio fame. Rynne’s presence at the media event in Caherlohan reminded Kelly that they were not far from the big day, “You know you have it made when you’re sitting down with Nicholas Rynne,” he quipped.

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Rain can't dampen spirits at Réaltaí an Chláir HUNDREDS of children ruled the roost at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg in Ennis last weekend at the annual Réaltaí an Chláir.

Réaltaí an Chláir returned for its second outing, after the county’s first-ever GAA Inclusion Day for children with additional needs last year. This year, the event was even bigger and brought together 240 children from 40 schools across Clare for a fantastic day of fun, activity and inclusion.

For many children, this was their first opportunity to play on such a large stage.

Organised by Cumann na mBunscol with support from schools, Clare GAA, Clare Sports Partnership and many other organisations, the event featured a wide range of activities tailored to meet the needs and abilities of all participants, including modified hurling and football games under the ‘GAA for All’ banner, athletics, sensory games, and cooperative activities.

l Volunteers from Cumán na mBunscoil an Chláir

are all smiles as children from across the county take part in Réaltaí an Chláir Photos by Tom Micks

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Madden to have ‘serious review’ on Clare future

by Páraic McMahon PAUL MADDEN has said he will have a “serious review” of his position as Clare senior football manager.

Consecutive defeats to Offaly and Longford ended Clare’s involvement in the Tailteann Cup and followed a disappointing campaign in Division 3 of the Allianz National Football League which resulted in a sixth place finish.

Appointed for a three year term, Madden said major reflections are needed following the early conclusion of his first season in charge.

“We’re going to have a review of year one and make sure. I am the most self-critical you guys will ever put a microphone in front of, I need to have a serious review, I’m sure the players will, I’m sure the management will and the County Board will to make sure there is a year two. We’re very flat now and we would be very critical of ourselves”.

Saturday’s 2-17 1-18 loss to Longford ended Clare’s year. “We’re out of the championship at the end of May, it is an absolute disaster in that regard. I am a little bit lost as to what to say, my initial reaction is we didn’t win a break in the middle of the pitch, we got murdered off kickouts generally, very disappointing”.

When asked by The Clare Echo on the rationale behind not making any substitutes until the fifty fourth minute, Madden explained, “We were never more than a score behind at any stage. We wanted to cause problems going forward but we brought on a lot of forward changes to be fair

and moved one or two lads back to release lads up the pitch. Were we slow? Well we lost the game so maybe we were too slow, I don’t think we lost the game in that end of the pitch, I think we lost it around the breaks in the middle particularly, I could be wrong but that is my initial reaction”.

On the decision to start Ikem Ugwueru in the full-back line for the third game running which deprived Clare of a strong attacking outlet, the Ennis man said, “We did put him further up the field, their number fourteen was a good lad and we had other issues so we felt we needed Ikem to mind that a little bit, the plan was always to try release him up the pitch at some point, we did and he got on a lot of ball and he moved up the field while he was playing in the backs.

When these things work it is the best thing ever and when they don’t it’s not, defensively we have been inconsistent and I’m not talking about our defenders, I’m talking about defensively as a unit, we’ve looked good sometimes and we’ve looked porous other times”.

Clare were never able to exert any bit of dominance against their counterparts, a side that competed in Division 4 this season. “We conceded two bad goals today, we made as many changes as we thought we could in the end to bring on scorers, some lads contributed on the scoreboard when they came on, we moved lads up the field and put as many lads in the middle forward area to try affect the scoreboard but the basics of winning that dirty ball we didn’t get it”.

Once again, Clare found themselves chasing the game. “You’d think we’d be good at it because we’ve been doing it a lot, it is frustrating, it is hugely frustrating for the players but we are where we are, we need to review the year after this”. He added, “We’re training as hard as we can, you can’t compare the training ground to the heat of championship football but you have to prepare for it, for the most part we think we have but that will be up for review”.

Home comforts have not stood to Clare with their latest outing marking their sixth defeat in seven home games in 2026. “This is the best stadium in the country outside of Croke Park, I’m convinced of that. I can’t give an explanation for that, it doesn’t make a sense that it would make a difference”.

Another trend has been the concession of soft scores from very preventable mistakes. “You can’t make mistakes at this level, we had six unforced turnovers in the first half where we gave them the ball when we had it in our hands, we carried it into contact, at this level you will get punished most of the time if you do that. We gave them a couple of crucial scores that we wouldn’t be happy with it”.

