The Clare Echo 31/07/25

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KEANE LIFTS LAHINCH

County Clare numbed by two tragedies

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

 Kilfenora’s Jonathan Keane is lifted shoulder high by Lahinch duo Aaron McNulty and Oisin Vaughan after winning the South of Ireland Amateur Golf Championships in Lahinch Golf Club Ben Brady / Inpho

Bank House, Bindon Street, Ennis

CO CLARE has been numbed by tragedies over the past week.

Barefield native Vanessa Whyte and her two children James and Sara Rutledge were killed in a Fermanagh shooting on Wednesday last and will be laid to rest in Ballymaley this weekend.

Huge crowds attended a vigil in Barefield on Sunday evening. Parish priest, Fr Tom Fitzpatrick said, “we’re here not because we have answers, we couldn’t possibly have

any answers but we need a place to bring our questions, our sorrow, our anger and our prayers in silence.

We come not to explain the awfulness of what has taken place but to lament it”.

Ennistymon came to a standstill on Monday as local firefighter Joe Crosse’s coffin passed through the village following the funeral mass in Clouna. The selfless volunteer died in a tragic accident on Thursday morning.

Chairman of Ennistymon GAA, Shane Talty said,

“Always smiling and ready for a chat, Joe was a true volunteer, community and family man. He led so many charity fundraisers, ran marathons, organised blitzes, a highly regarded and soughtafter plasterer and a retained firefighter with the Ennistymon crew. He was the best of everyone. A great coach, neighbour, worker and friend”.

FULL STORY P12-13

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Thursday, 31, Thursday, 2025 THE Jul CLARE ECHO THE CLAREJul ECHO 3, 2025

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Cheers Crusheen Shamsforwin Garry Cup

Jonathan Keane wins

Shane O’Donnell South of Ireland Amateur Interview Golf Championships

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Young Crusheen supporters watch on from the end-line of Zimmer Biomet Páirc Cíosóg as the Blood & Bandages overcame St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield in the first round of the TUS Clare SHC Photo Griffi n Kilrush Shamrocks captain Gearoid O’Brien celebrates with family following their Garry Cup final win over St Breckans Photoby: byRuth Gerard O’Neiil

New of twice weekly ShannonastoTalty End an era in Lahinch Frankfurt service a major win for stamp over post of�ice concludes business travel & regional tourism

by Páraic McMahon

paraic@clareecho.ie

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by Páraic McMahon LAHINCH marked the end of paraic@clareecho.ie an era with the closure of its A TWICE service post office onweekly Main Street on Friday the service relocatfrom as Shannon Airport to ed to the Sparinstore.

Frankfurt Germany is Duffy up as toJoe take flightfinished next April. presenter of Liveline on RTÉa Discover Airlines, Radio One on Friday, it was Lufthansa Group also the same daysubsidiwhen ary isTalty to operate twiceShane closed the the doors servicepost which comofweely the Lahinch office for mences April 4th 2026. the final on time, bringing the The route on curtain downwill on aoperate family link with the service Saturdays runningstretching from 4th back decades.

Aprilseven to 24th October 2026, In October, Shane from tenand on Thursdays dered resignation post14th his May to 24th as Septemmaster in Lahinch, the service ber.set to close in April but a was willhasflmany on newPassengers arrangement boardtoan Airbus A320-200 aged keep a post office two hour flight.

The infor thethecoastal town.

Robert addition isof the the new Frankfurt Kennedy post master ce route iswith to the add post moreoffi than now situated store 16,700 seatsintoSpar’s Shannon’s on Rue D’A rzon also known summer schedule next year. as Back CEOLane. of the Shannon John Joe Foley was the fiAirport Group, Mary Connal customer of the Lahinch sidine described addipost office on Main the Street as tionyears of the Frankfurt sersixty of service from the vice family as “fantastic for Talty came tonews” an end.

Shannon Airport the The post offi ce wasand initially operated the late Aggie business by community in the Marrinan, a grand-aunt entire Mid-West region. of outgoing postmaster Shane She stated, “Having dibefore his late to parents Franrect access Frankfurt, cis and Marian took over onemantle of Europe’s keysiblings airport the while his

Nóirín and Paul also played their part down through the years. hubs and a leading financial Speaking to The Clare centre,Shane opensnoted, up incredible Echo, “it was opportunities for but bothit conthe end of an era was nectivity and itgrowth.

It’s well flagged, was nine months since a win not justI announced for businessI would closing, we regiongave a travel,be but also for six notice and we tried al month tourism.

Germany is a to get an alternative set hugely important shop market up, thankfully Robert Kenfor us,is and thistonew nedy nowwith ready rolldiin rectSpar route, inbound visitors the shop so the service have an easier pathdefi tonitethe continues but Friday ofend the of Wild Atlantic lybeauty was the an era”.

Way and all thedecision West of “It was thethat right made at has the right Ireland to offtime er”. for the right reasons,” ShaneDevelsaid Head of Aviation of the decision to finish up in opment at Shannon AirLahinch.

“It is a history piece, port, Declan Power said it was where we were reared, “strong demand fromfamiour there was numerous passengers ying toupand lies living andflgrowing on from Shannon has the Main StreetAirport” of Lahinch ledthattotime thebut much-awaited at Lahinch has confirmation Shannon changed in thirtyofyears, there are very few flpeople living to Frankfurt ights. “We’ve on the Main Streetwith now, our the worked closely ideas families being born new of airline partner, Disand on Main Street coverreared Airlines, to deliver seems to have gone away. this strategic connection to There was countless famFrankfurt, one inofthe Europe’s ilies living there 1980s premier and one we’re and 1990s,hubs we were of service will aconfi lastdent of a the breed but time really resonate with move both changes and people on”. business and leisure travelHealike” will continue to operate lers theAs post offiof ce the in Ennistymon part Lufthansa but admitted the future of the Group, Discover Airlines post office network in rural

Ireland is “very challenging.

The days of the standalone post office in small rural arwillare connect to numbered. the vast eas effectively Lufthansa Lahinch wasGroup one ofnetwork the last through Frankfurt ones in thetheir country, Ennistyhub. Th is offersbut convenient mon continues it has a bigger footprint in a busier and regular onward conarea.

The co-location aspect nections to destinations might some across continue Germany,forEurope time where atoretailer takes and beyond Asia, Afriover the service in the hope and the Americas.

Thin e itcamight improve turnover service features their own space, coordinatit will coned flight andvein railfortransfers, tinue in that another and convenient departure period of time”. times to enLast from week,Shannon the Oireachtas Communications Commitsure smooth afternoon and tee were told there could be evening connections from widespread Frankfurt. closures of local post offices from aJanuary As well as being global if a fifty percent increase in gateway, Frankfurt is one of the level of subvention is not the world’s most important sanctioned.

An approximate financial consid€23m hashubs beenand provided to ered to be Germany’s fipostmasters to help mainnancial those tain the capital. network For since the scheme was a introduced looking for unique citya little over two years ago. The break, visitors to Frankfurt annual amount needs scene to be can expect a vibrant increased from €10 million to with modern architecture, €15 million if services were charming riverside cafes, to be retained in hundreds of world class museums offi ces considered to be and less uniquethe neighbourhoods. viable, Irish Postmasters Union has flagged.

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31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 17,

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Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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Pre-Budget submission argues case Rails to be removed & for new hospital with ED in Clare signage

added after Lahinch cliff accident

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PLANNED bed blocks for University Hospital Limerick (UHL) will not alleviate overcrowding in the region and instead renewed Government focus must be placed on establishing an acute hospital in Clare with an emergency department, a local health activist group has argued.

In a pre-budget submission to the Government, Friends of Ennis Hospital (FEH) have called for the construction of a second acute hospital in the Mid-West, putting forward the case for Co Clare to be selected.

Ahead of Budget 2026, FEH have said they are keeping in mind the allocation of resources in the National Development Plan published this month and the ESRI national capacity review of the health service published in May. Established in 2009, FEH are a non-political campaign group although some of its members have been in politics and are members of political parties. FEH are committed to lobbying and campaigning for better health services for the people of Clare and the wider Mid-West region. They say they believe in a campaign based on data analysis rather than soundbites, focused on future planning with all stakeholders.

Two distinct sites with two acute hospitals in the Mid-West under a single structure for governance would put patient safety and comfort at the core of healthcare in the region, FEH outlined in their submission.

Ongoing overcrowding in the Mid-West “is attributed to the 2009 downgrading of three accident and emergency departments in the Mid-West without adequate provision for additional capacity, leading to a significant increase in trolley counts at UHL from 2009 to 2024. The Midwest region, with the oldest population and highest rates of chronic illness and multimorbidity in the country, faces additional pressure on healthcare resources”.

Chairperson of FEH, Angela Coll stated, “The cause of the current trolley crisis in University Hospital Limerick is simple, the downgrading of three 24-hour accident and emergency departments in the Mid-West in 2009 without adequate provision of additional acute capacity in the region. The lack of future planning and failure to consider the subsequent population growth in the country has left the Mid-West as the only hospital region in the country relying on one acute hospital and therefore only one Emergency Department for the entire region”.

Patients spending on trolleys for twenty four to forty eight hours cannot possibly be without risk, the submission stated while pointing to no privacy, no dignity,

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FRIENDS OF ENNIS HOSPITAL: Call for construction of second acute hospital in Ennis

extended wait times for treatment, an unsafe working environment for staff and patients plus an increased risk of infection, misdiagnosis, mortality and morbidity from extended waits on a trolley.

Data from FEH indicates that an approximate one fifth of the population in the region passes through UHL’s ED annually. “Using the predicted population figures and the current conversion rate per region without a second acute hospital in the Mid-West we are looking at almost 100,000 presentations per year in Limerick by 2034 if not before it. The currently planned bed blocks for UHL will not eliminate the current overcrowding and cannot therefore realistically be expected to eliminate the overcrowding forecast due to population growth in the MidWest region”.

UHL’s campus “does not have space available to build the capacity required to eliminate the use of inappropriate bed spaces in 2025 never mind into the future,” FEH stated.

For the first ninety days of 2025 over 8,800 patients waited on a bed in UHL. There are currently plans for two ninety six bed blocks on the campus in Dooradoyle, the first of which is due to open in the third quarter of this year, the second bed block has been stalled at the planning stage with FEH warning “which means in reality it will be three years before planning is granted if it is granted and another two years construction giving us a 2030 opening date at the very earliest”.

Trolley numbers exceeded 100 for fifty consecutive days last year at UHL, the overcrowding protocol was triggered every single day in 2023 and 2024 while elective

surgeries have been cancelled on multiple days over the last three years. A HIQA report also found that a patient in UHL had to wait 116 hours before getting a diagnosis which they received in a public corridor.

Such statistics have prompted FEH to stress, “The only thing that will relieve the trolley crisis in UHL is the provision of an additional ED in the region. We understand, and have always understood, that ED services cannot be safely provided in a Model 2 facility. We also understand that that it would not be cost effective to consider reopening all 3 of the EDs which were chosen for downgrading in 2009”.

900 beds are needed in the MidWest to eliminate overcrowding, FEH calculate. “A new greenfield Model 4 hospital is preferred for its safety, quality standards, and better recruitment prospects. Clare, with over 130,000 residents and a significant influx of tourists, lacks any emergency department, forcing many to travel over an hour to UHL, thereby risking delays beyond the critical ‘golden hour’ for trauma care. Compared to other HSE areas with similar or smaller populations, the Mid-West has far fewer emergency departments, creating inequity in healthcare access. Adding a new hospital with an ED in Clare would decentralise services, strengthen the regional healthcare system, and provide resilience against seasonal tourist demands and demographic shifts”.

Locating such a facility close to the existing motorway network “could also assist in the recent overcrowding in Galway as well as being easily accessible for patients in North Tipperary should they wish to use the new facilities”.

Only Clare with a population of 131,000 as per the 2022 Census and Leitrim with 25,815 on the western seaboard have no emergency department, the submission highlighted.

On why Clare should be chosen, FEH stated, “Clare is home to the number one natural visitor attraction in the country with over 1.3 million visitors every year. Ennis is Munster’s largest town with a population of 28,000. It is the only county in Ireland with an International Airport without a hospital.

Clare it should be noted is the only county in Munster without an ED. 40% of Clare’s population lives more than 45 minutes from an emergency department. Almost 25% of patients presenting at UHL have a home address in Co Clare”.

Reference to the 1916 Proclamation that “The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens” is made in the submission and the Irish Constitution of 1937 of “seeking to promote the common good, with due observance of Prudence, Justice and Charity, so that the dignity and freedom of the individual may be assured, true social order attained” is made by FEH in the submission.

Concluding their case, FEH said, “In 2025, it is our contention that the people of the Midwest are not afforded ‘Equal Opportunities’ when it comes to healthcare.

‘True social order’ remains a lofty ideal which will never be achieved while an obvious regional imbalance exists in Ireland. FEH Believe that the standard of healthcare and access to healthcare in Ireland is currently determined not by need but by Eircode”.

A NEAR-FATALITY in Lahinch is to result in safety improvements at the Miltown Malbay Rd car park.

In the middle of June, an American tourist fell from a 23ft cliff in Lahinch prompting an emergency response which included members of the Doolin Coastguard unit assisted by Shannon-based Rescue 115 helicopter, Gardaí, units from Ennistymon attached to the Clare and Rescue Service along with paramedics from the National Ambulance Service.

Raising the matter before the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) called on the local authority “to erect fencing and extra-large signage on the cliffs side of the Miltown Road car park in the interest of health and safety”.

Senior executive engineer in the West Clare MD, Tony Neville stated, “As agreed at our meeting on site, Clare County Council will replace all the rails removed from the existing concrete fencing. We will develop and erect appropriate signage with a view to highlighting the potential danger and to discourage climbing of the boundary fence”.

“We had a near fatality in Lahinch,” Cllr Slattery said when recalling the accident. “A young person fell over the cliffs at the Miltown Malbay Road car park and it a major rescue operation was mounted”. He added, “He was either fortunate or unfortunate that tide was gone out and the rescue went on for forty five minutes, he broke two legs and a pelvis, it was an American young fella”.

Speaking at the meeting, the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD advised his colleagues that he met the senior engineer at the site. “It cannot be fenced off completely because of the area, I bwas looking for extra signage and fencing, I looked for this ten years ago,” he said. “The amount of young people socializing and involved in anti-social behavior here is gone crazy, what a woman told me she was picking up there the morning after is outrageous but I won’t get into that”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) recalled his own adventures to the hill, “I was a teenager too that did what they are doing on the hill”.

He added, “Your heart sinks when you see people going to the cliffs every evening, the cliffs are undermined, there is a grass margin with nothing underneath it, we can’t legislate for stupid but you have to do everything possible, if a tragedy occurs, everything will have been done”.

Talty cautioned that “it is not a suitable area for recreation”.

5

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 31, 2025

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Craggaunowen steps back into The Viking Age THIS AUGUST Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August), Craggaunowen will come alive with the sights and sounds of the Viking Age, as it transforms into a bustling Norse village featuring medieval games, thrilling battle reenactments, and a vibrant showcase of traditional Viking arts, crafts, and trades.

‘The Viking Age at Craggaunowen’ will provide visitors with an insight into how the pagan warriors lived in Ireland during the 9th and 10th centuries.

The highlight of the weekend will be the battle recreations on the Castle Green at 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 4.00pm daily when warriors demonstrate their fierce fighting and defensive skills.

