The Clare Echo 28/08/25

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Aug 31, 28,2024 2025 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct

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Aug 28 2025

BUTLER SCRUMS UP WELL FOR GRADUATION

Springfield flooding nightmare ends after 30 years

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Munster Rugby out-half Tony Butler, formerly of Ennis RFC, a UL Sports Scholar, graduated from University of Limerick with a BSc in Construction Management and Engineering. During his time at UL, Tony signed a full professional contract with Munster Rugby and gave back to the university by coaching UL’s men’s rugby team. Tony joined one of over 3,600 students being conferred as part of the university’s Autumn ceremonies this week. Tony is pictured here with his parents Ken and Mary, Ennis Co Clare Photo by Arthur Ellis

WORK has been completed on the €5.2m Springfield flood relief scheme which was officially unveiled by Junior Minister, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran (IND) this week.

Gerardine Quinlivan has fought tirelessly to secure the flood relief scheme in South East Clare which offers protection to 21 homes.

“We’ve been through hell since 1995,” she admitted.

She told The Clare Echo, “when we felt like giving up which we did on more than one occasion, people said no keep going, we buoyed

Fatal house �ire in Moy

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THERE IS “great sadness” in North Clare following the death of Moy GAA honorary life president Joe Vaughan in a fatal house fire.

The Clare Echo understands that An Garda Síochána are still trying to establish what caused the fire which claimed Joe’s life at his residence in Moy in the early hours of Wednesday morning (August 27th).

Joe was noted for his passion, wisdom and unwavering support to all that knew him.

A spokesperson for Moy GAA told The Clare Echo that Joe was “a familiar face at every game and many training sessions, living and breathing Moy GAA every day”. Prior to their recent league final success, Joe rallied the players and management with a speech at their final training session.

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each other up to keep up the fight, we’re so proud today that the flood protection measure is here, it is an incredible day and I’m very proud

feeling, when it is raining now we don’t have to worry on whether the rainfall levels will affect the Shannon, the River Mulkeare, it is peace of mind and you can’t put a price on that,” Gerardine added.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) told locals, “we hope the fear and devastation caused by flooding will be a thing of the past”.

of my community that we made this happen”.

“Now we have peace of mind, it is a fantastic

Pictured: Gerardine Quinlivan

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Thursday, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO THE CLARE Aug ECHO28, Thursday, Aug 21, 2025

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Coastal Litter Survey Camogie championship kicks off Results

A laid backCert approach lLeaving results day

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Izabele Field, Joshua Ryan and Theo Moecke celebrate receiving their Leaving Certificate results at Ennis Community College last week [Top right photo: Martin Kelly of puts hisMyriam feet upAndré duringNí theLiodáin meeting of Maisie Ballyvaughan and Lissycasey in the Junior A football the Banner their GAA Leaving Grounds Gaelcholáiste anLissycasey Chláir students and Ní Chonchúir with their teacher Margaret Uíchampionship Mhuíneacháinatcelebrating

by Burren Photography Certificate results last week. Bottom right photo: Gaaelcholáiste an Chláir students Ashton Mac an Túile, Cian Mac Craith Photo and Conor Sanz,Eye with Múinteoir i bhFeidhil Áine Uí Chonsaidín, and teacher Martina Nic Conmara, celebrating their Leaving Certificate results last week]

Senior UHL moment’ medics confident ‘Dream for in process of HIQA review

Clodagh as she sings out at Rose of Tralee

Catherine Peters, regional clinical director at HSE Mid SENIOR MEDICS at Uni- West said, “We’re awaiting the versity Hospital Limerick outcome of the HIQA review, (UHL) have expressed con- we’ve made our views very fidence that McMahon their views clear to HIQA, it will be them

by Páraic their advice Clodagh to the In November, willparaic@clareecho.ie be taken on board for to give Minister on that regard”. landed a country music HIQA’s review into urgent show with continued, Today FM which Dr Peters “We andNEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS emergency care in the singer Clodagh Lawlor is still have airsconfidence every Wednesday from in the proMid-West. pinching herself following her cess, 10pm to 12am.

HIQA have taken on the Recommendation of the appearance on the Rose of views Three years was of the staffago, and she people construction of a new modTralee. named as the new female in the surrounding areas el four hospital inthe Cohonour Clare of country artist of the yearinat Clodagh had singing on stage as thethat Laois relation to their feeling and is the dream scenario Rose,review Katelyn Cummins was local general practitioners, we HIQA’s could propose crowned the Rose of Tralee for the county however ongo- in will be hopeful they will take Dome onits Tuesday night. those views on board and ing the delays with publication Speaking following her progress in the manner which haveappearance, been met with criticism.

Clodagh they feel is necessary”.

When asked by The Clare admitted she was still HIQA’s report will be preEcho if the herself HIQA atreview pinching having sented to Minister for Health, could propose a model four is been involved in what hospital be built iniconic Co Clare, regarded as an annual Jennifer Carroll MacNeill momentexecutive in Irish life. officer (FG) before UHL and HSE regional She HSE, told The Clare Echo, staff. with the Sandra Brod“Standing on stage at the Broderick said “It is really erick stated, “We’re not clear Tralee andreview singing important that we get those on Rose when ofthe HIQA the finale song wasI aundermoment beds open next month but is going to report, I’ll never forget. To be part the 96 beds are not a panacea, stand willabebeautiful in September, of it such tradition, they are not going to get rid of I don’t know what surrounded byit is sogoing much to recommend, we celebration, have put every single trolley we have in pride, joy and in awas submission there has a trueand honour.

The Dooradoyle and we have the energy in the been an awful lot ofDome, talk onthe busiest emergency departjoining together, and ment in the country, we admit the voices submission”. the whether sense of connection with the most amount of patients On sites on the everyone feel of any model four hospital in outskirts of there Ennismade such it as magical.

It was one of those Barefield with close proxim- the State so we need to conexperiences where you just tinue with the investment and ity to the motorway network stop and think - this is really werespecial”. feasible options, Dr advocate for the investment,

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

we also need to get parity with other regions in terms of the number of consultants we have per 100,000 of population but we also need the same amount of nurses.”

Meanwhile, of the 2022 Hot Friends Country TV Ennis have invoiced Music Hospital Awards while May 2019 sheafter was in national concern thetheboard of spotlight when its shecapacwas HIQA questioned announced as the winner of ity to conduct future statuthe Late Late The Show’s search tory reviews. group has for aargued countrythat music also thestar. planned opening of the new Bon Secours private hospital will have no effect on urgent and emergency care needs in the region and will instead have the sole focus on the provision of day procedures and diagnostic tests.

Chairperson Angela Coll told The Clare Echo, “The planned HSE surgical hub will take away day procedure cases from UHL anyway and the number of day beds which will be released back to the hospital for use as acute inpatient beds is not sufficient to have any meaningful effect on overcrowding. It is still our view that the region will have a bed shortfall of approximately 900 beds a need which can only be satisfied by the construction of an additional hospital.”

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Shannon will not receive 15 extra Gardaí despite claims of Government TDs

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON will not be getting fifteen extra Gardaí despite previous statements by two of Clare’s Government TDs. Both Junior Minister Timmy Dooley (FF) and Deputy Cathal Crowe (FF) had previously announced that Garda resources in Shannon would be strengthened by the deployment of fifteen extra Gardaí to the town.

They had said the number of Gardaí in Shannon would rise as of September 1st and confirmed that the officers would be deployed directly from the Garda College Templemore upon passing out and they will to join the ranks in Shannon.

However, The Clare Echo has learned that this is not the case. Instead, sixteen new Gardaí will join the merged Clare/Tipperary Garda Divi-

sion, of this figure a total of ten will be based in Tipperary while six new recruits are heading to Ennis.

As part of internal movement within the Division, there will be a net gain of six members to Shannon to bring policing numbers up to what is deemed to be an acceptable level. The movement of officers to Shannon will be from existing resources already in the Division.

Further movement in the Division will see one addition each to roads policing units in Ennis and Templemore.

The latest Garda personnel bulletin indicates that Clare’s side of the house will get a net gain of six officers but this figure drops to four due to two retirements.

Over the last two weeks, 38 people have left An Garda Síochána, 22 of which are retirements and 16 are res-

lGARDAI: Shannon will not receive 15 extra gardai

ignations, the latest bulletin outlined.

When contacted by The Clare Echo to question his original figures, Junior Minister Dooley said he needed to clarify with officials in the Department of Justice before commenting. Last month, he said, “I have consistently prioritised the need for greater Garda resources across Clare,

and I’m delighted to see that commitment now being realised. This announcement is a clear and tangible step forward for community safety in our region”.

Deputy Crowe told The Clare Echo he has received confirmation from “senior Garda management” that Shannon will get eight additional Gardaí from Sep-

Three of the six stolen vehicles from Optimum Autos recovered

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THREE of the six cars stolen from Optimum Autos in Darragh have been recovered as a Garda investigation continues.

In the early hours of Friday morning, six vehicles were reported as stolen from the Darragh based car dealership, Optimum Autos.

The Clare Echo has learned that three of the six vehicles have been recovered. A 2017 navy Mercedes CLA180 was found in Sixmilebridge, a 2014 blue Audi S3 Saloon was retrieved in Herberstown, Co Limerick while a black BMW 1 series was found in Bunratty after it ran out of petrol.

A 2015 black Volkswagen Golf, a 2014 white Volkswagen Golf and a 2018 white Toyota CHR remain missing.

On Friday, a technical examination of the scene was conducted by the Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area to contact them.

In a statement, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána outlined, “Any road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling on the N68 between 1:00am and 5:00am on Friday 22nd August 2025 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí. In addition, Gardaí are requesting members of the public to be vigilant for any vehicle matching those described above, which may be offered for

lSTOLEN: Optimum Autos

sale, or which may be parked up in public carparks, housing estates, etc. Anyone with information is asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Investigations are ongoing”.

Management of Optimum Autos have thanked the public for their assistance in trying to retrieve the

vehicles. A post appealing for information has been shared over 500 times on Facebook. “The power of social media is truly unbelievable because of your support and shares, we’ve made incredible progress”.

A similar incident occurred at a garage in the past two weeks where two high-powered vehicles were stolen in Cahir, Co Tipperary.

tember 9th and he admitted these were not directly from Templemore as previously stated. “There is another Templemore class to attest between now and Christmas, I’ve spoken with senior Garda management and the Minister about getting more to the county in particular I’ve been focused on Shannon Airport, it is a State asset, a lot of An Garda Síochába in Shannon are tied up with policing, anyone who arrives in Shannon on a flight can see that Gardaí are tied up with passport control. For far too many years, it has given a distorted count on how many Garda personnel are based in Shannon”.

When asked if the Clare TDs were losing the battle to their Tipperary counterparts considering Tipperary is receiving 10 of the 16 new Gardaí compared to Clare’s six, Deputy Crowe respond-

ed, “TDs routinely make the case for Garda resources to different towns and villages, in Clare we have all been arguing for a long time”.

He continued, “there has been an imbalance with a lot of resources on Tipp side more than Clare. I’ve been making the point that I think far too many of the senior positions of the rank of Superintendent are based in Tipperary, the fleet available in Tipperary is superior and there is a lot more rank and file members of An Garda Síochána in Tipperary, what we’re seeing is Ennis gaining more than the towns in Tipperary, Ennis is Munster’s largest town, a huge sized town which needs more Gardaí, some of the specialised units in the county are under-staffed so as numbers dwindle their ability to operate has been restricted”.

Bunratty Castle to host Traditional Harvest Day BUNRATTY Castle and Folk Park will host a Traditional Harvest Day Celebration on Sunday September 7.

As part of the days events there will be a Sheaf Throwing competition with two of the sport’s biggest names, Tipperary’s Gary Carey and Donegal native Michael Gallagher, challenging competitors to beat their All-Ireland record throws of over 61 feet.

Rural Irish life and traditions from over a century ago will also be showcased as part this family friendly event, which will feature a display of vintage machinery and tractors, crafts demonstrations, and dancers, musicians and performers from across the Banner County.

A traditional threshing machine will be put to work, giving visitors an insight into how neighbours and friends once gathered during the harvest in the spirit of “meitheal”. Enthusiasts will be on hand to speak about the evolution of the vintage farm machinery on display on the day, including tractors, and stationary engines.

Visitors will also view a range of ploughs, hay rakes and root cutters (pulpers) for turnips and mangels.

The public will be able to witness local craftspeople at work, including Tom Delaney as he carries on the time-honoured tradition of basket making, while Elizabeth O’Connor and Geraldine O’Sullivan will demonstrate the ancient craft of wool spinning using locally sourced wool, a practice first introduced by Neolithic farmers over 6,000 years ago. Bunratty’s Bean an Tí’s will also be on hand

throughout the day to demonstrate the art of bread and butter making, with tasting opportunities for those who pay a visit to the Golden Vale and Loop Head Farmhouses.

