The Clare Echo 30/01/25

‘Blake’s Corner can’t be left to rot’

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

BLAKE’S CORNER in Ennistymon has been labelled as a “disgrace” that “cannot be left to rot”, at a West Clare Municipal meeting.

Councillor Bill Slattery raised the issue of the Blake and Linnane building’s “embarrassing” appearances on the maintenance of the two buildings since they were acquired by Clare County Council in 2010. The councillor also questioned what plans, if any, were in place for further maintenance work to be undertaken at the site with a lengthy judicial review process still underway.

In 2022, €30,000 was spent on renovations to the back roofs of the build-

ings with a relief road also being approved in September of that year.

l St Flannan’s captain James Hegarty and coach Tony Kelly preparing for this Sunday’s final against Thurles

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News travels of Fergal’s broadcasting award

Dowling to retire as Chief Executive

tire from the role next month.

Dowling’s exit had been expected but was

on Monday morning. His retirement will become effective from December 31.

Appointed to post in June 2016 on a seven year term, the Knockaderry native arrived in Áras Contae an Chláir in September 2016 as Chief Executive and has since November 2016 lived in Kilkee with his wife Rose. The 61 year old is a father of six.

County Council.

“It has been my privilege to serve the Council and the county for almost eight and a half years and it is my earnest hope that I have made a positive contribution to the reputation and standing of the organisation and the county. Working with Clare County Council has represented the pinnacle of my career and I thank all the members, present and former for their support and co-operation during that time.

Feirme and rural development with Kildare Leader Company.

No ministerial post for Clare

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

THE wait will continue for a ministerial post for Clare as Taoiseach Micheál Martin selected no local deputy for the new Cabinet of the 34th Dáil. Mountshannon man Timmy Dooley had been hotly tipped for a role in the new government after he was elected by 11,313 first preference votes, the second most for any Fianna Fáil candidate behind only his party leader Micheál Martin. This will make it 14 years since the last Clare public representative was appointed to Cabinet when Tony Killeen (FF) served as Minister of Defence from March 2010 to January 2011, following Willie O’Dea’s resignation.

In March 2023, he informed the Department of Local Government and the Public Appointments Service that he wished to avail of the option of a three year extension to his seven year appointment. Twenty months on, he has announced he is to retire from the role. It means his first and last jobs were based in Co Clare, having started his career as a

“I look forward to observing the exploits of Clare County Council from my home in West Clare and I wish you all well for the future,” he said in correspondence of elected members of the Council on Monday morning.

Glowing tributes were made by county councillors at Monday’s meeting of the Council where he also received a standing ovation.

Before moving to Clare, Pat was Deputy Chief Executive for Limerick City and County Council with responsibility for Social Development. His first role in local government was in 1999 when he joined the Limerick Corporation, previously he worked with Clare Youth Service, National Youth Council of Ireland, Macra na

Fellow Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe and Fine Gael Deputy Joe Cooney

will also support the next government following last November’s general election. The lack of a ministerial position for Clare will come as a disappointment for people in the county as the lack of representation will make securing funding for large infrastructure projects much harder. The current makeup of the cabinet features little representation of the Midwest region with Limerick man Patrick O’Donovan being the only representative from this area while serving as Min -

In 1983, he graduated with a degree in European Studies from the National Institute for Higher Education which is now the University of Limerick and during his time there was placed on co-op at the United Nations in New York and lived at the time with his older brother Michael, who is now the President and Chief Executive Officer of Northwell Health. His second placement while in university was in the European Parliament. He received a bronze medal for exceptional achievement when graduating.

ister of Communications, Arts and Culture.

Garden in Kilrush; and the most significant tourism project to be undertaken in East Clare with the development Inis Cealtra visitor centre. On two occasions during his tenure, Clare County Council was named local authority of the year.

Speaking a few weeks before the chaotic scenes that eventually led to Micheál Martin being elected Taoiseach, Deputy Dooley maintained that the Clare electorate had put forward a strong case for a ministerial position as two seats had been delivered for Fianna Fáil. “I think there is an expectation for a ministerial role but I am also conscious that there are other constituencies that have done likewise”, said Mr. Dooley. He also stressed that “there are a limited amount of positions and the Taoiseach will have a difficult job to hand out the loaves and fishes at a later stage”. The Tulla based deputy is now expected to be appointed to a minister of state role while party colleague Cathal Crowe and Fine Gael Deputy Joe Cooney will be confined to the role of TDs for now.

As Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat oversaw the transfer of the Shannon Heritage tourism sites to the local authority which he previously described as “one of the biggest risks” in the 125 year history of the Council. He was involved in the multi-million euro redevelopment of the Vandeleur Walled

He was also to the fore in Lahinch’s hosting of the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open serving as a major success. Also under Dowling’s watch, the County Council has voted to implement the highest charge of local property tax on a consistent basis. He has always stressed the importance of the Council maintaining a balanced budget and noted his pride at the local authority never recording a deficit during his tenure. He previously issued promises that issues at Blake’s Corner would be solved during his term as Chief Executive and has been a central figure in the creation of the Ennis 2040 Designated Active Company (DAC).

l Matheo Boghi and Mark Sexton, Holy Family School, Ennis trying out the newly opened DeValera Library in Ennis. The brand new DeValera County Library opened its doors to the public on Monday morning. The 2,321sqm building on Causeway Link, Ennis comprises a public library over two floors which includes the local studies centre, a 100sqm art gallery and the County Library headquarters

Photo by Eamon Ward

The Travel Extra Journalist of the Year Awards took place at a ceremony held to coincide with the annual Holiday World Show, which is taking place at the RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin this weekend. The prestigious event was attended by the top Irish travel and tourism writers and broadcasters, whose work is testament to the creativity and innovation of travel and tourism journalism in Ireland. The award winners were selected by a distinguished panel of senior Irish journalists with Clare native Fergal O’Keeffe winning Best Local Broadcasting for his broadcast on Clare FM’s Morning Focus.

Deputy Timmy Dooley (FF)

Blake’s Corner; “a disgrace” that “cannot be left to rot” says Cllr Slattery

by Mike Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

BLAKE’S CORNER in Ennistymon was labelled as a “disgrace” that “cannot be left to rot”, at a West Clare Municipal meeting on January 21.

Councillor Bill Slattery raised the issue of the buildings’ “embarrassing” appearances on the maintenance of the two buildings, as well as the state of their maintenance since they were acquired by Clare County Council in 2010.

The councillor also questioned what plans, if any, were in place for further maintenance work to be undertaken at the site with a lengthy judicial review process still underway.

In 2022, €30,000 was spent on renovations to the back roofs of the buildings with a relief road also being approved in September of that year. As of yet however, no significant work has been undertaken on the maintenance of the buildings despite 1.5 million tourists passing the junction annually on

their way to the Cliffs of Moher. Councillor Slattery maintained that work could be done on the buildings, despite the still ongoing judicial review.

Slattery referred to the buildings as an “eye sore”, adding that “management should be embarrassed” within Clare County Council over their condition. He also cited an earlier example where €100,000 was obtained from the then NRA, now TII for the upkeep of the buildings and questioned whether similar funds could be obtained from this organisation again.

The issue of heritage status of the buildings being used to avoid work was also raised at the meeting with buildings in Kilrush cited as similar problems.

Councillor Slattery proposed that some work be done on ‘Blake’s Corner’ before St. Patrick’s Weekend to improve the buildings’ steps and low wall.

The issue was acknowledged as a “county problem” and referred to as “not a stone in our shoe, but an absolute boulder” as all members of the meeting made clear the importance of resolving the issue.

Director of social development Jason Murphy attended the meeting and pledged to contact

Senior Executive Officer Carmel Greene of the property management department and agreed to “see what could be done” with the premises before St. Patrick’s Day, adding he sympathised with the frustration of councillors Bill Slattery and Shane Talty. Slattery also stated that he did not wish to blame any local engineers at Clare County Council for the state of the buildings as he maintained that the judicial review was the main issue going forward.

Council Planners Need to Allow Chimneys

Again - MEP McNamara

INDEPENDENT MEP for Ireland

South Michael McNamara crticises the County Councils “green agenda” stating that those behind the County Development Plansare “well-intentioned idiots with no understanding of the reality of rural life.”

Following the damage of Storm Éowyn, up to 100,000 people across Ireland could be without electricity, heating, broadband, and other vital services until early February.

McNamara stated: “In the wake of Storm Éowyn, many are paying the price for the over-centralisation of the planning system, and its capture by well-intentioned idiots with no understanding of the reality of rural life. Thousands are without electricity and heating. While most new homes have state of the art electric-powered heating systems, these homes have now been left in the cold, some looking out the window at a fallen tree that they can’t even burn for badly needed heat. The socalled ‘green agenda’ has left them shivering with little alternatives due to strict regulations. This reliance on electricity alone needs to be examined.”

McNamara added: “Those looking to build one-off houses throughout Ireland need to be allowed to build a house that common-sense determines should be able to be heated by solid fuel or oil, if necessary, as is their right. If they wish to heat their home with a stove and chimney, they should be entitled to do so. Building control regulations on new one-off dwellings need to revised, making it more accessible for rural homeowners to live comfortably in their new

l Michael McNamara (IND)

Locals unhappy about losing 350 bus route

byMike Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

COUNCILLORS Michael Shannon (FF) and Joe Killeen (FF) called on Clare County Council on Tuesday to outline their proposed tourism offering in West Clare.

The councillors stressed the importance of bus connectivity to connect the entirety of North and West Clare in a tourist loop encompassing locations such as Ennistymon, Lahinch, Doolin and The Cliffs of Moher.

The importance of a bus service such as this to young people was also emphasised as councillors praised the local link services that have recently grown in the area and spoke positively of establishing an online ticketing service for tourists and greater emphasis to be placed on the usage of leap cards in the area.

Cllr Joe Garrihy also pushed for

greater environmental investment in Corofin and Kilfenora. The councillor stated that “direct intervention by the state” was needed to capitalise on the potentially “game changing” appeal of Clare’s “amazing attractions”.

The importance of a VAT reduction was also raised as a top priority for tourism in the area as West Clare businesses begin preparing for the busy tourist season ahead. Director of Tourism Development Siobhan McNulty as well as Councillor Rita McInerney also proposed a significant marketing campaign to be set up following successful tender of the bus service.

Not all are happy with the proposed developments, however. On January 21 over 100 people attended a meeting at Fanore church to voice their concern at the decision to move the 350 bus route away from the village and replace it with a shuttle bus service.

lBlakes Corner Ennistymon

Limerick man charged with 24 burglaries including one at Wolfe Tones GAA club

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A 30-year-old Limerick man has appeared in court charged with 24 burglaries at premises across Clare, Limerick and Galway last year.

In one of the charges against Eddie Carey, he is charged with burglary at Wolfe Tones GAA Club in Shannon - the club of Clare All-Ireland winning senior hurling manager and double All Ireland winner as a player, Brian Lohan.

At Ennis District Court today, Judge Alec Gabbett said that there has been a “big Garda investigation” in the case.

On one day alone on February 2nd 2024, Mr Carey of De Vere Court, John Carew Park, Limerick is facing burglary charges concerning seven separate premises - Carry Out, Drumgeely, Shannon; Subway restaurant, Shannon; High Maintenance, Limerick Rd, Ennis; Remix, Limerick Rd, Ennis; Tech Station, Killaloe; Corbally Centre, Corbally Rd, Limerick and Inver, Ennis Rd, Limerick.

Mr Carey is facing the burgla-

ry charge against Wolfe Tones where he is accused of trespassing at the Shannon GAA clubhouse on July 9th last and committing theft contrary to Section 12 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

On the same date, Mr Carey is accused of committing burglaries at Hair Symphony, Clarinbridge, Galway, Day Break, Crusheen and Gala Chinese, Castle Street, Oranmore, Co Galway.

On another date on July 5th last, Mr Carey is accused of carrying out burglaries at five premises - The Electronic Store, Market Square, Scarriff; Rogers Bar, Main Street, Scariff; Newcastle West Mobile Zone, Newcastle West; Gadget Fix, Main Street, Adare and Poinaire, Main Street, Adare.

In total, Mr Carey is facing 46 separate charges that comprise of 24 burglary charges, 17 handling charges, four charges concerning the unauthorised taking of cars and one charge where he is accused of having in his possession two vehicle unlocking and starter devices.

The charge states that the two

unlocking devices were in Mr Carey’s possession at his address on September 17th last and the devices were made or adapted for the use in the authorised taking of vehicles.

Mr Carey was appearing via video-link in court from Limerick prison today.

Mr Carey first appeared in court in Ennis at a special sitting last Sunday where he was refused bail following Garda objections.

Solicitor, Stiofan Fitzpatrick for Mr Carey told the court today that legal papers have been sent to Dublin for a bail application to be made in the High Court.

Det Garda Roddy Burke told the court today that the file in the case “is in progress”.

Judge Alec Gabbett said that he was conscious that Mr Carey will have a lengthy remand in custody pending the case going to trial.

Judge Gabbett further remanded Mr Carey in custody to February 5th to Ennis District Court.

Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference

With the theme of ‘Climate Action, Community and Collaboration’, this year’s Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference took place in the Armada Hotel in Co Clare on Thursday 23 January 2025. Organised by the Sustainable Tourism Network, the annual event was supported by Visit Clare, Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark and KPMG Future Analytics & KPMG Sustainable Futures this year.

Pictured is Darina Allen, Ballymaloe Cookery School and Organic Farm School speaking at the Conference at the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point.

Photo by Eamon Ward

3,500 without water as storm effort

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

THE impact of the historic levels of damage caused by Storm Éowyn is still being felt across Clare almost a week after it first made landfall on the 23rd of January. The powerful storm brought winds of up to 180 km/h causing widespread destruction across Ireland. At its peak, the storm left 790,000 homes, farms and businesses without power with 133,000 mostly rural customers still without power at the time of writing. In a press release today the ESB strongly warned against members of the public approaching any fallen electricity infrastructure, saying “Following a significant weather event like Storm Éowyn, fallen debris can prevent people from seeing hidden risks such as wires entangled into trees and branches”. Additional crews from European electricity providers in Austria, Finland, France and the UK have been deployed to the worst effected areas throughout the country as the ESB anticipates that “the vast majority of customers who lost power during Storm Éowyn will have supply restored by this Friday night, 31 January”.

The widespread power outages have had an adverse effect on water supply in Clare as pumping stations cannot function with the loss of electricity. At the time of writing 3500 homes in Clare are still without water with alternative water supply areas in place at Killaloe GAA pitch, Ennistymon square, O’Mara’s shop Flagmount and the Woodcock pub in Cratloe as well as other locations around the county. Customers on the Kilmaley/ Inagh water scheme were effected on Sunday 26th as restoration of power to the scheme was not prioritised by the ESB on that day, leading to water outages and many local shops selling out of bottled water.

Ballymacraven water treatment plant in North Clare which supplies Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna, Doolin and other local areas was also effected on Friday 24th, forcing customers to conserve water until power could be restored. Darragh Conneely, Uisce Éireann’s operations manager says “This has been an extremely busy period for our crews, operatives, caretakers, supervisors and engineers, who have been working hard to restore water to local communities and

I want to acknowledge those efforts. Uisce Éireann would like to apologise to customers who have been without water for a number of days and would like to thank the public for their continued patience during this challenging time.”

The damage caused by

la roads in Ennis as well as downed electricity wires and trees on the Golf Links road. There were also multiple reports by farmers across Clare that galvanised roofs had been ripped off sheds by the force of the extreme winds. Lisdoonvarna and Dromindoor post offices also remain

Storm Eowyn was evident in the storm’s immediate aftermath as trees and power lines were down across the county. Part of the sea wall at Cappa in Kilrush also collapsed into the sea on Friday 24th with a West Clare Municipal District crew closing off a short section of road for safety. There were also reports of trees down on the Limerick, Cusack, Kiladysart and Tul-

closed due to power outages.

Storm Éowyn also caused major disruption to flights in Shannon which experienced multiple delays and cancellations and saw winds peak at 137km/h during the night. Flight services resumed at Shannon Airport on Friday 24th with the first flight from London Stanstead landing at 11.04am and departing back to London at 11.45am. A

spokesperson for the airport confirmed that the airport is now back to operating at a full, normal schedule and advised passengers whose flights had been cancelled to contact their airlines. “We deeply appreciate our passengers’ understanding and patience during the storm. Ensuring passenger and staff safety has been our top priority at all times. We are delighted to resume our full schedule of flights and look forward to welcoming our passengers,” said the spokesperson.

Overall, it is clear that the fallout from Storm Éowyn is still being felt across the county with the economic impact of the disruption caused to businesses as well as the financial cost of the actual damages weighing heavy on the minds of many in Clare. Many residents in the county’s most isolated areas are still without power with some being told it could be the 5th of February before it is finally restored to their homes. Speaking on Clare FM on Tuesday 28th, Clare Area ESB Technical Director Michael Sammin said that some recurring outages are possible due to ongoing repairs.

Councillor Michael Shan-

non stated that “Financial assistance is urgently required in the wake of Storm Eowyn. As a councillor deeply rooted in the community, it’s heartbreaking to witness the devastation inflicted on numerous homes and businesses”. The councillor also suggested that “Comprehensive financial aid is essential to address the losses faced by homeowners, small businesses, and farmers. The storm qualifies as a natural disaster, and the government holds a humanitarian obligation to assist those affected in Clare and throughout Ireland”.