Emmet McMahon made his first appearance of the year when introduced as a substitute while Eoin Cleary and Dermot Coughlan both appeared to be struggling with injury. “Every team gets injuries so I’ve never made it as an excuse unless someone brings it up I don’t mention it, we’ve plenty of lads training and

Clare manager, Paul Madden

good enough. In my opinion, we have a great squad of players in Clare, if we have our best players on the pitch all of the time it obviously helps but it wouldn’t be an excuse”.

Drawing parallels with their Offaly defeat, Madden acknowledged they lacked energy in both outings. “We won a lot of their kickouts, we won a lot of our kickouts, we had twen-

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

ty one shots on goal that we didn’t complete, six into the keeper’s hands and fifteen wides, we had enough possessions statistically to win that game hands down, we lacked energy, we were flat, we were poor, I think we had a bit more energy about us but we were still a little bit flat getting to the breaks”.

Penultimate round leaves a lot on the line in Cusack & Garry Cup

by Páraic McMahon FOURTEEN of the sixteen teams involved in the Cusack and Garry cup leagues have something to play for in the final round of games as the race for places in the play offs along with the battle to avoid relegation continues.

Kilrush Shamrocks with six defeats in as many games have been relegated from the Cusack Cup. Dropping down alongside them will be either Éire Óg, Ennistymon or St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield. Reigning champions Éire Óg will stay up if they secure a win in the final round against St Breckan’s.

Ennistymon and St.

Joseph’s meet in the final round and this is effectively a knockout tie with the loser likely to drop down to the Garry Cup. Should the sides draw and Éire Óg lose to Breckans then scoring difference between Ennistymon and Éire Óg will decide who is relegated.

Results in the penultimate round of games in both leagues means that there are a number of places to be filled in the play-offs in both leagues all of which points to some exciting games in the final round.

Ahead of that final round in the Cusack Cup St. Breckans lead the way with 10 points from Lissycasey with 9 with St Joseph’s Miltown in third spot with 8. Kilmur-

ry Ibrickane with 7 points are still very much in the hunt for a place in the play-offs and depending on other results they can achieve this if they overcome Lissycasey in their final group game.

In the Garry Cup, seven of the eight teams are still in contention for the three play-off places, Naomh Eoin being the ones that can’t make the next phase. They are currently bottom of the table and likely to be relegated but a win in their final game along with other results could see them survive.

Cratloe and Clondegad each have 7 points, one more than Corofin, Wolfe Tones, Doonbeg and Cooraclare who are all locked together on 6 points. Kildysart have 5

points with Naomh Eoin on 3 points.

Diarmuid Boyle of St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield takes a tumble following a tackle by Kilmurry Ibrickane forward Cathal Talty Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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Sport

Minors must be consistent to prevail in All-Ireland quarter-final says O’Connel

by Seamus Hayes IT’S back to FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles for the third time this season for Clare’s minor hurlers as they face Limerick in the All-Ireland quarter final.

Saturday’s game throws in at 1pm. Ironically Limerick’s victory over Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn in the round robin stage of the competition had helped Clare to remain in the championship.

With just one win from four games in the group stage, Clare looked to be heading out of the championship but Limerick’s win over Cork helped keep the Banner lads in the race.

These sides met in the round robin stage of the competition back in April in Cusack Park when Limerick emerged with a two goal victory, 2-12 to 0-12. “Look, they were better than us on the day. They have improved since then but so have we and I am hoping for a much closer contest this time”, team manager Ger O’Connell told The Clare Echo this week.

Long term injuries to Ian O’Brien (Cratloe) and Fionn Plunkett (Clarecastle) means they will again be absent this week. “Apart from them we have a full squad from which to select”, the Clonlara native outlined.

“In most games that we have played we have had

periods of dominance and then, for some reason we have switched off for a period. It happened last week against Dublin and this is something we need to improve on. To win a quarter final there has to be consistency”, the All-Ireland winning minor goalkeeper of 1997 stated.

Clearly pleased with last week’s victory over Dublin he said “things fell our way, we got goals when we needed them and we gave a good second half performance. We will have to improve again for this week’s game. This is our third trip to Thurles in this campaign and the lads are used to it.

It’s brilliant for young lads to be getting ready to play in an All-Ireland minor quarter final. The lads have been training hard since January.