There will be entertainment from the Clare Céilí Band and friends, Sean Nós and Irish language singer MacDara Ó Conaola and resident musician Michael Grogan, while resident Seanchaí Mike ‘Mickey Joe’ Glynn will regale tales of bygone days and traditional ways from Corry’s Pub on the Village Street. Traditional Irish dance performances will be provided by the Ball Hoban Academy of Dance.

At the Old Schoolhouse, the school master will be on duty to greet children and adults as they hand over their customary sod of turf for the tiny schoolroom fire.

A range of native Irish and heritage breeds of animals will be located throughout the Folk Park paddocks on the day, including Irish red deer, peacocks, goats, geese, turkeys and Irish wolfhounds Míde and Rian.

Marie Brennan, Events Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, said, “The Folk Park’s grounds, which feature a working farm with many native Irish animal breeds, is the perfect place to celebrate Harvest Day. Our event will give visitors a look into how neighbours and friends used to come together during the harvest season.

Visit https://www.bunrattycastle.ie/ for more on the Traditional Harvest Day. Normal admission rates apply.

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Coast Guard say they have no concerns over atmosphere in Doolin unit

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TENSIONS have eased within Doolin Coast Guard with senior officials insisting they have no concerns on the atmosphere there while the Junior Minister responsible for the Coast Guard has yet to visit the Unit.

Doolin’s Coast Guard unit was stood down in November 2021 following the resignation of six volunteers between October 27th and 29th. The Mulvey report was published in December 2021, this recommended the Doolin unit be reconstituted and this occurred in the first quarter of 2022.

Independent mediator, Kieran Mulvey in his report recommended that members of the Doolin unit be permanently stood down.

He wrote, “regretfully I have formed the conclusion that no form of mediation will lead to a resolution of the matters of disputation in the Unit”.

Regarded as one of the busiest coast guard units

in the country, it covers the coastline along the Cliffs of Moher.

Two of the members had resigned over numerous unresolved issues with management at a national level before a further four members then tendered their resignations.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Director of the Irish Coast Guard, Micheál O’Toole stated, “I’ve been a regular visitor to those units, I was in Kilkee and Doolin less than six weeks ago, I was very enthused by the level of morale, esprit de corps and teamwork that was evident so my perspective I have no concerns”.

O’Toole’s appointment was subsequent to concerns from former Doolin members over the management of the Coast Guard nationally. “As Director of the Coast Guard, we’re very proud of the nearly 1,000 volunteers across the coast, we’ve forty four units, our units here in Co Clare are Kilkee, Doolin and Killaloe are an extremely important part of that, they are

vital units, they are on the board and active responding to incidents, the Doolin unit responded to a particularly nearly tragic incident at the Cliffs of Moher on Thursday morning which thankfully had a positive result, that is indicative and tangible evidence that these units are

performing and doing what the Coast Guard wants in a safe and efficient manner, I want to recognise the contribution of those members from their communities, it is never an easy ask to volunteer in the emergency services, I want to recognise the vital contribution of the

colleagues at Kilkee, Doolin and Killaloe”.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for international and road transport, logistics, rail and ports, Seán Canney (IND) has yet to visit the Doolin unit since his appointment at the beginning

of January. “I have visited some of the coast guards, I will be visiting Doolin hopefully in the autumn and I have visited Kilkee, there is a vital service being provided by these people and maybe sometimes we don’t recognise that. When you have an island nation you have to have these services and people who are doing an awful lot of work behind the scenes which nobody knows about.

I want to compliment everyone involved in search and rescue right across the country, there is a huge amount of volunteers involved which is something, I say thank you to each and every one of them for the work they do”.

He confirmed he had not looked into the past issues at Doolin before becoming Junior Minister. “I have had a look at it and I will be talking to my officials again about that. Progress has been made on all those things, it is important to say that when I visit these places we will have a chat”.

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€5.2m Springfield flood relief scheme ‘makes fear & devastation of flooding a thing of the past’ in Clonlara

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

21 homes in Clonlara will be protected from flooding following the completion of the €5.2 million Springfield flood relief scheme.

A sense of relief was palpable in Clonlara on Tuesday at an official event to celebrate the completion of the scheme which began in August 2021.

While works have been finished for some months, the unveiling of a plaque brought officials from the Office of Public Works, Clare County Council together with elected representatives joined members of the local community to celebrate what they hope will be a brighter and dryer future in the locality.

Flooding in Clonlara has regularly affected residents of Springfield as far back as 1995 with more recent events occurring in 2009, 2016 and 2020 Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran (IND) sanctioned approval of the flood relief scheme during his first term as Minister almost a decade ago while it was unique that he was back in the post to officially open the scheme. The scheme will protect 21 homes in the Springfield area from significant flooding. The scheme was completed in partnership between the OPW and the Council. The scheme was designed by Ayesa with construction work carried

out directly by the Office of Public Works. The scheme consists of the construction of an 850m long flood defence embankment across the floodplain at Cappavilla North and Illaunyregan, a pumping station, culverts with sluice gates, together with land raising at cottage and associated drainage, fencing and storage works He was joined by Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), Clare TDs, Joe Cooney (FG) and Cathal Crowe (FF), Leas Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) and Cllr David Griffin (FF). Director of Physical Development, Alan Farrell, Director of Economic Development, Carmel Kirby, Morgan Lahiffe of the project management office and Suzy Madigan of the Shannon MD were among the senior Council officials in attendance.

Ironically a heavy downpour of rain prompted all attendees to take shelter in a small marquee as the speeches were ongoing.

Junior Minister Moran said he knew “first hand the devastation flooding has caused for this community”.

He acknowledged the people of Springfield had been waiting “a long time”. He described Clare as “a leading local authority when it comes to flooding and flood defences”.

Mayor Murphy admitted he was honoured and privileged to welcome the Junior

Minister to Clonlara. “Today marks a significant milestone for this community, a day of celebration, hope and relief ”. He said access has also been restored to seven homes which had been previously cut off. “You’ve endured trauma of flooding, fought for this scene, showed patience, we hope the fear and devastation caused by flooding will be a thing of the past”.

Director Farrell praised the ongoing collaboration between the Council and OPW as they progressed schemes in Shannon, Kilkee, Bunratty and Kilrush while noting schemes in Ennis costing a total of €60m were also completed. Lahiffe quipped to the Minister, “the marriage between the Council and the OPW is a strong one, if you’re willing to write a cheque we’re willing to spend it”.

Cllr Begley singled out the tireless efforts of Gerardine Quinlivan and her husband Joe to fight for Springfield to be protected from flooding.

He lauded “her perseverance not just with politicians and the local Council but she travelled the country at her own expense to places like Athlone to talk and keep pushing this service, she couldn’t be thanked enough by any of us in Springfield and Clonlara”. He added, “it is great to have the pumps but we hope to never have to use them”.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy; Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran; and Director of Services, Physical Development and Shannon Municipal District, Clare County Council, Alan Farrell Photo by Eamon Ward

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 28 2025

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Clare Tourism Showcases the Banner County at Milwaukee Irish Festival A tourism delegation led by Cathaoirleach of Clare, Cllr Paul Murphy, and Director of Service for Tourism Development, Siobhan McNulty, proudly represented County Clare at the Milwaukee Irish Festival last weekend, promoting the region as a premier international visitor destination.

Held on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee Irish Festival is the largest celebration of Irish culture in the United States, drawing over 130,000 attendees. The Clare delegation engaged with visitors through a vibrant and interactive showcase, featuring a County Clare putting green, a Banner Hurling Wall, and immersive VR experiences provided by GlobalVam, offering realistic imagery of Clare’s breathtaking landscapes.

The team also highlighted Clare’s achievement in securing international GSTC Certification, reinforcing its commitment to

sustainable tourism.

Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason, visited the Clare exhibit to learn about the county’s latest promotional efforts and innovations.

With over 1.2 million American visitors to Ireland in 2023— contributing an estimated €1.7 billion to the economy—Clare’s presence at the festival was both timely and strategic. Irish heritage remains strong in the U.S., with 31.5 million Americans claiming Irish ancestry. In Wisconsin, that figure rises to 10.6%, with some counties exceeding 15%.

This year’s festival saw a notable increase in awareness of County Clare, thanks in part to the convenient Chicago-Shannon direct flight, making the Banner County more accessible than ever to U.S. travelers.

(L-R) Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism, Clare County Council; Sharon Malone, Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager, Clare Tourism Development DAC; Siobhan King, Projects Officer, Fáilte Ireland; Colleen Kennedy and Lori Dahm, Milwaukee Irish Fest Founder and Destinations Co-ordinator; Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy; Siobhan Mc Nulty, Director of Service, Tourism Development, Clare County Council; Councillor Mary Howard, Chair Twinning Committee; Dermot Hogan, Sales and Marketing Manager, Inn at Dromoland; Sean Lally, Chair of Clare Tourism Advisory Forum and Proprietor Hotel Woodstock; Donnacha Lynch, Head of Commercial Services, Clare Tourism Development DAC and Nicola Killeen, Visit Clare team, Tourism Department, Clare County Council.

Presentation from Clare to Irish Ambassador to the US, Geraldine Byrne Nason and Consul General of Ireland in Chicago, Brian Cahalane

Clare based tour operator, Paul Ward G&W Irish Tours showcasing Bunratty Meade

Clare delegation meet Irish Ambassador to the US, Consul General and Vice Consul of Ireland in Chicago at the Visit Clare Golf Section

Wesley Anderson winner of the bespoke Michael Cusack Centre Clare Jersey presented by Sean Lally, Chair of Clare Tourism Advisory Forum

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Cathaoirleach of Clare at the Banner Hurling wall with Michael Maloney, Donal Cooney and Michael Mc Mahon

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U.S. based Jamie Geske ‘putting’ Clare on the map at the Clare based Golf Putting green located in the Irish Fest activities section

Donnacha Lynch and Sean Lally and Milwaukee Hurling Club put their hurling skills to the test

Director of Services for Tourism Development presenting an Cathaoirleach of Clare, Cllr Paul Murphy raises the Banner at EcoTree Cashmere prize to Clare putting green Golf Winner, Milwaukee Irish Fest 2025 Alison Bauer

Cllr Mary Howard showcasing banner hurling skills with Milwaukee Hurling Club members

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Rail link for Shannon Airport ‘can be done’ says Junior Minister

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A RAIL SPUR for Shannon Airport “can be done and it is a matter of getting it done,” the Junior Minister in the Department of Transport has said.

Time is ticking for the €165bn National Development Plan (NDP) which runs from 2021 to 2030 and includes references to the provision of a rail spur to Shannon Airport.

Last July, the rail spur received a further boost when the All-island strategic rail review was approved by the Government with a €30bn rail investment strategy detailed for the next two decades.

At the end of June, the Shannon Airport Group submitted a proposal to the Government’s review of the NDP urging decisive action to address critical infrastructure deficits in the Southern Region. Their proposal urged for the Shannon Airport rail link to be prioritised which they called a transformative project that would enhance regional accessibility for over 10,000 daily commuters. “Its inclusion in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review high-

lRAIL LINK: Junior Minister Seán Canney in Shannon Airport Photo by: Liam Burke

lights its importance for sustainability, decarbonisation, and economic growth. The Group is calling for funding to accelerate the planning, design and construction of the project”.

Shannon Airport will enter a new direction with the forthcoming departure of Mary Considine who has served as CEO of the Shannon Airport Group since October 2019. Her move to Iarnród Éireann where she will succeed Jim Meade as CEO is another source of optimism for progressing the long-held vision of a rail link to the Airport.

Jim Meade has said the rail spur to Shannon would cost

of hundreds of millions of euros. A report published in October 2003 by the Shannon Railway Company detailed that a €60m commuter rail link between Shannon, Limerick and Ennis was “a viable commercial entity” through a public-private partnership. The now liquidated Beaux Walk Properties said it was prepared to invest €16m in the project.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for International and road transport, logistics, rail and ports, Seán Canney (IND) detailed that providing connectivity via rail to airports around Ire-

land offers a counter-balance to Dublin Airport’s dominance of aviation traffic.

“From my own point of view, I’m responsible for the all-island rail review, it is important to look at how we can get connectivity to the airports onto the rail network, how we can open up that, I also believe we need to encourage more airlines to look at what is happening here, how easy it is, there’s plenty of space, it is very relaxed and it is a scenic part of the country”.

When asked if it was feasible or realistic that the Government would invest hundreds of millions in the rail link, the Junior Minister stated, “Nothing is impossible, I do believe if we are to create a vibrant public transport system we need to be able to link our airports to the public transport system, we’re looking at metro link in Dublin, a luas in Cork and it is important we look at the airport here and also Knock has the potential of connecting to the railway, it doesn’t have to be huge, we see the connection from Limerick to Foynes Port by rail is almost complete and will be open next year, it is all there to be done and it is a matter of getting it done”.

Great sadness at sudden death of Joe Vaughan in Moy house fire

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HONORARY life president of Moy GAA, Joe Vaughan has died in a fatal house fire in Moy. The Clare Echo understands that An Garda Síochána are still trying to establish what caused the fire which claimed Joe’s life at his residence in Moy in the early hours of Wednesday morning (August 27th).