Councillor Rita McInerney also praised emergency services, saying The response efforts are extremely commendable, and I want to acknowledge the hard work of those on the frontlines who are still working around the clock to restore power, water, and clear dangerous debris. However, challenges remain as some homes and businesses are still without electricity and water, and efforts must continue until every household is reconnected”. As of the 29th of January, over 5800 homes and businesses are still without power in Clare.

A damaged wall in Cappa, Kilrush after storm Éowyn

€1.4bn to be spent on Sceirde Rocks off-shore Windfarm

Planned turbines to be taller than the Cliffs of Moher

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A total of €1.4bn is going to be the “significant initial investment” in a planned 450 MW wind-farm with 30 turbines over 1,000 ft high in the Atlantic Ocean off the Co Clare and Co Galway coasts.

That is according to new planning documents lodged with An Bord Pleanala concerning Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta’s planned Sceirde Rocks windfarm on waters located 5km to 11.5m km off the west coast with Carna in Galway the nearest settlement.

On the Economic and Social Benefits of the project, planning consultants, MKO Planning and Environmental Consultants stated that the significant initial investment of around €1.4bn will be “in a rural coastal area, in the offshore renewable energy industry, which is essential for diversifying the energy sector, contributing to the revitalisation of the rural economy and delivering on climate and energy targets”.

The report states that during the

lifetime of the proposed development, it is expected that around €2.4bn will be spent on the development, construction, operation and decommissioning.

The report states that companies and organisations in Co Galway are estimated to be awarded contracts worth approximately €430m, the Atlantic Region €587m, and nationally €708m.

MKO state that during the construction phase, 610 jobs will be created, generating €53m Gross Value Added (GVA) in Ireland.

The report states that the development and construction process of an offshore wind farm “is a labour-intensive process which provides high-skilled construction, engineering, and maritime employment”.

MKO states that the operational phase of the off-shore windfarm “is less labour intensive, nonetheless operational and maintenance work provide a variety of stable, longterm jobs across different sectors”.

The planning report states that in an average year, the operational

The Town Hall Bistro

Providing a welcoming environment with great value food championing local ingredients.

expenditure on the proposed development is expected to support 130 jobs and €8m GVA per annum in

Ireland, the proposed off-shore windfarm “will serve as a pathway project for future offshore wind

Ireland.

The report states that “this value chain includes major international and local wind energy developers, operating alongside a host of local businesses and suppliers”.

The Brendan O'Regan Restaurant is ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

MKO state that in light of the national ambition to develop the offshore wind energy sector8 in

projects off the west coast and beyond”.

local community initiatives.

The planning report states that “offshore wind energy developments are an integral part of Ireland’s plan to decarbonise our economy and society, mitigating against the negative impacts and financial burden of climate change on future generations.

The report states that subject to development permission and other timelines, it is anticipated that construction will begin in 2026 and take approximately 40 months.

The Poet's Corner Bar is a traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session.

The project is the first off-shore wind-farm off Ireland’s west coast to go through to An Bord Pleanala for planning permission and is to power 350,000 Irish homes, save an estimated 550,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, and invest up to €70m in

The Poets Corner Bar

A traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session..

The 152 page report states that the proposed development is strongly supported by international, national, regional and local policies “aimed at achieving the transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy, increasing renewable energy generation, and enhancing energy security”.

The applicant company is a joint venture between the Australian based Macquarie Group and global infrastructure investor, the Ontario Teachers Pension Board.

The board is due to make a decision on July 28th.

The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

Ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

Machete attack accused teen unable to take up bail as Council objects to Trevor Quinn staying at a Dublin property - victim ‘3mm from death’

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

AN ENNIS teenager charged in connection with a broad daylight machete attack cannot currently take up High Court bail as a Dublin local authority has said that he can’t stay at a Council owned property, a court has heard.

In the case, Trevor Quinn (18) has been on remand at Limerick prison since November 21st after being charged in connection with an alleged ‘random’ broad daylight machete attack on

Shane Tuohy on Ennis’s Mill Rd at 3.30 pm on November 20th.

Mr Quinn was refused bail in the district court but obtained consent to bail in the High Court on condition that he remain out of Co Clare.

Mr Quinn of Hermitage, Ennis was waiting to take up bail once Gardai approved an address in west Dublin he was due to stay at.

However, Mr Quinn’s solicitor, Daragh Hassett has told Ennis District Court that his client remains in custody at Limerick pris-

on with consent to bail “as there remains an issue of nailing down an address”.

Mr Hassett said: “He had an address which was a Council property in Dublin and the Council has said that he can’t stay in it.”

Mr Quinn was brought to court in the belief that he was facing an additional charge.

However, Sgt Frank O’Grady said that there was no new charge.

Judge Alec Gabbett said that it was not fair on Mr Quinn to bring him to court if there is no new charge “other than some fresh air which can’t do him any harm”.

Mr Hassett said that there was an expectation that there would be a new charge “and it hasn’t happened”.

Sgt O’Grady said that his instructions are that the file in the case is with the DPP.

Sgt O’Grady said that his own court note is that Mr Quinn’s court attendance would be excused if there is no new charge.

Sgt O’Grady said that he would wait for the DPP’s directions concerning the

possibility of an additional charge.

Judge Gabbett said that Mr Quinn is 18 and a very young man to be on remand and he would mark the case ‘time passing’.

Addressing Mr Quinn, Judge Gabbett said: “Are you okay Trevor? Have you got everything you need?”

Mr Quinn replied: “Thanks judge. I spoke to a woman in prison about a psychological evaluation.”

Judge Gabbett said: “Great. That is very positive. You might get something case, Mr Quinn facing four separate charges and they are the assault causing harm of Shane

lTrevor Quin

Tuohy, a charge of violent disorder on Ennis’s Mill Rd and charges concerning the use of a machete and the possession of a carpet knife.

In court in November, Judge Gabbett refused bail to Mr Quinn after viewing photos of the alleged machete injuries to Mr Tuohy’s neck and ear.

Judge Gabbett said that Mr Tuohy was ‘3mm from death’.

Judge Gabbett said that Mr Tuohy’s artery was visible from the neck wound in the photos provided by Gardai.

During the contested bail hearing, Judge Gabbett said that “this young man’s ear was nearly sliced off. It is but for the grace of God that this man is alive.”

Looking at the photos, Judge Gabbett said: “Death was not far off. One more millimetre and that artery was severed and you would have a minute at best. That is what really concerns me.”

Judge Gabbett further remanded Mr Quinn in custody with consent to bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on February 5th.

Janauray shows record number of new member for Trump Doonbeg

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

‘

High

flyer’ US golfers are paying €25,000 per head to join US President Donald Trump’s Doonbeg golf resort in record numbers following his election as US President, it has emerged.

Just as leading US business figures embrace the Trump Presidency, the General Manager of Trump Doonbeg, Joe Russell said today that the resort has recorded “the highest ever number in new membership sales” this month at the resort.

Mr Russell said that new members are paying €25,000 to join up and he said that the highest monthly tally also takes in the years prior to 2014 when the Trump Organisation purchased the resort.

Mr Russell said that the new membership sales are being driven from people in the US.

The long serving GM said: “Two thirds of our membership are international with the vast bulk of those from the US.”

In an interview, Mr Russell said: “it’s been a record month so far for new memberships, following a tremendous performance in 2024”.

Mr Russell said that some of those who have signed up from the US are already members of Trump golf courses in the US.

Mr Russell said that 2024 “was an exceptional year for us and already 2025 is pacing ahead of 2024” in terms of bookings.

The 2023 accounts filed last month show that operating profits at the Co Clare luxury golf resort more than doubled to €2.06m in 2023 in a record year for the business.

This followed revenues rising by 12pc from €14.36m to €16.12m.

The resort is generating record returns on the back of visitors paying lead prices for an Ocean View suite during high season in 2024 costing €2,720 per night and green fee rates peaking at €450 per person.

Green fees are to rise this year to €525 which Mr Russell said are “testament to the ongoing demand for our hotel and golf course, the product and service levels provided at Trump Doonbeg”.

Brian Lohan and Iggy Clarke to Headline Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

HURLING legends Brian Lohan and Iggy Clarke are among the line-up to take the stage at Shannons 2nd annual free mental health conference.

Named after the Celtic Goddess for health and wisdom, The Airmid Mental Health and Wellbeing conference will take place in The Hope Cafe Shannon on March 21.

Organisers of the conference; Pat Burke and Mary Howard shared with The Clare Echo that the main the idea for the event came about as they noticed an increase in suicides in Shannon.

“I have attended way too many funerals again last year and seeing the destruction of lives because of suicide,” explained Pat. “And there’s been no improvement, in my opinion, on services, a whole void of services that’s required to help people in their crisis.”

In November 2024, the Central Statistics Office published their latest vital services report. The data from this report revealed that that County Clare recorded the highest suicide deaths by population size in Ireland in 2023. It

also showed that Clare the third highest number of suicides in the country overall.

According to CSO data 25 people died from suicide in Clare in 2023, 20 male and 5 female. This is the highest figure the county has seen since 2008. The number of deaths registered as suicide in Clare reached its highest level on record last year.

Due to the rise in the number of suicides within the county, particularly in the town of Shannon, Pat and Mary hope that the conference can act as a welcoming starting point for people and help to break judgematl stigma surrounding mental health.

“People are reluctant to come forward and say, my mental health isn’t good,” explained Mary. “It’s not as bad as it was, and a lot of that is down to the fact that it’s been publicized more, and people are now brave enough to come forward and talk about it. But we just felt that it would be nice to run an event and run it here in Shannon, because Shannon was so badly decimated, with young suicides in particular. Every suicide is shocking, but particularly when it’s a young person in the full prime of their lives.”

This year’s event will be the second of its kind. The inaugural conference took place in the same venue in January 2023. After the success of last yeast event Mary and Pat would like to continue running the conference on a yearly basis. Pat and Mary also have a goal of setting up a 24/7 mental health centre in Shannon, where people can go and find help in their moments of need at any time of day.

“There is a very young community in Shannon. There’s two very big secondary schools. If people don’t have a place to go or someone to talk to when they’re at their very lowest, they’re more likely to do something,” said Pat.

Mary added; “I felt that having a place like the Airmid walk-in centre, that people can come to and you can give them that sense of strength and resilience and hope. Because as many survivors have said “you can live without food, you can live without love, you cannot live without hope as long as you have hope tomorrow will be better.”

The conference will run from 9:30am to 5pm, with a full schedule of speakers touching on a wide variety of topics such as mindful-

Boy attends primary school only nine days this school year

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A MOTHER of a primary school student who has been to school on only nine days in the current school year said that she thought it ridiculous that a child of his age be expected to be in bed before midnight, a court has heard.

In the case, TUSLA, the Child and Family Agency is prosecuting the boy’s parents over their failure to abide by their legal requirement to have their son to attend his school under the Education Welfare Act 2000 on March 20th last and subsequent days.

The two parents were before a district court where Judge Alec Gabbett said that the boy must go to school and warned the parents that they face having criminal records if he doesn’t start attending.

Judge Gabbett said that the boy “really hasn’t been to school since he was in third class”.

A doctor’s report handed into court stated that the boy vomits at the school gate when he does try to attend.

Solicitor for TUSLA, Saran Ryan said that TUSLA has no reports of this and the doctor’s report is based on what the boy’s mother told the

doctor.

Ms Ryan said that the situation has not improved since court proceedings were issued against the parents “and the situation is now at a critical stage given the boy’s age”.

Ms Ryan said that in the current year, the boy has had an 89.8pc absentee rate.

This compared to an absentee rate of 59pc in the 2024 school year and a 36pc absentee rate in the 2023 school year.

Educational Welfare Officer with TUSLA, Liam Rodger said that the boy has been to school only once since Christmas and the last time he attended before that was in October.

After reading a report handed into court by Ms Ryan on the scale of non-school attendance, Judge Gabbett remarked: “It is the usual problem with CAMHS - (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) you have to be at death’s door to be admitted.”

Mr Rodger said that after a teacher reported that the boy was presenting as exhausted when showing up to school, Mr Rodger said it was suggested that the mother look at routine for the boy. The boy was aged 11 at the time.

Mr Rodger said after that meeting

ness, Feotal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and dealing with grief.

Brian Lohan, the only Hurler in history to have won an All Ireland Hurling Final as both a player and manager, will speak at the event ahead of the key-note speech which will be given by former Galway All-Star Hurler Dr.Iggy Clarke. After retiring from hurling, Iggy pursued a career as a psychologist and therapist.

Aswell as the speakers there will also be workshops in different forms of yoga and a musical per formance from Limerick mu sician, Robert Dawson. There will be designated meeting rooms at the event where men tal health professionals will be offering their services free of charge on the day.

Mary emphasized that this event is not just for people who may be suf fering from severe mental health struggles them selves or professionals within the field, it is for everyone. She explained that whether you’re com ing to seek help for yourself or to just learn more about yoga and meditation as a form of stress relief everyone is wel-

come at the conference.

“And we would encourage everyone to come because you never know what you’ll hear there that will actually help you.”

The event is free of charge. Attendees can stay for as many or as few of the scheduled speakers as they would like. As part of the programme, there will be a lunch provided on the day and there will also be tea and coffee available all

11 Clare students receive Trinity entrance awards

he received a text from the mother that was meant for someone else where she said “that she thought it ridiculous that a child of his age was expected to go to bed anytime before mid-night”.

Judge Gabbett asked the parents - who are separated and both go out to work during the day - “where is the boy now? Is he on his own unsupervised with an ipad and a phone?”

In reply, solicitor, Ann Gillane said that the boy is at home and a neighbour looks in on him to make sure everything is okay.

Ms Gillane said that the boy’s mother has “begged and pleaded with him to go to school and she tells me he just goes blank”

Judge Gabbett said that would sit on the case “like a hen” and made a short adjournment to next month.

Eleven students from Clare were among 593 students who were awarded prestigious Entrance Exhibition Awards for the 2024/5 academic year from Trinity College Dublin.

The awards go to students accepted into the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme who achieved the highest points among Trinity entrants from their secondary school, above a minimum of 500 CAO points (or equivalent).

The students come from 452 different schools and from 30 counties on the island of Ireland as well as 38 countries overseas.

The Clare students’ names are as follows:

Michael Flynn and Samuel William Power from Rice College, Sadhbh Doherty from St. Flannan’s College, Ailbhe Wright from Coláiste Mhuire, Aoibhinn O’ Mahony from St. Joseph’s Secondary School Tulla, Eyla Lienhard from Scariff Community College, Lauren Arthur from St. Anne’s Community College, Kaloyan Georgiev and Jack Keane from St. Caimin’s Community School, Brendan Ryan from Kilrush Community School and Alanna Hayes from Ennistymon Vocational School.

lAIRMID: Brian Lohan

l Ailbhe Wright and Aoibhinn O’Mahony

Photo by Paul Sharp

It’s time to start thinking of Welcoming Spring: Preparing Your Garden for New Beginnings as Days Grow Longer

JANUARY is near the end and hopefully ye can see the stretch in the evening as I have on some evening.

Spring is arriving and with it brings lots of possibilities. I am sure we are all looking forward to the brighter evening and the stretch that will come.

The last few days I have been busy checking the wind damage and seeing what may need repair. There are some branches and shrubs around that need trimming. There are also some fencing that needs some repairs. So, there is plenty to keep us busy now.

It is time to be thinking of the vegetable beds. The potatoes will become available in February for those who like to start sprouting them early indoors or have tunnel with raised beds. The onion and shallots will also be available.

If you rotate your plants, now is the time too plan. Hopefully you have notes of what thrived last year and what you might want to reduce in growing this season.

The primrose is offering bright colour. The bulbs are brightening up the pots and

they are a lovely gift idea if you are visiting anyone or want a pop of colour for yourself. Bareroot hedging is available and a budget friendly now lush laurel and griselinia hedging are both evergreen and easy to maintain once established. If You considered maybe doing a boarder around a patio area Buxus plant, come bareroot and make a lovely structure design to any patio area due to it been easily shaped.

The birds are loving the feeders we have placed around the garden centre and enjoying the seeds from them. Bird food on special offer while stock last.

We look forward to St Bridget day celebrated on the 1st of February marking the arrival of Spring.

“May the light of St. Brigid guide you, may her warmth inspire you, and may her blessing bring renewal to your heart and home.”

Thought for the Week - God’s Sustaining Grace Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

AS WE start into another week, remember that the anxieties of our lives can steal away the moments of our joy, so I want to write in this week’s thoughts about ways that we can guard our hearts against anxiety no matter what it is that you or I are facing.

loving, praying and living deeply from the heart is not easy. It takes work. Very hard work. It demands self-sacrifice, a generous spirit, great tenderness and goodness and an expansive embrace. It implies the risk of loving and living without barriers and obstacles. It suggests walking in someone else’s shoes, leaving behind one’s own baggage that makes the walk heavier, and letting go of old habits that become burdens on the journey. It is to speak and act with compassion and mercy.

Loving, praying and living deeply from the heart is intentional. It does not happen accidentally. It happens because we decide to live that way. We love in spite of us, even if it hurts. It means going beyond what holds us back, beyond what bothers you about another person and looking for the good in them.

Loving, praying and living deeply from the heart is about forgiveness. Forgiving others and previous generations for their actions.