They have done everything we have asked of them. It’s brilliant to be in the last six in this championship and if we perform to our capabilities we will be there or thereabouts”.

Understandably O’Connell would love if this game had been scheduled for Sunday at the same venue as a curtain raiser to the All-Ireland under 20 final between Clare and Galway.

“A number of things would have had to fall into place for that to happen. We are part of a double header for

Adam Hogan gets his foot to the sliotar Photo by Ruth Griffin

CORK VS CLARE

MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 5 Cork 1-30 Clare 1-14 Venue: SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick) Attendance: 42,269 SCAN HERE FOR

STORY OF THE GAME

Clare minor manager, Ger O’Connell with Tom O’Dea Photo by Ruth Griffin

the second week in a row.

It’s great to be in the All-Ireland quarter final and our full focus is on Saturday’s clash with Limerick”.

Saturday’s game is part of a double header at the famed Tipperary venue. It will be followed at 3p.m. by the meeting of Cork and Kilkenny in the other quarter-final. Tipperary (Munster champions) and Galway

(Leinster winners) await in the semi-finals.

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

MATCH REPORT

CORK Frees for: 12 (5/7) Wides: 11 (5/6) Scores from play: 1-21 Spread of scorers: 9 Top scorer: Alan Connolly (0-11 8f) Bookings: Robert Downey (21).

Own puckouts won: 31 from 38 (82%) CLARE Frees for: 8 (5/3) Wides: 13 (7/6) Scores from play: 1-7Spread of scorers: 5 Top scorer: Tony Kelly (0-8 6f 1’65) Bookings: John Conlon (40), Diarmuid Ryan (55), Niall O’Farrell (58), Tony Kelly (65), Brian McAllister (maor camán) (68).

Own puckouts won: 26 from 42 (61%)

Davy Fitzgerald steps down as Antrim manager

by Páraic McMahon

DAVY FITZGERALD has stepped down as manager of the Antrim senior hurlers.

Fitzgerald’s fifth stint in senior inter-county management came to an end on Sunday following Antrim’s 3-26 1-15 win over Joe McDonagh cup finalists Carlow in Corrigan Park.

Sixmilebridge’s Davy did not speak to the media following the victory, their third of the competition following defeats to Down and Laois at the beginning of the campaign.

He is understood to have informed the Antrim panel following Sunday’s game that he would not continue in 2027 and he cited a breakdown in

trust with some members of the County Board. Over the course of his two seasons with Antrim, Clare personnel that formed part of his backroom team included Michael ‘Gazzy’ Collins, James Hickey and Conor Dolan.

Appointed manager in August 2024 for a three-year term, Davy opted against filling out the final year.

In a statement, Antrim GAA thanked Davy for his input to hurling in the county over the last two seasons. “We want to thank Davy Fitzgerald and his entire backroom team for their commitment and efforts with our senior hurlers over the past two seasons,” the statement said. “Under Davy’s management we retained our

status in Division 1 hurling in 2025 and 2026. We wish Davy and his family well for the future”.

Matters turned sour following the losses to Down and Laois with the Antrim squad issuing a statement to the County Board seeking clarity on Fitzgerald’s position and a resolution to the allocation of training gear. This matter was resolved and the Saffrons then put together a threegame winning run.

His decision to go to Antrim may be ranked as his worst call in management. His first senior inter-county role saw him lead Waterford to the All-Ireland final in 2008, their first appearance in the decider in 45 years, the Déise reached four

successive All-Ireland semi-finals under his watch and won the Munster final in 2010.

From here it was back to his beloved Clare, promotion back to the top tier of the Allianz National Hurling League was achieved in his first season in 2012 but the following year saw his highpoint in management when Clare were crowned All-Ireland champions for the fourth time. Clare exited in the qualifers in 2014 and 2015 before winning the National Hurling League in 2016 but exited in the quarter-finals to Galway which marked an end to his tenure.

Wexford was the next destination. In his first season, he again achieved promotion to the top tier of the league,

qualified for a first Leinster final in nine years and lost in the All-Ireland quarter-final to Waterford. Clare knocked Wexford out of the All-Ireland quarter-finals in 2018. The Model County won their first Leinster title in fifteen years in 2019 and suffered an agonising All-Ireland semi-final two point loss to Tipperary. In successive seasons, 2020 and 2021, a Brian Lo-

Clare’s Andrea O’Keeffe

han managed Clare eliminated Wexford from the All-Ireland championship, having bowed out of the Leinster SHC in the semi-finals.