Visitors will be able to don the suits of chainmail and hold a Viking helmet, shield and other armoury once used for protection during the intense battles that raged across Ireland over 1,000 years ago.

Guests will also have the opportunity to see and experience what life was like during the Viking Age at a recreated village where historically accurate workshop tents will host crafters demonstrating their trading, leather working, and wicker basket and jewellery making skills.

Kids of all ages will also be able to

The Viking Age at Craggaunowen Combat Displays | Viking Crafts & Trades | Armoury Experience | Viking Games & Archery | Jewellery Making | Leatherworking Demos and more...

Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd August | 10am-5pm

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participate in Viking-themed activities from the ‘throwing logs’ game of Knubb to Hnefatafl, a game akin to modern-day chess.

Steven Ryan, Site Manager at Craggaunowen, said, “The Vikings have made many peaceful returns to Craggaunowen over the years, each time bringing with them a deep passion for sharing their fascinating culture and heritage. Our open-air museum offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of the Norse people. We invite visitors of all ages to explore the everyday lives behind the legend of the ‘northmen’. It’s set to be a fun and educational weekend for the whole family.”

The Clare County Council managed visitor destination at Craggaunowen recreates what life would have been like for the Bronze Age inhabitants of Ireland. The attraction features a 16th-century castle and a reconstructed crannóg showing how Celts lived, worked, and defended themselves. The Brendan Boat, built in 1976 by explorer Tim Severin, who successfully completed a 4,500-mile transatlantic crossing, is also on permanent display at Craggaunowen.

Tickets for ‘The Viking Age at Craggaunowen’ are available online at www.craggaunowen.ie (normal admission rates apply).

6

Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Family who turned down six offers of housing lose High Court bid against Council

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A CLARE family has failed in their High Court bid to force Clare County Council to provide them with emergency accommodation after turning down six offers of houses by the local authority.

This week, Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger ruled that Clare County Council had lawfully discharged its statutory duties in relation to the provision of emergency accommodation to the family, including seven children.

The judge further stated that the family are not entitled to require the Council to offer them emergency accommodation from housing stock earmarked for social housing.

Martina Sherlock Mongans and her seven children, who are members of the Travelling Community brought proceedings against Clare County Council, the Minister for Housing, Ireland and Attorney General asserting that they should be allocated emergency accom-

modation in a three bedroom house which is part of the Council’s social housing stock. The family now live in a single room in a relative’s house.

Judge Bugler described the current situation where the family are living in one room of a relations house as “appalling”. She added, “I have found that the Council acted reasonably and lawfully in the six separate offers of emergency accommodation made to them, I cannot find their circumstances to be so exceptional as to merit a departure from the normal rules or an interference by this court in the exercise of the Council’s discretion”.

In July 2024, the family were evicted from their rented Council house in Lahinch and deemed homeless by the Council with hotel accommodation arranged for a number of weeks from July 31st, 2024.

Since August 2024, six different own door accommodation have been offered as emergency accommodation and had been refused for

HIGH COURT BACK COUNCIL: Family who turned down six offers of housing lose High Court bid against Council

various reasons including concerns about safety, suitability and distance from the children’s schools, Judge Bugler outlined when setting

the background to the case.

She said it is surprising that this “entirely unsatisfactory arrangement prevails in preference to the six houses

offered to the family,” but she said perhaps this is indicative of how strongly the family feel about the conditions and location of each of the houses offered. The judge said the family had not established any cause of action or grounds for leave against the State parties.

Ms Justice Bolger said the family wanted accommodation in either Ennistymon or Lahinch, largely because of one of their children’s educational needs. The judge said she was satisfied that Clare County Council assessed the particular needs of the family in a manner that was reasonable, rational and lawful in offering them six of the accommodations. The judge said that in effect the family had asserted a right to emergency accommodation in a house that the Council has earmarked for social housing on the basis of exceptional circumstances in which they are currently living.

The family’s refusal of six separate offers of reasonable own door accommodation, even though they considered

them to be unsuitable for their family’s needs had the consequence that the family are no longer homeless within the meaning of the Housing Act, the judge noted. The family the judge said are not entitled to require the Council to offer them emergency accommodation from housing stock earmarked for social housing “The family are living and extremely difficult circumstances and no one could be anything but sympathetic and concerned at that.

However they do not have rights over and above what is provided for in legislation or any enhanced rights to determine subjectively what is or is not a reasonable accommodation for them,” the judge said.

When approached for comment on the High Court outcome by The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for Clare County Council said, “We must decline your invitation to comment, as is our policy, we do not comment on individual cases”.

8

Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Domestic violence register introduction backed in Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE COUNCILLORS are seeking the introduction of a domestic violence register.

Across Co Clare, the number of incidents a domestic abuse motive almost trebled in five years from 480 in 2018 to 1,073 at the end of 2023.

In a proposal before the July sitting of Clare County Council, Cllr David Griffin (FF) cited “the ongoing epidemic of domestic and gender-based violence in this country” when he appealed for the Government to “progress Jennie’s Law and to implement a Domestic Violence Register similar to that in the UK”.

He said violence against women “is an epidemic not just in Ireland but across the world”. Cllr Griffin noted Gardaí responded to 65,000 domestic violent incidents last year.

During his past role as a parliamentary assistant to former Senator, Fiona O’Loughlin (FF), Cllr Griffin worked alongside the family of Jennifer Poole, she was 24 when she was murdered by her ex-partner Gavin Murphy at her home in Finglas, west Dublin on April 17, 2021. The mother of two was beaten and stabbed to death – her killer is now serving a life sentence for her murder.

Murphy had a history of abusive behaviour towards a former partner when he met Ms Poole and had been convicted of assaulting her.

Jennifer’s family have set up a petition calling for an “open and transparent” domestic vi-

olence register, claiming had there been one in place, their sister may not have died. The Poole family has launched a campaign to try and legislate for a domestic violence register under “Jennie’s Law”. The register would contain the details of anyone here who has a conviction for domestic violence.

Referring to the case, Cllr Griffin said “the hardest part to accept is Gavin Murphy had a history of violence. The family had raised concerns with Gardaí, had the known the violent history and the history of domestic abuse, the actions of the family, of Jennifer and of Gardaí would have been different but nobody was aware”. He said there was no reason why a domestic violence register could not be created in Ireland if it works in the United Kingdom.

A number of Clare Councillors backed the proposla sharing their concerns on the groeing issue of doemstuic violence in Ireland.

Nationally the number of domestic abuse incidents “has more than doubled,” Cllr Mary Howard (FG) stated. “Since COVID it is frightening, it is going through the roof, Women’s Aid said more than one in four women is subject to abuse from their partner, there’s seven women here in this room, think about that, it is a frightening stat”.

Domestic violence has become “a lot more severe since COVID,” stated Cllr Joe Killeen (FF), who emphasised the need for more sheltered housing, support groups, and a national awareness campaign.

Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) stressed: “Domestic violence occurs behind closed doors in the place you are supposed to be the most safe – in your own home. When we’re pulled over on the side of the roads, we can know in two minutes if we’ve penalty points, insurance or tax but Gardaí don’t know if a person is guilty of domestic abuse. When you are your most vulnerable, you’re at your weakest for someone who can coercively control you and when you are your weakest. We need to look at this, we need to be protected in your own home.”

Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) believed. “Strong systematic changes would help deal with what we know has happen... Domestic violence thrives on secrecy and violence, abusers move”. JENNIE’S LAW: Cllr David Griffin (FF) put forward a proposal to progress Jennie’s Law

Kilrush RNLI rescues two people and their dog from rising tide in Carrigaholt TWO PEOPLE and their dog were rescued by Kilrush RNLI who became cut off by the rising tide near Carrigaholt on the Shannon Estuary on Saturday.

At 4:15pm, the volunteer lifeboat were requested by Valentia Coast Guard to launch their inshore lifeboat after receiving a report that a man, woman and their dog had been trapped by the incoming tide while walking along the shoreline. As the tide rose, they attempted to climb the cliff to safety but were unable to find a safe exit.

In favourable conditions, Kilrush RNLI's lifeboat crew located the causalities three-quarters of a nautical mile east of Carrigaholt. As the casualties were on the cliff edge, the crew skilfully manoeuvred the lifeboat and veered down to the base of the cliff. Following a number of attempts as a result of depth restrictions and unknown seabed terrain, the casualties were safely taken aboard the lifeboat. The casualties were assessed and no further medical intervention was required.

The causalities were then taken to Carrigaholt pier, where Kilrush RNLI was assisted by a local person who was listening out on Channel 16, and who kindly transported the casualties to their accommodation.

Speaking after the call out, Kilrush RNLI

Helm Tom Blunnie said, “We were delighted to bring everyone to safety and that this call out had a positive outcome. The casualties did the right thing by calling for help when they realised they were in difficulty – that early call meant we could reach them quickly before the situation worsened.

“I would also like to commend the work of the lifeboat crew. This was a particularly challenging service, requiring the extraction of both casualties and their dog from a steep ledge on a lee shore. It demanded a high level of individual skill and collective teamwork, which is a real testament to the RNLI’s training standards,” he added.

Tom stated, “This incident is a timely reminder of how quickly conditions can change along the coast. Even on calm, sunny days, rising tides can cut off walking routes in a matter of minutes, leaving people stranded. We urge everyone planning to walk along the shoreline to check the tide times, carry a means of calling for help, and never hesitate to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard if you or someone else is in trouble. We would also like to thank the local person who assisted our crew at Carrigaholt Pier – community support is invaluable and always greatly appreciated”.

9

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 31, 2025

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

Fresh colour and great offers to brighten your August garden AUGUST; welcome another month of adventure in the garden with lots of colour.

We have so much going on in the gardens. there is lots of cleaning with flowering perennial and other flowering shrubs. Deadheading could be a daily job this time of year but feeding and watering as needed keeps the blooms going longer.

The Roses are reblooming and they are on special offer in the garden centre this week. We have some lovely colours, like Arthur bell, gorgeous scents and some lovely Trumpeter red rose on offer pop in to see full range.

The perennial offer has spread throughout the garden centre; buy 2 get 3 rd half price. The nepeta six hill giant is showing lovely colour as is the rudbeckia and one of my favourites is the salvia blue swede shoes so if you have a gap or extending the beds we have a nice variety available.

Verbena bonarasis is a lovely tall perennial with it nice purple flowers and crocosmia is another lovely orange flowering perennial great for the coast.

Echinacea or coneflower as its commonly know is available in lots of colours orange, pink yellow a great perennial long flowers and stunning flowers.

Filling pots, we’ve got you sorted lovely geraniums available and nice impatiens or bizzy Lizzy as they are commonly known make a great combination of colour and beauty.

Maybe one side of your hanging basket is gone wonky we have some lovely petunia trailing fillers just to help keep it balanced. And

some nice filler for pots too if you find some gaps have appeared nice fuchsia and million bells some nemesia in a variety of colour.

This is also the time to start collecting seed from plants like cosmos and lupins and any other perennials you may have and want to increase in the garden.

Keep them in a brown paper bag in a cool dry place and label each pack. So with lots to keep us busy in the garden this August have a think about the up coming season bulb planting in September do you want to increase the spring bulbs add more bluebells or other variety to the garden now that’s some food for thought.

“Every flower in my garden whispers a joyful secret.”

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Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Seán Cleary remembered as an educator, sportsman and devoted family man

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DURING his lifetime, Seán Cleary shaped and influence the lives of generations of young people in Shannon and further afield.

Under his leadership, St Conaires National School in Shannon grew to become one of the biggest schools in the county while through his gentle and caring way he shaped lives for the better.

On Wednesday he was laid to rest in Bunratty Cemetery following a funeral mass at The Wells Church in Newmarket-on-Fergus where his long-time friend, Fr Harry Bohan was the chief celebrant.

Hurling was a big passion in Seán’s life, he was wing-back on the Whitegate team which won the club’s

second-ever Clare SHC title in 1961. Ironically, they beat Newmarket-on-Fergus, a club with which his family would go on to represent and through his beloved grand-children continue to line out for.

He made 38 appearances for Clare, the first at wing-forward on October 26 1958 at wing-forward when it finished Limerick 4-9 Clare 2-7 in the National League. His last appearance in saffron and blue was the 1967 Munster final where he was wingback when Clare lost 4-12 2-6 against Tipperary.

Captain of Shannon Golf Club in 2002 and President in 2014, Seán was able to recall the layout of every golf course he played on due to his attention to detail.

Fr Bohan told Wednes-

day’s mass, “You all have your own memories of Seán. I was very privileged to have Seán as a friend”. He recalled, “I can nearly hear Seán saying to me take it easy Harry and keep it short. I go back a long way with him, I think we might have first met up around 1958 and I suppose it wouldn’t be a great surprise to some of ye, where did we meet up on the hurling field, Sean was playing centre field for Whitegate and I was centre field for Feakle, we didn’t agree for that hour anyway but I’m glad to tell ye that Feakle won, it was the only county final that we got into. We met off and on, I was privileged to be asked to say the mass and the few words, he asked me himself ”.

Paying tribute to her father, Marion Crimmins said “familiar themes” emerged

Ger Healy Darts Tournament and local hotels raise vital funds for suicide bereavement services

THE Annual Ger Healy memorial Darts Tournament was held recently in Quilty.

A huge credit is due to the O Connor and Healy families, together with their relatives and a huge circle of friends for their hard work in organising this event every year.

They recently presented a cheque to Clare Suicide Bereavement group to the value 4,200 euro.

Clare Suicide Bereavement Support Services would like to sincerely thank the wonderful staff members of sister hotels, the Inn at Dromoland and Dromoland Castle for nominating them as their chosen charity for 2024.

The hotels organised a number of different events to raise funds for the charity group. Ciara Flynn of CSBS was recently presented with a cheque for 2,400 euros from the two hotels ongoing intiatives which will go towards supporting those bereaved by suicide.

When asked why they chose this charity, staff members said everyone of them knows someone bereaved by suicide.

l Pictured L to R: Shauna Healy, Martin O Connor Dan O Connor C.S.B.S. Eileen O Connor, Jack Healy

l Ciara Flynn with hotel staff

as the family shared stories and tears since Seán’s death on Saturday. She recalled that her parents started their married life in Bridgetown but it wasn’t long until they set up home in Woodpark, Newmarket-on-Fergus, “we might have crossed border to Shannon for school but Newmarket-on-Fergus was always home”.

She said, “Our childhood was full of love, when grandchildren arrived that same level of warmth and love followed, he was their greatest supporter, he followed their academic achievements, hurling, camogie and golf but as Harry said not soccer”. His time as a boarder in St Flannan’s College was a formative team and continued to support the school by attending Dr Harty Cup matches as the decades passed.

In his native Whitegate, Marion quipped that her father had “a near-on celebrity status” anytime he attended a match there. He had the tradition of giving the first hurley to his grand-children and always stuck to choosing Clare or Galway hurley makers, after one grand-children deviated away from this and acquired a Tipperary made hurley that only lasted a mere two matches, “Dad gave a smug smile because you can’t beat quality”.

“Education wasn’t just his profession but a vocation,” Marion said. “He left a lasting mark on St Conaires and his love of education went far beyond the classroom”. A love of trivia and quizzes was also a

lRIP: Seán Cleary

constant of Seán’s life, Marion recalled. “He had a great sense of fairness and equality, he was an educator in true sense of the word”.

His garden was “his sanctuary, you might pop in to say hello and you came out with a plant and instructions on how not to kill it”. A grá for his native language and Irish culture has been passed on to his family. A glint in the eye and a turn of phrase was with him till the very end, she noted.