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the fatal house fire in Moymore where Joe was pronounced dead at the scene.

Members of the Clare County Fire Service extinguished the fire and the scene is currently preserved pending a technical examination. The local coroner has been notified and a post-mortem examination is to be arranged.

A stalwart of Moy GAA, Joe won a Junior Championship with the club in 1986, a title that would be Moy’s last until the Division 7 League win in 2012.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Moy GAA said there was “great sadness” at Joe’s untimely passing. “He was a familiar face at every game and

many training sessions, living and breathing Moy GAA every day. Ahead of our recent League Final victory, Joe rallied the players and management at the final training session, reminding everyone of the immense privilege it is to represent Moy. His passion, wisdom, and unwavering support inspired all who knew him.

“Joe will be deeply missed by his family, especially his brother Michael, his two sisters Mary Browne and Anne Roche, and his nephew Alan, our club Chairman, as well as by the entire Moy GAA community”.

lHOUSE FIRE: Joe Vaughan

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 28, 2025

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Contributors

11

September blooms bringing fresh colour and autumn pots to brighten your garden AUGUST has come to an end but the flowers are far from coming to the end.

We have lots of colour available to top up your pots and window boxes.

Once you feed and dead head the summer flowers they will continue to bloom until temperatures drop so they can bring you right into October.

Perennial are great once their flower is gone you may find another flush of growth ready to pop up.

It’s a great time to collect seeds from the perennial and have them for next year.

Winter cabbage has start-

ing to arrive and Skimmia Japonica with the red berry make a lovely addition to the pots, the Dianthus 6 pack also known as Sweet William gives lovely colour over the autumn period.

The ivy and the siler selection of plants can give love texture and colour to all planters. I highly recommend adding a fresh planter to the collection will help cheer anybody up this time of year.

The Bulbs will be arriving over the next few weeks so if you have wanted to add to the spring bulb collection, we will have an array from snowdrops to tulips and lots

more mix of daffodils coming in soon.

The past week we have had a lot of customers who are adding plots to parts of the garden and want low maintenance plants or as little as work as possible.

Hebes has a range in size and colour and are evergreen that would be suitable.

Lavender is another low maitenance choice. It is scented and has flowers, it does require some maintaining.

The euonymus is another group of plant that are low maintence and can be kept shaped and low in size Grow cover plant like cam-

panula are long flowering and evergreen with a few colours to choose from. White and purple is most popular along with lilac.

The Aduja repens is very nice grow cover that comes in variety of colour; a burgundy colour leaf and has blue or pink flower and also comes in a variegated leaf too.

These are just a few ideas and you can always add some perennials to add pops of colour throughout the beds.

Autumn may be coming into full swing this September so why not gift yourself a lovely Autumnal pot this week.

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Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Shannon

Launch of new Shannon service is ‘next generation of Coast Guard aviation’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A NEW aviation service for the Irish Coast Guard has been launched at Shannon Airport.

In what has been hailed as “a significant milestone” for the Irish Coast Guard, a new aviation service acting as a landmark enhancement to national search and rescue (SAR) and maritime environmental monitoring capabilities has been launched in Shannon.

Bristow Ireland in 2023 was announced as the preferred bidder for the ten-year contract to provide the new Search and Rescue (SAR) Aviation Contract for the Department of Transport and Irish Coast Guard.

The contract is worth €800m.

Two years on, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, Seán Canney (IND) was in Shannon to officially launch the service. It includes six purpose-built AW189 helicopters based at Waterford, Sligo, Dublin and Shannon. For the first time, the Coast Guard will also deploy a 24-hour fixed wing service, provided by two Beechcraft B200 King Air aircraft, also based at Shannon. This fleet will work as an integrated aviation service.

Bristow Ireland commenced SAR helicopter operations from Shan-

COAST GUARD: Kevin Whitney, Micheál O’Toole, Director of the Irish Coast Guard, Minister Sean Canney, Joanna Cullen, Assistant Secretary General Department of Transport, Liam Keogh, Gerard O’Flynn

non in December 2024 utilising newly built AW189 helicopters, followed by the introduction of the 24/7 fixed wing service in May of this year. The process of them taking over had been delayed by a month. Over 200 missions have been completed over the last nine months.

According to officials within the Coast Guard the addition of the fixed-wing element brings with it “a new component and brings in a new workforce to support that, it has resulted in a growing level of very specific, professional and ded-

icated skilled individuals which is quite common in this region from an aviation perspective being based here in Shannon, it is a positive news story”.

Last month, the Dublin-based service commenced operations from Weston Airport which signified the end of 27 years of Coast Guard helicopter services operating out of Dublin Airport. The other two bases in Waterford and Sligo will transition over the coming months.

Speaking in Shannon, Junior Minister Canney stated, “This is a

Sharlene Mawdsley announced as new Shannon Airport ambassador

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

EUROPEAN medallist and Irish Olympian, Sharlene Mawdsley has been announced as a Shannon Airport Ambassador, a role she will have for the next three years.

Shannon Airport confirmed the new partnership with Sharlene on Tuesday morning.

The Tipperary woman took European Gold and Silver in the 4 x 400m mixed and women’s relay teams last year.

Commercial Director of the Shannon Airport Group, Vanessa McTigue stated, “Sharlene is a wonderful ambassa-

dor for our region and we’re proud to officially name her as an Ambassador of Shannon Airport today. Her energy, ambition and community spirit reflects so much of what Shannon Airport stands for, as well as speed, connection and recognition on the global stage. We’re delighted to have her represent us for the next three years, during what promises to be an exhilarating lead up to the 2028 Olympics”.

According to Sharlene, “Shannon Airport has always been part of my journey.

From some of my earliest competitions to now travelling regularly between London and my home in Newport, Co. Tipperary it has always made it so easy for me to get to where I’m going! For me to be an Ambassador of Shannon Airport is incredibly special. Whether it’s on the track or the runway, it’s all about teamwork, being ambitious, and doing our best for the region”. AMBASSADOR: Sharlene Mawdsley

pivotal moment for Ireland’s maritime safety and environmental stewardship. The Coast Guard is one of the four principal emergency services, and this expanded helicopter fleet, and the introduction of 24/7 fixed-wing operations means the organisation is better equipped than ever to deliver enhanced inland, coastal and offshore search and rescue services in addition to provision of 24/7 aeromedical support to HSE and our offshore island communities”.

He added, “For the first time, the Coast Guard has a dedicated fixed wing aircraft which will enable it meet international obligations in proactive maritime environmental monitoring and pollution investigation, thus enhancing our overall awareness of any threats to our maritime environment, covering an area of 132,000 square miles”.

“This is an investment not an expense, in an island nation we need to invest,” he outlined. He noted that the service has not been interrupted during the change of contract for CHS to Bristow.

CEO of Bristow Ireland, Philip Bartlett described it as “a very significant day” for a fixed wing element to be added to the Coast Guard’s service. He said their staff count has reached 189 and the added that the move from Dublin Airport to Weston was “a new change”.

Director of the Irish Coast Guard, Micheál O’Toole told The Clare Echo, “It is another significant milestone for the Coast Guard in terms of its aviation services, we’re marking what is the next generation of Coast Guard aviation and future proofing the Coast Guard as a service and an emergency service for the next ten years and ensuring we are there and able to respond to not alone the challenges we face but the challenges into the future, it is a fantastic day for the Coast Guard in Co Clare”.

He continued, “What is important about this new contract, we’ve worked extremely well with CHS Ireland up to this point, we now have a new contract with Bristow Ireland, what is new is a fleet of six new helicopters, complimented by two fixed-wing aircraft, one which will be serviceable at all times, the fixed wing is a seachange for the Coast Guard, it provides an enhanced ability to search, to communicate with the other assets in the Coast Guard search environment and certainly provides additional support in terms of maritime to main awareness and maritime pollution response. The domain we operate is nearly ten times the size of Ireland so the fixed wing asset will be a great support in ensuring we are active in that space”.

Shannon residents start petition for new dog park A COMMUNITY petition has been launched calling for a dedicated dog park in Shannon, highlighting growing local support for a safe and welcoming space for pets and their owners.

Residents have emphasised the benefits such a facility would bring, including: A secure area for dogs to exercise off-lead, supporting animal welfare Opportunities for residents to connect and engage through shared activity Encouraging outdoor exercise and promoting physical and mental wellbeing Enhancing the town’s green spaces while fostering community pride Creating a facility that could attract visitors and support local tourism Shane Doody, local Sinn Féin area

representative, said: “This petition reflects the strong community support for a dog park in Shannon. It’s more than just a space for pets, it’s a place where residents can meet, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors together.

“This is something the late Mike McKee advocated for, and when Donna McGettigan TD was a councillor, she put forward a motion in support of it.

“Facilities like this strengthen our community and improve quality of life for everyone. We look forward to working with Clare County Council to make this a reality for Shannon.”

The petition is open for residents to sign online at www.petitions.com.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 28, 2025

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North Clare

Hollywoods Steve Carrell helps steer the way to Inis Oírr

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HOLLYWOOD great Steve Carrell swapped the office for the sea when he was in Co Clare on Monday during his Irish holiday.

Actor and comedian Carrell who turned sixty three in the past fortnight set sail from Doolin as he visited the Aran Islands this week.

Life Magazine once named Steve as “America’s funniest man” while he earned a 2010 Primetime Emmy nomination and 2006 Golden Globe honours for his portrayal as Michael Scott in the US version of The Office which he also worked as a producer, executive producer, writer and director of, it is regarded as one of the greatest television shows of al time.

A Golden Globe winner, an eleven-time Emmy Award nominee and an Academy Award nominee for Best Actor in 2014,

 HOLLYWOOD: Steve Carerell on Doolin Ferries

Carrell added to his list of achievements this week when sailing from North Clare.

While travelling to Inis Oírr, Steve was on board with Doolin Ferry and joined Connor O’Brien, son of Doolin Ferry owner Liam in the wheelhouse to assist with steering the passengers

to the Aran Islands as a new anchorman took helm of the thriving North Clare business.

“Hollywood royalty joined us on board,” a spokesperson for Doolin Ferry outlined as they remarked Steve is “the latest in a long line of celebrities to sail with us”.

RNLI charity cruise returns to Doolin

by Páraic McMahon a glass of bubbly paraic@clareecho.ie

DOOLIN FERRY will be running its autumn charity cruise for the RNLI next week.

Departing Doolin Pier on Friday August 29th, the evening will be spent visiting the Aran Islands and sailing beneath the world-famous Cliffs of Moher – all in aid of the RNLI. Departing from Doolin Pier at 17:15, guests will be welcomed on board with

before setting out towards Inis Oírr.

A spokesperson for Doolin Ferry told The Clare Echo, “This annual event is more than just a scenic cruise it’s an opportunity to support the RNLI, whose volunteers dedicate their time to saving lives at sea along the Clare coast and beyond. All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the charity, ensuring lifeboats and crews remain ready

 RNLI: Charity Cruise

to launch whenever they’re needed”.

Tickets can be

booked at www. doolinferry.com

13

The Kilkennys to launch 80th of St Patrick’s Hall THE KILKENNYS are set to kick off celebrations in Corofin to mark the anniversary of St Patrick’s Hall.

On Friday, September 19, The Kilkennys, pictured, will perform at Corofin Hall to begin a week of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of St Patrick’s Hall and the 10th anniversary of its reopening following 2015 redevelopments.

The Kilkennys are a traditional Irish folk and ballad band, noted for their dynamic arrangements, energetic performances, and charismatic rapport with audiences across the globe.

Seeking to reintroduce Irish folk and

ballads to a young audience while capturing the hearts of more seasoned traditional music lovers, Davey Cashin, Tommy Mackey, and Mick Martin embark on their new show featuring new material set to be released later this year.

The band was established by three schoolmates who toured Ireland in 1998. In 2008, they decided to name

themselves ‘The Kilkennys’ after their beloved home.

After releasing their live album and DVD ‘Meet The Kilkennys’, Radio and TV appearances soon followed, including RTÉ’s Late Late Show. Their mu c h - a c c l a i m e d studio album ‘The Colour Of Freedom’ features a mix of original material and well- known ballads like ‘Rocky Road to Dublin’ and

‘South Australia’.

In 2023, St Patrick’s Hall installed a retractable tiered-seating unit and now offers the best concert experience in Clare outside of Ennis. The forthcoming event is Corofin’s second major concert this year, with Seán Keane having sold out in February.

The organisers are delighted to welcome the band to Clare as part of their Irish tour.

With limited seating available at Corofin Hall, patrons are advised to book early.

Booking can be made on Eventbrite. ie or by contacting Corofin Community Hall and Field on Facebook.

Lahinch donor wins three medals in The World Transplant Games Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

A LAHINCH organ donor won three medals in a week-long competition aiming to promote and encourage organ donation.

Marie O’Connor from Lahinch, Co. Clare, won Gold in darts, Silver in golf, and Bronze in Petanque during the recent World Transplant Games.

The World Transplant Games is the sporting pinnacle of the world transplant community, with over 2,000 athletes competing in over 17 sports. All the athletes have been transplanted, including those with liver, double-lung, kidney, and bone marrow transplants.