A second stint as Waterford manager following in 2023 and 2024 with the Déise winning two out of eight games in the competitive Munster championship during this time and d rawi n g one.

34

Thursday, May 28, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

CLARE VS SLIGO

CLARE VS DUBLIN

Liam Keane Photo by Gerard O’Neill

GLEN DIMPLEX ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 2 ROUND 1

Clare 2-16 Dublin 3-10 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis Referee: Donnacha O’Callaghan (Limerick)

STORY OF THE GAME CLARE FREES FOR: 10 (6/4) WIDES: 3 (1/2) SCORES FROM PLAY: 2-13 SPREAD OF SCORERS: 6 TOP SCORER: LORNA MCNAMARA (2-7 3F) BOOKINGS: NONE OWN PUCKOUTS WON: 20 FROM 23 (87%)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Andrea O’Keeffe gets a strike away

DUBLIN FREES FOR: 5 (2/3) WIDES: 10 (6/4) SCORES FROM PLAY: 3-7 SPREAD OF SCORERS: 5 TOP SCORER: KERRIE FINNEGAN (2-0) BOOKINGS: KERRIE FINNEGAN (44), EMMA O’BYRNE (52) OWN PUCKOUTS WON: 18 FROM 21 (86%)

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Clare Community Games weekend results

Boys U12 Outdoor Soccer THE St Francis Credit Union U12 boys soccer tournament was held last week (18/19 May) in Newmarket Celtic FC grounds, hosted by Newmarket on Fergus Community Games and co-ordinated by Katie Sheedy. Both semi-finals, 3rd/4th playoff and the final itself all went to penalty shoot outs in a closely contested competition. Newmarket on Fergus defeated Shannon in one semi-final and Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry defeated Clarecastle-Ballyea.

ClarecastleBallyea went on to beat Shannon to claim the bronze medals whilst the boys from Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry claimed gold with a win over Newmarket on Fergus, and they go on to represent Clare in the Munster Finals next month in UL. Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry Team; Marc Dunne, Shane Fitzpatrick, Evan Flannery, Leo Lavelle, Cathal Liddane, PJ Lyons, Mikey Maloney, Rian McGowan, Jake McNamara, MJ Mullins, Conor Murphy, Peter O’Farrell, Daithi O’Grady, Cian O’Halloran, Jack O’Meara, Barry Quinn.

National Community Games Finals – Gormanstown Sunday 24th May turned out to be a hugely successful, enjoyable and sunny day in Gormanston, Co. Meath, for the first of the Cairn Community Games National Finals weekends.

County Manager, Vincent McCarthy (Kilnaboy) and County Chairperson, Rob Stephen (Shannon), joined about 50 competitors from Co Clare along with their families and supporters.

First medals of the day went to the U16 Boys 5k team who won Gold, and the U16 Girls 5k team also won 4th place medals. Both Conor Martin (Derg) and Aoife O’Rourke (Ballynacally-Lissycasey) also won Silver medals for their individual performances.

U16 Boys 5k Team (Gold): Jack Barrett (Clarecastle-Ballyea) Conor Martin (Derg), Cathal O’Rourke (Ballynacally-Lissycasey), Liam Power (Coolmeen).

U16 Girls 5k Team (4th): HannahJane Dillon (Kilmurry-McMahonLabasheeda), Olivia Lyons (Kilrush), Aoife O’Rourke (BallynacallyLissycasey).

Clare’s success continued with the U13 cross country event, where the mixed Boys/Girls team secured Gold medals and Mia Kelly also won the girls individual gold medal with Cathal Minogue securing a bronze boys individual medal.

U13 Clare Cross Country (1200m) Team: Naoise Cahill (BallynacallyLissycasey), Loughlin Downes (Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry), Mia Kelly (Miltown-Malbay), Ryan Lynch (Ballynacally-Lissycasey), John McDonnacha (Quin-Clooney), Cathal Minogue (Whitegate-Mountshannon), Orlaith O Rourke (BallynacallyLissycasey), Keeva O’ Loughlin (Broadford-Kilbane-Kilmore), Laoise O’Brien (Broadford-Kilbane-Kilmore), Cian Vaughan (Crusheen-BallinruanTubber).