“He was an educator, sportsman, gardener, quiz master but the most important role he held was this, he was our Dad and the love of Mum’s life, he was a loving dependable wise man, we will miss him more than words

can express, we’re so grateful for the life he lived and the legacy he has left behind”.

She promised that his family would keep the lawn cut and continue to have the hurleys ready.

Seán is deeply missed by his heartbroken family, wife Bridie, daughters Marion (Crimmins) and Niamh (Perill), sons Eoin, Feargal and Gearóid, sons-in-law Pádraig and Kevin, daughters-in-law Eleanor, Suzanne and Emma, grandchildren, brother Mike, sisters-in-law Margaret and May, nephews, nieces, neighbours and his many friends. He is predeceased by his parents, brothers Paddy, Éamonn and Frank and sister Mary.

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Contributors

Recovering from surgery? HBOT could help with healing IF YOU’RE healing from an injury or surgery, you’ll know that recovery takes time, rest and care.

Whether you’re a weekend jogger or a seasoned jockey, you’ll know that a sports injury can be incredibly frustrating – especially when it stops you doing what you love.

Even when the operation and early recovery go to plan, swelling, bruising and fatigue can linger for longer than expected. With all operations, there is also a risk of complications, like infections or delayed wound healing, which can set you back.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a safe, non-invasive therapy that supports your body’s natural healing processes. It doesn’t replace medical advice or physiotherapy, but it can work alongside them to help you feel better more quickly.

HBOT involves breathing almost pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber. This increases the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream, helping it to reach even the areas where circulation might be limited after surgery. The increase in oxygen can reduce swelling, improve tissue repair, and lower your risk of infection.

lsupports immune function limproves healing.

Research shows that HBOT: lincreases collagen production lencourages new blood vessel growth

Worldwide, HBOT is already being used by some hospitals to support complex wound healing, and now more people are turn-

ing to HBOT after surgery to help improve their recovery. More and more athletes are using it as a key part of their recovery from sprains, muscle tears, ligament injuries, fractures and tendonitis.

HBOT is a convenient choice, as you can undergo treatment while you are off work and focusing on rest and recovery.

Sessions at OxyGeneration last 60-90 minutes, and take place in a

relaxing, calm environment.

Come visit on our Open Days – 6 th August and 9 th August to see for yourself!

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Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Public asked to wear bright & cheerful colours for Barefield funeral

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FUNERAL DETAILS have been confirmed for Barefield native Vanessa Whyte and her children James and Sara Rutledge who were murdered in Fermanagh last Wednesday.

All three will be buried together in Ballymaley Cemetery on Saturday afternoon with the funeral mass to take place prior to this at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield at 12pm.

They will lie in repose together at the church in Barefield on Friday from 3pm until 7pm.

A service of removal took place in St. Mary’s Church, Maguiresbridge on Wednesday at 11am.

Members of the Whyte family have appealed for privacy with the house to remain strictly private at all times.

Donations if desired can be made to Women’s Aid, the Whyte family have said. They have asked people attending the funeral mass to wear bright and cheerful colours in memory of Vanessa, James and Sara.

On Monday night the man suspected of killing the trio, Ian Rutledge (43) died in hospital. Last week police said a suspected triple murder and attempted suicide was one line of inquiry for detectives.

Sara and James were both students at Enniskillen Royal Grammar School and were former pupils of Maguiresbridge Primary School in their home village. Crowds of mourners attended a vigil for the family in the primary school's grounds on Friday.

A book of condolence was opened by Clare County Council in memory of Vanessa, James and Sara at the public foyer of Áras Contae an Chláir, Ennis. Inviting members of the public to sign the book, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) expressed his sympathy and that of the people of Clare to the Whyte family and widespread community.

Cherished and much-loved Vanessa, James and Sara will forever be in the hearts of their heartbroken family, remembered fondly by a devoted mother and loving grandmother Mary Whyte, sisters and brothers (aunts & uncles) Geraldine, Anita, Steve, Regina & Ivor and by their respective partner’s Michael, Bernie, Ciara and Anita’s husband James. Sadly missed by all their heartbroken cousins Deirbhíle, Erin, James, Danielle, Aishling, Jack and Harry Joe. They will be fondly missed by the extended Whyte Family, friends, work colleagues and the wider GAA Communities in both Fermanagh and Clare.

Barefield broken‘unspeakable tragedy’ in memory of Vanessa,

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BAREFIELD gathered as a parish “with broken-hearts” for a vigil on Sunday evening following the deaths of Vanessa Whyte and her two children James and Sara in a Fermanagh shooting on Wednesday.

All three were the source of thousands of prayers at a vigil held in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Barefield on Sunday. The church was packed to capacity with people of all ages gathered outside united in grief, despair and devastation.

Crowds were vast but there was a silence throughout the village due to the numbness, shock and devastation rippling through Barefield.

Among the congregation were locals from Barefield, Doora, Ruan, Ennis and many more parts of Co Clare while friends of Vanessa, James and Sara travelled from Fermanagh to attend including representatives from St Patrick’s hurling club in Lisbellaw and Maguiresbridge St Mary’s gaelic football club in Fermanagh.

Members of the Whyte family including Vanessa’s mother Mary and her siblings Geraldine, Regina, Anita, Stephen and Ivor tuned into the service online.

Hundreds of their friends and former teammates with St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield club were inside and outside the church for the sixty four minute vigil.

Parish priest in Doora/Barefield, Fr Tom Fitzpatrick welcomed everyone from near and far. “There are so many people from far beyond the bounds of our parish here to remember for a little while together the people we’ve been talking about for the last few days, Vanessa, her son James and daughter Sara”.

He admitted, “the unspeakable tragedy that has befallen our parish is difficult to speak about and comprehend or get our minds around”.

People gathered to pray and support the Whyte family. He confirmed they “decided to stay at home” for the vigil.

“They felt it would be easier to pray at home”. He continued, “Watching in tonight, I have some sense of how heartbroken you are from being with you the last few days”.

In a message to the Whyte family, Fr Fitzpatrick told them, “you’re not alone, we’re all thinking of you here and we have been the last few days”. He added, “we’re thinking of ye, I know a connection is already established between us”.

Fr Fitzpatrick noted, “we’re here not because we have answers, we couldn’t possibly have any answers but we need a place to bring our questions, our sorrow, our anger and our prayers in silence. We come not to explain the awfulness of what has taken place but to lament it”.

Everyone in the parishes of Barefield and Doora are “walking in the shadows of the cross,” he explained. “What affects an individual or a family in a parish affects everyone”.

BROKEN-HEARTED: Crowds leave the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Barefield following Sunday’s vigil.

Candles were lit to remember Vanessa (45) and her teenage children, James (14) and Sara (13). “The church is full of light now, at midnight these will be the only light we see, showing so much light these people brought to the world,” Fr Fitzpatrick said. “For such a large crowd there is still a silence and we can feel God in our midst”.

According to Fr Fitzpatrick, “Vanessa was a person who gave and gave”. He added, “Vanessa was a mother, daughter, sister, aunty and a great friend to so many people. She was a woman who loved her children fiercely, she wanted the best for them, she worked hard and she laughed a lot, she carried burdens that we may never fully understand, her

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hearted by with vigil held James & Sara

life was incredibly precious. James and Sara were new lives just beginning, so full of life, so loved but taken away too soon. We find it impossible my dear friends to make sense of it, we cannot rationalise what should never have take place”.

“We come this evening with broken hearts. We’re gathered here becaude of a tragedy, a sorry that cannot ever be measured. In the face of such unbelievable loss, we find ourselves like our blessed mother at the foot of the

cross in Calvary asking the question why,” he said. “When words fail us my dear friends, our prayer, presence and shared silence speaks volumes”.

Due to the love held for Vanessa, James and Sara, the level of grief is much greater, Fr Fitzpatrick highlighted. “This heartbreak is the price we pay for love, it is love which will help Vanessa’s family over the weeks and months to come”.

Referencing the loss felt by the Whyte family, Fr Fitzpatrick said, “Mary was Vanessa’s beloved mother, her grief is a very deep ocean indeed, no mother should ever have to endure”. To her wider family he said, “you have lost a sister, a niece and a nephew, there are no words which can feel the space they have left behind, you’re not alone, you are helped by a community of people walking with you through the darkness”. He said, “your loss is our loss too, your grief is shared by all who loved Vanessa and her children, in your darkest hour may not find comfort but help”.

He continued, “The community of Doora/Barefield must rise, not with solutions but with support, a hand to be held or a meal to be delivered, we must speak the names of Vanessa, James and Sara we must honour their lives with our own lives, by choosing love, by protecting the most vulnerable by building a world where peace is strong”.

Vanessa’s life must be remembered for how she lived it and not how it ended, Fr Fitzpatrick said. “We must remember Vanessa not just for the way she died but the way she loved her life, she loved her children, she gave it her all till the very end. We must remember James and Sara not just as victims of violence but children who played and laughed, they had dreams which will sadly never be fulfilled but they were dreams which mattered because they were theirs”.

Two John O’Donoghue poems ‘On the death of the beloved’ and ‘Beannacht’ were read during the vigil while the song ‘Gone too soon’ left many of those in attendance quite emotional.

Police in Northern Ireland have launched a murder investigation into the deaths of Vanessa, James and Sara. A man who was a member of the same household remains in a serious condition according to the PSNI. Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness stated this weekend, “Our investigation is ongoing and we are working tirelessly to determine the exact circumstances of this tragedy”.

News

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Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Family fun with Kilmihil festival of fun this bank holiday weekend THE Kilmihil Festival of Fun is back this August Bank Holiday weekend with a full schedule of events for all the family.

Regular events will include football, soccer, the DOH 5K Fun Run/Walk, kiddies’ tractor run, new arrivals mass, ball run, bonamh racing,

fireworks, working vintage rally, parade, and field day.

This year, a new bonus ball has been added to the Sunday morning ball run, giving participants the chance to win an extra €100. Tickets are available in local outlets.

The ball run will be followed by a new family scavenger

hunt around the village.

The annual pig race will be hosted this year by a new MC, Dave Young, who will bring fresh entertainment for all ages. The pig race will be followed by a bigger fireworks display than ever before.

On Monday, August 4, the

Knights of Fergus will join the field day with medieval displays, sword fighting demos, and interactive activities for children. There will also be a magic show and fire breathers performing on the day.

Popular favourites such as the tractor balance and dig-

ger puzzle will be returning for those up for a challenge.

The festival will also feature a monster raffle, with prizes including a €1,000 cash prize, home heating oil, a Clare family attractions pass, afternoon tea, and a Hi Maintenance hair voucher.

The entry fee is just €5, offering great value for a full day of entertainment. Everyone is welcome come early to get the best seats and enjoy the whole day.

The organising committee also remembers and honours key members of the festival

community who have sadly passed away since last year.

Nora Johnston and Paddy Quinlivan were both founding members. Mary Murray Quinlivan and Murt Collins were long-time helpers, and Darragh (Bob) Rigney contributed engineering skills over the years. Peter Finnerty trained the pigs right up to last year’s race. Their families and friends will be warmly remembered throughout the weekend.

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West Clare

New CD to be launched for Killimer’s commemoration of St Imy

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CELEBRATIONS for St Imy in Killimer will see the launch of a new CD. A mass to commemorate St Imy will take place in St Imy’s Church, Killimer on Sunday August 17 with a CD launch also pencilled as part of the occasion, Bishop Fintan Monahan is among the confirmed guests.

This is the third year in a row that the parish of Killimer has celebrate the memory of St Imy. To mark this year’s occasion, a the Killimer Church Choir will be launching the ‘Mass of St Imy CD’ which they recorded in Malbay Studios earlier this year.

Teresa Carrig composed the original music and lyrics, the CD is the end product of many months of hard work and dedication. The CD will be on sale after mass which takes place at 10:30am.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Teresa said, “we are very excited to celebrate St. Imy’s feast day this year in particular as we have the release of our St. Imys mass CD”.

She explained, “The CD is composed of all original music and hymns in honour of St Imy. We are really looking forward to seeing everyone on the day”.

Killimer derives its name from Church of Imy (Cill Imí). St Imy was born in Molougha, a townland within the parish of Killimer and she was a sister of St Senan.

Remains of her church in Burrane Cemetery date back to the 9th Century. There is a holy well called ‘Tobar lomaigh’ to the east of Burrane Cemetery in O’Driscolls farm. The O’Driscoll family including the late Tommy Driscoll have taken great care maintaining this well in excellent condition over the many years.

The holy water present within the well is reported to have healing properties, in particular for bone ailments.

In July 1946, a shrine in honour of St Imy was erected by the Legion of Mary close to her burial place and this has also been maintained by the O’Driscoll family.

The church on Chapel Hill in Killimer, erected in 1829 in the townland of Carradotia is dedicated to St Imy. In May 1959 the Bishop of Killaloe, Most Rev. Dr. Rodgers, officiated at a thanksgiving ceremony in St. Imy’s Church to mark its renovation, which was carried out at a cost of £3000. The new bell for Killimer Church cost £284.

On August 1st 1969, work began on the reconstruction of this church, under the supervision of

lCD LAUNCH: St. Imy church

Fr. Sheehy. The O’Driscoll family donated a portion of the land to accommodate an extension to the church grounds, while the Crowe Family donated land to accommodate a car park. Many volunteers gave of their time to the project, while Mrs. Neenan made her kitchen available and she herself supervised the cooking of the meals for the men. The Bell, donated by the Hassett family was transferred to its present location.

On Easter Sunday (29th March 1960) mass was celebrated for the first time in the renovated church.

Extensive renovations have been carried out to the church over time but it still retains its woodwork and craftsmanship, it remains an intimate place of worship each Sunday for the local community.

Regional News

‘Country Lad’ jailed for 9 years in drug and laundering case

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has imposed a nine year three month prison term on a 28 year old west Clare man after he was caught with just under €300,000 worth of cocaine and cannabis.

Described in court previously as a ‘typical country lad’ by his solicitor, Daragh Hassett, Mr Healy evaded capture on July 11 2023 but was arrested by Gardai on August 13 2023 after a second drugs swoop by Gardai on the same date where Gardai recovered €37,212 worth of cocaine and €31,568 in cannabis at a mobile home at Furoor Upper, Kilkee in west Clare.

Judge Comerford said that “these types of crime cause great harm to society”.

Judge Comerford said that Mr Healy “was holding the money for drug dealers”.

At Garda interview, Mr Healy said that he was looking after the drugs and cash as he had a drug debt to pay off.

Mr Healy - who entered guilty pleas to the charges - told the Gardai “I am ashamed and I deeply regret it”.

The offending occurred during a previous 20 month suspended sentence imposed on Mr Healy for drug dealing.

Judge Comerford said: “A very significant aggravating factor in the case is that a person who was afforded a very significant opportunity to turn away from criminality commits further offences relating to drug dealing while that suspended sentence is in place.”

At the sentencing hearing, Det Sgt Dara O’Sullivan described Mr Healy

as an “integral part of a drug trafficking operation that was going on in this case”.

Counsel for Mr Healy, Lorcan Connolly SC told the court that Mr Healy lived at home with his mother and received the carer’s allowance to look after his mother who requires the use of a wheelchair.

Mr Connolly said that “the mobile home wasn’t his, the house wasn’t his and vehicles weren’t his”.

Mr Connolly said that Mr Healy “was acting under duress” when handling the drugs and money.

Mr Connolly said that Mr Healy was “previously subject to an assault by dark forces and his mother’s house was damaged”.