Catering to both high-performance and social ath-

letes, this year’s games took place in Dresden, Germany, from August 16-24. Transplant Sport Ireland had 28 athletes take part from Carlow, Clare, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Tipperary, and Westmeath. The Irish team won 28 medals: 11 Gold, 12 Silver, and 5 Bronze.

O’Connor said, “I love meeting with the friends I have made all over the world and, of course, spending time with my second family in Transplant Sport Ireland.”

At the Opening Ceremony of the World Games, Carlow athlete Tony Gartland was honoured with a World Transplant Games Federation Hall of Fame

for having participated in 12 games. Given that these happen every two years, that represents 24 years of transplant sport. A talented runner, Gartland was the first person in Ireland to undergo a Liver transplant in 1993.

These Games are a celebration of a second chance at life, demonstrating the success of transplant surgery and promoting the need to raise public awareness of organ and tissue donation. Team Manager Harry Ward said, “Each and every athlete competing gave it their all. Whilst it’s not all about the medals for us, we are still delighted with our 28 medals. Transplant sport is a real celebration of life through sport.”

14

Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

East Clare

One man injured & another arrested following Quin stabbing

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A MAN in his thirties has been hospitalised following a stabbing in Quin.

In what is the second stabbing to occur in Co Clare within the space of five days, a man has been hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries following an assault in Quin on Thursday evening.

The Clare Echo understands the incident involving two Irish nationals occurred shortly before 8pm on Thursday evening in the new housing estate, Radharc an tSruthain in the village of Quin.

One man in his thirties was brought to hospital for treatment of injuries which were not believed to be life-threatening.

Another male in

Popular Killaloe cafe and pizzeria RAW to close its doors

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A POPULAR café and pizzeria in Killaloe is to close its doors resulting in 22 job losses in East Clare.

RAW Café and Pizzeria announced on Tuesday that they will be shutting their doors this Sunday (August 31st).

In a statement, management reflected on “an incredible journey” and

said, “We want to take this moment to thank every single customer who has supported us over the years, your loyalty, friendship, and encouragement have meant the world” While the café and pizzeria element of the business will be coming to an end, the online interior shop will continue.

RAW first opened in 2019 and has become

a busy spot on Church Street in Killaloe.

According to staff, the decision to close was a personal choice of the company’s owner and came as a surprise to them when they were informed on Tuesday.

In total, 22 people were employed at RAW, they will be let go as a result of the decision to close the café and pizzeria.

l Clare Student UL Conferring

l STABBING: Quin

his forties was arrested at the scene and detained at a Garda station in Clare under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. He has

since been charged and appeared before Nenagh District Court on Friday morning, “As this matter has now appeared before

the court, An Garda Síochána is not in a position to comment further at this time,” a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told The Clare Echo.

Clíona McNamara from Scariff, Co. Clare, pictured at her graduation from University of Limerick on Tuesday, 26 August. Clíona, who was conferred with a Bachelor of Arts in International Business degree from UL’s Kemmy Business School, is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Rev. John M. Conlisk Scholarship

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 28, 2025

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Ennis

Thriveabetes marks 10 years with free event THRIVEABETES marks it’s ten yeaR anniversary witha free event open to people li ving with Type 1 Diabetes as well as parents, carers, and supporters.

Thriveabetes, founded by two Clare women living with type 1 diabetes, Gráinne Flynn (Ennis) and Christine Meehan (Quin), together with the Clare Type 1 Diabetes Support Group, will host a half-day Mini Thriveabetes “Mind Matters with type 1 diabetes” conference in Ennis on Saturday, September 27.

Marking the tenth

THRIVEABETES: Gráinne Flynn and Christine Meehan

anniversary of their very first event, this conference will focus on the psychological well-being and resilience of people living with type 1 diabetes.

The event is free to attend, but places are limited, and pre-registration is required.

Keynote speaker Dr. Mark Davies, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Belfast City Hospital, will share practical strategies for coping with stress, avoiding burnout, and staying motivated.

Other speakers on the day include na-

tional rowing champion Aoife Willis (Limerick), international advocate Jean Langford (Limerick) diagnosed age 11, Ashling O’Kelly (Limerick) diagnosed age 42, Cameron Keighron (Galway) diagnosed age 16, psychotherapist Paula Short (Galway), who’s son was diagnosed at age 7 in 2013, and Tim Gilmore, diagnosed at age 8.

For more information, contact info@ Thriveabetes.ie or go to www. Thriveabetes.ie/mini-thriveabetes.ie.

New president for Ennis Lions

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

MARIA Hanley Molloy has recently been appointed the new president of Ennis Lions Club (ELC) during the groups annual social event.

This will be Maria’s second time as Club President, the membership look forward to her previous experience shaping the year ahead.

Four ELC members were also presented with the Melvin Jones Fellowship award by District Governor and club member James O’Loughlin on the night.

The Melvin Jones Fellowship is the highest humanitarian award given by the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) to honour exemplary service and a commitment to humanitarian ideals, named for the organisation’s founder, Melvin Jones.

The award was presented to Michael Brennan, Michael Sheedy, Susan Ward and Marie O’Neill.

ELC welcomed three new volunteers; Oleskii Subbotin, Andrew Jonathon and Neil Ryan at the social event who will formally join the club in September.

ELC will kick off their year with preparations for the 4th Annual Radio Auction in partnership with Clare FM. The online auction will go live on October 6 and will run until October 17. The event will be in support of St. Clare’s School in Ennis, a school for children with special needs and their initiative to build a playground specific to the needs of the students.

15

NOTES Ennis Active Retirement

Ennis Active Retirement will resume on Tuesday September 2 at 11am in Scout Hall.

Alzheimer’s memory walk

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

CLARE will host an Alzheimer’s Memory Walk in honour of World Alzheimer’s Day. This event is part of the nationwide Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported

by Aviva.

The Clare event, taking place on Sunday September 21 will be held at Lee’s Road in Ennis. There will be a 1.5km accessible route and 3.5km route making the walk suitable for everyone.

Local Champions Linda Murphy and Melissa Kenny will lead the Clare Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, inviting the community to gather at Lee’s Road in Ennis before 11am, when the walk will commence.

“People around the world will come together in support of those living with dementia and their loved ones and here in Ennis we will walk together.” said Linda and Melissa.

Register at www. memorywalk.ie

Plans for Ennis’ largest housing scheme meet stumbling block

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council has requested further information from Glenveagh Homes Limited on its proposal for 300 houses in Ballymacaula, Drumbiggle, Keelty and Circular Road. The scheme includes 31 four-beds, 164 three-beds, 92 two-beds, 14 one-beds and a creche for 80 children In August 2022, Glenveagh sought permission for a €65m 289-unit scheme under the Strategic Housing

Development process. An Bord Pleanála approved it in April 2023 despite local authority opposition. Kilfenora engineer Michael Duffy challenged the decision in the High Court, citing failure to consider the Ennis Local Area Plan.

The Council has now sought further details on nine areas, with four weeks for response. The planning authority is “accepting of the general principle” but recommended more semi-detached/ detached units, better open

space, and facilities for older children. Noise mitigation along the N85, protection of bat habitats, wastewater management, road design, rock breaking, and pest control were also flagged.

Residents of Ballymacaula View objected to proposed access points and loss of privacy. Others raised concerns over overdevelopment, water supply, noise, traffic, and environmental impacts. Duffy submitted a 35-page objection describing the scheme as “incomplete and premature.”

16

Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Gort & South Galway

Galway delegation strengthens ties with twinning town Washington County

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A GALWAY County Council delegation has met with local government officials in Washington County, Wisconsin, as part of a 22-year-old twinning relationship between the two counties.

Located north of Milwaukee, Washington County has a population of about 140,000 and has been twinned with Galway since 2003. The meeting in West Bend was part of a wider programme of tourism, cultural and economic development engagements in the United States, led by Leas-Chathaoirleach Cllr Mary Hoade (FF) and Chief Executive Liam Conneally.

Cllr Michael Regan (FF), Cllr Michael ‘Moegie’ Maher (FG) and Director of Infrastructure Development Uinsinn Finn were also part of

the group.

Jeffrey D. Schleif, Chairperson of the Washington County Board, received a presentation from the delegation.

“Our twinning with Washington County has opened doors for Galway in so many ways,” said Cllr Hoade. “It strengthens tourism links, creates opportunities for economic development, and allows us to share ideas on public policy and community infrastructure. Most importantly, it deepens the cultural connection between our counties, fostering friendships and mutual understanding that benefit both communities well into the future”.

Mr Conneally thanked the board for their hospitality and constructive exchange of ideas. “The meeting offered valuable insights into local democracy in action and

lTWIN TOWN: Pictured at a meeting between the Washington County Board and a Galway County Council delegation marking the 22-year twinning of the two counties are (from left) Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council; Jeffrey D. Schleif, Chairperson of the Washington County Board; and Leas-Chathaoirleach Cllr Mary Hoade

comparisons with local authority functions in Ireland,” he said. “Key topics included

‘Situated,’ by Darryl Vance at KAVA

posals for housing, and the future use of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Galway County Council expands fleet with three new tipper trucks

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

KINVARA Area Visual Artists (KAVA) welcomes an exhibition of work by KAVA and Visual Arts Ireland member Darryl Vance.

The exhibition entitled ‘Situated’ continues Vance’s exploration of the transformative qualities of paint. Developing his process over the past eight years, Vance has arrived at works of increasingly complexity, bold colour and uneasy coherence.

Vance’s style, self described as a “funky type of geometry” juxtaposes classic modernism of Mondrian, Paul Klee and Frank Lloyd Wright with vibrant geometric patterns.

The exhibition will take place in The Court-

the recent state of emergency after record-breaking rainfall and flooding, rezoning pro-

campus”.

As part of their trip, the delegation also visited Illinois and Wisconsin meeting government, tourism, cultural and business leaders.

The centrepiece of the trip is Galway’s participation in Milwaukee Irish Fest, billed as the world’s largest Irish cultural event, which attracts more than 120,000 visitors annually. The council delegation, involved for more than three decades, promoted Galway as a visitor destination and will attended the Chicago Irish Fest from August 22 to 24.

In Chicago, the programme included a City Hall briefing on the Green Social Housing strategy, meetings with business networks, tours of urban renewal projects, and an event hosted by the Irish American Heritage Center.

house in Kinvara opening on Friday August 29 with a public reception from 7pm to 9pm. The exhibition will open with remarks by artist and musician Cath Tay-

lor and music by singer songwriter Mick Brown.

The work will be available to view daily from 11am to 5pm through to Sunday September 7.

GALWAY County Council has expanded its vehicle fleet to support road maintenance across its five Municipal Districts and to boost its capacity to treat the county’s national secondary and regional roads during the winter months.

Three new 26-tonne Renault tipper trucks at a total cost of €600,000 have been added to the Council’s fleet. Supplied by Dublin-based Setanta Vehicle Sales North Ltd., the vehicles will assist Municipal District Offices in delivering the annual roads programme.

In addition, funding of just over €500,000 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has enabled the purchase of two permanently mounted salt spreaders with brine-spreading capability. These vehicles form a key part of the Galway County Council’s Winter Service fleet, helping to keep strategic routes open during severe cold weather.

Last winter, more than 1,300

lTIPPER TRUCKS: Declan Thornton, Driver; Liam Conneally, Chief Executive; Noel Divilly, Machinery Yard Supervisor; and Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services, Galway County Council, pictured with the five new trucks

kilometres of the Galway road network were treated, with over 8,000 tonnes of salt spread as part of winter operations.

Cllr David Collins (FG), Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council maintained that the investment will have a direct impact on safety and service delivery. “This investment in modern,

high-capacity vehicles means our outdoor crews are better equipped than ever to maintain roads, respond quickly to weather events, and keep people moving safely. It is a very tangible improvement in the way we serve communities across County Galway”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 28, 2025

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Regional News

17

Losing weight gaining confidence Tanith O’Brien leads the way with 6 stone transformation IN LATE August of 2024, Tanith O’ Brien stepped inside the doors of her local Slimming World group in the hope café in Shannon for the first time, feeling miserable and ashamed of how she looked and felt but determined to change.

“I was so nervous that first night.

I had actually been in the car park twice before but this time I was determined to get in through the doors and I needn’t have worried because what found was a friendly, non-judgmental group of like-minded people who were so supportive, willing to share their tips and advice” said Tanith.

Tanith is a busy full time carer to her two beautiful daughters and her weight had spiralled out of control.

She was so busy looking after everyone she was putting herself last every time.

Her mobility was becoming an issue, she was taking blood pressure medication and was pre-diabetic “I knew that I needed more than a diet, I needed a lifestyle change and that is exactly what Slimming World offered. The flexible eating plan is so easy to follow, I can still enjoy lots of my favourite meals like curries, pasta bake, stir fry, roast dinners and of course a full Irish breakfast! I have found a love for

lTRANSFORMATION: Tanith O’Brien

cooking again and the numerous recipes available on the app and in the magazine make it so easy to add variety to your menu” Tanith finds the weekly groups are a huge support and that it has played a part in helping her lose over 6 stone.