In the U12 and U14 Girls Mixed Distance relays (400m/600m and 600m/800m legs respectively), Clare

stormed to powerful victories with truly outstanding performances from the Clare girls.

U12 Girls MDR Team (Gold): Molly Considine (Ennistymon-LahinchLiscannor), Saoirse Donnelly (Ballynacally-Lissycasey), Clodagh Griffin (Ballynacally-Lissycasey), Laoise Malone (Ennis-St-Johns), Anna Murphy (BallynacallyLissycasey), Elsie O’Grady (CrusheenBallinruan-Tubber).

U14 Girls MDR Team (Gold): Ailbhe Concannon (Clarecastle-Ballyea), Lily Considine (Ennistymon-LahinchLiscannor), Aine Fitzgerald (CorofinKilnaboy), Nancy Grogan (KilmurryMcMahon-Labasheeda), Lucy O’Connell (Kilmihil), Sophia Tracy (Ennis-St-Johns).

In the tough cycling on grass event, where cyclists are also constrained to select and use only 1 gear, Clare also had some great performances with Hannah Devitt (Newmarket on Fergus) and Dylan Queally (Ennis St John’s) both securing Silver medals in the U12 event. Dylan then ran over to compete in the U12 boys mixed distance relay event!

Finally, indoors, the U13 Girls Futsal Team from Clarecastle Ballyea won their semi final but lost out in a tight final to secure Silver medals. The U13 Boys Futsal Team from Newmarket on Fergus also picked up 4th place medals.

U13 Girls Futsal Team: Emily Jane Carroll, Mary Carty, Ava Considine, Emma Gillan, Lily Hewitt, Caoimhe Higgins, Neasa McInerney, Vivienne Palka.

U12 Girls MDR Gold Team Molly Considine (Ennistymon-Lahinch-Liscannor), Saoirse Donnelly (BallynacallyLissycasey), Clodagh Griffin (Ballynacally-Lissycasey), Laoise Malone (Ennis-St-Johns), Anna Murphy (Ballynacally-Lissycasey), Elsie O’Grady (Crusheen-Ballinruan-Tubber)

U13 Boys Futsal Team: Liam Boyce, Charlie Coughlan, Luke Darcy, AJ Grogan, Finn O’Malley, Oliwier Rudzinski, Rob Sheedy, Colin Sweeney.

Upcoming Events Wed 27th May, 5:30pm: County Handwriting, St Joseph’s Tulla.

Thurs 28th May, 6pm: County Athletics, Shannon AC: Hurdles, Long Puck, Discus, Shot Putt, Javelin and High Jump.

Sunday 31st May, 9:45am: County Athletics, UL: Relays, All sprints and long runs, Long Jump and Ball Throw.

Thurs 4th June: County Skittles, Shannon AC. Saturday 6th June: County Hurling and Camogie Finals in Kilmaley.

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Sport

Refurbished Lahinch clubhouse opens this weekend

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

The official blessing and opening of the refurbished clubhouse at Lahinch will take place on Sunday (May 31) at 6pm.

The ceremony will be followed by a canapé and drinks reception and all members are invited. Prize presentations will take place later that evening.

On the inter club scene, the Ladies Minor Foursomes team lost away to Ennis while the Ladies Challenge Cup team also suffered defeat away to Spanish Point. The Ladies Intermediate Foursomes team are away to Dromoland on Thursday while the Irish Mixed Foursomes side host Castletroy on Sunday.

Ennis Golf Club: Ennis Ladies were victorious in the preliminary round of the Mary McKenna Diamond Trophy against East Clare.

Trailing by four matches

heading into the second leg in Ennis, the team produced an outstanding comeback by winning all five matches to secure an overall 6-4 victory.

Ennis will now face Mallow in the next round.

The club’s Minor Foursomes ladies also defeated Lahinch on Sunday in Ennis by 3.5 to 0.5 and will now meet Dromoland in the quarter-final of the Munster West competition on June 13.

Meanwhile the intermediate foursomes team lost out to Shannon last week.

Last week’s men’s singles stableford, a golfer of the year event, was won by Desmond Ryan (24) with 46 points from Barry Larkin (9) with 39 and John McInerney (6) with 38.

Martin Moran won the gross.