And in the case of some of the most difficult and painful situations, loving deeply from the heart also means praying: God forgives us, even though we know what we do.

Deep-hearted love does not just contemplate the wrongs that have been done or the mistakes that have been made; it also calls us to active repentance. It says, “Don’t just sit there feeling bad; do something to make it better. It gets beyond that which keeps us stuck in the past and prevents us from moving into the future. At the center of it all, deep heart love and life is a call to conversion and, if we’re honest with ourselves, most of us need this wake-up call to conversion. Maybe loving deeply from the heart should be part of everyone’s new beginnings as we hopefully continue along the road on this journey called Life. Our families, our friends, our work colleagues, our towns, our cities, our country and our world need it.

Always remember the words of St. Mother Teresa that, “One song can spark a moment; One flower can wake the dream. One tree can start a forest, One bird can herald spring. One smile begins a friendship, One handclasp lifts a soul. One star can guide a ship at sea, One word can frame the goal.

One vote can change a nation, One sunbeam lights a room. One candle wipes out darkness, One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey; One word must start each prayer. One hope will raise our spirits; One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom. One heart can know what’s true. One life can make the difference; you see it’s up to You!”

Thought for the Week

As your thought for the week, don’t ever forget for even a second how very important and how very special each and every one of us are. Please try to love and pray deeply from your heart always and for the good of everyone. In the end, the goal of real life is love. The measure of our maturity is our love for God and our love for others. If we fail in our love we have missed what it means to be a truly good person.

To anyone who also may be struggling like me at this moment with questions and worry right now, I offer again the simple words of St. Padre Pio: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” Our God is massively bigger than any problem we perceive. Our God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Our God is merciful (Ephesians 2:4). Our God loves us beyond measure (Ephesians 3:18), and it is impossible for our God to lie. Unlike so many things in our world, He is truly trustworthy (Hebrews 6:18). “Pray, hope, and don’t worry” is probably Padre Pio’s most famous saying. However, we cannot forget about the second part of his prayer statement, which is: “Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”

We can be certain God knows what we need even before we ask him. I feel Padre Pio’s peacefulness as he listens to my worries now as I pray to him, as he listened to many during his life, and he reassures me daily that all my worries are in God’s hands.

Let me leave you with this prayer I say everyday called ‘Sustaining Grace’ by Merrissa Keeley I like to pray and goes as follows...”Je-

sus, I don’t understand this unexpected curve, This came out of nowhere, without a chance to swerve. The anguish and uncertainty is more than I can bear, And this “happy face” I hide behind…is getting hard to wear. I can’t feel You in this pain…it’s raw and so intense. I can barely trust right now, when nothing’s making sense. I don’t want to walk this road…for what is there to gain? I can’t even comprehend the purpose in this pain. Questions “Why?” invade my soul; I’ve tried to tune them out. But they just seem to come in waves of overwhelming doubt. So I’ll be honest…might as well…since You already know. That I am anxious and need Your guidance to show me where to go. Help me dig down very deep and remind me everyday. That You remain upon Your throne and have the final say, And while I may not understand this season that I face. The pain will one day be eclipsed by Your sustaining grace. So please increase my faith, O Lord… help me hold onto Your hand. Then I can wait with calm assurance on Your purpose and Your plan. Heavenly Father, When I feel crushed by my own worries, Lift my mind and help me to see the truth. When fear grips me tight and I feel I cannot move, Free my heart and help me to take things one step or one day at a time. When I can’t express the turmoil inside, Calm me with Your quiet words of love. I choose to trust in You, each day, each hour, each moment of my life. I know deep down that I in Your grace, forgiven, restored by Your sacrifice, You have set me free. Amen.”

Beannachtí na Féile Bríde / i mBolg Oraibh

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

TÁ SÚIL agam that you are all ag súil le saoire bainc na Féile i mBolg/Féile Bríde.

On this special day in Inis Oírr, where I grew up, the cailíní would, and still do, siúl ó theach go teach carrying a large babóg called a “Brídeog” (the girls themselves are called “na Brídeogaí”) to represent Naomh Bríd and would collect airgead while entertaining na comharsain (neighbours) with a poem celebrating our National Matron Saint.

Much like na buachaillí do on Láil’ Stiofáin or Lá an Dreoilín. Láil’ Bríde and Féile i mBolg have influenced ceilúradh theacht an Earraigh (the coming of spring/ rebirth) all over the world, including Groundhog Day sna Stáit Aontaithe.

Imeachtaí/Events: lCILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm i mBuggles Bar lLUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach lClare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM lCILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm lINIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com

lLUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389. lAN SCAIRBH – Lón i nGaeilge, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé An Gáirdín, fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?!

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

Macalla an Chláir

lCROIS BHRÍDE: Michelle agus Seán le leagan tríchosach Mháirtín Taimín as Inis Oírr den Chrois Bhríde

The Ferns survive the eliminator and make it to Irelands Fittest Family quarter-finals

WHEN James, Kaitlyn, Bobby and Jaime Ferns returned home from competing in the fourth heat of Ireland’s Fittest Family they were sore, bruised, exhausted but triumphant. It had been a long 13 hour day (17 hours by the time they arrived back home in Ennis).

The weather had been brutal while they were competing. It rained relentlessly while filming the episode with barely a dry moment to find some reprieve.

A lot of downtime between events was spent in the car with the heater on full blast trying to dry off and stay warm but not even the weather could dampen their spirits.

The close family bond they share was evident as the whole of County Clare (well, the lucky ones with power) shouted at their TV

screens, cheering the Ferns family on last Saturday evening.

We watched the family work tirelessly together, lifting 800 litres of water, swimming through bogs, climbing rope ladders, suspended over lakes, jumping an 8ft wall and making it to the top of a 10ft ramp cumulating in a huge hug of joy and relief at the end.

Unbeknown to viewers the Ferns had become very friendly with the Dempseys throughout the day and were extremely sad to see them go home.

James mentions how “the Dempsey family are one of the nicest families anyone could ever hope to meet and we still keep in touch”

It’s one thing to hear about the events and challenges of Ireland’s Fittest Family but quite another experience to see your family on televi-

sion.

Tracey Ferns explained what is was like to see her husband and three children complete their challenges.

“My sister in law Mairead and her husband Stephen very generously offered to host the watch party. They were absolutely amazing, going above and beyond for us. Our families were there cheering the lads on. It was a very special night”.

“I couldn’t be more proud of them. They all worked so hard physically, mentally and emotionally but had such good fun taking part”.

“They have made precious memories for a lifetime. “As a mother your heart would be in your mouth looking at some of it but I have so much belief in them and in James I didn’t worry too much”.

“I got landed with all of the washing”, she jokes “and

12 pairs of runners to get ready for the quarter final!” My main focus however, was their recovery. They were cut and badly bruised especially on their knees so I made sure the cuts were cleaned and freshly bandaged every day until they healed. They ate nutritious foods, stretched well and soaked in Epsom salts. Horse Balm muscle cream and arnica really helped to ease the soreness. Magnesium, vitamin B, C and omega supplements were essential for replenishing their body’s strength. Kaitlyn, Bobby and Jaime are having great fun with the new family Tik Tok, Ferns_Family which shows updates, funny videos and with more behind the scenes footage to come from the quarter finals it’s definitely one to watch!

lQUARTER-FINALISTS: Jaime, James, Kaitlyn and Bobby Ferns

Ennis-based firm Repucon strike deal with Munster Rugby

MUNSTER Rugby has announced the appointment of Repucon Consulting as its official Economic Research Advisor partner.

The partnership will see the Ennis based firm work closely with Munster Rugby to measure the socio-economic and tourism benefits generated by major games and concerts at Thomond Park Stadium and Virgin Media Park.

The collaboration will involve comprehensive data collection and analysis, including visitor spending profiling and assessing the overall economic contributions of events hosted at their venues.

Repucon Consulting who specialise in economic research and strategic planning with a focus on tourism, sport and recreation will undertake a series of independent studies on behalf of Munster Rugby.

The partnership with Munster Rugby will include analysis of nine summer concerts in Virgin Media Park, Cork, three concerts and the Munster Rugby ver-

Mark O’Connell, Director at Repucon Consulting, said “Repucon is delighted to partner with Munster Rugby in this exciting initiative. The socio-economic and tourism contributions of sport and entertainment events

are often underestimated particularly in terms of their reach across the county and region. We look forward to working with Munster Rugby to quantify the immense value the venues bring to the region.”

Ian Flanagan, CEO of Munster Rugby, highlighted

the significance of the partnership: “Munster Rugby is committed to making a positive impact on the communities we are based in. By partnering with Repucon Consulting, we aim to deepen our understanding of the tangible benefits the stadium events bring to Cork, Limerick, and the broader Munster region. This data will not only validate the economic and tourism contributions of rugby and concerts but also reinforce our role in stimulating year round community and economic benefits.”

Mark O’Connell added, “We believe that major events should not only provide immediate economic benefits but also generate value for host communities.

Our main goal is to examine the socio-economic and tourism impact generated by major rugby matches and concerts. Whether it’s a high profile fixture in Thomond Park or a major headline act performing in Virgin Media Park, these events can generate huge benefits for local communities.”

Inaugaral Ennis Coral Festival to take place this weekend

SPRING Into Song Ennis inaugural Festival Opens this weekend Jan 31 to Feb 2.

This festival promises to be a feast of Choral singing with 22 choirs from Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway and Wexford entered to compete in the 9 categories.

Audiences are very welcome to attend the competitions in the Holy Family Hall on Friday Jan 31 from 10.30am to 1pm and on Saturday Feb1 from 10 am to 4pm.

There are free workshops in conducting, vocal training, pop up community choir and a pop up choir for neurodivergent teens.

While the workshops are free you do need to book your place on eventbrite.

Join us for a free concert in Ennis Cathedral on Sunday at 3pm featuring guest award winning choirs Schola Gregoriana Maynooth, Cois Cladaigh Galway, Cantare, Harmony Bro Ennis, Dean Power Clarecastle and The Ramparts Dublin. No booking required for this free concert.

‘Think outside the

box’: Ennis doctoral graduate applies machine learning to mental health screening

DARRAGH Glavin, originally from Ennis, County Clare, recently graduated with a PhD from the University of Limerick, where his research focused on applying machine learning to mental health screening.

Now based in Los Angeles, Darragh’s work aimed to improve ultra-brief questionnaires used to screen for depression and other mental health disorders, making them more predictive and efficient by using data-driven machine learning techniques. His research showed that machine learning can enhance screening tools, potentially identifying more individuals who might not be detected through traditional methods.

“I hope to provide rich and import ant insights and findings through data in the healthcare sphere that will have an impact and be beneficial for the people,” Darragh explained ahead of his graduation with a Doctorate in Ma chine Learning-based Optimisation of Ultra-brief Questionnaires for Mental Health Disorders last Wednesday.

Darragh’s interest in machine learning and mental health came from his technical background and personal experiences. He chose to pursue this field during his under graduate studies in Electronic and Computer Engineering at UL, and later, a PhD through Science Foun dation Ireland’s Centre for Research

Training in Data Science. He used large datasets to optimize questionnaires, including a study in Amsterdam where he developed new screening tools for various mental health issues in university students.

Currently, Darragh works as Director of Analytics at an Irish start-up Akara Robotics, applying data science to improve surgical operations. He credits his PhD for preparing him for industry and stresses the importance of handson experience in data science, along with a solid foundation in statistics and -

sus All Blacks XV game in Thomond Park Stadium.

l REPUCON AND MUNSTER RUGBY: (L-R) Ian Falconer, Repucon Consulting, Ian Flangan CEO Munster Rugby and Mark O’Connell, Repucon Consulting.

Killaloe MD publishes Socio-Economic Profile

THE KILLALOE Municipal District (MD) of Clare County Council published a Socio-Economic Profile today (Wednesday, January 15, 2024,) one of the first of its kind in the country.

The independent report undertaken by People and Place consultants on behalf of Killaloe MD, offers a comprehensive overview of the district and draws from the latest data available from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Census 2022 and a range of other authoritative datasets. It provides a detailed analysis of the district’s demographic, economic, and social characteristics.

Speaking at this month’s meeting of Killaloe MD, Brian McCarthy, Senior Planner and Killaloe MD Coordinator Clare County Council said, “The purpose of this document is to provide a solid evidence base to support future decision-making within the Kil-

Le Chéile Lighting Specialists, acting on behalf of Cork County Council as the Lead Authority on the Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project, South West Region (PLEEP-SW), will be carrying out public lighting works at a number of locations across Clare County

The project supported by the Road Management Office (RMO)

Should you have any questions regarding any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us by any of the communication methods on this leaflet We thank you in advance for your co-operation

laloe MD. It is designed to serve a diverse audience, including elected members, local community groups, businesses, students and researchers and indeed the general public, as interested parties can gain insights into the regions development and engage more meaningfully with their community and council.”

Ann Reynolds A/Director of Service Rural Development, Corporate and Cultural Services with responsibility for Killaloe Municipal District said, “By providing a clear and detailed profile of the Killaloe MDs current socio-economic status, this document aims to assist stakeholders in making well informed decisions, promoting sustainable growth, and attracting new investment to the region.”

Presenting the document Director of Ennis based company People and Place Limited Justin Gleeson

told councillors, “This innovative report is the first of its kind at municipal district level in the country and will set the standard in new evidence-based planning and decision-making at local level.”

Local community groups and organisations are also encouraged to utilise this profile to advocate for resources, plan community projects, and address local needs effectively, local entrepreneurs and companies able to leverage this data to understand the local market, identify opportunities for growth, and make informed investment decisions. The General Public: Residents and interested parties can gain insights into the regions development and engage more meaningfully with their community.

Blue Road- The Edna O’Brien Story in Arc Cinema Ennis from Friday 31st January

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

THE HIGHLY anticipated documentary *Blue Road –The Edna O’Brien Story*, directed by Sinéad O’Shea, will screen at the Arc Cinema on Saturday, January 31.

This candid portrait of the celebrated Irish author Edna O’Brien offers a rare glimpse into the life of one of the world’s most charismatic writers. O’Brien’s groundbreaking books were once banned and burned in her native Ireland, yet she became a prominent figure in London and New York, known for illicit love affairs, glamorous parties, and a career filled with both fortune and loss.

Edna O’Brien passed away in 2024, at the age of 94. In the final year of her life, she shared intimate details of her extraordinary journey, offering insight through her personal diaries and a reflective interview with O’Shea. Her diaries are brought to life by Oscar-nominated actress Jessie Buckley, adding another layer of depth to this remarkable story.

The film has already earned

critical acclaim, winning Best New Irish Feature at the Cork Film Festival and receiving a nomination for the George Morrison Documentary Award at the 2025 IFTAs.

*Blue Road – The Edna O’Brien Story* is a co-production between SOS Produc-

Emptage, and Sinéad O’Shea, with Katie Holly and Barbara Broccoli serving as Executive Producers.

Don’t miss the chance to experience this powerful and intimate portrayal of one of literature’s most fascinating figures.

lFIRST OF ITS KIND: With the newly published Killaloe Socio-Economic Profile were left to right: Cathaoirleach Clare County Council Cllr Alan O’Callaghan, Justin Gleeson Director People and Place Ltd, Brian McCarthy Senior Planner & Killaloe MD Coordinator, Faolán Hamilton, Spatial Planner, People and Place Limited, and Cathaorileach of Killaloe MD Cllr Pat Hayes.

Photo by: Eamon Ward

l BLUE ROAD: Author Edna O’Brien

Ennistymon students win trip to Brussels

TRANSITION Year students from Ennistymon Community School were awarded runners-up for the national final of the #ThinkLanguages Champion Team of the Year competition.

The competition highlights the vital role foreign language skills play in both personal and professional development, a focus of #ThinkLanguages Week which took place in November and is the foundations for the #ThinkLanguages Champion Team Competition.

The four finalist teams will get to experience a trip to Brussels and discover languages coming to life at the EU Institutions as part of the prize.

Karen Ruddock, Director of

Post Primary Languages Ireland, organisers of #ThinkLanguages Week, said “I am delighted to present this award today which recognises the immense value of foreign language learning. The students serve as incredible ambassadors for language learning, demonstrating how subjects extend beyond textbooks and taking them into real life

This year’s grand prize was again supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and its “A Career for EU Strategy”, which emphasises the need for multilingual Irish representatives in Europe to ensure effective collaboration and communication with counterparts across Europe and beyond.

Raheen Tractor Run Success

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

RAHEEN Tractor Run exceeded expectations and raised €15331 for Raheen Community Hospital.

The event which took place on December 27 saw 165 vehicles travel through the village all decorated for the festive season.

There was a raffle with over 60 prizes donated by business and members of the community.

A signed Clare Jersey donated by Paddy Donnellan and an Ireland Rugby Jersey signed by Conor Murray donated by Ian Molloy, were auctioned off on the day. The Highest bidders Ger McNamara and Shane Brett of Mid West Renewable Energy are kindly donating the signed Clare jersey to Bodyke National School.

There was also some guest appearances with the Liam McCarthy Cup, Paddy Donnellan and the new Garda Tractor in attendance on the day.

Organisers Ger McNamara and Aishling Walsh were blown away by the genorosity of the community.

“We would like to thank all that helped out on the day, our marshals, our sponsors, people who donated raffle prizes, everyone who participated in the tractor run, bought raffle tickets and to our highest bidders in our auction” said Aishling.