The businessman said that Mr Healy faces a lengthy prison sentence ahead but added that he will do all he can to support him “and I will take him back into employment when he is released”.

The employer said: “I have paid thousands of euro to these horrible people to get them off Stephen’s back.”

Mr Connolly also handed in a written personal plea from Mr Healy’s mother and he described the letter as “genuine and from the heart”.

Mr Connolly said Mr Healy is a father of two young children with the youngest only born a few months ago while Mr Healy was in custody.

Mr Healy has been on remand in custody since last November.

Mr Connolly said that Mr Healy “assures me that he really wants to turn the corner and really wants to have a bright future”.

Judge Comerford backdated the sentence to last November.

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Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Kilrush’s ‘Coffee and Dip’ raises an incredible €35,000 for Milford Care Centre

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

KILRUSH’S ‘Coffee and Dip’ event raised €35,000 for Milford Care Centre over the weekend.

The charity event took place on Sunday at Cappa Beach to fundraise for Milford Care Centre in memory of organiser Imelda Bourkes sister, Carmel, and brother, Michael, who both received extraordinary care at Milford Hospice.

Milford Hospice offers home services, a nursing home, and day care for the elderly and people with palliative care needs in the community.

Donations reached €15,000 over the intended goal of €20,000. Bourke said, “We’re just astonished and it’s unbelievable.” She laughed, “People are texting me back saying, ‘Do you mean €3,500?’.”

With a variety of activities that catered to all ages, “a really lovely feeling” filled the day, said Bourke. Face painting, games, and swim races added a splash of excitement for children. The event also featured a hamper raffle, Zumba sessions, live music, an array of cakes, and tea and coffee supplied by Coffee Rush.

“With Zumba, they were dancing and they were jiving.” Fortunately, the sun was out for the main activity: the dip in the sea, and Bourke was happy to report that the water wasn’t cold. “It was lovely really.”

After a successful day with a great turnout, Bourke thanked attendees, sponsors, and volunteers, some of whom began helping at 7am, for their tremendous support: “We are incredibly proud of West Clare and the wonderful community spirit that was on display. A huge thank you to all the volunteers and everyone who supported the event.

Your generosity will make a significant difference to the Milford Hospice” “We got wonderful support from the whole West Clare community and the helpers were amazing.”

Donations can be given to Milford Hospice until the end of the week by scanning the QR code.

Photos by John Bernard Glynn

‘Typical country Lad’ jailed for 9 years in drug and money laundering case

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has imposed a nine year three month prison term on a 28 year old west Clare man after he was caught with just under €300,000 worth of cocaine and cannabis.

Described in court previously as a ‘typical country lad’ by his solicitor, Daragh Hassett, Mr Healy evaded capture on July 11 2023 but was arrested by Gardai on August 13 2023 after a second drugs swoop

by Gardai on the same date where Gardai recovered €37,212 worth of cocaine and €31,568 in cannabis at a mobile home at Furoor Upper, Kilkee in west Clare.

Judge Comerford said that “these types of crime cause great harm to society”.

Judge Comerford said that Mr

Healy “was holding the money for drug dealers”.

At Garda interview, Mr Healy said that he was looking after the drugs and cash as he had a drug debt to pay off.

Mr Healy - who entered guilty pleas to the charges - told the Gardai “I am ashamed and I deeply regret it”.

The offending occurred during a previous 20 month suspended sentence imposed on Mr Healy for drug dealing.

Judge Comerford said: “A very significant aggravating factor in the case is that a person who was afforded a very significant opportunity to turn away from criminality commits further offences relating to drug dealing while that suspended sentence is in place.”

At the sentencing hearing, Det

Sgt Dara O’Sullivan described Mr Healy as an “integral part of a drug trafficking operation that was going on in this case”.

Counsel for Mr Healy, Lorcan Connolly SC told the court that Mr Healy lived at home with his mother and received the carer’s allowance to look after his mother who requires the use of a wheelchair.

Mr Connolly said that “the mobile home wasn’t his, the house wasn’t his and vehicles weren’t his”.

Mr Connolly said that Mr Healy “was acting under duress” when handling the drugs and money.

Mr Connolly said that Mr Healy was “previously subject to an assault by dark forces and his mother’s house was damaged”.

The businessman said that Mr Healy faces a lengthy prison sentence ahead but added that he will

do all he can to support him “and I will take him back into employment when he is released”.

The employer said: “I have paid thousands of euro to these horrible people to get them off Stephen’s back.”

Mr Connolly also handed in a written personal plea from Mr Healy’s mother and he described the letter as “genuine and from the heart”.

Mr Connolly said Mr Healy is a father of two young children with the youngest only born a few months ago while Mr Healy was in custody.

Mr Healy has been on remand in custody since last November.

Mr Connolly said that Mr Healy “assures me that he really wants to turn the corner and really wants to have a bright future”.

Judge Comerford backdated the sentence to last November.

NOTES BLOOD DOANTION CLINIC

AN UPCOMING blood donation clinic will be held in Kilrush.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service will be holding a donation clinic on Wednesday April 10th in Kilrush Community School from 5pm to 8:20pm.

New and existing donors are welcome.

Appointments may be made by phoning 1800 222 111.

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Regional News

Ennis

New life brought to public spaces in Ennis

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

RESTORED SEATING, public art, new planters and improved bus stops are among a series of linked enhancement projects delivered by local groups and the Ennis Municipal District to improve how people move and experience Clare’s county town.

Initiatives delivered were supported by the European URBACT programme, which helps towns across Europe address urban challenges through sustainable development.

The Ennis project focused on improving mobility and public spaces through small, high-impact actions, reflecting URBACT’s core values of sustainability, community involvement, and local benefit.

One of the key projects undertaken focused on revitalising the Mill Wheel area, a scenic but often overlooked riverside park linking Mill Road to Harvey’s Quay. To raise its profile and improve the space, Ennis MD partnered with the Ennis Men’s Shed to restore several disused cast iron benches. Once destined for scrap, the benches were refurbished by the Men’s Shed using Council-supplied materials, painted in vibrant colours, and reinstalled by Council staff offering attractive, repurposed seating in a tranquil setting.

In response to a request from the Local Link Bus Service, a refurbished bench was also installed at the Friars Walk bus stop near the Clare Museum, improving comfort and access for public transport users.

Another project enhanced the Maid of Erin

lINITIATIVES: Mayor of Ennis MD, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) with senior engineers Seán Lenihan and Paddy Tiernan plus members of Ennis Mens Shed at the Mill Wheel.

Photograph: Eamon Ward.

roundabout, one of the town’s main entry points, through the installation of colourful flower planters. The project involved a number of groups including the Men’s Shed, who built the planters and Ennis Tidy Towns who planted the flowers and shrubs. These groups were assisted by Ennis Municipal District and Clare County Council’s Gardening Section who supplied the materials and shrubs

Taoiseach unveils new stamps for Daniel O’Connell 250th anniversary

TAOISEACH Micheál Martin has unveiled two new stamps marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of Daniel O’Connell.

Designed by Irish artist David Rooney, the two national (N) rate stamps commemorate Daniel O’Connell’s enduring legacy, showing him as an inspiring and towering figure in momentous, stylised scenes from his life.

One stamp depicts his release from Richmond Bridewell after his three-month imprisonment while a second stamps shows him front and centre at one of his famous ‘monster meetings.’ A limited edition First Day Cover envelope features his famous statue in Ennis, Co. Clare and is available, together with the stamps, at selected post offices and online at anpost.com/ history (with free delivery) from 31st July.

Speaking at the O’Connell 250 Symposium: Liberty, Democracy, and the Struggle for Human Rights’ taking place at Trinity College, the Taoi-

seach Micheál Martin said: “By every measure, Daniel O’Connell was the most internationally known and influential leader in our history.

In the words of Gladstone, he was the greatest popular leader the world has ever known. He was a campaigner for the Catholic emancipation, the repeal of the Act of the Union and the abolition of slavery. He proved to be a powerful constitutional and legal reformer. I am delighted to unveil these stamps marking 250 years since his birth, to honour him and remember his legacy.”

David McRedmond, CEO of An Post said: We, at An Post, are delighted to have been able to deliver this stamp pair marking the incredible life

and the many achievements of Daniel O’Connell. We hope that the stamps will promote a renewed interest in this global figure who, more than being just a man of his time, is also an iconic figure for the times in which we live.’’

Born in 1775, Daniel O’Connell emerged as a key figure in Ireland’s pursuit of parliamentary democracy through his movement for the repeal of the 1800 Act of Union. Barred from taking his parliamentary seat in 1828, his campaign eventually led to the passage of the 1829 Roman Catholic Relief Act. This granted Roman Catholics the right to serve as Members of Parliament and hold most public offices.

as well as installing the units. The project has visually enhanced this busy roundabout and had created a more inviting welcome to Ennis.

Among the outcomes of the URBACT collaboration was a public art project led by local artist Evelyn Sorohan, in partnership with the Men’s Shed, and various individuals and groups from the local community including

residents of the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS). The sculpture, installed near the Mill Wheel, was co-created with community members to be eye-catching and educational. Positioned for high visibility from the road, it encourages more people to discover and enjoy the upgraded park.

Mayor of Ennis and Chair of Ennis Tidy Towns Councillor Mary Howard (FG), said, “It’s great to see the community coming together like this. From the colourful planters to the public art, these projects really show how much pride we all have in making Ennis more welcoming and beautiful. I’d especially like to thank the staff of Ennis MD, all the volunteers and everyone else who pitched in with their time and skills”.

Senior Executive Engineer in the Ennis MD Paddy Tiernan added, “These projects demonstrate how strategic funding, community partnerships and creative thinking can work together to enrich public spaces. While modest in scale, these projects collectively enhance the town’s sense of place and accessibility and reflect the goals of the URBACT programme in action”.

Don Cullinan of Ennis Men’s Shed and Ennis Tidy Towns stated, “We were thrilled to get involved in these projects. Working on the old benches and making the planters really gave our members a great sense of purpose and helped them feel more connected to the community. It’s brilliant to see people using and enjoying our work around town—and knowing we’re making a bit of a difference”.

€71,750 Secured for Storage Facilities at John O’Sullivan LEAS Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council and Ennis Municipal District Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy has warmly welcomed the allocation of €71,750 in funding for the installation of a steel storage shed at John O’Sullivan Park in Lees Road, Ennis.

This funding, secured through the Communi-

ty Recognition Fund, will support the infrastructural needs of local clubs including Ennis Track Club and Ennis Rugby Club, who regularly use the facilities at Lees Road. The invest-

ment will allow these active and growing clubs to safely store vital training and competition equipment on-site.

Cllr. Colleran Molloy, who has consistently advocated for targeted investment in Lees Road, said: “This is a hugely welcome development for the many community and sporting groups that call John O’Sullivan Park their home. Having long championed improved facilities at Lees Road, I’m delighted that this allocation— arising from a final funding round following ineligible applications—will now directly benefit clubs such as Ennis Track and Ennis Rugby. These groups are an essential part of our local sporting culture and community life.”

The Community Recognition Fund was established by the Department of Rural and Community Development to support

communities that have welcomed and supported new arrivals, particularly in the context of international protection and temporary protection. Clare has been a strong participant in this national effort.

Cllr. Colleran Molloy added: “This funding recognises the role our communities play in inclusion, and ensures we have the infrastructure to meet growing and diverse needs. It’s also a reminder of the value of strong local advocacy. I have tabled motions and engaged consistently to ensure John O’Sullivan Park receives the attention it deserves as one of our flagship public sporting amenities.”

The proposed steel storage unit will enhance operational efficiency for the clubs involved and contribute to the long-term sustainability of youth and community sport in Clare.

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Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

News

The Corofin Agricultural Show 2025

Suzie Hynes and her pony Lakeview Jackie Sparrow after winning the 138 1 metre competition

Cathal Glynn

Photos by John Sheridan

Mags Corry (Chairperson), Jim Harrison ISA with equestrian competition judges and winners

Michael Purtill, Joe Cooney, Dan O’Connell, Mags Corry(Chairperson) , Jim Harrison ISA, Joe Killeen & Tom Holmes

Cillian Clune aged 5 From Clooney Quin

Crowds of spectators at Corofin Show

19

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 31, 2025

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North Clare

Clare farmer to face further charges over alleged campaign against neighbouring young couple

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A COUNTY Clare farmer has been charged with harassing a neighbouring young couple seeking to move into their new home near the village of Inagh.

At Ennis District Court today, Jim Greene (55) of Ballyhea North, Inagh has been charged with the harassment of couple, Robert Foley and Ciara O’Flynn on dates between February 17th to May 5th this year at Ballyea North, Inagh contrary to Section 10 of the Non Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997.

Mr Greene is also facing an arson charge that on a date unknown between April 2nd and April 15th 2025 at Ballyea North, Inagh did commit criminal damage by fire a number of items and all household contents to the value of €16,743 at Ballyea North, Inagh.

Giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution, Garda Bríon Dolan told the court that when charged and cautioned before court on Tuesday, Mr Green tore up the

CLARE FARMER: Ennis District Court

three charge sheets in front of him.

Garda Dolan told the court in reply to caution “Mr Greene said ‘these are not charges of law. This is a spiritual law matter’ and he proceeded to tear up the charge

sheets.”

Sgt John Burke said that the DPP has instructed that the case go forward to the circuit court on indictment and a Book of Evidence is required.

In a separate harassment

case of a former neighbour against Mr Greene before the court today a Book of Evidence was served in the case.

In that case, Mr Greene is charged with harassing John O’Brien at Ballyea North, Inagh on dates between Jan-

Ruan/Dysart joins ICAN and launches local history website THE RUAN/Dysart Local History Group has officially joined the ranks of the National ICAN (Irish Community Archive Network) community. This affiliation marks a significant milestone for the community organisation, as it grants it the opportunity to establish a local archive and forge direct connections with national heritage.

To celebrate this development the group will host an event to coincide with National Heritage Week on Thursday 14 August between 7.30 pm and 9pm in the Community Centre in Ruan to launch their new website – a vibrant online home for the stories, people and places that have shaped our community

across the generations.

This digital hub is a culmination of countless hours of research, collaboration and dedication from local volunteers and historians.

The event will also offer a unique opportunity for members of the public to contribute to the preservation of the community’s rich history and heritage. We invite the public to bring any old photographs that they may have in their possession on the night. We will have a facility to scan these on site and return the original to the owner.

ICAN, is an initiative of the National Museum of Ireland delivered in partnership with the Heritage Council and Clare County Heritage Of-

HISTORY: Members of the Ruan/Dysart Local History Group (L to R) Mary O’Halloran, Flan Lyons, Linda Hogan and Leonard McDonagh

fice. By becoming members of ICAN, Ruan/Dysart now stands poised to curate a lo-

cal archive while establishing robust links with Ireland’s national heritage.

uary 27th 2024 and February 18th this year contrary to Section 10 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

Solicitor for Mr Greene, Tara Godfrey asked Judge Alec Gabbett that the legal aid certificate be extended for an updated psychiatric assessment but Mr Greene from the custody suite in the court asked Ms Godfrey to stop addressing the court on his behalf as “it is a spiritual law matter and that is it”.

Mr Greene has been on remand in custody at Limerick prison since May 7th.

At a court hearing in May where Judge Gabbett refused bail, the judge said that the couple, Robert Foley and Ciara O’Flynn in question have been “driven so demented” by the actions of Jim Greene that they have been forced to take out a circuit court injunction against him.

Mr Greene is already accused of the burglary at the home of the two at Ballyhea North, Inagh on dates between April 2nd and April 15th last.