The senior ladies scramble was won by Brid Cunningham, Una O’Reilly and Clare Pyne from Carmel Verling, Mary Kearns and Marie Connolly.

In the ladies 18 hole May medal competition Mary Leni-

han won the silver category with 76 nett while Mary Curley won the bronze category with 69 nett.

Last week’s senior men’s competition was won by James Corcoran, Gerry Daly, Michael Torpey and Frank Coffey with 74 points from Michael Cummins, Gerry Scanlan, Matt Flynn and Paul Kenny.

Kieran Ryan won the Friday open singles with 39 points from Robert Cantwell and Graham Wilkins.

East Clare Golf Club: Captain T.J. McNamara’s prize will be played for at East Clare this weekend.

In last week’s ladies 18 hole stroke competition the overall winner was Deirdre O’Neill with 70 nett while Michael McMahon won the men’s stroke competition with 67 nett. Eoin Magill won the gross.

The senior men’s competition was won by Danny Minogue, Tom Larkin and Donal Flemin while Friday’s mixed scramble was won by Breda

O’Loghlin, Brendan Moloney and Chris Davis.

Shannon Golf Club: The green tee challenge at Shannon was won by Maurice Egan with 41 points from Andy McInerney with 39.

Derek O’Neill won the open singles with 37 points from Pat Hastings while Fergus Coughlan won the gross.

The men’s team of four competition was won by Liam Heffernan, John Breen, Michael Walsh and Michael McCormack with 87 points while Damian Casey won the blue tee challenge.

Dromoland Golf Club: The ladies player of the year competition at Dromoland was won by Jean Colleran with 41 points from Leslie O’Flynn while Mairéad Toomey won the gross.

The men’s 18 hole stroke competition was won by Kevin Shanagher with 66 nett while Ross Kenny won the gross.

Woodstock Golf Club: The Ozone Health and Fit-

ness May medal at Woodstock was won by Colin Higgins (15) with 68 while Brian Gilligan won the gross.

In the AMR golf open singles, John Dreelan was the overall winner with 41 points and qualified for the grand prize final.

Brian Gilligan won the Donal Kenny scratch matchplay for 2025, defeating Tony Nugent 1 up in the final after coming from two down with three holes to play.

JB Carr final: Shannon hold a slender 3-2 lead over Woodstock heading into the second leg of the Clare final of the JB Carr seniors competition at Woodstock this week.

Gort Golf Club: The men’s competition at Gort last week was won by Trevor Cummins (8) with 46 points while Kris Finnegan won the gross.

The Friday open singles saw Joseph Caulfield win category one, Shane Byrne cat-

egory two and Padraig Connole category three.

The ladies singles stableford competition was won by Marion Mulvey Fahy with 42 points from Ann Jordan with 40.

Kilrush Golf Club: The AON Physiotherapy ladies 18 hole stroke competition at Kilrush was won by Ailish Lorigan with 65 nett from Grace Howard and Agnes Shannon. Mary Nolan won the gross.

Fanny O’Deas Society: Lahinch was the venue on Saturday for an outing of the Fanny O’Deas Golf Society.

The champagne scramble was won by Brendie McMahon, Peter O’Leary, Liam Kelly and Nigel Lynch.

The next outing will be captain Alan Carmody’s prize at Ennis on June 20.

Training treble for Murray

By Michael Maher

ASIAM TEN owned by Ennis’ Ross Kenny was among the recent Clare winners at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. A son of Grangeview Ten and Blastoff Roisino, he had his ninth career success in a time of 29.15.

Clooney’s Martin Williams was in the winner’s enclosure with Knockanoura Jet who recorded his first career success in 28.83, he is a son of Orchestrate and Highview Moment and is trained by Sixmilebridge’s Stephen Murray.

At Thursday’s SIS meeting, Stephen recorded a training treble, the first winner was Highview Bridge in 29.63, next up was Jaydens Lady who stopped the clock in 29.25, and the treble was completed by Crokers Primrose after her 29.24 victory.

In the finale of the day, a graded A2 contest Kilaruss Jet landed the spoils for Shannon’s Peter Russell and Tulla trainer Donie Duggan with a 28.87 effort, this was a sixth career success for this son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Kishlawn Amelia.

Friday night’s Galway Card featured the semi-finals of the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust Dual Distance Sprint Stake over 325 yards with the final set to be over the 350 yard trip on a card that had the A2 graded eighth contest as the top graded event on the night.