Ennistymon celebrates St.Brigid’s Day and Imbolg

THE TOWN of Ennistymon will come alive with a vibrant festival celebrating Lá Fhéile Bríde (Brigid’s Day) and the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolg marking the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.

This unique event brings together Irish tradition, folklore, and creativity in a series of workshops, talks, music, and parades.

The festival will open Friday January 31 with a fireside chat on Brigid’s Eve traditions with Dáire Spillane and Tom Barry and an introduction to the Brideóg custom at Pot Duggan’s from 8-9pm.

Saturdays festivities will start with a guided nettles walk and talk through the Glen with foraging and biodiversity expert Oonagh O’Dwyer, renowned storyteller Aindiras De Staic and herbalist Tara Roche. They will be meeting at The Falls carpark at 9:45am and setting off into the woodland walk from 10am.

From 11am, there will be traditional Brigid’s Cross Workshops ongoing throughout the day at Stack’s Corner.

An Imbolg and Brigid’s Zine has been designed and curated by local artist, Josie O’Connor as part of the festival celebration which features a group of

local creatives. The zine will be launched at the Salmon Bookshop at 12:30pm, and will follow a talk on local Brigid history, St. Brigid’s Well, and Brigid’s significance as both goddess and saint. The talk will feature speakers including archaeologist and guide Martina McCarthy, eco-poet Grace Wells, and historian Martin Barry. This will be concluded with a live music performance by local fiddle player Trish O’Dea.

In preparation for the closing parade, a creative dress-up workshop led by performing artists Áine O’Brien, Gilly Kelly Dunne, and Róisín Lennon at the Ennistymon Community Centre startignat 2:30pm. All ages are welcomed. The festival will close with a magical night-light procession from the Community Centre to Market Square at 5pm, culminating in song-sharing and an exciting and expressive silent disco led by ‘Hush Disco’. This festival provides an opportunity to embrace the spirit of Brigid; a figure of transformation, creativity, and healing - while marking Imbolg, the ancient seasonal celebration of renewal and growth.

For more details, contact feilebrigid@gmail.com or call Aoibheann on 087 3377 827.

St. Brigid’s Day: A Perfect Time to Refresh Your Road Safety Routine

ST. BRIGID’S Day is just around the corner, heralding the arrival of spring and longer, brighter evenings.

While the day is traditionally a time to honor St. Brigid, the patron saint of Ireland, it also provides a great opportunity to refresh our awareness around road safety as we transition into the new season.

Here are a few important road safety tips, from Martin Daly Autos to keep in mind as St. Brigid’s Day approaches:

1. Refresh Your Vehicle’s Safety Check

As we approach the spring season, it’s a good idea to give your vehicle a thorough check-up to ensure it’s in optimal condition. A well-maintained car is crucial for safe driving, especially as we navigate changing weather conditions. Some key areas to inspect include your tyres—make sure they have adequate tread depth and are properly inflated. Check your brakes for any signs of wear, and inspect all lights, including headlights, brake lights, and indicators, to ensure they’re functioning properly. Don’t forget to

check your wipers and replace the blades if needed to ensure clear visibility during rain or early morning frost.

2. Review Your Driving Habits

St. Brigid’s Day is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your driving habits. We all have moments when we might not be as attentive as we should be, but taking time to review your driving behaviors can help you stay safer on the road. Consider the basics—do you consistently wear your seatbelt? Are you always mindful of speed limits, particularly in residential or school zones? It’s easy to fall into bad habits over time, so use this occasion to reset and recommit to making safer choices behind the wheel. A conscious effort to improve your driving habits can significantly reduce your risk of accidents and keep everyone on the road safe.

3. Pedestrian Safety During Winter

While St. Brigid’s Day is traditionally associated with the beginning of spring, we’re still in the thick of winter, and wintery conditions can present a variety of road hazards. Rain, sleet, and even unexpected

snowstorms can make driving treacherous. Keep an extra watchful eye out for pedestrians who may be crossing slippery streets. Also, be mindful of the potential for ice on the roads, especially in the early mornings and evenings when temperatures can drop. Before you hit the road, check local weather forecasts to stay ahead of any adverse conditions that could impact your journey. And always remember to drive cautiously, especially in areas where pedestrians are likely to be present, such as near schools, shopping centers, and parks.

4. Don’t Rush to Celebrate

The long weekend associated with St. Brigid’s Day coincides with bank holidays, which means more people will be traveling for short getaways or organizing staycations. With so many people on the road, traffic congestion can increase, and roads can become busier than usual. Don’t let the excitement of the holiday rush get to you. Plan ahead and allow extra time for your travels, ensuring that you’re not in a hurry to reach your destination. It’s easy to become

frustrated when traffic slows you down, but staying calm and driving responsibly is the best way to keep everyone safe.

Take this St. Brigid’s Day as an opportunity to honor the spirit of the holiday by keeping yourself and others safe on the road. Whether you’re planning to drive to a family gathering or simply enjoying a quiet weekend, refreshing your awareness around road safety will ensure a more enjoyable and accident-free journey.

lRUNNER-UP: TY students recieves with from Karen Ruddock

lTRACTOR RUN: 165 vehicles prepping for the Tractor Run

High-speed connectivity on the way as over 1,600 properties near Labasheeda see works commence

NATIONAL Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) today announced that construction is underway to deliver high-speed broadband to over 1,600 homes, farms and businesses in the Labasheeda deployment area in Co Clare. This includes the rural communities of Labasheeda, Kilmihil and Coolmeen.

23,000 premises in Co Clare are included in the State’s Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co Clare will receive €89M of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

Having successfully completed the survey and design phase of the project, 1,632 Clare premises in the Labasheeda deployment area are under construction to have high-speed fibre network, due to be connected by the end of the year. The National Broadband Ireland website is regularly updated to show estimated connection dates. Signing up to the NBI email notifications at https://nbi. ie/eoi/ is the easiest way to get the

most up-to-date status of premises during the rollout and when premises will be ready for order. Works have already been completed in other parts of Clare and there is a total of 11,778 premises that can now order or pre-order high-speed, reliable broadband across the county, with 4,509 premises already connected to the network. National Broadband Ireland is calling on people to visit nbi.ie/map/ and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect.

NBI has now passed over 330,000 homes, farms and businesses in rural Ireland to highspeed broadband with just over

112,000 now connected. The average take-up rate of 33% is well ahead of projections and international comparisons and surpasses 50% in areas of the country where the network has been live for 18 months.

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland Deployment said: “Our teams are working on the ground all over the country and considerable progress has been made on the developments in Clare. High-speed fibre broadband is now available to order for almost 11,800 including over 3,600 premises near Kilkishen and almost 2,000 near Tiermaclane.

“We are working hard on the ground to progress other areas of the county through engineering survey and design phases. We are encouraging Clare residents to visit the NBI website to check their Eircode and sign up for updates.

“Our overarching goal is to improve digital connectivity across the country. With minimum internet speed of 500 megabites per second, this new Fibre-to-theHome network will play a pivotal role in sustaining local businesses and communities.”

As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new Fibre-to-the-Home network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area.

Some 73 RSPs have already signed up to sell services on the NBI™ network and 69 are certified as ready to start providing connections as of today. To see the retail broadband providers that are currently licensed to sell on the NBI™ network, visit NBI.ie/buy.

The National Broadband Ireland website is regularly updated to show estimated connection dates. Signing up to the NBI email notifications at https://nbi.ie/eoi/ is the easiest way to get the most up to

date status of premises during the rollout and when premises will be ready for order.

NBI is encouraging people to check their eligibility and register for updates at www.nbi.ie to receive regular notifications related to their own premises as works progress in their area.

In advance of the Fibre-to-theHome rollout, the NBP provides for the delivery of Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) nationwide. 955 of these sites, including Public BCPs, are now ‘live’. Public BCPs – which include sports clubs, community centres and tourist sites – will provide free public access to high-speed internet in the rollout area. Other BCP categories include schools and marts.

BCPs will pave the way for rural communities to receive the benefits of broadband, from mobile working, e-learning and mobile banking, to digital tourism. You can view BCPs at www.nbi.ie/bcpmap/. An example of some of the locations of Broadband Connection Points in Clare include Cree Community Centre, Obair Family Centre and Loughraney Kids Playschool. Primary schools in the Intervention Area are now connected for educational access as part of the NBP.

Building a stronger you through Self-Compassion

THE DALAI Lama said “if you want others to be happy practice compassion if you want to be happy practice compassion.”

I was in a queue in a supermarket last week and at the checkout was a senior lady who was stooping down to remove her shopping from her small trolly and place them on the belt. A teenage girl and her mom where in the que in front of me. The girl asked her mom if she should help the lady? Her mom said “yes”. The young girl proceeded to ask the lady if she would like some help with her shopping. The lady was delighted and smiled as she said” thank you that would be great”. I observed as the young girl taking all the ladies shopping out of the trolly. It was beautiful to watch, both were vulnerable the key ingredient was the teenage girl’s ability to have compassion for the mature lady. Her awareness around her need and her kindness

and desire to help. A true example of compassion.

Compassion is the ability to understand and feel concern for the suffering or struggle of others, paired with a desire to help alleviate that pain. It’s more than just empathy, which is a feeling of someone else emotions –it involves actively wanting to make a positive difference in the situation. Compassion often leads to action, whether small or large, its the supports or comfort given in times of need. It’s rooted in kindness, patience, and deep sense of connection to others.

At the heart of the exploration of compassion must be our ability to care for ourselves. To effectively take care of others we must first take care of ourselves. Just as we empathize with others suffering, we must also show ourselves the same level of understanding and patience in times of personal growth. Is this not a concept that we could explore! By

enhancing our ability to be self-compassionate we can reduce negative self-talk which in turn leads to improved mental health bring self-kindness and an explosion of self-awareness.

It is coming to the end of January 2025 and most of us have set goal, perhaps some are doing great, and some have yet to start. What

a great opportunity as we start into February, the arrival of Valentines and the celebration of love to embark on a journey of self-compassion.

5 ways to practise self-compassion

1.Treat yourself as your best friend: How do you speak to yourself? Would

you speak to your best friend the way you speak to yourself. Becoming aware of how we speak to ourselves and taking steps to change the inner dialogue, removing the inner critic, changing the words we use about ourselves, create positive thoughts.

2.Practice Mindfulness: Begin by paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in the present moment. Notice your stress, negative self -talk without judgement, observe what is happening, just brining awareness.

3.Embrace your imperfections: Self- compassion is about giving ourselves permission to be human, to cultivate a new perspective about ourselves. Perhaps allowing ourselves to make mistakes, it does not define you it is part of who we are. Instead of having a sense of push and pull about ourselves we could just allow. We can change our per-

spective on personal inner conflict, judgement and opinions.

4.Practice Kindness: Self-kindness is about having an understanding about ourselves when we fail at something or when we hurt emotionally and bring awareness to it. Be gentle with yourself. Prioritize your own well-being and nurture a positive supportive relationship with yourself.

5.Journaling: A powerful tool to help bring understanding to your thoughts emotions and behaviours leading to greater selfawareness and understanding. When we read it back it brings personal reality to the forefront. Compassion benefits both the person offering it and the one receiving it. It’s a reminder that caring and kindness for others can create a sense of fulfilment and happiness.

l FIBRE FOR

Shannon Airport to Welcome over 22,000 Passengers as Popularity of St. Brigid’s Holiday Takes Flight

SHANNON AIRPORT is preparing for a bustling St. Brigid’s Bank Holiday, with over 22,000 passengers expected to pass through the airport during the holiday period. This marks a 7% increase compared to the number of travellers in 2024.

Following the inaugural February Bank Holiday in 2023, the airport has seen a growing appetite among customers for winter sunshine breaks and city escapes over the bank holiday period. Destinations including Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Malaga, Tenerife and Alicante are proving popular for winter sunseekers, while Budapest, Edinburgh, London and Liverpool routes are highly sought after for a long weekend getaway. Shannon Airport’s transatlantic daily flight to Boston is also expected to be busy during the upcoming bank

holiday.

Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, commented: “St. Brigid’s Day traditionally marks the beginning of spring, and we are excited to welcome passengers to Shannon Airport. This new holiday has quickly become a popular time for winter getaways and city breaks.”

“At Shannon Airport we pride ourselves in our ability to offer a seamless travel experience, and we are delighted to see more and more passengers from all over Ireland choosing Shannon for both leisure and business travel.

“Our US pre-clearance facilities save time for those traveling to the United States. Combined with our shorter queues, sensory room, our membership of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme, and age-friendly initiatives, we

ensure that all of our passengers enjoy a relaxed and pleasant journey through our airport. Our ded-

icated staff are ready to provide the traditional Shannon Airport welcome, making each travel expe-

rience special. As the recipient of the Customer Experience award, we are committed to delivering an exceptional travel experience for all our passengers,” Ms. Considine added.

Shannon Airport’s commitment to customer satisfaction continues to earn acclaim, having won the Aviation Customer Focus Achievement Award at the Aviation Industry Awards, recognising significant enhancements in customer service over the past 18 months. The airport also won the Best CX Team Award in the Transport category at the Customer Experience Awards, marking a second consecutive win. Additionally, Shannon Airport was ranked #1 in the travel category of the Ireland Customer Experience Insights (CXi) Report and #4 overall among 150 leading brands nationwide.

Shannon may have to wait 5-7 years for a flood relief scheme

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

Storm Éowyn has highlighted the need for urgent action in terms of a flood relief scheme in Shannon.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) began development on The Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme in 2020. This scheme aims to protect the town from both coastal and river-based flooding. The existing embankments, built during the 1940s and 1950s, are now inadequate, leaving the area vulnerable to both tidal surges and fluvial flooding.

The project, while essential, faces significant hurdles. The environmental and ecological assessments required for the scheme are intensive, as noted by Alan Farrell Director of Services for the Shannon Municipal District.

“It’s a slow process and a difficult process. The environmental and ecological side of it is intense,” he said. The complexities of such assessments mean that the scheme is still years away from being fully realized, with estimates pointing to a 5-7 year timeline before construction begins.”

Given the urgency of the situation, many feel that this timeline is too long, especially in light of recent extreme weather events, such as Storm Éowyn. With record breaking winds and

up to 50 mm of rainfall the storm caused localised flooding and underscored the urgent need for flood protection measures to be expedited.

Shannon has a historical flood risk as the town was manufactured at sea level with the Shannon Airport sitting below sea level. The issue of an improved flood relief plan for the townsland has been an ongoing project but the adverse weather conditions and unprecedented storms from the past few weeks have highlighted the need for urgent action to be taken.

Due to the town’s geographical location and the fact that Shannon Airport sits below sea level, the issue of flood insurance in Shannon has been a deep-rooted concern for decades. As Cllr. James Ryan (SF) pointed out, many homes in the area, some built 50 to 60 years ago, have never had flood insurance. “The people living in Shannon who have never had flood insurance on their houses – these are houses built 50 or 60 years ago, and they have never had flood insurance.”

The town’s position below sea level, along with outdated flood risk data from the OPW, has contributed to a situation where adequate flood. The Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme, now in Stage I of its implementation, aims to

l FLOOD RELIEF SCHEME: Flooding in Shannon

address these vulnerabilities head-on. The scheme, which follows findings from the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study, proposes a series of flood defenses, including walls and embankments along the Shannon Estuary coastline, as well as upgrades to existing infrastructure.

One of the key components of the scheme will focus on enhancing drainage systems and improving outflow capacities, which

have been identified as major contributors to flooding in the area. The environmental impact of these changes is a crucial consideration, and extensive consultation with stakeholders, including the local community, is ongoing. During the second public consultation event in January 2024, residents and local authorities voiced their support for the proposed flood defenses but stressed the importance of moving forward with haste given the increasing risk posed by climate change. While

the scheme’s full implementation will take time, it represents an essential step in the right direction to safeguard Shannon’s future.

Shannon is not alone in its struggles with flood insurance. On a national scale, there is a growing “Flood Protection Gap,” with many Irish communities facing either unaffordable or unavailable flood insurance.

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher raised concerns about the lack of adequate flood coverage, calling on insurance companies to

play their part in addressing the issue. “This cannot be allowed to continue,” Kelleher emphasised. According to a report by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), approximately 5% of homes in Ireland have limited access to flood insurance and that these households are concentrated in five counties, namely Dublin, Cork, Louth, Clare and Kildare.

The broader national issue highlights the need for coordinated action across both local authorities and the insurance industry. Kelleher has advocated for more proactive measures from insurance providers, suggesting that a model similar to schemes in other European countries, where flood coverage is mandatory and insurers are required to offer flood damage products, could help close the protection gap.

“These schemes vary in structure and some are privately funded whilst others have public support However, one common theme is that they have a mandatory nature. That is to say, the insurers must offer a flood damage product, and the households and businesses are obliged to buy protection. This closes the protection gap and at the same time diversifies the risk pool, thereby lowering costs,” said Kelleher.

l ST.BRIGIDS DAY CELEBRATIONS: Shannon airport

Gort businesses open their doors to those still effceted by Storm Éowyn

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

LADY GREGORY Hotel is among a number of community businesses who have opened facilities to Gort and South Galway community amidst Storm Éowyn destruction.