“The encouragement, guidance and advice both from my consultant and the other members is invaluable. I have been on two holidays and gone to two weddings while being a Slimming World member.

You absolutely can achieve success while still living your life. Thanks to Slimming World’s exercise programme called Body Magic I have also started running, something I never thought possible 12 months ago, I won’t say I love it yet, but I miss it on the days I don’t do it. I no longer take medication for my blood pressure and my blood sugars have returned to a healthy level.

I am thrilled with the results” Tanith has now trained to be a Slimming World Consultant; she wants to help other people by sharing her personal experiences and creating a warm and friendly environment at The Lady Gregory Hotel in Gort every Wednesday from the September 24 at 5.30 and 7pm Be sure to contact her on 087 259 6448 for more information.

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Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Green Clare

Mountshannon deemed ‘clean’ while Lahinch and Doolin fall short in Coast Litter Survey THE ANNUAL survey of coasts and inland waterways by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) shows Mountshannon attaining ‘clean’ status, but Lahinch and Doolin falling short, both deemed ‘moderately littered’.

33 beaches, harbours, rivers and their immediate environs were monitored by An Taisce on behalf of IBAL in June and July. 17 were deemed ‘clean’, a 50% rise on the previous survey Mount Shannon among them, while the number of areas branded ’littered’ fell from 11 to just 3.

The An Taisce report for Mountshannon (River Shannon) stated: “There was a virtual absence of litter at Mountshannon, just some occasional food related items and cigarette butts. Dog Fouling signage asks the public to ‘Be Responsible, Pick it Up’, with the provision of a Mutt Mitt directly beneath. However, there didn’t appear to be any bins for same. Some un-

lLITTER SURVEY: Doolin Pier

used dog fouling bags were scattered on the ground and floating on the water. Litter bins, signage, seating were in good order - the overall impression created at Mountshannon was a very positive one - fitting for a Blue Flag environment.”

Doolin and Lahinch were two of thirteen areas deemed as moderatley littered.

The An Taisce report for Lahinch stated: “The overall impression created at this popular seaside location was moderately littered. There were traces of cigarette butts, fast food wrappers, utensils (both wooden and plastic) in the car park and promenade, with the rock armour harbouring coffee cups, plastic bottles and other food related items, along with fishing rope fragments. Dedicated pizza box bin, located directly beside regular street bin.

Dog fouling signage reminds the public that ‘All bags are Litter, even compostable bags / Pick Up after your Dog, Don’t Spread Disease,

Place your Dog Waste in this Bin’. While there was good dog fouling signage, there didn’t appear to be the same emphasis on litter awareness, not much apart from ‘Greener Clare’ & ‘Love this Place, Leave no Trace’ on the Big Belly bins.”

The An Taisce report for Doolin stated: “The ‘Welcome to Doolin Beach’ signage detailing the Bye-Laws / map / QR codes was freshly presented, creating a positive first impression for any visitors.

The Dog Fouling / Dogs on a Lead notices were slightly older, somewhat faded.

The overall impression with regards to litter was quite a good one, but there were too many food and cigarette related items within the car park - food related items included lollipop sticks, fastfood wrappers, coffee cups and plastic bottles - a more thorough approach to the cleaning of same could easily address this. Fishing related items at the tide line included ropes, crates, large plastic

liquid container / drum and a pallet.”

Cigarette butts, sweet papers, fast food wrappers were the most commonly found litter items. The first coastal survey conducted since the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme showed a 30% drop in the prevalence of plastic bottles and cans.

Vapes were less prevalent than in previous studies, but there was no fall in coffee cup litter, which was found in 42% of the sites surveyed.

“The coffee cup levy seems to have died with the last Government, but these find-

ings show that the case for it has not died,” commented Conor Horgan. “Coffee cups have become a permanent addition to the suite of litter items regularly found on our beaches. It’s not just their visual impact - many contain plastic, which threatens sea life and in turn our very survival. ‘Coffee cup-free’ coastal areas, along the lines of the Killarney model, would be very welcome.” In 2022, Killarney became the first town in Ireland to phase out single-use coffee cups.

According to National Geographic, about eight

million tons of plastic waste escape into the oceans from coastal nations annually - the equivalent of five full rubbish bags for every foot of coastline in the world. Over 2,000 species of wildlife, some endangered, are affected by plastics.

Next month’s Big Beach Clean Up is an annual call to action organised by An Taisce’s Clean Coasts, which is expected to attract over 600 groups and 15,000 volunteers nationwide to our beaches over a single weekend, from 19 – 21 September.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 28, 2025

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

19

The Shannon Airport Group shortlisted for national sustainability award THE SHANNON Airport Group has been shortlisted in the ‘Environment & Biodiversity’ category of the national Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards, recognising its leadership in sustainability and groundbreaking work in biodiversity and conservation.

The Group’s Biodiversity Enhancement and Conservation Grazing Project at Thady’s Hill is among the finalists in this category.

This initiative, launched ahead of National Biodiversity Week 2025, is one of a number of projects the Group has brought forward under its five-year Biodiversity Action Plan, and is Ireland’s first conserva-

tion grazing project on airport-owned land.

Located on a 10-acre site near Shannon Airport, Thady’s Hill is home to endangered habitats that support a wide variety of native grass and flower species, including Bee and Pyramidal Orchids. In early 2024, the site underwent scrub clearance, followed by the introduction of Droimeann cattle - a native rare breed ideal for low-impact conservation grazing. The project is led by the Group’s Biodiversity Team and supported by local farmer John Quinlivan, botanist Phoebe O’Brien, and Meg Brennan of Polliknow, who use advanced AI powered ground sensors that monitor wild insect pollina-

lBIODIVERSITY INOVATION: John Quinlivan, Phoebe O’Brien, and Meg Brennan at the 10 acre site near Shannon airport

tors - a key indicator of ecosystem health.

Sinéad Murphy, Head of Sustainability at The Shannon Airport Group, commented: “We are honoured to be shortlisted in the Environment & Biodiversity category of the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and partners, and the strength of our sustainability strategy.

We’re proud of the Thady’s Hill project, which showcases our innovative approach to biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management. It’s a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration, and we look forward

to building on its success as part of our 2023–2027 Biodiversity Action Plan.”

The Sustainable Business Impact Awards, sponsored

by BAM Ireland and held in association with the Department of Rural and Community Development, celebrate best practices in sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the awards recognise purpose-driven business practices across Ireland.

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, 24th September 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, Dublin.

20

Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Arts & Culture

Kilmaley Student shortlisted for Young Portrait Artist of the Year

by LISA MULLALY lisa@clareecho.ie

MICHAEL RYAN, a ten-yearold pupil of Kilmaley National School, has been shortlisted for the AIB Young Portrait Prize 2025 at the National Gallery of Ireland.

His painting, In Deep Thought, was selected from hundreds of entries submitted by young artists across the country. Michael is one of 20 artists under the age of 18 whose work will go on display at the Gallery later this year.

Michael’s interest in art first started after attending Helium Arts workshops. He has been attending art classes with Carmel Doherty at Ennis Art School since 2020, who has been a ‘great mentor to him’ says Michael’s mother Michelle.

Speaking about his shortlisted entry, he added: “I wanted

to complete a painting that shows the mystery of what the person in the painting is thinking.”

Michael entered the competition with the help and support of his parents. Michael explained “I had some portrait paintings that I completed recently and my Dad heard about the competition and he submitted the entry on my behalf. Then my parents received an email stating that I was selected for the shortlist. It was a great surprise,” he said.

“I feel very happy to be shortlisted for the award and am looking forward to going to the National Gallery of Ireland,” Michael said. “I am looking forward to seeing it on display along with the other chosen artwork that has been shortlisted — it’s very exciting.”

Michael has already achieved recognition for his artistic talent, including Special Merit awards in the Texaco Art Competition in 2024 and 2025, runner-up in the Nation-

 PORTRAIT ARTIST: Michael Ryan and his painting “dep in thought”

al Drawing Day competition with Clare Museum in 2024, and having one of his paintings chosen for the cover of a research journal by the Middletown Centre for Autism.

The winners of the AIB Young Portrait Prize will be

announced on 25 November 2025. Michael’s painting will be part of an exhibition at the National Gallery from 8 November 2025 to 15 March 2026, before travelling to Letterkenny and Waterford in 2026.

Thought for the Week Lessons from the Camino de Santiago Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY AT THE present moment, I am blessed to be walking my annual Self Help Africa charity walk, the Camino de Santiago which this year took us along the Camino De Norte route with eight wonderful and amazing companions.

Each day we lace up our boots, hoist our backpacks, and set out on winding paths that stretch through fields, hills, farmyards, roadsides, towns and villages.

Each step, for me, has been a prayer.

I have prayed for family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues who are sick and in hospital and for some who are grieving, for young people facing the stresses of exam results, for carers, frontline workers, nurses, and doctors who give so much of themselves, for those suffering the atrocities of war, and for the millions in Africa facing hunger, conflict, and climate devastation. I have prayed for my colleagues and the children and families we work with, and for the many people who quietly asked me to carry their intentions with me. In truth, the Camino has become one long litany of loving prayers, a walking intercession lifted up with each breath and each step.

As I walked saying my rosary along the way, I began to hear the “whys” of

other pilgrims.

Some walk to make a decision, some to find forgiveness, some to heal old wounds, some to seek peace, some simply to slow down and listen to God. Strangers shared their stories with me, sometimes painful, sometimes joyful, always honest and always testimonies never planned.

In those moments, I saw that vulnerability is not weakness but courage. It is strength.

The Camino is a teacher. Some days you walk alone, some days with others, but always you are moving forward.

Sometimes the road is smooth, sometimes it is rocky and steep, but the call is always to take the next step. Isn’t this what faith, love, hope and life asks of us too? To keep going, even when the way is hard, even when we do not know what lies ahead, even when all we can do is put one foot in front of the other.

Thought for the Week As your thought for the week, keep going forward no matter what challenges life throws at you. Don’t be afraid to give help or receive help along the way.

Life, like the Camino, is a journey, not a race, and the experiences you encounter along the path are meant to be savored. Every step, every interaction, every moment of struggle or joy shapes the story of your life. We are all walkers, pilgrims on this journey called life.

Let us use it to love and bless one another as we go.

Look at your life’s experiences and

Poetry and music set for glór open mic

by Lisa Mullaly

lisa@clareecho.ie

THREE CLARE poets are scheduled to read a selection of original work at the latest installment Clare Poetry Collectives bi-monthly Open Mic event.

The event will take place in glór in Ennis on Saturday, September 6 , from 12.30pm to 2pm.

Author and songwriter David Donohue will open the event, playing music from 12.30pm ahead of the three guest Frank Golden, Arthur Watson and Esther McMorrow Donnellan will read for half an hour.

The Open Mic will follow running from 1.30pm2pm.

Belfast born poet Arthur Watson, who will be reading at the Open Mic event in gló has lived in East Clare for 47 years. Watson published his first self-illustrated collection of poetry, ‘Spirit Store’, with accompanying CDs in 2012. His second collection of poetry and art, ‘Lip Service’, will be released in 2026.

Award winning North Clare poet Frank Golden will also be reading some of his original work at the event. Golden has published six books of poems and two novels. His last book titled ‘If You Tolerate This’ was published by Salmon Poetry in 2022. He has received numerous awards from Poet and novelist Esther Mc Morrow Donnellan from Manus in Co.Clare will make her reading debut on Saturday. She attends gatherings with Inis Creative Writers Group and the Clare Poetry Collective. Her poem, ‘The Letting Go’ was published in Drawn to the Light Press in June 2025.

Any poet can become a member of Clare Poetry Collective by joining our WhatsApp group.

086-1007520. Free and open to all. Supported by Poetry Ireland and The Clare Arts Office.

Battle of the bands returns too Lucas’ this weekend

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

ask yourself: what am I doing with them? Are you holding on to your dreams, or just watching them pass by? As the saying goes, happy are those who dream dreams, but even happier are those who strive to achieve them.

Go after them.

Life is short, don’t let it slip through your fingers. As I concluded my pilgrimage, I carried with me the memories of breathtaking landscapes, new friendships, and the invaluable lesson that the human spirit is most profoundly revealed not in grand gestures, but in the humble acts of service, kindness, love, faith and support we extend to one another. Each step reminded me: the true essence of humanity lies in loving, helping, and walking together through life’s highs and lows.

FIVE BANDS are taking to the stages of Ennis this Friday in the return of ‘Battle of the Bands’.

The Ennis Eccentric Music Society (EEMS) is holding a second competitive night of music on August 29 at 8pm in Lucas’ Bar after the success of their first-ever Battle of the Bands in March.

This event will see five original Ennis bands compete for a cash prize. Competing bands include: Iana, Paunch, Nova Dream, Animal Animal, and The Goblins. Attendees can expect music ranging from punk, grunge, and rock to alt-country and indie.