Garda Dolan told the court

at the contested bail hearing that for the month of March, Mr Greene had his car parked on the roadway and a very narrow lane leading to the couple’s home which blocked access to their home which they have a mortgage on.

Garda Dolan said that Mr Greene blocking access has meant that the couple have been unable to move into a property they purchased late last year.

During the contested bail hearing, Garda Dolan said that it will be further alleged that subsequently Mr Greene emailed the new home owner’s solicitors to say that he was “God’s Enforcer’ acting under spiritual policeman’s law which he feels entitles him to enter the property and buildings to investigate witchcraft and Voodoo”.

Solicitor for Mr Greene, Tara Godfrey previously said that Mr Greene has no history of criminal behaviour.

Ms Godfrey said that Mr Greene is a farmer with a small land-holding and has animals to look after.

Water supply restored in North Clare WATER SUPPLY has been restored to North Clare following an outage which lasted for just over eight hours.

A significant burst along on a water main in Lisdoonvarna impacted on water supply there and in Ballyvaughan, Doolin and Fanore.

Uisce Éireann confirmed on Sunday afternoon that the burst has been repaired with water returned to households and businesses from after 9pm

on Saturday.

Peter Kelly of Uisce Éireann thanked affected customers for their cooperation while repairs were carried out. "Uisce Éireann acknowledges the disruption that can be caused by an unplanned outage such as this large burst and, we worked as quickly as we could to return supply,” he said. Supply was restored to affected customers by 9pm last night.

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Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Bidding war sees Tulla farm sell for €1 million–plus at local auction

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

A TULLA farm recently sold for over a million euros despite its original asking price of €850,000.

The farm, situated in Cutteen, was bought from a local for €1,060,000 at an auction in the Old Ground Hotel, €210,000 over the price originally asked.

The 54-acre farm is located

on the northern side of the Ennis to Scariff road and adjacent to Tulla village. With great frontage onto the main Scarborough Road and topclass pastures, McMahon described the property as “a

strategic location” containing “good quality land” and “excellent access”.

“To be honest, I wasn’t surprised”, said Diarmuid McMahon from Sherry FitzGerald McMahon. Although not a common occurrence in Clare, McMahon told the Clare Echo that properties in Tulla have sold for over a million euros in the past,

even as close as “recent weeks”. He said, “Whether something sells for a million or not is a function of how many acres you have… If you’ve enough acres, even if they’re in poor quality, you can get over a million.”

According to McMahon, the market for agricultural land

is currently incredibly active.

Location, quality of land, and accessibility are important aspects to consider. He said, “Access out onto roads and whatnot is really important”, which is something the Tulla farm was rich in.

“We were delighted with the result, as was the vendor.”

Man hospitalised in Mountshannon stabbing

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TULLA FARM: outlined cutteen

A MAN has been hospitalised following a stabling in Mountshannon in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The Clare Echo understands that the incident occurred at around 06:30 on Saturday morning.

Emergency services have responded and the scene has been preserved to allow

for a technical examination to take place.

Non-life-threatening injuries were sustained by the male at Lakeside View in Mountshannon. The victim is believed to have only moved into accommodation in the East Clare village within the past month.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed to The Clare Echo, “Gardaí

are investigating an alleged assault in Mountshannon, Co. Clare in the early hours of this morning, Saturday 26th July 2025. A male was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries believed to be non-life threatening.

Enquiries are ongoing”.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 31, 2025

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Scariff Bay Community Radio celebrates ten years as the talk of East Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SCARIFF BAY Community Radio is this week celebrating its tenth birthday and of leading the talk of East Clare.

Not alone has it just grown from a team of six people to a roster which now has over eighty volunteer broadcasters, sound engineers and producers, Scariff Bay’s standing and reputation has also soared over the past decade.

Along the way they’ve broadcast from Bridgetown, Brussels, O’Briensbridge, Broadcasting House which is home of the BBC in London, they’ve won awards for their political coverage and documentaries on the Matchmaking Festival in Lisdoonvarna.

Programmes are now broadcast in three different languages, English, Irish and Ukrainain. Live theatre

from musical societies and a radio play festival have been broadcast while SBCR has been embedded in local festivals festivals in Mountshannon, Scariff, Feakle. Tuamgraney and Bodyke.

Amongst its most listened to coverage has been its GAA commentaries and Sportsline programme presented by Leo Doyle and Pat McNamara.

Station manager, Jim Collins remains the driving force of Scariff Bay Community Radio. Though he is retired from

lSCARIFF BAY FM: John S Kelly and Tom Hanley [inset image: Jim Collins] Photos by: Joe Buckley

teaching, Jim is central to the success of the community radio station. The story of Scariff Bay Community Radio began in a little broom closet inside the GAA hall in Scariff and have graduated to a fit for purpose, fully kitted out studio in the newly renovated Derg Active Alliance Building, where they are still hosted by Scariff GAA. More listeners are tuning in to Scariff Bay following the addition of a third transmitter in Killaloe. Online they have listeners from all over the world. St Patrick’s Day this year saw the station unveil its new set of wheels for the first time.

Scariff Bay Community Radio is in the final part of the application process for a 10 year licence from Coimisiún na Meán and hopes to be able to broadcast, on FM and online, on Fridays as well as Saturdays and Sundays.

As part of its fundraising efforts, Scariff Bay’s sports department has recently launched a Last Man Standing fundraiser, entries for which can be made HERE and are accepted for the next two weeks.

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Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Shannon

Judge says there’s ‘nothing court can do’ after Halal firm misses debt case

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has stated that “there is nothing the court can do to assist” in relation to a meat firm’s efforts to obtain in full an unpaid debt from a Shannon based Halal meat plant operator.

At Ennis District Civil Court, Judge Alec Gabbett made his comment after the owner of Asba Meats Ltd, Tarequr Rahman Khan was a ‘no show’ in court despite the judge’s order on him to attend.

In court last month, Judge Gabbett made an order directing that Mr Khan attend court concerning his firm’s unpaid debt of €16,931 to Town and Country Meats Group.

Solicitor for Stiofan Fitzpatrick told the court that his client, Town and Country Meats had obtained judgement against Asba Meats for the amount.

On Mr Khan’s no-show following his direction to attend, Judge Gab-

lDEBT: Asba meats

bett said that “the disengagement with authority is of some concern”.

He said: “If he is not going to

comply with a court direction, he is not going to comply with a lot of directions - statutory or otherwise.”

Mr Fitzpatrick has previously applied for a bench warrant for Mr Khan to attend but Judge Gabbett said that he couldn’t issue a bench warrant as it was the company name on the case before the court.

Mr Fitzpatrick said that prior to a previous court sitting when Mr Khan did attend the courthouse he reached agreement with Mr Khan about paying the debt but only €1,000 had been received.

Town and Country Meats Group obtained an order in the circuit court on June 4th 2024 to allow the company recover €16,181 from Asba Meats along with €750 in costs and expenses.

Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to September 19th for mention.

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

The case concerned Asba Meats

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

In a separate case before the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), Adjudicator, Úna Glazier-Farmer has directed that Asba Meats Ltd pay €18,844 to Shadid Kamal for his unfair dismissal.

Ms Glazier Farmer has ordered Asba Meats to Mr Kamal - who was also represented by Mr Fitzpatrick - an additional €3,781 in a redundancy lump sum payment.

There was no appearance by Asba Meats at the WRC hearing and Ms Glazier Farmer found that Mr Kamal was unfairly dismissed in April 2024 and the dismissal occurred without any adherence to fair procedures.

She said: “His account remains undisputed, and his extensive documentation of efforts to secure alternative employment is accepted as credible evidence.

Passenger surge expected at Shannon Airport with 10% growth forecast for August Bank Holiday period

Accessibility issues in Collins Park flagged

by Páraic McMahon

paraic@clareecho.ie

paraic@clareecho.ie

CLOSE TO 60,000 passengers are expected to travel through Shannon Airport this August Bank Holiday weekend.

Representing a ten percent increase on figures for the same period in 2024, Shannon Airport is set for a bustling Bank Holiday weekend.

This is reflective of a strong start to 2025 for Shannon Airport. The first half of the year has saw 1.04 million passengers choose Shannon, a seven percent year on year increase.

CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine said, “We’re delighted to see such strong demand this August Bank Holiday period. The increase in passenger numbers is a clear sign that our investments in connectivity, infrastructure and customer experience are paying off.

Shannon is thriving, and we’re proud to be playing a key role in supporting tourism and business across the region”.

Among the factors driving increasing activity is the introduc-

by Páraic McMahon

DIFFICULTIES in navigating footpaths in a Shannon estate for a wheelchair resident have been flagged by local councillors.

In a proposal before the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr David Griffin (FF) asked that “the footpaths in the Collins Park area of Shannon be upgraded to help improve disabled accessibility in the area”.

Senior executive engineer in the Shannon MD, Tom Mellett confirmed that the proposed footpath will be included “for consideration in future capital footpath works”.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Griffin noted that one area of Collins Park has been done up. “A lady in a wheelchair is struggling when having to access different parts of Collins Park. I hope it will be done for the next round of work”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) flagged, “there is no drainage in those areas”.

lAUGUST BANK HOLIDAY: Shannon airport

tion of a fourth Ryanair aircraft based at Shannon along with new routes to Lapland, Madeira, and Madrid, while also boosting frequencies on six existing services for this winter.

Included in Shannon’s €30m investment programme which has commenced is the expansion of the Park4Less car park with 1,000 new spaces to accommodate growing demand.

Construction is also progress-

ing on Ireland’s first solar PV farm on an airfield, which will supply up to 20% of the airport’s electricity needs.

Passengers travelling over the Bank Holiday period are advised to arrive two hours before shorthaul flights and three hours before long-haul departures. It is also strongly advised to pre-book parking via shannonairport.ie ahead of what will be an exceptionally busy weekend.

lCOLLINS PARK: footpaths in Collins Park in Shannon

Photo by: Joe Buckley

23

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 31, 2025

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Regional News

Gort winner of SPIN South West new radio star competition begins presenting

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

GORT winner of SPIN South West’s search for a new radio star, began her six months of presenting last week.

Out of the six finalists, Vanessa Rosa from Gort and Tadhg Kennedy from Lahinch were chosen as the winners of SPIN South West’s On-Air Talent Search competition and won a six-month contract with the radio station.

Rosa and Kennedy’s “double show” can be heard every Sunday from 6pm-9pm on SPIN South West. They plan on teaching languages, such as Portuguese, as well as discussing what’s “going on in the world” and interactive topics that will encourage listeners to “text in”.

The 18-year-old said she

“couldn’t believe it” when she received the call to say she won. She said, “I remember my dad always saying, ‘You’re gonna win, you’re gonna win, I know it!’, but I was trying to keep my head level.”

Auditions for the competition were held in various counties, with around “600 people” applying both online and in-person. However, Rosa stumbled upon the auditions by accident in the Crescent Shopping Centre.

She said, “It was actually one or two hours before they were going to close up.” SPIN South West presenter Katie Sheehan interviewed Rosa.

She recalled, “I remember seeing her put a star down on my name, so I was like, ‘Okay, hopefully that’s a good sign’.”

All finalists were allocated separate months wherein they could host on SPIN South West as part of the

contest. Rosa presented for an hour every week during April and said, “I just reminded myself that I need to give it my all because this opportunity doesn’t come by that often.”

She explained, “It’s such a different atmosphere” compared to other presenting roles she has done in the past for school or family friends.

She said, “You read off a script.

You know what you want to say. Whereas in radio, you press the button, and you talk. It’s definitely a learning curve, because I’m not used to it, but oh my gosh, it’s a good challenge.”

“It’s so funny, you have to kind of be like, ‘So what’s your opinion on this?’, even though you’re not speaking to anyone… You just hope that someone has an opinion on the other side.”

lRADIO STARS: Tadhg Kenny and Vanessa Rosa

Kinvara residents attempt to bring High Court proceedings for use of local hotel for IP applicants

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A GROUP of Kinvara residents have failed in their efforts to bring High Court proceedings against the Government for housing international protection applicants in a local hotel.

Kinvara residents Ruth Sexton, Mary Boyce, Chris Hartnett Dalton and Paul Collins sought to challenge the decision of the Government in March to place up to 98 people in the Merriman Hotel, which is currently home to about 50 Ukrainian people.

International protection applicants have been accommodated at The Merriman Hotel since 2019.

Residents argued that the March decision constituted a fresh designation of the building as international protection accommodation.

According to court documents, the hotel has been used to accommodate people seeking international protection since 2019. The residents say the hotel has 32 rooms.

In designating a premise as an accommodation centre, the Minister for Integration is obliged to have regard for public interest, among other considerations, under a statutory instrument provided for in the European Communities (Re-

lLOCAL HOTEL: The Meriiman Hotel Kinvara

ception Conditions) Regulations 2018. The residents argued that the Minister was in breach of this obligation in their alleged designation of the building in March.

In a judgment, Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger said the decision in March to accommodate 98 people at the Merriman Hotel was not a fresh designation of the premises, and therefore, the statutory instrument did not apply. The hotel was

clearly designated in 2019, when international protection applicants were first accommodated there, the judge said. The judge said it was not possible to judicially review the decision complained of by the residents.

Ms Justice Bolger said she was not satisfied the residents had presented arguable grounds on which their case would succeed, and denied their application to bring the

proceedings. The judge said the Government’s decision in March is mainly grounded in the State’s obligation to provide accommodation to those seeking asylum. The case is listed before the judge later this week.

The residents – Ms Sexton, of Sexton’s Bar, Main Street, Kinvara; Ms Boyce, of Cathercon, Kinvara, Mr Hartnett Dalton, of Northampton, Kinvara; and Mr Collins, of

Crushoa, Kinvara – had sought to bring proceedings against the Minister for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability and Integration and the Minister for the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

According to the residents, a meeting of Kinvara Community Council was in March informed of the Minister for the Department of Integration’s decision to designate the hotel as accommodation for 98 international protection applicants.

In making that decision, the residents claim the Minister failed to assess or evaluate the suitability of the Merriam Hotel to accommodate those people. They also say the Minister failed to assess or evaluate the availability of amenities in the local area, such as school places and medical services.

They claim the use of the hotel as an accommodation centre since 2019 has resulted in losses of up to €13.3 million to the local area. None of the €9 million paid to MLC Hotel Ltd through its contract to provide accommodation has benefited the local community, the residents claim, leading to the closure of restaurants and reducing opening hours at local pubs.

24

Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Green Clare

Clarity seeked on €1.4bn off-shore wind-farm plan Tommy Tiernan one of scores to object

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

AN COIMISIÚN PLEANÁLA (ACP) is seeking clarity from the applicants of the €1.4bn off-shore wind farm planned for waters off the Co Clare and Galway coastlines on their application.

Chat show host and comedian, Tommy Tiernan is one of scores of residents in Galway to oppose the plans by the Corio Generation backed Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta for the 450MW wind farm with 30 turbines over 1,000 ft high in the Atlantic Ocean off the Co Galway and Clare coastlines.

A decision was due on the application this week but ACP has written to the applicants and the 177 third parties to make submissions, including Tommy Tiernan, to say that a decision will not now be made until February 2026.

In the letter, ACP has written to all parties to state that it would not be possible to determine the application within the statutory 18 week period “due to the nature and complex-

ity of the proposed development”.

The letter goes on to state “clarification has been sought from the applicant regarding the application”.