Due to Storm Éowyns record breaking winds, properties across Gort and South Galway have been left without electricity or access to water. According to the ESB PowerCheck website these properties may be left without power until Wednesday February 5. While ESB workers are working to bring power back to effected communities, Galway County Council have announced the establishment of over 20 Emergency Response Hubs to assist people with basic needs such as water, hot food, phone charging broadband access, shower and clothes washing facil-

ities.

Among the locations providing essential facilities to those without power or electricity is the Lady Gregory Hotel in Gort. When the extent of the damage which left many in need of support was recognised, The hotel owner Aileen O’Grady offered not only a warm and welcoming space to charge electrical devices and fill flasks for essential cups of tea and coffee, but also provided much needed warm overnight accommodation for those with young children, those with medical needs, and the elderly.

Aileen said, ‘once we got our own power back and realised the extent of the damage locally, and the timeframe that some would be without services it was a natural instinct to open our doors and offer whatever we could to help’.

The hotel is providing complementary Tea/Coffee/Snacks,

Gort Arts Group bring ‘a little magic’ to St.Brigids Day

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

GORT Arts Group are hosting the third annual St.Brigids day event in The Square.

The organisation hopes to bring local community groups together to mark the beginning of Spring and celebrate the day dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland, St.Brigid.

The event will begin in Gort Square on Saturday February 1 at 6pm with Comhaltas music, Céilí dancing and singing from the Gort Community Choir.

After the festivities in the square there will be a lantern procession to Hennelly’s pub where there will be storytelling as well as more music and dancing. There will also be a live performance from fusion musicians Floriane Blancke and Quentin Cooper’s. This event is free to attend. Everyone is encouraged to come along and cele brate the awakening of Spring.

Fiona McDonagh, a member of the Gort Arts

Group and an oganiser of the yearly celebration explained that the organisation has been running the event since Ireland was gifted this holiday three yeasr ago and each year has a diffferent theme and embodies a differnt element of the spirit of Brigid. This years event is based around community and inclusion with the aim of bringing some joy and hope to the community after a long winter.

“Winter can be long enough” said Fiona. “It is a nice , uplifting celebration at this time of year and it brings alittle bit of

magic.”

In the lead up to the bank holiday the Gort Arts Group has run multiple art wrokshops around the village in preparation for the Imbolg celebration.

The event is run by what Fiona describes as “ a band of volunteers who want to celebrate divine feminity.” With the help of local sponsors, Gort Credit Union and Nine and Fifty Swans, The Gorts Arts Group have been able to expand the annual event and hope that it continues to grow and evolve each year.

charging facilities & WiFi, toilets & shower facilities from 9am-9pm daily.

Galway County Councillor Geraldine Donohue (IND) has praised the Galway Emergency Response Hub established in partnership with local community saying; “that it is a big help to people who are doing the best under the circumstances and something as basic as a shower is very welcomed by all and is very thankful to all the community centres, hotels, pubs and restaurants etc that have opened their doors and put out the welcome mat to all. We are forever grateful.”

Other locations which will be acting as Emergency Response Hubs in the South Galway area are; Ballinderreen Community Centre, Lough Rea Hotel, Loughrea, Dessie O’Brien’s Pub Kilreekil and Craughwell Community Centre.

Seamount College student recieves Trinity Entrance Exhibition Award

CAOIMHE Golden, a past student of Seamount College in Kinvara was 1 of 3 who received the prestigious Entrance Exhibition Awards for the 2024/5 academic year from Trinity College Dublin.

The awards go to students accepted into the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme who achieved the highest points among Trinity entrants from their secondary school, above a minimum of 500 CAO points (or equivalent).

There were 595 recipients of the award this year.

Many former awardees have gone on to make a significant contribution to the economic, cultural, and political life of Ireland and beyond. Past Exhibitioners include former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

The students come from 452 different schools and from 30 counties on the

island of Ireland as well as 38 countries overseas.

The awards were delivered at three ceremonies at Trinity’s Old Dining Hall, starting on January 21, to which the students and their school principals were invited.

Trinity’s Provost, Dr Linda Doyle, Who adressed the students at the ceremonies said; “I am delighted that the award winners have chosen Trinity College Dublin for their higher education. My own experience of going to university was absolutely transformative and I want nothing less for our students. I

encourage them to avail of all that life in Trinity has to offer, from the top-class academic environment to the huge array of clubs and societies, all of which are situated in an outward-looking university with a strong international perspective.

lEMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTRES: Lady Gregory Hotel

Clare Ranks Fourth For Availability Of Public EV Charging Network For Zero Emission Vehicles

CLARE RANKS fourth nationally in terms of availability of EV charging infrastructure for zero emissions vehicles according to a recent analysis by Geotab, a global leader in connected transportation solutions.

With 1250 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) sold in the county over the past ten years, Clare has one charger for approximately 7 (7.26) BEVs in the county.

This puts Clare near the top of the table, with Kerry coming out on top with one EV charger for every six (5.90) BEVs in the county. The Kingdom ranks slightly ahead of Longford (5.93) and Mayo (6.61) based on the analysis of ten years of Battery Electric Vehicle sales in each county and the latest public EV charging infrastructure data available locally.

Charging anxiety has

been a factor in the slow adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles, with the public opting for hybrid vehicles for a sense of security, with a 24% growth in new hybrid cars licensed in the first 11 months of the year. Progress has been made, however, with the Government announcing its National Road EV Charging Network Plan earlier this year with a commitment to have recharging stations every 60 km. The steady improvement in Ireland’s public charging network is highlighted with the recent opening of IONITY Charlestown, the country’s largest, high power charging hub with 12 350kW CCS units at the site.

The ratio of BEVs to public charging infrastructure is now at its best level ever. As the EV public charging network improves, the challenge will now be to ensure high levels of availability across the country, with some inconsistency identified by the Geotab analysis. While counties like Kerry, Longford and Mayo have six chargers on average for every BEV sold in the county, this rises sixfold to 36 in Meath. Similarly, Waterford (26) and Louth (23) also have less public charging infrastructure available to BEV owners compared to other counties.

The growth of the public charging network will need to keep pace with the increasing numbers of Battery Electric Vehicles in the country, a trend which is set to continue as EVs become more attractive due to a lower average price point as models like the Citroën Ami, which retails from €9,990, come onto the market.

There are positive signs of momentum in the continued growth in the public charging network, with analysis by the Irish EV Association revealing that the scale of infrastructure at the end of 2025 will be triple the level of what was in place prior to 2023. The organisation has also noted

that there are currently over 80 planning applications for fast charger sites across the country.

Commenting on the analysis, Phil Barnes, Geotab Business Development Manager - Ireland & UK, said: “While the majority of people charge their EVs at home, public chargers are a crucial piece of infrastructure that give people peace of mind that they can get from A to B without being

worried about being stuck at the side of the road. Whether it’s a taxi driver working a long shift or a family taking a trip from one end of the country to the other, people want to know they can get access to a charger if they need one.

“The latest data is really positive as it illustrates how quickly the charging network is expanding and catching up with the amount of service stations available

for traditional vehicles. The ambition and measures set out in the Programme for Government to substantially increase the number of public charging points, putting us ahead of the European average, and reduce the average distance between EV recharging points will help increase the momentum behind the adoption of zero emission vehicles in Ireland.”

IFI secures conviction for environmental damage to important river tributary

JIM BOLTON Sand and Gravel Ltd undertook works on a tributary of the Owenogarney River, which enters the Shannon at Bunratty.

The stream was cleared, spawning gravels were removed, and a 65m length of culvert pipe was installed.

In addition, much of the riverbank habitat was impacted and silt entered the waters.

Commenting, David McInerney IFI’s Shannon regional director, said: “These works caused significant damage to the stream, and led to a discharge of silt downstream, which settled on the riverbed gravels.

“Landowners and farmers need to seek all necessary and relevant information from their advisors, and from IFI, before carrying out any works near, or on, a watercourse adjacent to their land.”

IFI assessments indicated the Owenogarney River had much lower stocks of salmon than a healthy salmon river should support.

The case was heard at Killaloe District

Court on January 7th, 2025, and the incident occurred in the last week of October 2023.

The company must now pay a fine of €400. The closed season for such instream works is from October to June, and no alterations should take place in a river or stream in this period.

Further guidance on this topic is available in the Minding Our Watercourses publication.

IFI continues to urge the public to report such instances of habitat destruction, water pollution, fish kills, or illegal fishing, to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.

lENVIORNMENTAL DAMAGE: Culverts installed in River Owenogarney

Sweet N Green take control with Energy Grant

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

SWEET N Green Café is renowned for its flavoursome dishes and friendly service.

A popular destination for colourful breakfast and lunch dishes, along with tapas evening service, painstaking work goes into everything produced by Frank & Siobháin Landy and their dedicated team - so much so that Siobháin admits sometimes they can be so engrossed in work that it becomes difficult to step back and look at business opportunities and supports that are available.

A meeting with local Senator Róisín Garvey convinced Siobháin to rethink this approach by embarking on a journey with Local Enterprise Office, Clare which cul minated in upgrades which have streamlined the business, made Sweet N Green more sustainable and is saving the Barefield

family on their overheads.

Through the recommendations of the green for business program and with the supports of the Energy Efficiency Grant, it enabled Sweet N Green to upgrade from a rented high energy consumption dairy wall to purchase a new energy efficient model display fridge , a new energy efficient blast chill fridge and upgrade all the old lighting to LED which significantly reduced energy bills .

Siobháin tells The Clare Echo, “The Green For Business program showed that our energy efficiency was quite poor at a time

time high. Without the grant, we would have been entering into another contract with a refrigeration company where I’m paying big premiums for rental equipment. Now, I actually own the equipment where it’s energy efficient and it’s helping my costs. We’re a sustainable café, so it’s all about keeping energy consumption down.

“We noticed a 15 per cent reduction straight away in our bills, so it was great to see results immediately.”

Siobhain describes the initiative as a win/win in terms of cost savings and reduction in energy consumption.

business that can continue to serve our community for years to come.

Clare LEO gave us a lifeline and the supports need to keep coming for family-run businesses to remain in business.

“SMEs are the lifeblood of our community and we are committed to playing our part in circular economy.”

Siobháin noted that Finbar from the local enterprise office made the process seamless and was available as a support to get application completed, and would recommend other local businesses to explore other grant options.

“Roisin Garvey brought it to our attention. Small business owners are so busy, and rarely have time to work on the business; I made time to do it. I would really recommend people to take a step back and look at the overall picture. Lunchtime courses are run by LEO, bringing

small business owners in to show how it’s done. If you can take a step back to do it, it’s worthwhile.”

The Energy Efficiency Grant supports the investment in technologies and equipment of enterprises following on from a Green for Business Report, GreenStart Report or a SEAI Energy Audit with 75% of eligible costs from a minimum grant of €750 to a maximum of €10,000. The aim of the scheme is to reduce the impact of enterprises on the environment thereby increasing the agility and resilience of these businesses, to operate in a sustainable manner.

Sweet N Green are exploring further opportunities to reduce their energy costs through the Local Enterprise Office.

“I couldn’t recommend it enough, it’s very worthwhile and a brilliant support for small businesses.”

Grow Digital Voucher Separately, the Local Enterprise Office has

launched the Grow Digital Voucher, which offers SMEs with up to 50 employees financial support to embrace digital technology. A digital for business project report must be completed in the previous two years.

Businesses can secure funding of up to €5,000 to invest in software and training/IT configuration and ultimately boost efficiency, and reach new customers.

The grant aid will be 50% of eligible costs with minimum grant aid of €500 up to a maximum grant of €5,000 per application. Enterprises can be approved for two Grow Digital Voucher projects up to a maximum cumulative value of €5,000 as identified in their Digital for Business project to support their Digitalisation journey.

l Sweet N Green and (left) Frank & Siobháin Landy

A first-time buyers guide with Emer O’Reilly

The Clare Echo, speaks to Emer O’Reilly of EBS Ennis, who brings us through the mortgage process. If there’s a mortgage query that’s unanswered in your mind, keep reading for all the information you need.

What should first-time buyers have ready when they walk into their first sit-down with EBS?

During this initial conversation we identify the mortgage amount they may qualify for based on their financial positioning and more importantly how much they can comfortably afford to repay each month. The factors we consider include annual income, term of the mortgage, outstanding loan repayments and other monthly commitments, savings etc... This conversation can take place in person, over the

phone or online if the customer prefers.

We do the maths to identify how their new

home is going to be financed and we talk about whether they are buying or building. We

also look at other costs associated with buying or building a house.

As first-time-buyers,

customers may qualify for Government schemes that support them in financing their first home such as: Help-to-Buy, First Home Scheme and the local authority Affordable Homes Scheme. I always make customers aware of the schemes available and am happy to answer any questions they may have.

We explain what an Approval in Principle (AIP) is and we outline the mortgage interest rates and cashback options available. For customers who are ready to apply, we advise what documents are required and give them a typical timeline of how long the mortgage process should take.

What sort of timeline should first-time buyers anticipate from first seeking approval to getting the keys in their

hand?

An AIP gives customers an idea of how much they can borrow towards buying their new home. It is valid for twelve months. Whether buying or building, it can help them to plan their budget. Once a suitable property is found, we move to loan offer stage.

How quick things move after this will depend on the property the customer is buying or building. Typically, it takes eight to ten weeks, but it can be much quicker if for instance the customer is buying the house they already live in, and longer if they are building.

What resources are available through EBS for first-time buyers to support them in their journey?

When you apply for your mortgage with EBS, you will have a

dedicated advisor from the beginning of your mortgage journey, and you will have a great team at EBS Ennis who fully understands your needs because we do this all the time. We are fully committed to help you meet your needs. We will guide you through each stage of the process.

EBS have a dedicated online mortgage tool called Mortgage Masterplan which makes it easy for customers to upload their mortgage documents, all from the comfort of home.

For more details on how EBS could help you get started on your mortgage journey, head to their website www. ebs.ie

Lending criteria, terms & conditions will apply. Over 18s only. Security may be required. EBS d.a.c.

Financial planning for business owners

by Darach Honan

darach@honanfs.com

AS A business owner, you face many decisions that directly impact the future of your business and your personal financial well-being.

However, sometimes we put all our energy and focus into the success of the business without looking after our own affairs. Whether you’re just starting out or have been established for years, financial planning should be a key part of your strategy. Here are four critical areas every business owner should consider to ensure a secure and profitable future.

1. SOLE TRADER VS LIMITED COMPANY: WHICH IS BETTER?

When deciding on your business structure, many owners initially choose the sole trader route due to its simplicity. However, forming a limited company often provides far more benefits in terms of financial planning. With a limited company, you can protect your personal assets from business liabilities, enjoy tax advantages, and have more opportunities for pension contributions. Furthermore, company directors have greater flexibility in terms of salary and dividends, which can help optimize your tax situation. In short, while being a sole trader can be easier to manage in the short term, a limited company is usually the better long-term choice for business owners seeking growth and financial protection.

2. FUNDING PENSIONS: A KEY STRATEGY FOR WEALTH EXTRACTION

In Ireland, while income tax rates are quite

punitive, pensions funding offers massive tax incentives and is the best way to grow your wealth over the long term. With recent legislative changes, pension planning has become even more important. Contributing to a pension scheme not only provides a future income but also allows for substantial tax relief. As a business owner, the company can contribute to your pension, which can significantly reduce the overall tax burden on the business and help you accumulate wealth for

retirement in a tax-efficient manner. The recent changes to pension rules make it crucial to seek professional advice to ensure your pension strategy is up-to-date and optimized for your needs. If you haven’t reviewed your pension in light of these changes, now is the time to do so.

3. INVESTING CASH HELD IN THE BUSINESS: GROWING YOUR WEALTH BEYOND THE BANK

With interest rates at historically low levels, leaving cash in the business bank account is no longer a viable strategy. Deposit returns are virtually non-existent, meaning the purchasing power of that cash is eroding over time. Instead, business owners should consider investing surplus cash which they plan to hold long term in a well diversified fund. This approach offers the potential for better returns in the long term, providing an opportunity to grow the value of your business beyond its day-to-day operations. It’s essential to work with a financial advisor who can help you understand the risks and rewards of investing your business funds and ensure your investments align with your long-term financial goals.

4. PROTECTION: SAFEGUARDING YOUR BUSINESS AND PERSONAL FINANCES

As a business owner, protecting both your personal finances and the future of your business is critical. Life cover and income protection are two of the most important policies to hold. These policies can be paid for by the business, offering a cost-effective way to se-

cure your financial future. Life cover ensures your family or business partners are protected in the event of your passing, while income protection ensures you can continue to support your lifestyle and obligations if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. These policies provide peace of mind, knowing that your personal and business finances are safeguarded against unexpected circumstances.

CONCLUSION

As a business owner, taking a proactive approach to financial planning can make a significant difference in your long-term success and security. By structuring your business as a limited company, optimising your pension contributions, investing surplus cash wisely, and ensuring you have the right protection in place, you can build a strong financial foundation for both your business and personal life. It’s always advisable to seek expert advice to navigate the complexities of financial planning, particularly with the recent changes in pension regulations and investment opportunities.

If you're ready to review your financial plan and ensure you're on the right track, now is the perfect time to reach out to a qualified financial planner to discuss your options. Protect your business and future today.