In the A3 graded seventh contest all six runners were away well but as they raced towards the opening bend the red jacketed Luckman displayed the best early toe to lead by a length from Rydar Rocket and Sub-

stance rounding the turn. Turning down the back the Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained Luckman took a couple of lengths out of his rivals and passing halfway the lead was five lengths over Substance. Exiting the back straight the lead was still four lengths but from the home bend the Eoin Clancy and Carmel Murray owned Luckman (Ballymac Bolger-Singalong Mandy) was searching for the line as he held on by a length from the flying Rydar Rocket in 29.07.

All six runners were away on terms for the A6 graded contest and as they raced towards the opening bend the Donie Duggan of Tulla trained Mollys Ambition held a narrow advantage over Pronto Bucks with Burkos Breeze in third place on the wide outside. Rounding the bend Mollys Ambition got to the rails to lead into the back straight from Ballygibbon Smok with Pronto Bucks now in third place.

Racing along the back straight the Patrick Kelly owned Mollys Ambition led Ballygibbon Smok by two lengths but beginning the turn for home Ballygibbon Smok began to close with every stride but Mollys Ambition (Good Cody-Droopys Freda) held her at bay by half a length in 29.43.

Cloonoon Annie was best away from traps in the S4 Graded 350 yards contest and racing towards the opening bend she led from Glamorous Jet on her inner with Glasheen Model prominent also on the wide outside. As the leaders closed on the opening bend the Brendan Browne of Kilkee owned Glasheen Model made rapid progress outside

to sweep to the head of affairs exiting the back straight. Beginning the turn for home Magical Fiona went in pursuit of the leader but Glasheen Model (Dromana Bucko-Glasheen Covid) was always in command as she scored by a length and a half in 19.47.

In the early strides of the A4 graded contest Hollywell Flint showed good pace to lead on the run towards the opening bend from Ballygibbon Fury with Hollywell Raptor in third place as they negotiated the opening two bends. Racing down towards the halfway point Hollywell Flint and Ballygibbon Fury raced stride for stride but as they passed the halfway point the Colm Fitzgerald of Kilrush trained Hollywell Raptor swept between runners to take command of the contest as they headed for the penultimate corner. Tracking well between the final two bends the Stone Mad Two Syndicate owned son of Kinloch Brae and Hollywell Samba turned for home in splendid isolation as he scored by four and a half lengths from Hollywell Flint who short headed Ballygibbon Fury for second place in 29.46.

Shane Ryan of Ruan Hurling Club, Co. Clare, winner of a free fundraising event at Limerick Greyhound Stadium for his club, pictured with David Kilcoyne, former Munster and Ireland rugby star, and Sinead O’Connor, Sales Manager, at the Fundraising Information Evening.

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Plannings

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, KILLERNAN, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE Take notice that D. & A. Breen intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a dwelling house, shed and proprietary waste water treatment system along with ancillary site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYVESKIL TEERMACLANE (TIERMACLANE), ENNIS CO. CLARE, Take Notice that I Jason Mc Carthy intend to apply to Clare County Council for Outline Permission for the Construction of a Storey & Half Style House, Garage, Vehicular Entrance & Proprietary Waste Treatment Plant, including all ancillary site works at above address.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co.Clare during it’s public opening hours. A submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing

on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLAGHALINE, DOOLIN, CO CLARE. Take notice that Owen Boyden intends to apply for planning permission for change of use of the Old Toilet Block to a Sauna Room, office and storage area, carry out alterations to the building and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MOYMORE, LAHINCH, CO CLARE. V95 P6W6 Take notice that Liz and Chris O Brien intend to apply for planning permission to RETAIN 1.

The extensions to the dwellinghouse 2. The extended garage, which has been converted to an ancillary residential unit for the enjoyment of the occupants of the main dwelling 3. The storage shed on site and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A

submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CAPPAGHMORE, BAREIFELD, ENNIS, CO CLARE. V95 THF2 Take notice that Mr and Mrs Raymond Forde intend to apply for planning permission to RETAIN The extension and alterations to the dwellinghouse, The storage shed on site and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILFENORA, CO CLARE. Take notice that Ricky Healy t/a Lemenagh Landscaping Ltd/Lemenagh Construction intends to apply for planning permission to build an office unit, connect to services and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application

may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS PLANNING REF: P25/60597 Development Description: Permission to construct a dwellinghouse, garage, entrance, wastewater treatment system and soil polishing filter together with all associated site development works and services Location: Feagh, Newhall, Ballyea, Co. Clare Take notice that Shonagh Lynch & Jack Keating has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P25/60597.