The first Battle of the Bands took place in March with groups Kilmaley Rowing Club, No Name Band, Entertainment Purposes, Bitcrush, and D’Burglary.

Each one was presented with a trophy, however, it was Bitcrush who finally took away the winning €1,085 prize.

One of the bands that will be performing on the night,

Iana, told the Clare Echo that they will be playing four original, unreleased songs. The year-old Ennis group, named after Princess Diana, is a four-member band made up of bass player Niall Heslin, drummer Matthew O’Connor, guitarist Cathal Hogan, and vocalist Lena Casey. Matthew said that they hope to release these “experimental” songs soon, with “vivid imagery, angst, and stories of the human experience”, described by EEMS. EEMS is a society trying to “revitalize the original and alternative music scene in Ennis.” Born from a shared passion for music among friends and with a welcoming home in Lucas’ Bar, their goals are to “provide musicians a stage to share original music”, to “foster community, creativity, and collaboration”, and to “inspire new musical experiences”.

The Battle of the Bands is a free event, but donations can be given on the day in cash or using QR codes posted around the venue.

21

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 28, 2025

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News

22

Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Business

Clare Business to shine at Ploughing Championships

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

A SMALL business from Clare will get the chance to showcase their work to almost 300,000 people at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, County Offaly next month as part of the Local Enterprise Village.

Creative Clay, supported by Local Enterprise Office Clare, is a Sixmilebridge studio run

by Raquel Walsh, who crafts one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces inspired by the wild beauty of the Burren.

This year, the Local Enterprise Offices are partnering with Google, who will host talks and demonstrations within the Village to help small businesses and entrepreneurs use digital tools and AI. The initiative was launched by Niamh Smyth, T.D., Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, who said the partnership will allow small business owners to “tap into Google’s expertise in digitisation and AI and see how they can significantly impact their

Recruitment Day For our New Plaza at J12 on the M18 DATE : Wednesday 3rd September LOCATION : Templegate Hotel Ennis TIME : 12pm-7pm

PLOUGHING: Raquel Walsh of Creative Clay

business.”

Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise at LEO Clare, said: “This is an opportunity like no other. The chance to bring their products to almost 300,000 potential customers is a showcase like no other. The addition of Google will enhance the offering not just for exhibitors but for any businesses who drop in.”

Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association, said: “The Local Enterprise Village is such a valuable part of the Ploughing, and we are privileged to support these small Irish businesses.

We are really looking forward to welcoming Google this year, offering digital and AI advice.”

Hiring Management and Staff Roles across Supermac’s, Papa Johns, Supersubs, Deli, Barista and Retail

Full and Part-Time Roles Available EMAIL YOUR CV TO RECRUITMENT@SUPERMACS.IE OR POP IN ON THE DAY AND BRING YOUR CV

MAINTENANCE MANAGER We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Maintenance Manager, with a strong electrical background, to join the Shannon Airport Management team. This is a challenging, yet highly rewarding, full-time position based in the fast-paced environment of Shannon Airport.

Key Areas of Responsibility Î To manage the electrical, mechanical and operative teams to ensure effective and efficient maintenance of the airport campus to the highest safety and regulatory standards. Î Execute maintenance schedules according to priority, cost, timelines of tasks and compliance requirements. Î Manage and direct day-to-day operations of the Maintenance team, including the completion of required repairs, improvements and projects.

Î Participate with the implementation of ongoing capital investment programme. Î Oversee service contracts and vendor relationships to ensure operational performance of critical airport systems. Î Promote safe work practices through the maintenance teams. Î Collaborate closely with the Sustainability team on energy cost optimization.

Î Control of maintenance budgets including management of costs (in particular, overtime, repairs and renewal spend) and staffing levels.

How to Apply: Applications in the form of a cover letter and current CV (MS Word or pdf) should be sent to: recruitment@snnairportgroup.ie not later than 12 noon on Wednesday, 10th September 2025. * Candidates will be required to successfully complete an interview, Garda Vetting and enhanced background check in accordance with National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) requirements and pre-employment medical.

The full list of responsibilities and experience required can be found at www.snnairportgroup.ie

23

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 28, 2025

Doonbeg & Miltown do battle for QF place

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A LAST remaining spot in the TUS Clare SFC quarter-finals is the prize when Doonbeg and St Joseph’s Miltown meet this weekend.

St Michael’s Park in Kilmihil is the venue as the West Clare sides do battle to try claim the final last eight spot. Their preliminary quarter-final throws in at 17:00 with Chris Maguire of Wolfe Tones appointed as the referee.

It will be the ninth championship meeting between the sides in eleven years with the recent record standing seven wins for Miltown and one for Doonbeg. They clashed in last year’s second round also played in Kilmihil when St Joseph’s had a 2-6 0-7 victory.

From their last eight meetings, Doonbeg have only scored more than one goal against Miltown on one occasion and that was when they prevailed in the 2022 relega-

tion play-off.

St Joseph’s Miltown are expected

to be without Cormac Murray for Saturday’s clash. He broke bones

in his foot during their draw with St Breckans, a game in which he scored a hat-trick.

Avoiding relegation is the focus on Friday when Kildysart and Kilmihil face off in Cooraclare at 19:30. The loser of this tie will face Wolfe Tones in the relegation final to determine who drops down to intermediate.

Kildysart have yet to win in this year’s championship after drawing with St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield before falling to Cratloe and Éire Óg.

Kilmihil on the other hand narrowly missed out on the knockout stages. They bounced back from their 16 point first round loss to Lissycasey to then shock Ennistymon in the second round before losing by two points to Doonbeg two weeks ago.

In the Talty Stores Clare IFC, Hennessy Memorial Park in Miltown Malbay is the setting on

Monday evening to determine who advances to the quarter-finals.

Coolmeen and Michael Cusacks square off at 20:00 with the winner progressing to the last eight.

A North Clare derby awaits on Saturday in Páirc Naomh Mhuire, Quilty when Ennistymon’s second string face off with Liscannor, the defeated side will meet O’Currys in the relegation final. The sides met at the same stage of the competition last year when Ennistymon won 0-10 0-8 but the Beano Rouine managed side are down several personnel from their team and have been greatly weakened due to injuries. However the local rivalry element will be sure to see them attempt to bring their best performance of the campaign. .

PICTURED: Euan Lineen after scoring a goal during last year’s St Joseph’s Miltown versus Doonbeg game Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Quilligan to undergo Wild night for Murray surgery on knee

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE GOALKEEPER Eibhear Quilligan undergoes surgery this week.

Eibhear has been out of action since damaging his knee in Feakle’s first round draw with Wolfe Tones in the TUS Clare SHC. He was forced off at half time after picking up an injury in the closing rounds of the opening half.

Scans later revealed that 2024 All-Ireland winner Quilligan had damaged his cruciate ligament and has to undergo an operation as a result.

Quilligan has missed out on Feakle’s second round win over Newmarket-on-Fergus and third round loss to Éire Óg while he is ruled out for the remainder of this year’s club championship as the East Clare side continue their bid to retain the Canon Hamilton, a title prior to last year’s success they last won in 1988.

While an exact timeframe on his recovery is unclear, the extent of the ACL injury will limit his involvement with Clare next year particularly in the Allianz National Hurling League but his availability come championship time will be strong.

Eamonn Foudy of Inagh/Kilnamona and Clarecastle’s Cian Broderick have been deputies to Quilligan on the county panel.

A graduate of LIT, Eibhear has been the first-choice goal-

keeper during Brian Lohan’s tenure as county manager, while he had been part of county minor and U21 set-ups, it was the former full-back who brought the Feakle custodian onto the senior panel for the first time. His displays have resulted in him securing All Star nominations in 2023 and 2024.

His clubmate, Shane McGrath

is awaiting further information on the extent of a knee injury he sustained in training before their third round tie with Éire Óg. McGrath who was been Feakle’s top scorer each year for the past decade is to receive a scan this week to determine the extent of his injury.

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

BAYVIEW WILD finished like a train to take the opening round heat in the Talking Dogs Dual Distance Stake.

Friday night’s Galway card featured the first-round heat of The Talking Dogs A4 Dual Distance Stake. The opening round heats are were over the 525 yards trip as are the semi-finals with the final over 550 yards and as the traps rose for the first heat Lakeside Albert on the wide outside was best away and racing towards the opening bend he led from Hollywell Mave with Cloneyogan Sydny in third place as they entered the back straight.

Racing along the back the front two remained the same as the Eoin Clancy owned Bayview Wild began to make ground from the rear. Rounding the home bend Lakeside Albert was two lengths to the good but the Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained Bayview Wild (Ballymac Wild & Bayview Flyer) finished like a train down the inner to lead on the line and prevail by a neck in 29.68.

In heat No2 Petes Noah, Hollywell Flint and Barntick Midget were all prominent towards the opening bend rounding which there was plenty of bunching and this allowed the Gordon Vaughan-owned Laois Lightening to slip through along rails and take command turning down the back with Guideys Bullet in pursuit six lengths adrift. Exiting the back straight the Donie Duggan of Tulla-trained Laois Lightening (Ballymac Anton & Old Treasure) was out in splendid isolation as he cruised home four lengths clear of Guideys Bullet in 29.57.

On Saturday night, the card in Galway featured the opening round heats of The Barking Buzz App A6 525 yards stake with the A2 graded eighth race over 575

yards the top graded contest of the night as an excellent attendance enjoyed some exiting racing and close finishes.

In the opening contest for A7 graded runners Rylane Boss led from Return Visit along the rails with Ballygibbon Ted in third place as they took the opening bend.

Rounding the bend, the rail hugging Return Visit moved through to lead early in the back straight but passing the halfway point the Donie Duggan of Tulla owned and trained Rylane Boss was back upside out wide. Taking the third bend Rylane Boss took command of the contest and quickly shooting clear the son of Burgess Bucks and Notimetotalk scored by seven lengths from Return Visit in 29.52.

Lexis Sydney in the striped jacket was very smartly into stride in the S5 graded sprint contest and racing towards the opening bend he was chased by Flyers Hobbit and Grangeview Vixen on his inside. As the bend loomed the Michael and Liam Fitzgerald of Kilrush-owned Flyers Hobbit joined issue along the rails. Approaching the home bend the pair had the race to themselves with the Colm Fitzgerald trained Flyers Hobbit (Ballyhimikin Jet & Mildridge Dame) always doing enough to prevail by half a length in 19.36.

The semi-finals of the Roma Casino Irish Cambridgeshire Open 750 served as the highlight on a red-hot card at Limerick on Saturday night and Patrick Guilfoyle landed both semis with his duo of Daleroad Poppy and Magical Poppet.

The opening semi was stacked as it featured all of the opening round heat winners, however, it proved one-way traffic as Daleroad Poppy raced to victory. In the second semi, Patrick Guilfoyle ensured he will be represented by 50% of the field next weekend as Magical Poppet just saw off kennel companion Fashion Model.

24

Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

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Corofin ‘delighted’ to get reward

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 2 ROUND 3 CLOONEY-QUIN 1-18 COROFIN 0-21 Venue: Clarecastle Compiled by Eoin Brennan

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Liam Donoghue, Corofin:

“We’re delighted to finally get some reward for the lads hard work. On paper at least, it looked like we got two hidings in our first two games but we weren’t actually that bad so it was nice to put in a sixty minute performance and finally get a result.

“These guys are very passionate about Corofin hurling so we genuinely felt that the results were a bit harsh on us and weren’t a fair reflection on how much we put into those games. I mean the lads have trained really hard all year so

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 1 RD 3:

MANAGER COMMENT

Robbie Hogan, Ballyea:

“Sometimes when momentum switches, you get on a roll and we just got on the end of deliveries and Cratloe too had a serious football game last weekend so we felt that tiredness might come into their legs at some stage so look, we delighted to be at the top table again for the quarter-finals.

l Cillian McGroary battles with Jerry O’Connor

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

I’m happy for them really that they haven’t gotten a bit of a boost ahead of the relegation play-offs.

“The result was only a draw but from where we’re coming from, it’s a step in the right direction for this group as you have to SCAN HERE FOR remember that we were minus Conor MATCH REPORT Leen and Marc O’Loughlin as well. The boys that played all stood up so there are a lot of positives to take from today but we are also under no illusions that we’re going to be fighting for our lives but I’m very confident that the boys will be up for the battle.”