Photo by John Mangan

Five ways to make saving money fun

Putting the fun into saving money sounds like a contradiction. But a great time to look at ways you can save some cash is now – even if it’s a small amount every week or month. Constant overspending comes from not taking enough time thinking about the future, and too much time living in the moment. So, it makes sense that pausing for a minute and being more mindful about spending is a great way to make smarter financial decisions. It doesn’t mean you stop having fun, but if your saving habits are taking a hit (or are non-existent), it’s probably time to try a new approach. Taking up a challenge like the ones we suggest might be a great place to start.

1. SAVE A EURO A DAY

As simple as it sounds. Literally put aside a euro, every day. Make things easier by setting up a standing order from your current account into your savings. Try this for a year and you’ll have €365 to show for it.

2. SAVE 1% OF YOUR MONTHLY WAGE

This one gives you a better understanding of how much you’re earning and how putting a small percentage of it aside could add up in the long term. Calculate 1% of your monthly wage (after deductions) and arrange a standing order for this amount into your savings. If you set it up for the same day you’re paid, you’re less likely to miss it. After a year (or sooner if you can manage it), try upping the percentage.

3. THE 52-WEEK CHALLENGE

At the end of week one, save €1. At the end of week two, make it €2. Carry on increasing the amount until week 52 (when you’ll be saving €52). By doing this, your savings for

the year should be €1,378. Alternatively you could try this in reverse, with many people finding it easier to baton down the hatches earlier in the year.

4. TRY THE NO-SPEND MONTH

Don’t worry – we’re not saying you can’t spend any money for a month. Make a list of the things you will need and another of ‘nice to haves’ that aren’t essential. Scrap the latter for a month and you could save a surprising amount. Here are some examples of both:

Essentials

Mortgage/rent

Utility bills

Basic groceries like fruit, veg, pasta, milk and toiletries

Travel costs

Non-essentials

Takeaways – including everything from coffee to sandwiches to dinner

Eating out in restaurants

Salon treatments or haircuts

Non-essential clothes

Entertainment (like the cinema)

Note down a ‘normal’ monthly spend on those non-essentials. Then once you’ve done the hard work of getting through your nospend month, transfer the money you would have spent into your savings.

5. SELL TO SAVE

Look around your home and list stuff you haven’t used or worn for a year that could

be sold online. Put the proceeds straight into your savings for an easy win.

HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED

Think of a goal that's specific to you – it could be a big one like saving for a car or a deposit for a house. Maybe it’s clearing down credit card or loan debt and building a healthy emergency fund. Whatever your motivation, make sure it’s present in your daily spending thoughts and remind yourself of it whenever you can (so you’re putting money away towards it).

Dromoland Castle attends Tourism Ireland’s 2025 marketing plans launch

TOURISM Ireland launched details of its marketing strategy and plans to promote Ireland overseas in 2025, at an event attended by over 500 tourism industry leaders from around the country –including Dromoland Castle.

In 2024, overseas visitor spend grew by over +10%, bringing an estimated €7 billion to the island of Ireland. With ambitions for the longer term, Tourism Ireland envisages overseas tourism revenue can grow from €6.4 billion in 2023 to €9 billion by 2030, with the right strategic supports.

In 2025, Tourism Ireland will invest in an extensive and targeted programme of activity across 13+ overseas source markets. Sustainable development is at the core of Tourism Ireland’s plans for the year ahead, so there will be continued focus on attracting tourists who have ‘value adding tourism traits’ – people who are likely to see more, do more, enjoy more and therefore spend more when they visit.

New for 2025 is ‘Slow Tourism Month’. An estimated half of all visitors to the island choose not to use a car. Tourism Ireland will enable more exploration, with trip ideas that allow for dwell time in communities and scenery and that can be enjoyed by rail, bus or with tour partners, winning overnight stays across regions.

Tourism Ireland will also

unveil a new global advertising campaign across 13+ overseas markets this year. The organisation will refresh and build on the strong foundations of its ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ campaign, based on consumer insights – to make Ireland stand out as a ‘bucket list’ destination.

Speaking at the launch, Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “Overseas tourism to the island of Ireland delivered an estimated €7 billion in revenue in 2024 – up over +10% on 2023 – and, importantly, helped to sustain around 300,000 jobs. We’re ambitious to support

growth for local businesses, economies and communities and our target is to grow overseas visitor spend to €9 billion by 2030.

“In any industry there are risks to mitigate and tourism is no different. This year, we will need to take account of the added step that the introduction of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme will bring for visitors to Northern Ireland. The passenger cap at Dublin Airport is top of mind and its review will be vital for tourism.

“However, there is also enormous potential ahead and we are ambitious for growth.

In 2025, we will focus on increasing the value of overseas tourism, sustainably supporting economies, communities and the environment – and will do so by inspiring overseas visitors and strengthening strategic partnerships.

“We will be launching a new campaign across 13+ overseas markets to elevate ‘brand Ireland’ and win hearts, minds and trips. We will be collaborating with air and sea carrier partners to support demand for routes that are viable to the regions. With 80% of visitors researching and booking trips online, we will be sharing daily inspiration with our 7.5 million followers on social media and supporting 10 million deep research visits on our website, increasingly optimised for AI. Working with broadcasters around the world, we look forward to TV and streaming shows featuring reasons to visit that will air to key audiences. Sporting moments like The Open at Royal Portrush and the Aer Lingus College Football Classic present key opportunities, with promotional programmes already under way. Festivals create additional moments to spotlight, as we win holidays from overseas visitors to grow the benefits of tourism across the year.

Armada Hotel hosts Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference

With the theme of ‘Climate Action, Community and Collaboration’, this year’s Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conference took place in the Armada Hotel in Co Clare on Thursday 23 January 2025. Organised by the Sustainable Tourism Network, the annual event was supported by Visit Clare, Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark and KPMG Future Analytics &; KPMG Sustainable Futures this year.

Ballymaloe Cookery School trailblazer Darina Allen gave the keynote talk. Speaking about Ireland’s tourism offering, Allen stated, “We should have confidence and pride in our local produce and traditions as it’s what’s special about Ireland. And conserving recipes and traditions is an act of modern day patriotism.”

Allen’s contribution was

followed by a panel discussion on how organisations involved in creating strategies for destinations can transform tourism into something that is richer and more rewarding for local people and visitors alike. The speakers on this panel were Fiona McKenna, Sustainable Destination Development Officer, Clare Tourism DevelopmentJames Chilton, Associate Director, KPMG Future Analytics Consulting; and Barry Rogers, Head of the Dublin City Tourism Unit.

The Sustainable Tourism Network’s mission is to transform the Irish tourism industry into a sustainable and regenerative business sector that respects and protects the environment, but also supports local communities and makes better places for people to live and work in.

l

the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point were Photograph by Eamon Ward

Targeting German tourists for Co Clare

TOURISM Ireland in Germany kicked off its 2025 programme of promotions at CMT (holiday exhibition) in Stuttgart this week. Tourism Ireland is joined at CMT by ten tourism businesses from Ireland – including Cliffs of Moher Experience.

CMT is one of the biggest travel fairs in Germany, attracting around 300,000 visitors – or potential holidaymakers for Ireland – all looking for ideas and suggestions for their next holiday. CMT also attracts leading tour operators and travel agents, as well as around 1,500 travel and lifestyle journalists, during the nine-day event.

Nadine Lehmann, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Germany, said: “CMT in Stuttgart is the first travel fair of the year for Tourism Ireland, providing an excellent opportunity to spread the word about the many great things to see and do in Ireland and to inspire German travellers to put Ireland on their holiday ‘wish-list’ for 2025. Germany is the third-largest source of visitors to Ireland and one of the largest outbound travel markets in the world.” Sustainable development is at the core of Tourism Ireland’s plans for the year ahead, so there will be continued focus on attracting tourists who have ‘value adding tourism traits’ – people who are likely to see more, do more, enjoy more and therefore spend more when they visit. Tourism Ireland’s message in Germany, and elsewhere around the world, is that Ireland offers a world-class product all year round.

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

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

• Executive Engineer

Closing date: 12 Noon Monday 24th February 2025

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

Scríobh chugainn as Gaeilge más fearr leat.

l Karen Fleming, Cashel Palace Hotel; Elizabeth McCooey, Aqua Terra Boat Tours; Aidan Power, Tourism Ireland; and Olivia Frawley, Dromoland Castle, at the launch of Tourism Ireland’s 2025 marketing plans in Dublin.

Rob Rankin, CEO Sustainable Tourism Network and Vagabond Tours , Darina Allen , Ballymaloe Cookery School and Organic Farm School and James Chilton , KPMG Future Analytics at the Sustainable Tourism Network Inspiring Sustainable Tourism Conferenceat

l Melanie Lennon, Cliffs of Moher Experience; and Mary Lyons, Tourism Ireland, at CMT Stuttgart.

CARS & MOTORING

Six car gadgets you didn’t know you needed...

IF YOU'RE looking for a way to spice up your driving experience, adding a handful of accessories can go a long way toward making your car feel fresh and personalized. Here is a list of gadgets and gizmos to make your drives a bit more exciting. Some of these are useful in any type of vehicle, while others are designed to add modern functionality to older models.

1

Wolfbox G840S Backup Camera

dashcam built into the display for recording what’s going on in front of you as well. In fact, the Wolfbox came out on top in our backup camera test.

2

Car and Driver Intellidash Pro X10

Welcome to the future. The Wolfbox G840S has it all and then some: a massive 12.0-inch display that doubles as a mirror, a high-quality camera that performs fantastically well both day and night, and an integrated

The Car and Driver Intellidash Pro X10 is an updated 10-inch touchscreen display that wirelessly integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into your vehicle. It is wirelessly compatible with both Apple and Android devices, offering a simplified interface with large icons for easy navigation.

The Intellidash Pro X10 provides multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, an FM transmitter, AUX input, an internal speaker, and an AV-in port for multimedia content. Its wireless CarPlay functionality eliminates the need for cables, helping you achieve a clutter-free dashboard and center console. The system supports various features such as voice control, navigation, music streaming, smart assistant capabilities, and hands-free calling, depending on the connected device’s operating system.

3

Belkin Phone Mount

While you should never let a phone distract you from driving, a wellplaced phone holder can make it much easier to play music or operate the navigation

app from behind the wheel. There are hundreds of car phone mounts to choose from, but we picked this Belkin model because it performed very well in our test.

4

Car Chap Lip Balm Holder

Know someone who always has a stick or two of lip balm on them at all times? Those little

guys can be so tricky to keep track of, but this lip-balm holder (aptly named the Car Chap) erases that problem. Simply stick it on wherever is handy, and you’re good to go. Holds lip-balm tubes up to 3/4-inch wide.

5

Tile Mate

The Tile Mate is a handy way of keeping track of your keys or other belongings. You can find them via Bluetooth if close enough or through the Tile app if farther away. With a convenient spot to include on a key ring, it’s a nice safeguard if you ever lose them.

CARS & MOTORING

A look at the second-hand car market with N18 Autos

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

BUYING a car as a student can be one of the most exciting milestones in life.

Whether it’s your first car or a hand-me-down from a relative, having your own car means more freedom, more convenience, and less reliance on public transport. However, the process can also be pretty stressful for a firsttime buyer.

The Clare Echo sits down with Anthony Breen from N18 Autos to get some expert advice on the world of second-hand cars.

Why Second-Hand Cars Are Perfect for Students

As a student, chances are you’re working with a limited amount of cash. That’s where second-hand cars are a good choice. Not only are they cheaper than new cars, but they’re also more accessible in terms of finance options. You can get reliable, low-mileage cars that won’t break the bank.

You’ll typically be looking at cars that are fuel-efficient, like 1.0-litre petrols or 1.5-litre diesels. Some of the most popular picks for students include the Ford Focus, Peugeot 208, and Honda Civic— cars that are well-known for their reliability, ease of maintenance, and lower insurance premiums. But here’s the catch: buy too cheap (think under €5,000), and you could be looking at more problems than it’s worth down the road.

Anthony suggests that the sweet spot for most student cars is between €5,000–13,000. This may seem expensive in comparison to some options that can be found on websites such as DoneDeal, but with this price you are guaranteed a safe and well-maintained car. You will also be provided with a warranty and finance options. This price range offers plenty of options that balance reliability and affordability.

Anthony notes, “In the long run, spending that bit extra, you have a good car and don't have to spend thousands on maintaining it like you would if have an older car.”

Dealer vs Private Seller:

Which Is Better?

Now, if you’ve been browsing through DoneDeal, you might be tempted by a private seller offering what seems like a good deal. While buying privately can sometimes

be cheaper, it’s definitely riskier.

Anthony points out that the biggest issue with private sales is the lack of guarantees. You could buy a car that looks great but has hidden issues with the engine, transmission, or suspension.

When you buy from a garage like N18 Autos, on the other hand, you get security. All cars come with a full-service history, an NCT, and a warranty, so if something does go wrong, you have someone to contact.

“For students, any car you buy over six years old, you get three months warranty and anything between two and six years old, you get a six months warranty. So the more you come up, the less problems you're going to have, the more warranty you're going to have.”

When buying a car from a licensed garage you’re dealing with experts in the field who can answer your questions and give you honest advice.

“You have that cushion and that peace of mind that the car is going to be looked after and you have to know the expertise at the garage.”

Insurance: Don’t underestimate the cost

Insurance is one of the biggest concerns for young drivers, and the type of car you choose can significantly impact your premiums. In the past, insurers would heavily penalize younger drivers for opting for higher-powered engines. Today, however, most insurers focus more on the car's age and model, rather than its engine size.

Anthony highlights that choosing a newer car could result in lower insurance. For example, a 2018 model might cost half the insurance of a similar model from 2011. So, despite the higher upfront cost, buying a newer car can

actually save you money in the long run due to the reduced insurance premiums.

Finance options: no need to break the bank

Not everyone can afford to pay for a second-hand car outright, but that doesn't mean buying a car is out of reach. Most dealers, including N18 Autos, offer finance options. To make use of the finance options available, you will need to show proof of income. For students who may not have a sufficient income to support the financial plan there is the option to have a parent or guardian to support them as a guarantor.

Additionally, the financial flexibility is often accompanied by a warranty, giving buyers extra peace of mind. With a warranty, you know you’re covered for at least a few months if any issues arise. This contrasts with buying privately, where once you’ve handed over the cash, you're on your own.

Why buy local?

One added bonus of buying from a dealership like N18 Autos is that it helps support local businesses. Anthony stresses the importance of supporting local dealerships, which, in turn, helps keep people employed within the community. Plus, when you buy from a local dealer, you’re investing in a business that can provide you with long-term support.

Key Tips for Students

When shopping for a second-hand car, Anthony suggests keeping a few things in mind:

Mileage: Check the car’s mileage to ensure it’s in line with its age. A well-maintained car with high mileage can be a good choice, but be cautious of cars with excessively high mileage if they haven't been serviced regularly.

Condition: Pay attention to the car's condition. Ask the dealer for a full list of what has been serviced or repaired,

and check that everything is working correctly, including brakes, tires, and lights.

History: Always request a full-service history. Knowing how well the car has been looked after can give you a clear picture of its reliability.

Warranty: Don’t forget to ask about the warranty offered by the dealership. It’s a valuable safety net.

N18 Autos is a family

run business based in NewMarket-on-Fergus. Michael Breen took over the business in 2010 and was then joined by his son Anthony as head of Sales and Finance in 2018.

The company focuses on the sale of high-quality used cars, sourcing from main dealers in Northern Ireland. All cars are history checked, come with a warranty, fully serviced and fully valeted

with NCT. They also specialise in sourcing vehicles for their customers in Clare. For students and parents, buying a second-hand car doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By focusing on reliability and buying from a trusted dealer, you can find a car that fits your needs without breaking the bank.

Captain Hegarty keen to emulate brother

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

AS HIS primary school days drew to a close, going to St. Flannans college for his secondary education came very much into focus for James Hegarty.

To play hurling with the famed Clare nursery was the target, especially as his brother Conor was part of the school’s Harty cup squad which won the Munster title in 2020. “I was there at that final and watching that game one really wanted to be in that position and, thankfully, I have that opportunity now. There was a lot of hard work in getting there and it will be even harder on Saturday,” James said at Monday’s launch at the TUS college campus of this year’s TUS sponsored decider. Saturday’s final between St Flannan's and Thurles CBS throws in at 1pm at the Mallow sports complex.

Not alone is James a key member of the team, he is also the captain. “It’s extra special and, indeed, it’s a privilege to lead St.Flannans in this campaign. The school has competed in 41 Harty cup finals and won 22 of them, that’s a lot of finals. It’s great for the school and there is a great buzz around”, he told The Clare Echo

St Flannan's played out a draw against Thurles in the opening round, a game which James admits they will draw information on ahead of Sunday's decider. “It was a tough game and we probably know a bit more about each other. Both played well in that game but there is a lot to improve on. Both have made changes, positional and tactically and both will know that they will have to be better if they are to win this one.”.

James notes that it's easy for the players to respond to the St Flannan's management team, such is the esteem they hold them in. “They have won All-Irelands, they have won all star awards and hurlers of the year acco-

lades. The experience they bring is phenomenal and it’s great to have them in the school. They keep the hurling to the forefront and first year students coming in really look up to them. They give a lot of time to really bringing on the young hurlers around Clare”.

A leaving cert student, James admits that the hurling has offered a welcome distraction to studying. “It’s a great mix. You don’t want to be stuck in a book all day. It’s great to get out in the evenings and train and then come home and do an hour or two study. Hurling and study go well together. If you lost a match it’s not that easy to go home and turn in to study, you wouldn’t get too much done

whereas if you win it’s a lot easier to go home and do some study."