This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks or receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL GORTNAHAHA, KILDYSART, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Seamus Casey &

Yvonne Collins 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 AUGHISKAMORE, LISDOONVARNA, CO CLARE. V95 W0Y2 Take notice that Conor Droney intends to apply for planning permission to build an ancillary residential unit for the enjoyment of the occupants of the main dwelling, upgrade the existing wastewater treatment system and all associated site and ancillary works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL CLONLARA TLD. CLONLARA, CO. CLARE Take notice that Darach and Louise Honan intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for development which will consist of the construction of a dwelling house, a proprietary waste water treatment system and ancillary site works At the above address The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority Clare County Council, Áras Contae An Chláir New Road, Ennis Co Clare, during its public opening hours, and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application

THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours.

This time, I ask you This special favour.

(Mention Favour) Take it and place it within Your own broken heart Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes It will become your favour Not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 times a day for 3 days and favour will be grateful.

Promise publication, never known ot fail E.R

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Best Daily Word Search

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Thursday, Feb 22, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

Puzzle

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES May 28th THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Mar 7

SUDOKU

WORD SEARCH

Final Frontier

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Planet

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7

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ANSWERS

HOW TO PLAY

Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.

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How to play

| by Michael Curl

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3 6 5 4 | Puzzle: Mon Feb 26 2024 2 1 9 6

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 28, 2026

Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.

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The Clare Echo Crossword

Solution

bruary 2024 Advertisement

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

ill(6)

ebruary 2024

DOWN 1 Unauthorised passenger(8) 2 Tender(5) 4 Noon(6) 5 Possessed(5) 6 Characteristic(7) 7 Short narrative poems(4) 8 Strata(6) 13 Bronte heroine(4,4) 15 American whisky(7) 17 Handsome Greek god(6) 18 Resides(6) 20 By and by(5) 22 Approaches(5) 23 The two of them(4)

8)

(6)

ACROSS 1 Tardy(4) 3 Undying(8) 9 Ungraciously curt(7) 10 Cold(5) 11 Concur(5) 12 Kidnap(6) 14 Waylay(6) 16 Spanish rice dish(6) 19 Bird with a long curved bill(6) 21 Light weight(5) 24 Path of a planet(5) 25 Cradle song(7) 26 Shunters (anag.)(8) 27 Capri, for example(4)

39

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 28, 2026

Quiz

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

The Clare Echo Quiz

1. In which Clare town would you find St Flannan’s Cathedral?

Kilrush Killaloe Shannon

6. Who was the inventor of the submarine from County Clare?

John Phillip Holland Brendan O’Regan Francis Rynd

2. In what year did the Clare hurlers win their first provincial title?

1899 1995 1914

7. Diamond Mountain Sessions, Flying Circus and Saints & Scoundrels are albums by which Clare artist?

Sharon Shannon Noel Hill Johnny Patterson

3. When did the first inhabitants arrive in the Burren?

7,000 years ago 4,000 years ago 6,000 years ago 4. During what age were the hills and valleys of the Burren shaped?

Ice Age Stone Age Iron Age 5. Who first discovered the Aillwee Caves?

Jack McGann John Donnally Patrick Hogan

Movies to see this week

8. What famous actor from County Clare appeared in the well known series Game of Thrones?

Frank Blake William O’Brian Simone Kirby 9. When was Bunratty Castle first built?

1599 1425 1459 10. What is County Clare known as?

Equine County Banner County Lake County

Scan here to see what’s on

By Sophie O’ Connor

ANSWERS Killaloe 1899 6,000 years ago Ice Age Jack McGann

John Phillip Holland Sharon Shannon Frank Blake 1425 Banner County

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

36 Parnell St Ennis, Co. Clare ennis.arccinema.ie

Last weeks Answers . part of writing on hoodie missing . Light in background missing . Button on pants missing (bottom right) . Button on shoulder missing (right)

Clare suffer defeat to Cork

. symbol on award missing . String missing on top (front left) . N missing in background

Photo by Ruth Griffin

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