ACP seeking clarity on the application follows in April, Minister for the Environment Darragh O’Brien said the loss of the project is “regrettable” after off-shore windfarm developer, Corio Generation stated that

New Bus Route Makes Clare’s Coast Accessible Without a Car CLARE tourism businesses are celebrating improved public transport links between Galway City, Doolin Pier and the Cliffs of Moher with the introduction of the new TFI Local Link Route 351.

The enhanced bus connectivity makes it easier than ever for visitors to explore County Clare without a car, opening up key Wild Atlantic Way destinations including the Cliffs of Moher, Ballyvaughan, Fanore, and Doolin.

The new bus service, launched on Sunday, 27 July 2025, now connects Galway City directly to Doolin Pier and the Cliffs of Moher, with up to five daily trips, with four running the full scenic route. What’s more, the route links seamlessly with Doolin Ferry departures to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher Boat Tour, making it easier than ever for visitors to explore Clare all without turning the key in an ignition.

The additional frequency complements the enhanced Bus Éireann Route 350, which now operates ten services daily between Galway and Ennis via the Cliffs of Moher, improving mobility for residents and visitors

across Ennistymon, Lahinch, Lisdoonvarna, Doolin, and surrounding communities.

Why it matters for Clare More visitors, spread wider: Direct bus access encourages day‑trippers and overnight stays, distributing visitor spend across villages including Ballyvaughan, Fanore, Doolin, and the Cliffs of Moher area.

Greener, safer travel: Car‑free options reduce parking pressure and peak‑season congestion at the Cliffs and coastal villages, supporting Clare’s sustainability goals.

Stronger connectivity: Links to Oranmore Rail Station improve access from Dublin and the east, while Doolin Pier provides onward ferry connections to Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr.

A better visitor experience: Guests enjoy a scenic coastal journey and arrive relaxed—ready to explore trails, attractions, and local hospitality.

Liam O’Brien, owner of Doolin Ferry, said: “This is a real win for Clare. Route 351 makes it simple for people to reach Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher without a car, easing traffic in our villages and in-

viting visitors to stay longer, spend locally, and experience the best of North Clare at a gentler pace. It’s good for business, good for our communities, and good for the environment.”

With services running daily, including weekends and public holidays, this new route opens up car-free, climate-friendly access to some of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks — just in time for late summer trips and autumn getaways.

What visitors can do, car‑free lSail the Cliffs of Moher Boat Tour from Doolin Pier for a dramatic view from sea. lHop to the Aran Islands with multiple daily sailings from Doolin Ferry. lSee the Cliffs from above at the Cliffs of Moher Experience, reachable by bus from Doolin Pier. lExplore local villages— cafés, crafts, music, and walks in Doolin, Lahinch, Lisdoonvarna, and the Burren.

it was re-prioritisitng its projects.

At the time, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “We are sorry Corio made this decision but we are going forward.”

However, the application remains live before ACP. The wind-turbines are to reach a tip height of 325 metres which is just short of the 330 metre tall Eiffel Tower in Paris.

In his objection, Tommy Tiernan wrote: “I’m objecting to the proposed off-shore wind farm near Carna, Connemara, County Galway on the grounds of desecration of that area of natural beauty.”

The actor, comedian and podcaster said:

“Culture is judged on how it protects areas and ideals such as this. Allowing such a project to go ahead when there are many more suitable sites either much further off-shore or inland would be a totally irresponsible and disgusting thing to do.”

He said: “There has to be more to our country than a utilitarian exploitation of where we live.”

The project also involves landfall works at Killard on the Clare coast that lie close to US President, Donald Trump’s golf resort at Doonbeg.

Power from the wind farm will be brought onshore through a 68.5m km sea cable passing to the west of the Aran Islands and making land at Killard.

The Carna-based Conamara* Coastal Protection community group told the appeals board that it has concerns over the impact on a person “looking out on a horizon of 30 Eiffel Tower sized turbines in the middle of an area of outstanding natural beauty”.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 31, 2025

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

‘Take the money off Ennis councillors they don’t seem to be able to use it for Active Travel’ - Hayes

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A LONG-SERVING East Clare councillor has said his Ennis counterparts “don’t seem to be able to use” funds allocated for Active Travel and it should be stripped off them.

Revised designs for the Active Travel scheme on the Tulla Rd in Ennis were backed by Ennis MD councillors in April where they were informed the summer was the envisaged start of constructing the project. €1.8m in funding for the project was granted over two years ago in February 2023 with an additional €1.5m received this January but it is likely to cost close to €5m.

Also funded under Active Travel is the controversial Ennis local transport plan which received €100,000 in January.

Of Clare’s €3.3m Active Travel in January from the National Transport Authority (NTA, €450,000 went to staff costs for Clare County Council’s Active Travel office with €500,000 for the bus stop enhancement programme. €100,000 went to a project for Ardnacrusha to Athlunkard Bridge and another €100,000 for Clonmoney National School in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Six of the other successful projects were located in Ennis. They included the Limerick Road (incl.

St. Flannans Drive) Active Travel Scheme, Ennis (€150,000), Holy Family National School Ennis (€180,000), Gaelscoil Ennis (€100,000), Ennis National School (€130,000) and Ennis Town Enhancement (€100,000).

Voicing his frustration was Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) who noted Ennis was “particularly” dominating

in the allocation of Active Travel funding. “Other areas have been looking to expand to it. The lack of use for Active Travel in areas other than Ennis is frustrating. If we can’t get to the level of spending it here in Ennis, we need to find a format to have Active Travel brought back out to the Municipal Districts.

“There’s less money and money not being spent at all when other projects have not get funding. We need to take a far bigger view. Active Travel was spent in all parts of Limerick but we haven’t that here.

We need a redeployment of the funding, it is not being spent in Ennis, spend it in the other Municipal Districts”.

His views were supported by Cllr Michael Begley (IND), “that needs to be looked at and how it is distributed”.

Raising the matter again at the

Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Hayes stated, “€500,000 was spent on the design for the Tulla Rd and nothing has been done, we got good value for money for different projects, if we got €5,000 here we’d be able to solve a lot of issues”.

Hayes added, “I suggested we take money off the Ennis councillors, they don’t seem to be able to use it, give it to the Municipal District”.

ACTIVE TRAVEL: Cllr Pat Hayes

24 26

Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Arts & Culture

‘Quintessence’: A group exhibition by five women artists at KAVA, Kinvara

by LISA MULLALY lisa@clareecho.ie

KAVA Courthouse in Kinvara will host a group exhibition this August featuring the work of five women artists from across Ireland.

The artists Josephine Boland, Jennifer Hennessy, Catherine Christie , Ann Fripps, Auveen Byrne first met during a painting workshop in Dunmore East in Waterford in 2021.

They’ve stayed in close contact since, forming a collaborative group that meets at festivals, exhibitions, and online to share ideas, encouragement, and critiques.

“We didn’t know each other from before that,” says Auveen Byrne. “It was just one of those lucky things in life.”

Since that initial meeting, the group has remained connected through regular meetups, plein air festivals, exhibitions, and online discussions, sharing feedback,

techniques, and encouragement.

“There’s the opportunity to talk about what we are doing, how do you deal with colour, how do you deal with light,” Byrne adds. “We’re all very enthusiastic and get great information and encouragement from each other.”

Each artist contributes a distinct style and focus to the exhibition.

Jennifer Hennessy, who works primarily in watercolour, seeks emotional resonance in her subjects. One of her featured pieces was inspired by photographs of a damaged house in Lebanon.

“It just really inspired me, those cracks in the walls, the story behind the house,” she says.

Catherine Christie, a fulltime artist since 2018, works in oils and acrylics. Her contributions include still lifes, animal portraits, and plein air paintings.

“Art can be a very lonely journey. we bounce off each other in a positive way,” she says.

Full Moon Cabaret to support local church and medicine for Palestine

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

CULTÚRLANN Sweeney Library Theatre, Kilkee are set to host a charity cabaret performance on Saturday August 9.

The proceeds from the “Full Moon Cabaret” will be split between the Church of St. Senan, Monmore and the medical needs of a war torn people, Medicines For Palestine.

The event promises a variety of acts from around County Clare including, jazz duo from Ennis and Brazil, Amanda Ní Sheannáin and her partner Cairo, Phoenix and the Wolfe. Also with a global flavour we present “Nuance” an international sports dance troupe based in Lisdoonvana tutored by Ukrainian Olena Stoyn.

Local talent such as the improv-acting ensemble, Red Chair (pictured below), choir training impresario, Frankie and her myriad of voices, comic turn Sean Donleavey, odd ode raconteur Richard Gear (the quirky Welshman, not the film superstar) spellbinding sand animator, Naomi Wilson and a host of poets, singers and musicians will also be performing on the night.

Opening the show will be local historian, Rita McCarthy speaking about the unique features of Monmore Chapel, its beautiful stained glass windows celebrating local saints and its potential expanded use as a concert venue.

Book your seats through Cultúrlann Sweeney Clare Arts website.

QUINTESSENCE: The artists painting in in Waterford

Ann Fripps focuses on the landscapes of south Galway, particularly the Flaggy Shore and Burren regions.

“Everything I have is in and around Flaggy Shore, the Burren, Eagles Rock,” she explains. “Having the group has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.”

Josephine Boland, who lives in Kinvara and helped organise the exhibition, is exhibiting plein air paintings created both locally and abroad.

“The hardest part was choosing which 10 I’m going to put in,” she says.

Auveen Byrne, recently

relocated from Wicklow to Clare, brings a lifelong visual focus shaped by her background in town planning.

Her recent work includes interiors, figure studies, and plein air landscapes.

“I like to draw from life. I try to get the essence of that person or object and put that

down on the canvas or the paper,” she says.

The exhibition will be officially opened by artist John Dinan. Over its ten-day run, one of the participating artists will be present each day to engage with visitors and discuss the works on display.

“Whenever anybody comes to visit the gallery, they’ll be able to meet an artist,” says Boland. “And I think that’s really important.”

Though Quintessence is the group’s first formal exhibition as a collective, the artists say the process has felt natural and collaborative.

“Showing your work is very important,” Byrne says. “We hope that we’re presenting something that will shine with the people who are looking.”

The exhibition features a wide range of styles and subjects, with the group hoping to appeal to a broad audience.

“There should be something there for everybody, really,” says Hennessy. “Different styles, different tastes and a good volume of work.”

Artist shows ‘An Abstract View’ of Clare

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

AN ARTIST hopes to make people “think a little bit outside the box” with his Clare Museum exhibition displaying vivid West Clare scenes.

The Clare Museum is hosting an exhibition by Paul McMahon titled ‘An Abstract View’ until August 23.

The exhibition features a variety of oil on canvas paintings inspired by the “uniqueness” that McMahon has observed in West Clare. He said, “Living in West Clare inspired me to start again.”

The title picture, on display in the museum’s window, is one from a series of Lily paintings. “They’re my wife’s favourite flower”, McMahon said.

When describing his art style, McMahon said, “I don’t like to put a label on it”, but that the Kilbaha Gallery, who sell many of his paintings, describe them as “abstract surrealism”.

Many of his works are inspired by the different locations McMahon has visited, such as the Arizona desert, the UK, and Ireland.

Paul McMahon is a Limerick artist

ABSTRACT: Title picture by Paul McMahon

born in 1956 to an art-savvy family.

After studying at the Limerick School of Art, McMahon visited several art galleries in Paris, Madrid, and London before getting caught up in the busy life of a family man. He explained, “I basically didn’t have the time, life got

in the way.” However, when McMahon retired 10 years ago, he was inspired by his 40 years of travelling in the UK and US, and took a leap of faith to become an artist in West Clare.

“It’s just the sheer beauty and the vividness of the colours that change seemingly daily or even hourly.”

This featured artist of the Irish NUA Collective uses bold primary colours with expressive, thick shapes. The Clare County Council described his art as “thought-provoking and original and jumps off the wall in striking and impactful strokes”.

McMahon said, “I like to use primary colours and just go with that and see where it goes.”

According to McMahon, reactions to his Clare exhibition have been positive so far and many people who buy his paintings “particularly like the colours”.

He admitted, “I’ve been very shy about exhibitions, even though I’ve had quite a few now.” McMahon is planning an exhibition in the People’s Museum in Limerick sometime before Christmas.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 31, 2025

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

Thought for the week Honouring our elders RONAN SCULLY “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4). This last week, we celebrated Our Grandparents and Our Elderly Day, we paused to honor the wisdom, love, and legacy of our elders. Scripture reminds us that aging is not a fading of worth, but a sacred season of life held firmly in God’s faithful hands. God promises not only to walk with us when we are young and strong, but also to carry us when we grow older, to sustain us when strength wanes, and to value us always. Our grandparents and our elderly and all those who have walked ahead of us, are living testaments to God’s enduring presence. Their stories are treasures, their prayers are anchors, and their faith continues to shape generations.

May we show them honor, gratitude, and care, not just for these special days, but every day.

There is a cry that echoes through the pages of Scripture and into the quiet corners of nursing homes and empty houses today. It is the cry of the aged, the forgotten, the once strong now made frail by time: “Do not cast me off in my old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.”

(Psalm 71:9). In a world that so often glorifies youth, speed, and innovation, this ancient prayer from Psalm 71 rings out like a holy plea, raw, dignified, and profoundly human. “Do not cast me off in my old age.” It is not simply the voice of one person, but the collective cry of a generation often made invisible, our grandparents, our elders, the ones who once held us, taught us, built the very world we now take for granted. There is wisdom in every wrinkle, a story behind every slow step.

And yet, how easily society forgets.

The psalmist gives voice to what too many fear: that once our strength fades, so too might our worth in the eyes of others.This last week, as we reflected on the Fifth World Day for Our Grandparents and the Elderly, let that cry continue to pierce our hearts. Let it awaken in us the sacred responsibility we carry, not just as individuals, but as a society, as families, as communities of faith.

I write with a heavy heart, stirred by both memory and the painful realities of our time. The recent RTÉ Prime Time Investigates documentary did not just reveal the tragic neglect of our elderly in some care settings it revealed something deeper, more troubling: a cultural forgetfulness, a spiritual amnesia. We have forgotten who we are when we forget those who raised us, loved us, prayed for us, and quietly built the lives we now enjoy. How did we arrive here in a country that prides itself on family, hospitality, and Christian values, where some of our elders spend their final days in loneliness, in neglect, in silence? I think of my own grandmother, Nana Scully, and I am flooded with memories. I remember

her prayers before bed, her steady hand guiding me to Mass at St. Brigid’s in Clara, her whispered love as she slipped me money for a football I wasn’t meant to have. It wasn’t just generosity; it was a knowing, a passing on of love, of faith, of family. She planted something eternal in me.

And it lives on in my daughters who, when their Nana fell, rushed to help her with instinctive, unspoken compassion.

That is the heart of family. That is the legacy of our elders, not only the foundation they built beneath us, but the spirit they still quietly pour into our lives. They are not a burden. They are a blessing. They are not fading relics of the past, they are radiant beacons, still guiding us if we will only look up. The late great Pope Francis reminds us that grandparents are the “living memory” of our families. They hold within them the stories, the prayers, the dreams, the bruises, and the hopes of generations. When we cut ourselves off from them through neglect, impatience, or the idol of busyness, we sever something essential in our souls. I’ve seen in tribal communities in Africa and Asia how the elderly are honoured and revered as keepers of wisdom, as the voice of the past speaking into the future.

They are never put aside. They are the center of the circle, the heartbeat of the community. And I wonder why not here? Why not now? We must examine our consciences. Not just in response to scandals in the headlines, but in the daily choices we make to visit or to ignore, to include or to exclude, to listen or to dismiss.