James also paid tribute to his club, Inagh-Kilnamona. “They have been brilliant, all the way up along, that’s where I learned the basic skills of hurling. The club has had a good bit of success at underage level. We haven’t had it at adult level yet but we are hoping that will change in the next few years”.

For now the focus is on Saturday’s final. “That’s all we can focus on now”, he said, determined to be the man who will captain the famed Ennis school to it’s 23rd Harty cup success and, in the process bring a second Harty cup medal to the Hegarty household.

THE Thurles CBS Harty cup panel knew St Flannans would be serious contenders for this year’s title, writes Seamus Hayes That’s according to the Tipperary school’s manager, Niall Cahill who told The Clare Echo this week that “we targetted this from the start of the year. We knew St. Flannans would be serious contenders and that we would be as well. We got the boys focussed very quickly.”

According to the Thurles manager, “All these lads have been dreaming of since they came to the school is to play Harty Cup ... It’s a big stepping stone”.

He doesn’t believe that the first round meeting of the teams will have any great bearing in how the final will go.

“They have played at U15 and Dean Ryan level, they know each other really well. There are a lot on both sides that are involved with Clare and Tipp and they have played against each other regularly. They are very familiar with each other. Both had a fair idea they would be playing against each other at some stage”, he said.

“St. Flannans and Thurles are hurling nurseries and provide many players to their county teams. Thurles CBS is the nursery of hurling in Tipperary and have been for as long as the school is in existence. It’s the same for St Flannans and Clare. When these schools are going well in hurling, their counties are as well.”

A native of Urlinngford in Kilkenny, Niall went to school in Thurles and now teaches there. Their last Harty title came in 2015. This year’s side is captained by Robbie Ryan from Holycross. Eighteen clubs feed into the squad with a strong group from Holycross.

Concluding he noted that Stephen Maher “one of our coaches this year, was marking Tony Kelly when the schools clashed in this competition back in 2010. A lot of past pupils from both schools want to go back and teach in those schools.”

Captain James Hegarty and St Flannan's coach Tony Kelly

Coach Kelly's shot at Harty glory

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

ALL-IRELAND

winner and All Star

Tony Kelly was never lucky enough to win a Harty Cup as a student at St Flannan's College.

However winning one as part of the management team could be just as sweet for the Ballyea superstar.

“It’s a great competition and when you go to Flannan's it is steeped in the Harty Cup tradition. I was there as a student but didn’t have much luck as the furthest we got was a semi-final a few times," he says, reflecting on a time when he lined out for the storied school alongside the likes of Shane O'Donnell.

"This is mighty for the lads. We have a good underage in Clare and the majority are inside with us. This is a massive competition in Flannan's and one that we take very seriously and we are delighted

to be in the final this year,” Tony told The Clare Echo

The Ballyea clubman believes that St.Flannan's have a good age profile.

"We have a lot of 6th years and you need a lot of 6th years when you get to 19. With Clare doing well at minor and under 20 we knew there was a good group of lads there.”

Tony is joined in the management team by Jamesie O’Connor, Brendan Bugler and Michael Donnellan. “We have been with them since first year and we knew they were a good bunch, a very good group. We are trying to win a Harry cup and help them on to a Clare 20 panel in the next couple of years”, he explained.

The fact that the teams met in the first round “will help as you get a better knowledge when you see them up close. Their team has changed a bit since

we played them the first day, our team has changed a bit also.

"There are two, three or four lads in new positions or lads who weren’t starting are starting now. We are really looking forward to it. We are the two best teams in it. We met in the group and probably couldn’t meet again until the final. It should be a very good game”.

Tony agrees that hurling in Flannan's is a stepping stone to the county. "There are obviously lads who are going to make it regardless of he Harty Cup but this competition gives great exposure to other lads to test themselves against the Cork, Tipperary or Limerick 20s.

"We have a couple who have been really good in this campaign who were not on a 20s team last year and wouldn’t have played Clare minor but who will definitely have a shot at getting on a Clare 20s

team this year. It gives them great exposure, it bridges a gap between 17 and 20 and it’s a really high standard”.

St. Flannans will again be without Inagh-Kilnamona pair Gearoid Barry and Jack Mescall on Saturday, they have been out since the competition got underway due to injury.

Sean McNamara from Clooney-Quin missed the semi-final due to injury and there are hopes that he may be ready to play a part this week.

“Thurles have always been traditional, we have played them at either under 15, Dean Ryan and Harty Cup every year. There are so many games now that players are more familiar with each other. This is a good final pairing for the neutrals”, Tony concluded.

Flannans keen to end five year wait

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

SPEAKING after seeing the team qualify for a first Harty Cup final in five years last week, team mentor Michael Donnellan was clearly happy with the St. Flannans’ 3-20 to 2-07 victory over Gealcholaiste Mhuire (Cork) at Kilmallock on Wednesday.

“We had a fair idea that they would bring a really strong running game. We were a little disapppointed going in at half time as we stopped tracking the runners a small bit and they came into the game and got that goal and I suppose it woke us up a little bit”, Michael said.

Continuing he also said he was “a little bit disappointed with the intensity we brought in the second half but I suppose being that far ahead its always likely. Overall though we are happy and we came through injury free”.

Noting that they will face Thurles CBS in the final, a team they drew with in the opening round, he said “After that game in Cappamore we said it was unlikely we would see a better team. That said we played De La Salle who have just lost to Thurles in the other semi-final, in a challenge early in the season and they were also very good”. Michael agreed that St.Flannans are keen to win back a title they last held in 2020 (picture inset). “We hadn’t even got to a semi-final since. A lot of these lads were involved last year and they were really gutted in Meelick when they went out with a whimper against Thurles in the quarter final They are a really well driven bunch and its completely player led and hopefully now we can have a good cut off Thurles next week”, he concluded.

UNTESTED CLARE SIDE IMPRESS

NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Clare 0-21

KILKENNY 0-23

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

KILKENNY

Frees For; 16 (9/7)

Wides;- 8 (5/3)

Scores from play; 0-16

Spread of scorers; 9 Own puckouts won; 18 out of 24

Bookings; Mikey Carey (14)

CLARE

Frees For; 15 (7/8)

Wides;- 3 (0/3)

Scores from play; 0-14

Spread of scorers; 8 Own puckouts won; 22 out of 29

Bookings; None

REFEREE: Shane Hynes (Galway)

KILKENNY’S display in the second quarter played a key part in the Noresiders victory over Clare at Cusack Park on Sunday, according to Clare manager Brian Lohan.

“They took over a bit in the second quarter and outscored us eight to three which gave them a bit of momentum and with the quality

they had on the field it was always going to be a bit difficult for us”, Lohan said shortly after the final whistle.

That said he added “I thought we put in a good effort. This was a good opportunity for our lads and we were a little bit unlucky at the end”, he added. According to the Clare boss who led the team to championship and league honours last year, “we have a big panel, we are carrying forty five at the moment, we have 15/16 with injuries and we have nine in the Fitzgibbon cup. Our resources are stretched, we have a big panel and that’s the reason for it”.

Asked about the absence of the pre season tournaments this year, the double All-Ireland winner said “I used love those, they were great for lads playing in a relatively big game up against a good opponent. Look it is what it is. We had an experimental line up today which caught us a little bit at the end. We are happy with it but would have been more happy if we got the result.

Scariff aim to bridge 35-year gap

by Seamus Hayes

news@clareecho.ie

SCARIFF Community College are hoping to bridge a thirty five year gap when they face High School Clonmel in the Munster colleges senior B (Corn Tomas Mhic Choilm) hurling championship fial on this Saturday.

The game is scheduled to take place at Ballyagran with a 12.30p.m throw in time.

Scariff got to the semi-final of this competition last year bur lost out to Blackwater community school from Waterford who went on to win the Provincial title before losing out to the Ulster A champions in the All-Ireland final.

Two members of the East Clare schools victorious team in 1990 have sons seeking to emulate their fathers on Sat-

urday. Brendan Gunning and Michael O’Grady were part of the last team to bring this title to East Clare.

Their sons Eoin Gunning who is the team captain and Colin O’Grady are key members of this year’s team.

Scariff were crowned All-Ireland C champions in 2018 and current Clare star Mark Rodgers was a member of that team

His brother Paul lines out at corner forward in this year’s team and their father Ger is a member of the backroom team this year with Sean McNamara from O’Callaghans Mills, a member of he teaching staff at the school and team coach from Whitegate, Adrew Fahy.

Players from Scariff, Bodyke, Broadford, Whitegate, Killanena and Ogonnelloe make up this year’s panel.

Continuing he said “with the nature of inter county hurling now, everybody wants to play We have a panel of over 40 all of whom want to play. These matches are big games for all of those guys and its crucial you give guys game time. Nobody wants to be going through a full year and not been given time to show what they can do”.

Asked about a likely return to playing date for those on the injured list at this time he said “the lads are working with the physios and trying to get back, we hope they will get stronger as the league progresses.”

Concluding he said “overall we are pleased. The lads showed a great attitude. The question coming in to this game was were we going to have that attitude and we did. We are happy with that but we would have been happier if we got the result but it wasn’t to be”.

Scariff

CC sink Bishopstown to reach All-Ireland decider

SCARIFF Community College will play High School Clonmel in the final of the Munster colleges senior B (Corn Tomas Mhic Choilm) hurling championship after they recorded a comfortable nineteen point win over Bishopstown at Bansha on this Wednesday afternoon. Scariff CC 6-18 Bishopstown 2-11

The Cork side made the better start, striking for an early goal but this was quickly cancelled out by a like score from Paul Rodgers. The Clare outfit followed with a number of points, including two from sideline efforts from Ben Sweeney.

Team captain Ben Sweeney then struck for a hat trick of goals and Scariff went to the break leading on a scoreline of 4-10 t 1-3.

Early second half goals from

Gunning and Rodgers put the East Clare college into a commanding position Scariff CC; Cormac Doyle (Bodyke); Cathal McCaul (Scariff) Sean Og Kilkenny (Bodyke) Cormac Gunning(Broadford); Michael Heffernan (Whitegate), Kalum Fahy (Whitegate), Mikey Bogenberger (Whitegate); Matthew Crotty (Scariff) Harry Bogenberger (Whitegate); Colin O’Grady (Scariff) Ben Sweeney (Scariff), Jake Gibbons(Whitegate); Michael Vaughan (Scariff) Eoin Gunning(Broadford) Paul Rodgers (Scariff); Subs; Edan Buckley (Bodyke) for Gunning; Patrick O’Donnell (Killanena) for Rodgers; Sean Reilly (Ogonnelloe) for Gibbons; Dylan Joyce (Bodyke) for Crotty; Dan Tuohy (Whitegate) for H. Bogenberger

l Paul Rodgers (left) lines out at corner forward for Scariff CC. His brother Mark (right) played on the side who were crowned All-Ireland C champions in 2018

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Cathal Malone under pressure from two Kilkenny players Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR PLAYER RATINGS

Antrim's bright start rocks Clare footballers

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 3

Antrim 1-09 CLARE 1-06

Venue: Corrigan Park, Belfast

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

A STRONG first quarter from Antrim proved decisive in their win over Clare in this Allianz division 3 football league tie at Corrigan Park in Belfast this Sunday afternoon.

Clare found themselves seven points in arrears with just six minutes played and from here on they were fighting an uphill battle. Referring to the conditions

Antrim manager Andy McEntee said “It was horrendous conditions and you wouldn't learn too much from the new rules apart from the fact both sets of players were fairly disciplined. There wasn't much in it and Clare were pretty honest out here today as well, but I thought our lads were particularly honest.”

Antrim made a blistering start with early scores from Conor Hand and Fionn Nagle before Hand landed a two-pointer.

Paddy McBride then found Nagle and he struck for what was the game’s opening goal.

Clare responded with a Ciaran Downes goal, his effort dipping in the wind into the net and Emmett McMahon quickly added a point but that was all Clare could manage in the half and Antrim were 1-7 to 1-1 clear at half time.

Clare started better in the second half and points from Downes,

Aaron Griffin and McMahon brought them to within three with ten minutes of the new half played.

Antrim struck a big blow with ten minutes to go as Clare were penalised for only having two players in the opposite half and a 13-metre free was slotted over by McBride. Conor Stewart followed with another and these were the home side’s only two scores of the half.

On his senior debut, Fionn Kelleher excelled for Clare at centre back and he was the team’s standout player on the day, Cillian Rouine and Cillian Brennan battled hard throughout in the full back line.

Clare will hope for improvement when they take on Leitrim at Cusack Park on Sunday next in round 2.

Clare; 1; Eamonn Tubridy (Doonbeg); 2; Manus Doherty (Eire Og), 3; Cillian Brennan (Clondegad), 4; Cillian Rouine (Ennistymon); 5; Ikem Ugwueru (Eire Og), 6; Fionn Kelleher (St Josephs), 7; Alan Sweeney (St Breckans); 8; Brian McNamara (Cooraclare) 0-1 9; Sean McAllister (Clondegad); 10; Eoin Cleary (Miltown St. Josephs), 11; Emmett McMahon (Kildysart), 0-2 12; Daniel Walsh (Kilmurry-Ibrickane); 13; Ciaran Downes (Kilmihil), 1-1 14; Aaron Griffin (Lissycasey), 0-1; 15; Keelan Sexton (Kilmurry-Ibrickane). Subs; Gavin Murray (Eire Og) for McAllistser; Cormac Murray (Miltown St Josephs) 0-1 for Griffin; Shane Griffin (Lissycasey) for Cleary; Darragh Burns (Doonbeg) for Downes

Juvenile A handball Finals

The way is clear for the finals of the juvenile A handball competitions, all of which will take place this Bank holiday weekend

The girls U15 Cup final will start proceedings with Jane Hogan (Kilkishen) and Saoirse O’Brien(Tuamgraney) playing in Tulla on Saturday evening, at 6pm.

The winners will represent the county in either singles or doubles in the Munster Championships with beaten finalist and a selection from semi-final losers also representing the county.

The remaining finals will take place in Clarecastle on Monday from 12 noon with both courts in action.

The final pairings are

U12 A Boys Shield; Ruairi Mahon (Clooney-Quin) v Jack Kirby(Newmarket)

U12 Boys Cup--Cian Donovan (Kilkishen) v Jack McMahon (Clooney-Quin)

U12 Girls Cup--Annalise Hogan (Kilkishen) v Saoirse Frost(Kilkishen)

U14 A Boys Shield --Cillian Howard (Tuamgraney) v Patrick Sweeney (Clarecastle)

U14 A Boys Cup--Walter Moroney (Kilkishen) v Daniel Madden (Tuamgraney)

U14 Girls Cup--Sinead Doyle (Tuamgraney) v Tracy Tuohy (Kilkishen)

U16 A Boys Shield--Cillian Cumins(Toonagh) v Donnach Lenihan(Kilkishen)

U16 A Boys Cup--Sean Considine(Clooney-Quin) v Eoin Shanahan(Kilkishen)

U16 Girls Cup--Tara Lucas (Toonagh) v Ellie Frost (Kilkishen)

U13 Boys Shield--Ethan Collins (Kilkishen) v Jack Sheedy(Tuamgraney)

U13 Boys Cup --Iarla Kelleher(Tuamgraney) v Eliah Kenny (Newmarket)

U13 Girls Shield--Anna Brooks(Clooney-Quin) v Holly Farmer (Clarecastle)

U13 Girls Cup--Anna Madden(Tuamgraney) v Samantha Vaughan (Toonagh)

U15 A Boys Shield --Sean McGee (Clooney-Quin) v Cathal Ryan (Clooney-Quin)

U15 A Boys Cup--Charlie Collins (Tuamgraney) v Conor Littleton (Tulla)

U17 A Boys Shield--Finn McConellogue(Tulla) v Dermot O’Halloran(Clooney-Quin)

U17 A Boys Cup--Paddy Sweeney(Clarecastle) v Cathal Noonan(Toonagh)

U16 Girls Shield--Chloe Hannon (Kilkishen) (Winner)

U14 Girls Shield (Date TBC)--Ali Donnelly(Clarecastle) v Ava McInerney(Toonagh); Gael Linn

Tuamgraney (Iarla Kelleher and Anna Madden) and Killkishen (Darragh Donovan and Erin Kennedy) will

Clare ladies earn share of spoils against Donegal

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Clare 1-4 Donegal 0-7

Clare got their division 2 Lidl National ladies football league underway at Clarecastle on Sunday afternoon when a share of the spoils resulted in their meeting with Donegal.

Originally scheduled for Shanahan McNamara park in Doonbeg, a decision to switch the fixture to the Clarecastle astro pitch as weather conditions deteriorated was made on Friday.

Difficult conditions were the order of the game on Sunday with players having to contend with rain and wind which led to a low scoring contest.

The visitors had marginally the better of the first half exchanges and this helped them o a three point lead at the interval when the score was 0-5 to 0-2.

Ailish Considine got through for the only

goal of the game and this edged Clare in front in the second half. Pointts came from Fidelma Marrinan and Chloe Moloney, Indeed it looked like this score would help Clare to victory as they led by the minimum with the game in injury time.

Four minutes of added time had been played when the North-

ern side struck for the equaliser.

“Of course I am disappointed not to have come away with the points but I am happy that we secured a draw.