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 3 ROUND 3:

WOLFE TONES 0-22 NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS 0-16 Venue: O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge Compiled by Eoin Brennan

John O’Gorman, Cratloe:

l Ballyea’s Gearoid O’Connell gets away from Cratloe’s Daithí Collins & Conor McGrath Photo by Gerard O’Neill

“Going into the last five minutes, there were still only three points youth introduced in the last between the teams but we just two years and look, that is the never found that spark in the way forward for Cratloe.” second half...We have a lot of

STORY OF THE GAME BALLYEA Frees: 11 (5/6) Wides: 9 (7/2) Spread of scorers: 8 Scores from play: 0-15 Top scorer: Tony Kelly (0-10 8f) Bookings: None Own puckouts won: 21 from 30 (70%)

CRATLOE Frees: 9 (3/6) Wides: 14 (8/6) Spread of scorers: 7 Scores from play: 0-7 Top scorer: Rian Considine (0-7 4f 2’65) Bookings: Mike Deegan (mentor) (59) Own puckouts won: 19 from 32 (59%)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

REFEREE: Niall Malone (Éire Óg)

STORY OF THE GAME

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

WOLFE TONES NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS Frees For: 12 (6/6) Frees For: 14 (6/8) Wides: 13 (6/7) Wides: 8 (3/5) Scores from Play: 0-15 Scores from Play: 0-7 Spread of Scorers: 8 Spread of Scorers: 7 Top Scorer: Aaron Top Scorer: Eanna Cunningham (0-8 4f) Crimmins (0-9 8f) Yellow Cards: Rory Hayes Yellow Card: James (23), Mikey Hayes (30), McInerney (6), Niall Daithi Lohan (34) O’Connor (14) Own Puck-Outs won: 16 Own Puck-Outs won: 20 from 24 (67%) from 35 (57%) REFEREE: John Bugler (Whitegate)

Mikey O’Neill - Kilmaley

MANAGER COMMENT

DaithíO’Connell, Wolfe Tones selector:

“Newmarket and Wolfe Tones was always going to be SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT tense, physical and close and I suppose we just showed a bit extra there at the end to pull away. It was very tight and was level with six or seven minutes to go but we managed to finish strong and for us that’s massive as now we’re safe and go no further for the rest of the year. If you’d given us that outcome at the start of the year, maybe we would have been a little disappointed but given the circumstances and how poorly we played against Éire Óg, l Cillian Darcy of Kilmurry Ibrickane gets away from Wolfe we just delighted that we’re still senior.

Tones’ Cody Waller Photo by Gerard O’Neill James Carrig, Newmarket-on-Fergus:

“It’s hard to work out immediately after the game what happened at the end. We went two up going down the final straight and seemed to be in control, I thought, at that stage but they [Wolfe Tones] just finished very strong. They turned over a few balls in the middle of the park and got scores off them and that gave them belief

.

Ballyea back in business

“

Wolfe Tones secure senior status

“

.

BALLYEA 0-23 CRATLOE 0-16 Venue: Sixmilebridge Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME CLOONEY/QUIN COROFIN Frees For: 13 (6/7) Frees For: 18 (8/10) Wides: 12 (9/3) Wides: 5 (3/2) Scores from Play: 0-12 Scores from Play: 1-7 Spread of Scorers: 8 Spread of Scorers: 5 Top Scorer: Peter Duggan Top Scorer: Gearoid Kelly (0-10 8f 1’65) (0-10 9f 1’65) Yellow Cards: Conor Yellow Cards: Cillian Grogan (33), Ryan Taylor McGroary (25), Gearoid (45) Kelly (27) Own Puck-Outs won: 16 Own Puck-Outs won: 23 from 25 (64%) from 31 (74%) REFEREE: Kieran Liddane (Sixmilebridge)

.

again and they just kept going to the end in fairness to them. They seemed to want it more coming down the final straight and got the scores they needed to push on.

“It’s hugely disappointing from our point of view in the manner of how the game finished as we emptied the bench, threw the kitchen sink at it but it just didn’t seem to work on the day.”

MIKEY O’NEILL rolled back the years as Kilmaley made it three wins from three to seal top spot in Group 4 of the Clare SHC to be chosen as the St Francis Credit Union/The Clare Echo player of the week.

Kilmaley have shown plenty of life to secure top spot in the Group of Death. In their latest outing, Mikey contributed 0-8 from play during the course of forty seven minutes as they defeated Scariff 1-31 2-18.

Injury kept him out of the starting fifteen for the first round win over Ballyea but O’Neill’s energy and experience has been a welcome return to the Kilmaley team.

His showing on Saturday evening was among his best championship performances in years and bodes well for Kilmaley as they turn their attention to the knockout stages and look to maintain their impressive run of form. .

Mikey will be presented with a €50 voucher for the Old Ground Hotel courtesy of St Francis Credit Union, sponsor of our senior club hurling championship coverage.

Warning If you do not meet the rep :

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 28, 2025

Support sports journalism in Clare by subscribing to www.clareecho.ie/subscribe SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Sport

25

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Éire Óg’s Darren Moroney doesn’t let the hurley of

Feakle’s Oisin Clune distract him

Photo by Mike Brennan

Éire Óg tops group TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 3 ROUND 3:

ÉIRE ÓG 3-16 FEAKLE 1-18 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME ÉIRE ÓG FEAKLE Frees For: 14 (5/9) Frees For: 14 (7/7) Wides: 6 (3/3) Wides: 8 (5/3) Scores from play: 3-8 Scores from play: 1-9 Spread of scorers: 6 Spread of scorers: 5 Top scorer: Danny Russell Top scorer: Oisin (2-10 6f 2’65) Donnellan (0-11 8f 1’65) Bookings: Aaron Fitzgerald Bookings; Steven Conway (22 and 35); Liam Corry (35) (27); David Reidy (56); Own puckouts won: 17 out Conor Perrill (59); Neil of 25 (68%) McCarthy (medic) Red Card: A Fitzgerald (35) Own puckouts won: 19 out of 27 (70%) REFEREE: Eoghan O’Leary (Whitegate)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Gerry O’Connor, Éire Óg:

Ger Conway, Feakle:

“The energy we brought at the start of the second half changed the game. We were able to get ball into Danny (Russell) and were working through the lines more. Their No 9 (Ronan O’Connor) created huge challenges for us in the first half and it took us till half time to get on top of that. Losing Aaron was a bit of a disaster. We reorganised and it probably created a bit more space for us to work with.

“We gave away two handy goals after half time due to poor mixed up defending.

We lost control of our men and where he ball was. It was stupid on our behalf as up to that we were in control.

“Everyone knows Shane (McGrath), he is there for the last ten years, he is a massive player and in every game he gets the majority of our scores. We still put up a huge score today without him.”

l Mark Callinan gets away from

Broadford’s Diarmuid Moloney & Darren Chaplin Photo by Mike Brennan

l Brian McNamara made an impact on his return to the

Inamona advance Kilmaley top group Kilmaley team

Photo by Ruth Griffin

TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 2 ROUND 3:

INAGH-KILNAMONA 1-24 BROADFORD 2-16 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis Compiled by Seamus Hayes

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 4 ROUND 3:

KILMALEY 1-31 SCARIFF 2-18 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

STORY OF THE GAME KILMALEY SCARIFF Frees For: 11 (6/5) Frees For: 9 (5/4) Wides: 7(2/3) Wides: 7 (4/3) Scores from play: 1-22 Scores from play: 2-15 Spread of scorers: 9 Spread of scorers: 7 Top scorer: Tom O’Rourke Top scorer: Mark Rodgers (1-8 7f) (0-8 2f) Bookings: Sean Bookings: Scott Cairns O’Loughlin (61) (10); Conor Downes (31) Own puckouts won: 20 out Own puckouts won: 31 out of 27 (74%) of 39 (79%) REFEREE: Chris Maguire (Wolfe Tones)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Brian Culbert, Kilmaley:

Donal Moloney, Scariff:

“Every team that is in second pace will want to draw us. We are not going to be seen as a traditional quarter finalist that will cause a threat. We have won our three games but any team will relish the chance of having a go at us. We are looking forward to whoever it is. We wanted to get better from last year and I think we have done that so far.”

“It was a difficult game to prepare for, there was nothing at stake but bit of pride.

We started well enough but Kilmaley were too strong for us through the second half. They have a lot of good hurlers and they have been moving very impressively.

After their first half against Ballyea people would have been writing them off but they are moving very impressively since.”

INAGH/KILNAMONA Frees For: 13 (6/7) Wides: 9 (5/4) Scores from play: 1-16 Spread of scorers: 9 Top scorer: Aidan McCarty (0-8 6f) Bookings: Niall Mullins (30) Own puckouts won: 16 out of 25 (64%)

BROADFORD Frees For: 15 (9/6) Wides: 7 (5/2) Scores from play: 1-12 Spread of scorers: 7 Top scorer: Niall O’Farrell (1-7 1-4f) Bookings: Paddy Donnellan (33); Shane Taylor (53) Own puckouts won: 24 out of 34 (71%) REFEREE: Joe Mullins (Clonlara)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Tomás Kelly, Inagh-Kilnamona:

Paddy Meehan, Broadford:

“The most pleasing thing for us was the way we finished out the game. I don’t think we hurled particularly well for the majority of the game but when the fat was in the fire we showed what most people doubt us for. There is a lot to work on.

“It’s knockout now and we have to look ahead. It was knockout for us today. We are more comfortable in that scenario, when everything is on the line for us”.

“Look, we are disappointed now but we have had a fantastic year, a great cup campaign and a great championship campaign as well. We ran Clooney/Quin to a point and should have won that game but we still needed to get a result today, We have had a tremendous year, the commitment, the effort is second to none down in Broadford, they are a tremendous club and I love them.”

Madden ‘proud’ of Clonlara

10-point win for Sixmilebridge

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 1 ROUND 3:

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 1 ROUND 3:

CLONLARA 0-22 CRUSHEEN 1-18 Venue: Dr Daly Park, Tulla Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME CLONLARA

Frees: 7 (4/3) Wides: 21 (8/13) Spread of scorers: 11 Scores from play: 0-21 Top scorer: Ian Galvin (0-5) Bookings: Ian Galvin (28), Oisin O’Brien (33).

Own puckouts won: 18 from 30 (60%) REFEREE: Jim Hickey

CRUSHEEN

Frees: 10 (4/6) Wides: 11 (9/2) Spread of scorers: 9 Scores from play: 1-12 Top scorer: Breffni Horner (0-8 4f) Bookings: Conor O’Donnell (33).

Own puckouts won: 26 from 43 (60%)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Donal Madden, Clonlara:

“Crusheen were never going to lie down and they didn’t, there’s aspects of our performance which I might not be happy with like our wides but that is okay because we were creating scoring opportunities and the team that creates the most scores the most, we showed a lot of character and that is what I’d be most proud of.”

Cronan Dillon, Crusheen: SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

“We had to win by two points, we ended up losing by one, our lads fought to the end like they normally do and that is what we asked of them, we’ve no complaints.”

Sixmilebridge 1-27 DOORA-BAREFIELD 2-14 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg, Ennis Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME SIXMILEBRIDGE Frees For; 17 (11/6) Wides: 14 (7/7) Scores from play: 1-15 Spread of scorers: 9 Top scorer: Alex Morey (0-12 11f 1’65) Bookings; Alan Mulready (50) Own puckouts won: 18 out of 27 (66%)

DOORA/BAREFIELD Frees For: 13 (4/9) Wides: 11 (5/6) Scores from play: 2-8 Spread of scorers: 4 Top scorer: David Conroy (0-7 5f) Bookings: Adam Mungovan (25); Damian Kennedy (35) (manager) Own puckouts won: 33 out of 42 (79%)

REFEREE: Jarlath Donnellan (Wolfe Tones)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Doora/Barefield’s Michael Nash attempts to block Páidi Fitzpatrick with a broken hurley Photo by Ruth Griffin

26

Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Lahinch ladies chasing senior cup honours

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB: LAHINCH ladies senor cup team will take on Kilkenny in the All-Ireland competition at Douglas in Cork on this Saturday.

The team is managed

by Valerie Shannon and Aedin McCarthy.

Congratulations have poured in for club member Marie O’Connor who has won a number of medals at the World Transplant games. She won gold in darts, silver in golf and bronze in Petanque.

EAST CLARE: Lady captain Helen Downey’s prize was played for on Sunday when Noreen Doyle captured the honours with 41 points. She had one to spare over Tricia Kerr with Evelyn O’Brien in third place, also with 40.

The gross was won

by Rachel Whelan while the category winners were Brid Hayes with 36 points, Maureen Clune with 35 points and Marie A. Kelly with 36 points.

Margaret Egan and Ursula Hogan won the nines while Rachel Whelan won the long drive and Teresa Tonna was nearest the pin.

The 9 hole competition was won by Terri Mulvihill from Mary Healy.

Helen’s prize to the men was won by Ray Hogan (18) with 44 points from Teddy O’ Hanlon

Geraldine, Ian, Rose and Michael who participated in the classic sponsored by Viltalograph at Ennis Golf Club

(12) with 42 points. They were followed by Conor Meade (4) with 42 while the gross was won by Ronan Molloy (2) with 69.

The nines were won by Gerry Nugent (21) with 22 points and Tony Nelson (11) with 22 points.

Darren O’Sullivan had the longest drive while Ronan Molloy was nearest the pin.

The lady captain’s prize to the senior men was won by Michael O’ Halloran with 43 points from Brian Corry with a similar score.

The ladies Wednesday competition was won by Siobhan Mulcahy, Kay Grimes and Mary Stritch from Ursula Hogan, Liz McMahon and Breda Reid.

Last week’s senior men’s competition was won by Paul Truss, Brian Corry and Teddy Murphy from Ailbe Mc Donnell, Brian Torpey and Chris Davis with third place

filled by Terry Coughlan, John Torpey and Michael Heffernan.