Because loneliness is not inevitable.

It is the result of decisions, social, political, personal that place productivity over personhood, convenience over compassion.

Mother Teresa once said, “The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.”

I believe this poverty is more present than we care to admit, behind the curtains of a neighbour’s home, in the forgotten bed of a care facility, even within our own extended families. The elderly wait watching the door, hoping it opens. Hoping someone remembers. Hoping someone cares. We are called to be that someone. As Christians, we believe in the sanctity of every life, from the beginning to the very end. The wrinkled hands that once held ours as toddlers now tremble. The backs that once carried burdens for us now stoop. The eyes that once looked on us with unconditional love may no longer recognise us, but their dignity has not diminished. Their worth is not measured in what they can still “do,” but in who they are: beloved children of God, made in His image, and never abandoned by Him. Let us become a people who echo the voice of God, the God who never abandons His children, never forgets, never turns away. If we claim to follow Christ, then we must go to the margins and the margins include our elderly who feel left behind in a world rushing past them. Let this be the week where we return to the

heart of the Gospel. Let this be the week where we call, visit, write, remember. Let this be the week we gather again at the table, not just the young, but the young at heart, the aged, the wisdom-keepers, the faithful ones. We need their stories.

We need their presence. And most of all, they need ours. Because how we treat our elders is not just a reflection of our character, it is a reflection of our future. As the parable of The Wooden Bowl reminds us, our children are watching. They learn from our example. If we cast aside the elderly, we teach our children to do the same. But if we honour them, include them, lift them up when they fall and we build a legacy of love that will ripple into generations yet to come.

Thought for the Week As your thought for the week, let us allow these words to challenge and change us. Let us honour our elders not with pity, but with reverence. Not with mere sentiment, but with action. Listen to their stories.

Sit by their side. Ask them what they still dream about, what still makes them laugh, cry, hope. Let them know they are not forgotten, not cast aside, not alone. Because love that truly reflects God’s heart never discards. It draws nearer. And one day, each of us will whisper this same prayer. May we live now in such a way that, when we do, we are met with love not silence. So let us say with our hearts, our words, and our actions: We will not cast you off.

We will walk with you. We will love you until the very end. Because one day, we will be the ones waiting at the door. Let me leave you with this Prayer for Our Grandparents and the Elderly that I found in my Nana Scully’s prayerbook, “Lord Jesus, You were born of the Virgin Mary, the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne. Look with love on grandparents the world over. Protect them!

They are a source of enrichment for families, for the Church, and for all of society. Support them! As they grow older, may they continue to be for their families, strong pillars of Gospel faith, guardians of noble ideals, living treasuries of sound religious traditions. Make them teachers of wisdom and courage that they may pass on to future generations the fruits of their mature human and spiritual experience. Lord Jesus, Help families and society to value the presence and role of grandparents and the elderly. May they never be ignored or excluded, but always encounter respect and love. Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed in all the years of life which You give them. Mary, Mother of all the living, keep grandparents and the elderly constantly in your care, accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage, and by your prayers, grant that all families may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland, where you await all humanity for the great embrace of life without end.

Amen.

Contributors

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Beidh preab-ghaeltacht ar siul i Scairbh an deireadh seachtaine seo Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

MAR chuid d’Fhéile Chuan na Scairbhe, beidh preab-Ghaeltacht ar siúl ón 2–4pm an Dé Sathairn beag seo, an dara lá de Lúnasa, i gCaifé an Gháirdín. Bígí ann!

Let your Irish flow this Saturday, the 2nd of August, at the Pop-up Gaeltacht at the Garden Café in Scariff. This Pop-up Gaeltacht will be part of Scariff Harbour Festival and will run from 2pm to 4pm! All levels of Irish welcome!

Fáilte roimh chuile dhuine!

lCaint, comhrá, comhluadar, agus caife ag an nGarden Café i Scairbh an Dé Sathairn beag seo

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?!

Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus Twitter muid ag: @macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com Imeachtaí/Events: l CILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm i mBuggles Bar l SIONNA – Siúlóid Dúlra/Nature Walk, Dé Domhnaigh, 11am, Community Room (Gaeilge le Chéile ar Facebook) l LUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach l CLARE FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM l CILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm l INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Máirt ag Zest 11am, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), Dé hAoine The Market Bar 11am, agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@ outlook.com l LUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389. l AN SCAIRBH – “Lón i nGaeilge”, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé “An Gáirdín”, fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

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Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Business Chamber Podcast Ep. 3 – Penneys leader Breege O’Donoghue shares her story

by Dearbhl Parry news@clareecho.ie

THE CLARE Echo launched its third episode of the Business Chamber podcast in association with Ennis Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

Joe Melody welcomes the podcast’s newest guest in episode 3, Breege O’Donoghue, former Board member and group director for business development for new markets at Penneys. O’Donoghue oversaw the company’s expansion from 17 to 320 outlets amongst 11 markets and has won numerous awards, including the RDS 2019 Gold Medal for Enterprise, the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2014 IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year Awards, and the Irish Times’ Top 1000 distinguished leader in business.

O’Donoghue, who worked with Penneys for 37 years until 2016, originates from Boston, County Clare. She remembered her childhood and growing up on the borders of Clare, Galway, and Boston.

She spoke of “rounding up and milking the goats with my sisters before going to school”, “snaring the rabbits”, “carrying water

lPENNEYS: Breege O’Donoghue

from the well”, “picking potatoes”, and “walking miles to and from school”. “Money was always put away for the rainy day”, she told Melody. However, just as she was born too late for the 19th-century hedge schools, she was too early for Donogh O’Malley’s Free Education

Act 1967 and missed the school transport scheme in 1967.

Despite this, she managed to learn through the experience of travel. In 1963, O’Donoghue went to Switzerland and Germany and worked hard there for three years.

She said, “It gave you a broader

Clare’s Enterprise Ireland client companies created 366 new jobs in last year

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A SEVEN percent increase has been recorded for new jobs in Clare for Enterprise Ireland client companies.

New figures from the Department of Enterprise show Enterprise Ireland supported businesses in Clare have grown by 366 jobs in the past year alone which is a seven percent increase and it brings total employment to 5,566 people.

Enterprise Ireland’s focused strategy in Clare centres around promoting innovation, scale-up companies and connecting businesses with new markets.

Vitalograph is one such business, the med-tech company is creating 200 new jobs through its major

expansion at Clare Technology Park and in Limerick.

IDA Ireland client companies employ over 6,000 people in Clare, contributing to the Mid-West region’s impressive twenty percent growth in FDI employment over the past five years.

Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) said the numbers showed a “significant rise”.

He stated, “In light of the recent introduction of a 15% tariff on goods imported from the EU to the USA, Enterprise Ireland’s investment in the Mid-West is more crucial than ever, helping local companies innovate, diversify export markets, and remain competitive on the global stage”.

Deputy Cooney added, “This significant rise in jobs

within Enterprise Ireland client companies is a clear sign that Clare’s economy is growing stronger than ever.

The addition of 366 new jobs in just one year shows that our local businesses are not only surviving but thriving, expanding their workforce and boosting the local economy”.

O’Callaghans Mills native Cooney also praised the ongoing work of the Local Enterprise Office Clare, which last year received €1,368,490 in funding an increase on both previous years supporting 228 small businesses and helping to sustain over 1,300 jobs through direct grants and development programmes

feeling of what life was really all about.” She told Melody that travelling gave her a love for diversity, culture, and language, and recalled how Switzerland’s rural villages reminded her of Ireland.

When talking about her experience with Penneys, she said, “I was often looking in the right place at the right time.” Once with the company, she was able to continuously learn and had the opportunity to sit with private and public sector Boards, “with a particular focus internationally”. “Our first foray was into the Spanish market”, she recalled. All senior staff learned the language, ensuring they could conduct their business and show customers that they cared about them, their lifestyle, and their culture.

Another experience O’Donoghue mentioned was “leading Primark into the US market”.

“We geared our market in each country. The colours were different, the trends were different, the seasons were different.”

Melody and O’Donoghue discussed the impact of the post-2008 recession in Ireland on the business: “I remember around the year 2000, somebody would buy something in Penneys and put it into a bag from

a luxury shop. But I remember in the recession, people would buy something in a luxury shop and put it into a Penneys bag. That would say something about the habits of shoppers.”

Speaking about the future of retail, O’Donoghue told Melody about the possibilities of “trying on clothes in a virtual fitting room”, “AI will know your size, your mood, your favourite colour”, “AI will print you new shoes”, “my groceries in a vertical line will be delivered by drone”. She said, “Retail will transform into an immersive playground.”

To access the newswest epsidoe of the Business Chamber Podcast scan the QR code below.

Aviation report highlights Shannon airport Group innovation THE SHANNON Airport Group has welcomed the release of Irelandia Aviation’s Pathfinder for Aviation report, which strongly affirms Shannon’s central role in the development of Irish and global aviation.

Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, described the report as “timely” as the group continues to call for an urgent review of National Aviation Policy.

“The report recognises that advancing aviation will be a key enabler for growth in the Irish economy,” she said.

The report identifies Shannon Airport as a key site for growth in several strategic areas, including Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), sustainable aviation, and transatlantic connectivity. “These are areas where we already have strong foundations and significant potential to lead,” Considine added.

The Pathfinder report calls for the development of a world-class aircraft engine overhaul facility at Shannon. It also recommends incentives such as reduced Council rates for airside hangars and a substantial expansion of aviation apprenticeships.

“Shannon has long been a centre of excellence for MRO,” said Considine. “These

measures would enable us to scale our capabilities and generate high-value employment.”

Irelandia’s report also envisions the creation of a European Sustainable Aviation Campus at Shannon. The proposal includes support for green aviation innovators, co-working spaces, test flight infrastructure, and an annual international conference. It further suggests establishing a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) refinery near the Shannon Estuary, taking advantage of future renewable energy developments.

“This vision aligns with our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” Considine said. “It is also aligned with the Programme for Government’s commitment to support Shannon Airport as a hub for testing new aviation technologies.”

“The Estuary is uniquely positioned to support Ireland’s transition to sustainable fuels,” she added. “This could be transformative for both the region and the industry.”

Considine concluded by expressing the group’s intention to collaborate with government and industry partners on the development of a new National Aviation Policy.

29

Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Licence applications

LICENCE APPLICATIONS NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE Courts Licence No: LIC-12102 Revenue Licence No: ENP0158 Case No: D:LIC:ENIS:2025:005509 An Chuirt Duiche The District Court Licensing (Ireland) Act 1833 Section 6 Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960 Section 29 District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12 Willow Bend Limited Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Willow Bend Limited of Aughavinna, Doolin , Clare intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Ennis District Court on the 26-Sep-2025 at 10:30 for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises known as McGann’s Pub, Doolin, Co. Clare and situate at Roadford, Doolin, Clare in the court area and district aforesaid.

Signed Hassett Considine LLP Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, 9 & 10 Carmody Street, Business Park Ennis, Clare Dated 25 Jul 2025 To the Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare.CE@ Garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83 To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74 To the Health Service Executive Official, at pehoclare@hse.ie To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE Courts Licence No: LIC-12102 Revenue Licence No: ENP0158 Case No: D:LIC:ENIS:2025:005509 An Chuirt Duiche The District Court Licensing (Ireland) Act 1833 Section 6 Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960 Section 29 District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12 Willow Bend Limited Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Willow Bend Limited of Aughavinna, Doolin , Clare intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Ennis District Court on the 26-Sep-2025 at 10:30 for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises known as McGann’s Pub, Doolin, Co. Clare and situate at Roadford, Doolin, Clare in the court area and district aforesaid.

Signed Hassett Considine LLP Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, 9 & 10 Carmody Street, Business Park Ennis, Clare Dated 25 Jul 2025 To the Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare.CE@ Garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83 To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74 To the Health Service Executive Official, at pehoclare@hse.ie To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE Courts Licence No: LIC-12102 Revenue Licence No: ENP0158 Case No: D:LIC:ENIS:2025:005509 An Chuirt Duiche The District Court Licensing (Ireland) Act 1833 Section 6 Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960 Section 29 District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12 Willow Bend Limited Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Willow Bend Limited of Aughavinna, Doolin , Clare intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Ennis District Court on the 26-Sep-2025 at 10:30 for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises known as McGann’s Pub, Doolin, Co. Clare and situate at Roadford, Doolin, Clare in the court area and district aforesaid.

Signed Hassett Considine LLP Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, 9 & 10 Carmody Street, Business Park Ennis, Clare Dated 25 Jul 2025 To the Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare.CE@ Garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83 To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74 To the Health Service Executive Official, at pehoclare@hse.ie To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE Courts Licence No: LIC-12102 Revenue Licence No: ENP0158 Case No: D:LIC:ENIS:2025:005509 An Chuirt Duiche The District Court Licensing (Ireland) Act 1833 Section 6 Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960 Section 29 District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12 Willow Bend Limited Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Willow Bend Limited of Aughavinna, Doolin , Clare intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Ennis District Court on the 26-Sep-2025 at 10:30 for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises known as McGann’s Pub, Doolin, Co. Clare and situate at Roadford, Doolin, Clare in the court area and district aforesaid.

Signed Hassett Considine LLP Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, 9 & 10 Carmody Street, Business Park Ennis, Clare Dated 25 Jul 2025 To the Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare.CE@ Garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83 To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74 To the Health Service Executive Official, at pehoclare@hse.ie To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

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30

Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

‘UP KILFENORA!’

Keane is Clare’s first South of Ireland winner in 56 years

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

KILFENORA’s Jonathan Keane has become the first Clare winner of the South of Ireland Golf Championships in half a century.

Keane a proud member of Lahinch Golf Club is the first local winner of the South since JD Smyth in 1968. American Patrick Adler ended a fifty six year wait last year for a Lahinch member to win the coveted prize.

Smyth’s success of 1958 saw members of Lahinch Golf Club for four years in a row following the three in a row glory of Paddy Leyden in 1955, 1956 and 1957, he won his first title in 1953.

150 of the leading amateur golfers in Ireland teed off in Lahinch Golf Club on Wednesday morning with Jonathan making it all the way to the final on Sunday afternoon where he overcame 2018 champion Caolan Rafferty.

Once again, Rafferty was first into the clubhouse in the morning, and for the third match in a row he secured a 5&3 victory. This time he defeated Jake Whelan (Grange) to book his place in the final.

The bigger crowd was following Keane’s match and he bounced back from an early two-hole deficit to win 2&1 against Liam Abom

l Jonathan Keane with

the South of Ireland trophy; (inset) Jonathan celebrates after winning the South of Ireland at Lahinch last weekend, becoming the first Clareman in over 50 years to do so

Photos by Ben Brady / Inpho

(Edmondstown). Rafferty had all of the experience coming into the final but it was Keane who took the early advantage winning the third and fourth holes. They traded holes before the end of the front nine and Keane took a 2up lead into the turn.

The crowd continued to swell as the afternoon wore

on and the tension grew in an enthralling contest.

Rafferty got one back on 11 but the Kilfenora man bounced right back on 12.

When Rafferty won 15 and 16 it looked as though he would push on but Keane held his nerve on 17 to sink an eight-foot putt. His brilliance on 18 left him with six feet for the win and he duly

obliged before massive celebrations. He struck a birdie on the final hole to claim the title. The duo were level heading into the final hole.