Donegal are a senior side”, commented Clare manager Graham Shine.

“Conditions were difficult for the players with a tricky crossfield wind and rain making

life difficult”.

Clare will be on the road this weekend, travelling to play Roscommon in what will be a repeat of last year’s division 3 league final which Clare won. They will also be on the road on Sunday week when they go to play Westmeath.

“None of these will be easy as all teams in division 2 are strong and well matched”, according to the Kerryman who was part of the backroom team last year before stepping up to the manager’s position this year.

Clare; Aoife Griffin; (Fergus Rovers); Lucy Power (Doora- Barefield), Grainne Harvey (West Clare Gaels), Rebecca Doohan (Kilmurry-Ibrickane); Louise Griffin (Fergus Rovers), Joanna Doohan (Kilmurry-Ibrickane), Shauna Melican (Fergus Rovers); Caoimhe Harvey (West Clare Gaels), Roisin Martyn (Banner); Roisin Considine (Liscannor),

represent the county in Munster Gael Linn to be played in Cork on this Saturday

They won their way to the Clare final with wins over Toonagh (Jack Casey and Orlaith Flannagan) and Clooney-Quin (Ben Fahy and Anna Brooks. Tuamgraney then won the final and will go out as Clare A. Southern Classic

This ranking tournament fell foul to the aftermath of Storm Eowyn at the weekend. With alleys and homes without power and road conditions remaining dangerous the tournament was postponed. It will now take place for Juvenile boys doubles on this Saturday February 1 in Cork.

The inaugural competition for boys doubles will see Clare represented in U14 doubles by Daniel Madden and Walter Moroney and in U16 doubles by Sean Considine and Eoin Shanahan, Jack Cahill and Conor Littleton

The Ladies and Masters doubles will take place Saturday February 8 with Shane Walsh and Mike Baker in the Masters, Chloe Philpott Sarah Walsh in Ladies. The Elite men’s event will take place over the weekend of February 7-9 with Diarmaid Nash and Sean Coughlan playing.

Clare Youths chase Munster final place

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

A number of Clare soccer teams have important fixtures in Munster competition this weekend

On Saturday the league’s youths team travel to Mounthawk Park in Tralee to face Kerry in the Munster youth cup semi-final where kick off will be at 2pm.

A 1-0 victory over Waterford in a quarter final tie that required extra time has cleared the way for Clare’s progress to Saturday’s semi-final, the winners of which will qualify for a Munster final date on March 1 against either the Desmond league from Limerick or Cork who clash in the other semi-final.

The Clare team is coached by Donal Magee and he is assisted by Jimmy Houlihan. The joint managers of the team are Dean Russell and Pat Twomey with Luke Whelan as goalkeeping coach and Martin Cooney as physio.

Speaking to The Clare Echo ahead of finalising plans for Saturday’s game, coach Donal Magee said “We have a good squad and the response has been very good. The league has been very supportive and all are working together. I believe we have a good chance of getting to the Munster final.”

The team is captained by Dara White (Bridge United) and the squad includes

goalkeeper Gearoid White, Adam Kilker and Dara Baker (Tulla United), Aidan Moloney and Lee Maguire (Bridge United).

Earlier this week Adam Kilker (Tulla) Jack Daly (Bridge Utd), Callum Casey (Tulla Utd), Leon Johnson (Avenue United), Emmanuel Akinsola (Bridge Utd) and Kevin Hanley, (Shannon Hibs) took part in a Munster trial.

Munster Junior cup

The Munster junior cup last 16 games involving Avenue United and Bridge United, postponed on Sunday week last, are down for decision on Sunday with the kick off for both set for 2pm. Both Clare sides have home advantage with Avenue entertaining Coachford from Cork at Roslevan while Bridge United will welcome Dungarvan United to Sixmilebridge. At the same time on Sunday, Shannon Hibs will have home advantage against Clonmel Celtic in a last 16 game in the Munster junior shield. Games postponed

Last weekend’s weather conditions led to the cancellation of most fixtures hgowever one Clare Cup game that did take place resulted in Inch Crusaders booking their place in the next round, bearting Tulla B 5-4 on penalties after playing out a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Megan Dowes (Cooraclare), Aine Keane (Miltown); Fidelma Marrinan (West Clare Gaels), Ailish Considine (Kilmihil), Chloe Moloney (Kilmurry-Ibrickane); Subs used; Emer Burke (Banner); Edel McNamara (Kilmihil), Hannah Doyle (Doora-Barefield) Ellie Hanraahan (Kilmurry-Ibrickane)

l Ailish Considine got the game's only goal

TaylorMade launch Qi35 range

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

THE new Qi35 range of TaylorMade drivers definitely don't disappoint in the looks department because as usual TaylorMade have created some stunning looking drivers as usual. You can visually see up close the strands of carbon and how they each weave across each other, which is visible on both the sole and the crown of the driver. All the models come with a carbon face again this year which gives it that lovely smooth sound at impact compared to a titanium face driver.

The carbon face offers very fast ball speeds like a titanium driver; however, its technology creates less spin than a titanium driver off the face.

TaylorMade have still kept the very forgiving twist face technology that has proven to keep a tight dispersion on all those off-centre hits. The four models on offer this year are : 1). Qi35 LS: The LS head is still TaylorMade's lowest spin head on the 2025 range of the four head models. This

type of head mainly suits the bigger hitters of the golfing world.

Golfers who hit long drives create more clubhead speed and the golfers who generate these high swing speeds need to find ways to keep the ball spin down which is return will allow them to hit longer drives.

For instance, a golfer with a 120mph swing speed if they can keep their launch around 14° and the ball spin is between 2,000 - 2,400 then they will hit every drive over 300 yards.

However, if that spin rate was to increase to 2,8003,200 then they would lose up to twenty-five yards off their drives. The downside to the LS head is it lacks forgiveness compared to all the other four heads.

Another benefit to the smaller sleeker looking head of the LS is the player can shape their shots more easily.

A lot of the better players love to shape their shots by hitting draws and fades so been able to create these shapes when needed is often hugely important to them.

Even though I would think this head will suit less than

l The TaylorMade Qi35 family

10% of golfers if you hit big drives usually, I would definitely add it to the list of heads to get fitted for.

The two visible front weight system that you can see just behind the face of the LS helps to move that CG forward to create those lower spinning drives. There are three weight ports, two up the front and one down the rear so depending where you place the heavier weights will affect the spin rates dramatically.

The LS head comes in three loft options 8°, 9° and 10.5° and the loft sleeve offers a further 4° of movement you can change the loft up or down 2° in either direction. So, if you buy the 9° head it

Lynch wins ladies comp in East Clare but weather spoils fun with golf course closures

by Seamus Hayes

THE severe bad weather of the past week led to the closure of most golf courses across the county. This resulted in the cancellation of scheduled club competitions for the third time in recent weeks.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

Last Wednesday’s ladies competition at East Clare was won by Margaret Lynch, McCarthy, Mary Farrell and Phil Bourke from Maureen Clune, Geraldine Condren and Pauline Nugent.

In the senior men’s competition on Tuesday the winners were Ted Harrington, Steve Lynch and Ailbe McDonnell from Seamus O'Dwyer, Nick Obolewicz and Donal Fleming. With third spot filled by Teddy O'Hanlon, Jim Willis and Tony Nelson.

Last week’s men’s 14 hole stableford competition was won by Teddy O'Hanlon with 34 points from Seamus O'Dwyer with 32 points

The Captain's drive-in will take place on Monday next February 3 and all members extend good wishes to captains Helen Downey and Paul Hayes and

to president Teddy O'Hanlon in their new roles for 2025.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB

Last week’s ladies 13 hole stablefore competition at Ennis saw three players return 26 points.

On a count back Anne Marie Darmody (31) took first place followed by Sinead O’Sullivan (46) with vice captain Mary T. McMahon (14) in third place.

The 8 hole competition was won by Mary O’Halloran (18) with 14 points from Mary Leahy (17) who had a similar score

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

Round 2 in the Ozone Health & Fitness Spring league at Woodstock, postponed from last week, will go ahead this weekend, weather permitting

The format will be Modified Better Ball. (1 to score at Par 4s, 2 to score Par 3s (Play own ball).and 2 to score at Par 5s

There will be a club singles over 15 holes

Both competitions can be played over the 4 days of the Bank Holiday weekend. Teams can still enter the league at this stage.

has an adjustability from (7° - 11°).

2). Qi35: This head will be by far one of the most popular of the four heads in the Qi35 range.

It will still suit the big hitters who hit the LS head a long way but who might struggle with their consistency. This head can be setup to also hit low spin long drives, however it will offer far more forgiveness over the LS head.

This is a perfect mid-low spin head for long hitters who need forgiveness because they do not have a consistent golf swing.

Outside of long hitters this driver will actually suit the masses. This standard looking shape head will suit the

eye of most golfers. It is a bigger and more forgiving looking head over the LS head without looking huge like the Max model looks.

So visually this standard head will definitely suit the majority of golfers out there.

This head comes with only two weights a smaller 3g weight in the front just behind the face and then a larger weight to the rear of the driver where the forgiveness comes from. This head comes in three lofts 9°, 10.5° and 12° of loft and again these lofts can be adjusted up or down 2°.

3). Qi35 Max: The Max Qi35 is at the MOI limit again this year with TaylorMade breaking the 10k limit for forgiveness.

This driver is all about hitting the ball straight it will reduce both slices and hooks to the maximum limit allowed. The weights are not adjustable on this driver in order to keep the maximum forgiveness.

This head is suitable for any golfer who struggles with consistency and wants a driver to hit more fairways. This driver head is a mid-spin head and comes in 9°, 10.5° and 12° of loft again with the option to

adjust these lofts within 2° up or down from the standard loft on the head.

If you are a golfer who struggles with your driver in general than the Max head is a must go to driver it literally does all the work for you.

4). Qi35 Max Lite: The max lite head has simply all the benefits of the Max head but with less weight to help you to try and find more swing speed. This head is ideal for golfers with slower swing speeds who struggle to get launch and distance usually. This head is the highest spinning head and achieves the highest launch of all the four heads.

My advice is to always get fitted properly before choosing a driver and book in to your local PGA Golf Professional for advice on which driver best suits your needs. Don't just focus on what driver hits the ball the longest but look at the overall picture what driver will give you the longest drives while also keeping your ball within the parameters of the fairway. Longer drives are not as much fun if you are playing from the trees.

Highview Ben impressive in Limerick outing

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

THE semi finals of the Old Creamery Bar Hospital AO 525 served as the highlight at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night last and Highview Ben built on his brilliant performance last time out with another red-hot display.

Trained by Paraic Campion, who has made a blistering start to 2025, Highview Ben went just one spot slower than Foxwood Rip when posting 28.42 last weekend and he was installed as the 7/4 favourite to make it backto-back wins.

Running in the second semi, ‘Ben’ was headed in the early exchanges as Gulleen Ina took a flyer from trap three to dictate.

That said, Highview Ben showed a lovely turn of early speed himself and was within touching distance of the leader rounding the opener. It was at this point where Highview Ben made his move.

Breezing up alongside

Gulleen Ina passing the 750-yard box, the son of Pat C Sabbath and Highview Ina, owned by the VHR-Syndicate from Kilmaley,Feakle and Newmarket on Fergus took control.

Indeed, ‘Ben’ opened a healthy lead between the bottom two bends and although the chasing pack, which was headed by Torpedo Turtle, made brief inroads on the run for home, Highview Ben was never under threat.

Galloping to a convincing two and a half length victory, the time was a brisk 28.37 as Gulleen Ina claimed the final qualifying position in third.The opening semi final was billed as a two-dog affair between Foxwood Rip and Rich Pursuit and the duo finished first and second as ‘Rip’ came out on top for Denis McGrath.

Foxwood Rip was the fancied runner in the contest having won his prior two rounds with minimal ease and as such, he went

to boxes as the even money favourite.

Much like the prior two rounds, the son of Bockos Jon Jo put this contest to bed at the opening bend as he trapped lively from red to make his rails berth decisive on the run-up.

Just skipping around clear, ‘Rip’ set a powerful gallop down the back as Starson Frankie set off in chase, three lengths adrift in second.

Rich Pursuit had recovered brilliantly to move into third down the back and she continued to im-

prove for Francis Murray, however, the bird had flown in terms of the winner as Foxwood Rip comprehensively made it three wins on the spin.

Staying on well to cross the line four lengths clear of Rich Pursuit in second, the time was 28.61 with Starson Frankie claiming his position in the final back in third.

Friday night's Galway card was cancelled due to Storm Eowyn and will be ran on this coming Friday night January 31st.

l Highview Ben with Tommy Hegarty and Paraic Campion

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

KILTACKY BEG, BOSTON, TUBBER, CO. CLARE

We, Gerard O’Connor and Elizabeth Burgess, wish to apply to the above named local authority for planning permission for the construction of a new two storey dwelling house, detached domestic garage, wastewater treatment system and percolation area, upgrading of existing site entrance and all ancillary site works at Kiltacky Beg, Boston, Tubber, Co. Clare

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the office 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 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

WOODFIELD, BROADFORD, CO CLARE

Permission sought to construct a 2 storey dwelling house, detached domestic garage, vehicular entrance, effluent treatment system and bored well including all associated site works and services.

Applicants: Jason Fleming & Amy Meaney. 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 five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission sub-

ject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

We, LPN Construction (Holding Ltd.), are applying to the above authority for permission for the following development on property at Site no. 10, Dún na Coille, Mountivers, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare:

Permission for the revised design of approved house type on site no.10 consisting of an increase in floor area and adjustment of finished floor level of approved house type and revised site boundary (P18-519 and P2463 Refer), together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority 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

We, Sean O’Connell & John Biggins, are applying to the above authority for permission for the

following development on property at 3 Royal Parade, Killaloe, Co Clare, V94 N8XY:

Permission for the construction of a bay window the first floor, dormer window to the second floor, demolition and reconstruction of the existing rear extension, internal alterations, together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority 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, CLOGHAUNINCHY, QUILTY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that G. Whelan intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission and retention permission for the following a) to retain the extension to the dwelling house b) to retain the increase in the roof height and elevational alterations of the dwelling house c) to retain the second site entrance and front boundary wall as

constructed d) and for permission for a new proprietary wastewater system along with associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, DERREEN TLD, LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE

Take notice that D. Kiely & E. Watson intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for the following: a) to create accommodation space within the first floor area, to change the roof finish from slate to zinc on the single storey side extension and to add additional rooflights to the dwelling house from what was granted under P22/333 b) to install a new proprietary wastewater system along with associated site works at the above address.

That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKSAGGART, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Brendan McGuane intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the applica-

tion.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

GIRROGA HEIGHTS, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO CLARE.

Take notice that C and J Kelly intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a front boundary wall, connection to public services and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

LISHEEN, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO CLARE.

Take notice that Sean Hehir intends to apply to the planning authority for outline permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sew-

age treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

Clarke, Patrick (Paddy) Kilrush

Daly, Tomo New Quay

FOLEY, Denis A. Newmarket-on-Fergus

Malone (née Mullins), Anne Ennistymon Clare

Malone (née Mullins), Anne Lahinch

Fawle (née Neilan), Mary New Quay

McCormack (née Foot), Teasie Kilfenora

Mytton, Jane Feakle

Recent Deaths

Duggan, Martin Meelick

McEvoy, Anthony (Tony) Lahinch

MOIR, JOHN Bodyke

Mulqueen, Michael (Mick) Cooraclare

Naughton, Patrick (Paddy) Cross

O’Driscoll, PJ Ennis

Reidy, Paddy Joe Cree

Hamilton, Gerard (Gerry) Kilrush

McMahon, Mary Phil Ennis

McNamara, Patricia (Patsy) Ennis

Brooks, Thomas Ennis

Carey (née Kelly), Kathleen (Kay) Ruan

Carey (née Kelly), Kathleen (Kay) Ennis

Flannery, Michael Sixmilebridge

Cahill (née Haugh), Phil Ennis

Coote, Frankie (Popeye) Ennis

The Clare Echo Quiz

1 West Clare native Noel Hill is famous for his association with which instrument?

2 The deceased fiddle player Paddy Canny was a founder member of which band?

Tulla Ceili Band

3 What is the name of Martin Hayes’ critically acclaimed 2014 album? The Gloaming The Gloating The Gloomy

4 The Willie Clancy festival is held in Miltown Malbay every year, but which city did the man emigrate to when unable to make a living through music locally?

5 When was the Kilfenora Ceili Band founded? 1809 1909

6 Sharon Shannon’s debut album was the best selling album of traditional Irish music ever released. What was it called?

Sharon Shannon The Heart of Shannon Squeezebox silliness

7 Maura O’Connell is one of Clare’s finest musical exports, but what shop did her mother’s family own in Ennis? Fish shop

Butchers Blacksmiths

8

Founding members of The Stunning, brothers Steve and Joe Wall are from which Clare town?

Ennis

Miltown Malbay

Ennistymon

9 Which of the following musicians is not mentioned in Christy Moore’s hit song Lisdoonvarna

Micho Russell

Jackson Browne

Sharon Shannon

10 Rap trio Rusangano Family boast two Clare natives in their ranks. John Lillis from Ennis and Munyaradzi Jonas from Shannon. What’s Munyaradzi’s knickname?

God Knows God Doesn’t Know God almighty!

ANSWERS

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