WOODSTOCK: Stephen Clancy (16) won the Brian Pyne Tiles August medal with 65 while Kieran Cunnane (1) won the gross with 74. Category 1 was won

by Gerry Kelly (10) with 67 from Morgan Lahiffe (8) with 68.

Stephen Dolan (13) won category 2 with 70 from Mike Martin Hogan (16) who had 71. Category 3 was won by Brendan Keogh (19) with 65 while winners in the 2s competition were Niall Reynolds (4th and 6th holes), Sean Williams (8th hole), Jamie Ivors (8th hole) and Frank Landy (11th hole).

The singles competition for those with handicaps of 16 and over was won by Kenneth Warren (16) with 44 points.

Last week’s open singles was won by Paul

O’Shea (24) with 42 points. The gross was won by Alan Markham (2) with 33 points.

The category winners were Donal Buckley (9) with 38 points, Michael Lydon (Lahinch) (17) with 42 points and Andrew Mulligan (21) with 40. Winners in the 2s competition were Niall Reynolds (6th Hole), Alan Markham (14th Hole) and Adrian Kearney (8th Hole).

Thursday evening’s Holly’s Haven Pharmacy mixed scramble was won by John Clune.

Kathleen McEnery and Noel Mulcahy with 25.4 from Seo O’ Riordain, Colette Coakley and Anne Marie Russell with 25.9 with third spot filled

by Liam O’Connor. Edel Clune and Vincent O Grady with 26.3.

The open singles continues on this Thurday as does the Holly’s Haven Pharmacy mixed scramble which will be at 5p.m.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: Lady President, Mary Young’s prize was played for at the weekend where Anna Moody (18) emerged with the honours with 37 points.

She won by one from lady captain Clare Pyne (22) who was followed

by Mary Bolton (16) with 36 points. The gross was won by Anne Gallagher (11) with 23 points while the category winners were Sheila O’Grady

(17) with 31 points, Mary O’Sullivan (26) with 27 points and Ursula Lineen (28) with 27 points.

The nines were won

by Mary Lyons (15) with 15 points and Anne Marie Donnellan (13) with 19 points.

Jean Lorigan (32) won the past president’s category with 26 points while the committee member’s prize was won by Martina Walsh (22) with 26.

The Central Shoes sponsored 18 holes stableford competition for Kilrush ladies was won

by Imelda Griffin (52) with 40 points.

The category winners were Anne Galllagher (12) with 35 points, Miriam Saunders (23) with 35 points and Anne Marie Gollden (44) with 34.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: The annual club classic, sponsored by Vitalograph, was held last week. The winning team included Michael Killeen (14), David Cahill (21), Noel Murphy (12) and Ross Killeen (20) and they scored 89 points.

They had one to spare over Tommy Stack (17), Michael M Vaughan (15), Martin Coffey (16) and Frank Cullinan (29).

In third place with 87 points were Tim Kelly (24), Paul Higgins (19), Joe O’Brien (23) and Noel Connellan (18).

The mens team winners were Jerry Linnane (26), Vincent Healy (16),

Sasanka Are (18) and Declan Daly (12) with 86 points while the ladies team winners were Margaret Flanagan (33), Phil Butler (27), Sinead Hegarty (17) and Martina Corbett (28) with 82.

The winners of the 9 hole competition were Margaret Flanagan (16), Phil Butler (13), Anne McMahon (22) and Patricia Kerwin (16) with 41.

Winners of the longest drive were Michael Killeen and Kate Keohane while the nearest the pin winners were Kieran Fox and Peg Hanrahan.

Last week’s senior ladies competition winners were Brid Cunningham, Geraldine O’Mahoney and Maeve O’Grady from Carmel Verling, Margaret McEnery and Eileen Corry with third place filled by Bernie Brooks, Martina Corbett and Mary Murray.

The overall winner in the weekly ladies singles competition was Betty O’Reilly (36) with 40.

The category winners were Rose Enright (20) with 38 points, Helen Harnett (30) with 35 points and Norah Power (55) with 39 points.

The overall winner in the 9 hole singles competition was Mary Walshe (19) with 22 points from Mary O’Halloran (19) with 21 points.

The category winners were Carmel Verlling (12) with 15 points, Jo-

sephine Tone (17) with 18 points and Muriel O’Meara (28) with 21.

Friday’s open singles was won by Simon Cuddy (21) with 39 points from Donagh Stack (9) with 38 points with Damon Murphy (23) in third place with 35 points.

DROMOLAND: The weekend’s stableford competition at Dromoland was won by Michael Lally with 40 points from Michael O’Shea with 39, Sean Hayes with 38 and Seamus Cusack, also with 38. Brian Shally won the gross and he also returned 38 points.

Tadhg Lyne won the mid week nine hole competition with 20 points from Gordon Daffy with 18 and Tom O’Brien, also with 18 In the ladies player of the year 18 hole competition the winner was Deirdre Cooney from Julie Fitzgerald with Jean Colleran third while Leslie O’Flynn won the gross.

Dorothea Madden won the 9 hole competition from Niamh McDermott.

Junior captain Donncha Mahon’s prize saw Cian Cullinan with 40 points win the boys section from Thomas O’Dea with 39 and Dylan Tobin with 38. Cian Breslin won the nearest the pin prize.

Victoria Doyle with 35 points won the girls prize from Rachel Staunton with 30.

Clare athletes prosper at national finals Over 170 children from across the county travelled to Carlow at the weekend to represent St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games in the National Finals of the Track and Field and Outdoor teams.

The standard of competition was very high especially in Athletics where many were just outside the medals having succeeded in their heat and semi finals.

Clare had a very successful weekend getting Gold in 4 events, Silver in seven, Bronze in one 4 th place medals in nine events.

The Ballynacally/Lissycasey U10 Mixed Relay team which won National Gold included Cathal Carmody, C.J. Clancy, Neasa Donnelly, Aedin Griffin, Jack Higgins, Anna Murphy

GOLD Anna Murphy, Ballynacally/Lissycasey – Girls U10 200m Seana Lee Reilly, Crusheen/Ballinruan/ Tubber – Girls U10 60m Hurdles Shannon: Alfie Aherne, Kevin Barry, Seanie Bridges, Iarlaith Dawson, Franek IwaszKowki, Cian Kenneally, Shay Moroney, Arthur Muriel, Daithi Og O’Connell, Paddy Mc Phillips, Thomas Ondik, Kamil Pawlowski, Connor Reyes, Lucas Silva, Kevin Tylak,

Andriy Zaritskyl - Boys Soccer U12 Ballynacally/Lissycasey – Cathal Carmody, C.J. Clancy, Neasa Donnelly, Aedin Griffin, Jack Higgins, Anna Murphy - U10 Mixed Relay SILVER Loughlin Downes, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry – Boys U12 200m Jack Moahan, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry – Boys U14 100m Nicole Griffin, Ballynacally/Lissycasey – Girls U14 800m Sean Hick, Ballynacally/Lissycasey – Boys U12 200m Ruadhan Casey, Ennis St John’s – U16 100m Holly Farmer, Clarecastle/Ballyea – Girls Long Puck Molly Considine, Ennistymon/Lahinch/ Liscannor – Girls U12 600m BRONZE Clarecastle/Ballyea Muirne Brosnan, Mary Carty, Ailbhe Concannon, Ava Considine, Sally Fealy, Eabha Geraghty, Sinead Hennessy, Ellen Keogh, Clara Moran, Maci O’Loughlin, Vivienne Palka, Aoife Vaughan - Girls U13 Rounders -

4TH PLACE Isla O’Rourke, Crusheen/Ballinruan/ Tubber – Girls U12 Long Jump Cian Vaughan, Crusheen/Ballinruan/ Tubber – Boys U12 200m Simone Considine, Cooraclare/Cree – Girls U16 100m Caoimhe Mc Namara, Inch/Kilmaley/ Connolly – Girls U16 200m Ryan Corbett, Broadford/Kilbane/Kilmore – Boys U16 200m Mikey Sheedy, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry – Boys U8 80m James Considine, Cooraclare/Cree – Boys U14 Javelin Clarecastle/Ballyea Boys U13 Rounders - Darragh Dormer, Paudie Geraghty O’Loughlin, Adam Gillan, Michael Healy, Noah Healy, Oisin Lynch, Nathan Madden, Lorcan Murphy, Jude Quinn, Michael Quinn, James Travers Quin/Clooney Girls U15 Rounders Sophie Harrison, Katie Hayes, Niamh Hoey, Kayleigh Loughnane, Nina Mc Carthy, Ella O’Brien, Lisa O’Neill, Penny O’Reilly, Clodagh Quinlan, Leah Quinn, Mella Skehan, Meadow Slattery

27

Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

To place a notice email kieran@clareecho.ie

Planning

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SMITHSTOWN, SHANNON, CO. CLARE PPG SCM Ireland Limited intend to apply for planning permission at their site in Shannon Free Zone, Shannon, Co. Clare, Ireland V14 FX09.

The application will consist of permission for the following developments on the site, consisting of; Construction of a new 47m2 bunded modular extension, A new 21m2 external covered solvent storage area including underground bund, New concrete yard, New access landing, ramp, steps & railings, Relocation of an existing LPG tank, and All ancillary site development works and services to facilitate the development including drainage, and utility connections.

The proposed development site is controlled by an Industrial Emissions Licence (No. IEL P0020-03) authorised by

EASY TO USE SERVICE

the Environmental Protection Agency.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL We, James and Lucy

Fennelly, intend to apply for retention permission for development at The Square, Carrigaholt, Kilrush, Co. Clare. The development consists of the change of use from garden/ancillary use to residential use/shortterm letting and all associated site development 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 and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL PARLIAMENT ST, ENNISTYMON Take notice that M.

Hohey intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for change of use from bookshop which is a protected structure (RPS No 384) to coffee take away unit at the above address.

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

or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 7 SHOWGROUNDS VIEW, ENNIS, CO CLARE Take notice that D. & O. Butler intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to alter and extend existing dwelling house by constructing a two storey side and rear extension along with associated site works.

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.

PLACE YOUR PLANNING NOTICES WITH THE CLARE ECHO CALL 065 671 9021 EMAIL KIERAN@CLAREECHO.IE

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Puzzle

47

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jun 8 2023

Puzzle

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Software © 2017 crossword-compiler.com

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Retreat Withdraw

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S A P P E A R G R C F

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H T

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T T D

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Vamoose Vanish Retire Quit

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Y R P S D A O R E H T T

Leave

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Lam Out Split

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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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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P A E M F Y V M S P L

Skedaddle Road

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E P L A M O U T O S L O Y U O

How to play

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T E R E N N D V E W C

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Hit The

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Scram

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W D L C V T E L D D A D E K S

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Fly

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Y R D F H T D C D N B W S D R

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Flee Run

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V S A T L E

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U F B T E E E

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U Q V X C S A N C R A R S

Withdraw

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Retire Disappear Retreat Exit

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Depart

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A H K F U O D E P O

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Vanish

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Vamoose

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F W E A

Quit Decamp

Leave

Cut

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M F E T M R R R O R N H R S O

Split

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Y L F P C C P L Y U D T T C M

Check Out

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Begone Lam Out Skedaddle

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Hit The Road Scram Beat It

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D D G N Y Y

Run

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A N H F G M A L Y V L W R A V

Fly

Abscond

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T A E B E G O N E S R M E

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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SUDOKU

1/3/23, 11:00 AM

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 28, 2025

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

Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz 1.

In what year did the boarding school in Flannan’s close?

2012 2007 2005

6.

In what year was the college damaged by severe flooding?

2007 2005 2009

2.

In what year did the first girls enrol in St. Flannan’s?

1995 2000 2002

7.

3.

Who is the current principal of the school?

Fr. Ignatius McCormack Canon Kennedy Benny Duggan

Which double All-Ireland winner teaches business studies in the college?

Brendan Bugler David Fitzgerald Jamsie O’Connor

8.

4.

In what year was the original college established?

1888 1895 1846

How many classrooms are in St. Flannan’s college?

61 62 63

9.

Which former Irish president attended St. Flannan’s?

Michael D. Higgins Patrick Hillery Douglas Hyde

5.

What colours are associated with the school?

Green and white Blue and white Black and white

Movies to see this week

Scan here to see what’s on

10. In what year was “the new building” opened at the college?

2005 2003 2002

ANSWERS 2009 Jamsie O’Connor 63 Michael D. Higgins 2003 Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

2005 2002 Fr. Ignatius McCormack 1846 Blue and white

Spot the Difference

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

Last weeks Answers . Visibilty vest different colour . logo missing on page . part of chain missing . wire missing in the background

. piece missing on the ground . boat missing . Buoy different colour

A new aviation service for the Irish Coast Guard has been launched at Shannon Airport. In what has been hailed as “a significant milestone” for the Irish Coast Guard, a new aviation service acting as a landmark enhancement to national search and rescue (SAR) and maritime environmental monitoring capabilities has been launched in Shannon Photo by Liam Burke

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