“Up Kilfenora” he shouted as he was lifted shoulder high following the success, among those him into the air was Lahinch’s very own Oisin Vaughan. A strong North Clare support had

been behind Keane for the final with emotional scenes as he sank the winning putt.

First held in 1985, the South is played for annually at the famed links course in North-West Clare.

Danny Lyne, John Dillon, Aaron McNulty and Stephen Loftus were fellow Lahinch Golf Club members to partake in the competition

along with Eoin Magill of East Clare Golf Club.

Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke won the South in 1990 and 1991 respectively, Padraig Harrington tasted defeat on two occasions in the competition.

For an in-depth interview with Jonathan, please visit www.clareecho.ie.

GREYHOUNDS: Fitzgerald’s Minnie causes big upet in Leger quarter-final in Limerick

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

THERE was a major upset in the quarter-final of the Leger at the Limerick Track on Saturday night last as Flyers Minnie (Ballyhimikin Jet & Liosgarbh Lila) made every inch of the running to win at odds of 33/1.

Trained by Colm Fitzgerald in Kilrush for the Zero-Zero-Syndicate, Flyers Minnie looked to have plenty on her plate in terms of making the frame in the final quarter, however, she produced a career best effort to book her spot in the final twelve next weekend.

Indeed, there was nothing fortunate about the performance of Fitzgerald’s charge as she pinged out of trap two to show the superior early speed.

Rounding with a one length advantage over Droopys Deploy, you would have been forgiven for thinking that Robert Gleeson’s runner would storm past his rival at this point.

However, Flyers Minnie showed brilliant guts to fend off her rival at every turn, before crossing the line

to record a short-head victory. The time was 29.92 The quarter-finals of the Martin Fahy Memorial A4 525 Yards Stake generously sponsored by the Fahy Family formed the spine of Saturday night’s card at Galway Greyhound Stadium and the large attendance were treated to some exiting finishes on the night especially in the quarter finals of the €3000 to the winner Martin Fahy Memorial Stake which is generously sponsored by the Fahy Family.

The opening quarter final produced a thrilling finish with the Gerry Manley of Cratloe owned Confused Kiely digging deep to see off the challenges of Five Alley Syd and On The Latt by a neck and half a length in 29.34.

Five Alley Syd was best away from traps with Heathlawn Ruby and Confused Kiely close up on his inner racing towards the opening bend. Rounding the bend Heathlawn Ruby got the run of the race along the rails and she led by a length and a half from Five Alley Syd racing towards halfway.

Approaching the third bend though Confused Kiely switch inside the leader and he somehow made it through along the inner to lead turning for home and despite his rivals chalenging strongly close home the son of Magical Bale & Lavan Fairy dug deep to prevail.

The third quarter-final produced another thriller with the Cian Mulrooney owned Colm Fitzgerald of Kilrush trained Jasmine Coco (Ballyhimikin Jet-Wishful All) just prevailing by a head from Bosra Bono with Hanover Hellbiy a length and a quarter adrift in third place in 29.42.

Bosra Bono trapped smartly and led on the run to the opening bend where Vernon Mist slipped through to lead along the inner and was tracked through by Jasmine Coco.

Racing down the back Vernon Mist extended his lead to three lengths but from halfway the eventual winner was taking aim at the leader.

Between the final two bends Jasmine Coco got to the within a length and although Bosra Bono also closed off the home bend “Coco”

was always the one who looked like prevailing.

In the concluding quarter-final Barntick Midget was just a bout best away from her trap three berth and racing towards the opening bend she led from Cragataska Barack and Island Badger and these three went in as the outside runners had a slight coming together.

Racing down the back straight the Mary Reidy of Manus, Clarecastle owned daughter of Droopys Sydney and Barntick Smokey extended her advantage over her rivals to four lengths as Island Badger lead the pursuit but the bird had well and truly flown as Barntick Midget scored by three lengths from Island Badger with Hollywell Sky doing well to qualify in third place in 29.40.

In the second semi-final of the young Handlers Stake on Fridays night’s Galway card Rylane Boss was just about best away as the field were line abreast across the track racing towards the opening bend. At the bend the James McMahon of Cooraclare owned Lissatouk Bailey just about led and quick-

ly grabbing the rails berth rounding the bend opened up a three-length advantage over Rylane Boss who ran wide entering the back straight.

Striding out well Lissatouk Bailey was in command as they exited the back straight with the daughter of Newhall Missile and Rathmeehan Craggi scoring by two and a half lengths over Rylane Boss in 30.26.

In the third heat of the Magical Kennels Stake Drombeg Fizz and Return Visit disputed the lead along the inside as they raced towards the opening bend rounding which Return Visit tracked well along the fence to lead by two lengths entering the back straight.

Racing along the back Drombeg Fizz closed again on the leader and approaching the third bend the Rachel Murray and Sean O’Riordan of Sixmilebridge owned daughter of Grangeview Ten and Blastoff Kat went to the front and quickly taking command of the contest she drew clear to score by four and a half lengths from Portumna Syd in 29.77.

31

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 31, 2025

Price wins President’s Prize in Dromoland Golf Club

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

RUAIRÍ Price emerged as the winner of President Niall Cannon’s prize in Dromoland.

President Niall Cannon’s prize was played for at the weekend when Ruairi Price (pictured) emerged with honours on a score of 57.

He had three to spare over Tom O’Brien with Cillian O’Connor a stroke further back on 53.

They were followed by Paudie Dorgan on 52, Pat Moylan on 52, Niall O’Connor on 52, Brian Arthur on 52, Niall Geraghty on 51 and Brian Moloney on 51.

Brian Shally won the gross with 34 points.

Other prize winners included Willie Fitzgerald (Past President), Pat Bergin (handicaps 20 and over) with 35 points, Philip Aldritt (front 9) with 21 points, Darragh McCoy (back 9) with 21 points, Eoin Keane (Junior) with 38 points, Eoghan Smith (student) with 52) and Alan Callan (guest).

The ladies midweek team of three competition was won by Mary Arthur, Anne McMahon and Jean Colleran with 52 points, two more than Michelle McCarthy, Lisa McKnight and Frances Bergin.

The men’s midweek 9 hole competition was won

by Enda Finnucane with 20 points, one ahead of Eddie McSherry with Noel Hoban in third spot with 17 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: Kilrush captain Geremiah

Brennan’s prize was played for on Saturday and resulted in great celebrations for the Prendeville family.

Well-known local man and former councillor Tom Prendeville emerged as the overall winner to be followed in second place by his son Tomás.

After an 18 hole competition, the leading qualifiers played a further 12 holes on Saturday with the winner completing the 30 holes in 100 shots. He had six shots to spare over Tomás.

They were followed by Patrick Coleman with 109.

The gross was won by Tom Browne with 125.

The overall winner in the West Clare Cleaners ladies 18 hole stableford compe-

tition was Marion Brennan (24) with 39 points.

Margaret Clancy (17) won category 1 with 36 points. Category 2 was won

by Miriam Saunders (24) with 33 points. Helen Hurst (49) won category 3 with 34.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Last week’s ladies competition at Ennis was for he Gaiety cup, an 18 hole foursomes, sponsored by the Temple Gate hotel.

It was won by Patricia Moroney and Úna O’Reilly with 38 points, two more than Rose Enright and Geraldine O’Rourke with Suzanne Deane and Kitty Morris a point further back in third place.

The 9 hole singles was won by Claire Kennelly (22)

with 20 points while the category winners were Anne Kelly (12) with 14 points, Mary Walshe (19) with 19 points and Gwen Culligan (23) also with 19 points.

The senior ladies competition on Tuesday was won

by Kathleen Pyne, Therese Lillis and Peig Cleary from Jean Molony, Gertrude Finn and Anne McMahon.

The senior men’s competition on Thursday was a team of 4 event which was won by Noel Pilkington, Michael Kerin, Joe O Brien and Michael Clancy with 76 points.

Ennis defeated Lahinch in the Revive Active fourball competition on a 3.5 to 1.5 score in a match played in wet conditions.

WOODSTOCK: Colin Reidy (14) won the Specsavers Ennis July medal at Woodstock at the weekend with 66 while the gross was won by Sean Crowe (2) with 75.

Category 1 was won by Niall Reynolds (9) with 71 from Hugh McGrath (9) also with 71, Neil McCarthy (17) with 70 won category 2 from David Greene (13) with 72 while the category 3 winner was Paul O’Shea (25) with 73.

The winner of the singles competition for handicappers of 16 and over was Michael O’Dea (36) with 43 points while winners in the 2’s competition were Paul Sherlock (4th Hole), Brian Gilligan and Declan Reidy (both 6th Hole), Niall Reynolds (11th Hole) and Paddy Meehan (14th Hole).

In the ladies medal competition category A (handicaps 0 to 20) was won by Anne Marie Russell (15) with 77 nett while category B (handicaps 20 and over) was won by Kathleen Mc Enery (38) with 73 nett East Clare Golf Club: The overall winner of the ladies 18 hole stroke medal competition at East Clare was Rachel Whelan (17) with a nett 66 while the category winners were Evelyn Skehan (19) with 74, Noreen Skehan (24) with 71 and Brid Gurnett (37) with 77.

Last Wednesday’s ladies competition was won by Evelyn Skehan, Mary Jo Minogue and Mary Brennan from Teresa Bradley, Mary

Hogan, Brid Hayes and Marie A. Kelly with third place filled by Mary Donoghue, Connie McKenna and Kay Grimes.

The senior men’s competition was won by Kieran McNamara, Pat Duggan and Batt Skehan from Tom Larkin, Michael Drew and Brendan Moloney with Nick Ryan, Chris Davis and Jack Manley in third place.

Friday’s mixed scramble joint winners were Margaret Macnamara, Mary Donoghue and Brendan Moloney who shared the prize with Mary Farrell, Jim Lynch, Stephen Moloney and Willie Roche.

The ladies open modified team of three competition at Woodstock this week was won by Ruth Nihill, Eilis Neville, Siobhan Costelloe (Dromoland) with 89 points.

They had one to spare over Mary Sadlier ( Lahinch), Dee O’Malley (Limerick) and Mags Nash with third plade filled by Patsy Nugent, Kathleen Mc Enery and Louise Guilfoyle (Dromoland) with 87 points.

The winners of the ladies 9 hole competition were Jo Mullarkey, Maire Nunan and Mary Holland with 30 points.

The men’s competition was won by John M O’Connor, Mike Kelly and Jack Duffy with 101 points and they won on a countback from Brian Arthur (Dromoland) Barry Pavitt and Brendan Arthur 101. In third place with 100 points were Paddy Meehan, Dickie Pyne and Eugene Conroy.

The club’s open week

continues until Monday next, August 4. Full details are available from 061921322 GORT GOLF CLUB: The winner of the senior scratch cup at the weekend at Gort was Ballinasloe’s Tom Cafferky (+3) with 69.

In second place with 74 was Jason McLynn (0) from Galway Bay. Sam Ivory (3), Castletroy had the nett with 71.

Gerard Connors (7) 71 won the junior scratch cup from Thomas O’Donovan (4) 76 from Charleville with third place filled by Barry Cahill (8) with 77.

Padraig Landers (9) with 71 won the nett.

The intermediate scratch cup was won by Eamon Higgins (10) with 77 from John Moylan (14) with 80 with Tom Deveney (10) in third place with 81. John Williams (17) with 67 won the nett.

Gerard Hannon (18) 83 from Portsalon won the minor scratch cup from Martin Flaherty (19) with 87 and Cathal Mongan (19) with 88. Ronald Ryan (25) with 63 won the nett.

Pat Corcoran (14) with 38 points won Friday’s open singles while the gross was won by T J Scanlan (8) from Ennis with 25 points.

Last week’s ladies 18 hole singles was won by Ruth Naughton (14) with 34 points while Friday’s open singles winner was Marion Mulvey Fahy (34) with 31.

Divided loyalties for Downes as he leads Ennistymon into battle

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A DIFFICULT sixty minutes awaits Ennistymon manager Declan Downes this Friday as he faces off against his native Kilmihil in the second round of the TUS Clare SFC. Downes represented Kilmihil at all levels, he was part of the side in 2008 to win the Clare IFC and was among their frequent scorers that season.

He is in his first year over the Ennistymon senior footballers who picked up a first round win over Doonbeg less a fortnight ago while Kilmihil come into the game off the back of a fifteen point loss to Lissycasey.

Speaking to The Clare Echo about the prospect of facing his native club, Declan admitted it would be a tricky hour in Doonbeg. “They are my club but I have a job to do, my loyalty is with Ennistymon for this year, I will always be a Kilmihil man but I have a job with Ennistymon, I’m with the group, I’ll keep my head down and get on with doing the job, I know exactly what

is coming from Kilmihil, a proud club and I’m proud to call myself a Kilmihil man but I’ve a job to do. We’ll be focused on them, we know they will ask serious questions of us, it wasn’t a complete performance by us so we’ll see what comes of that”.

Reflecting on their first round 2-9 0-14 win over Doonbeg, Downes said, “Most of the people in the previews and in our own conversations as a management group said this was going to be a dogfight and a step up in terms of anything before in the league, it’s an excellent Doonbeg team who are going to challenge you in every sort of way, they will never give up and they fought till the end, we’re lucky we came out the right side of it but a win is a win, it sets us up for game two”.

They led by six points at half time with their showing in the middle third central to this, he felt.

“We got on top in the middle third of the field, we got huge performances from our guys in the middle, Eoin Rouine was outstanding I felt ably assisted by Brendy (Rou-

ine) and Mark Kelleher, the guys were winning the ground battle then which is hugely important, if you’re not dominating the air then you need to be getting the second ball and getting your chest over the ball to give yourself primary possession to get on the front foot”.

In advance of their first round tie, the former Clare selector had spoke of the “tremendous character” within Ennistymon during his preview with The Clare Echo.

Having got over the line in round one, he was very pleased with their efforts considering they were down seven starting members of their team which lined out in last year’s semi-final.

“I also said during the week that it is next man up and if you build your principles of play and you’re clear on those that people should be able to plug in if you’ve done your job well enough if the team have bought into what you’re trying to do, I think we’ve that from the team, we’re clear on what we’re trying to achieve, there’s a great spirit about them, they have weathered some serious traumas this

Burren Eye Photography

year and traumas on the field over the last number of years, I’m very proud of the resilience in them and we saw that today. It makes an interesting fight for jerseys going forward, we’d hope to get a few bodies back, we were down seven

to eight players”.

There was more urgency in Ennistymon’s championship opener and this approach must be maintained for full games, Declan stressed.

“I’d have a preference if they showed that (urgency) for sixty minutes but in the first half our attacking play was good, we were patient when we needed to be, if an opportunity was on the go quick we went quick and our attacks we were happy that we were getting our attacking numbers high in terms of shot, we hadn’t enough on the scoreboard at half time for the dominance we had.

“We knew what was coming in the second half, Doonbeg played with the slight breeze and they’ve some excellent shooters, Mikie Tubridy gave an exhibition of two point scorers and it shows the value of those and the threat they can cause to a lead very quickly. It was good from our lads but we’d prefer if we kept it going for the sixty minutes”.

32

Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

O’Connell does it from long distance Experience key for Crusheen

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 1 ROUND 1

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 1 ROUND 1:

CLONLARA 1-19 SIXMILEBRIDGE 1-18 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Pairc Cíosóg, Ennis Compiled by Seamus Hayes

CRUSHEEN 0-23 ST JOSEPH’S DOORA-BAREFIELD 1-15 Venue: Cooraclare Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME CLONLARA Frees For: 12(5/7) Wides: 8 (6/2) Scores from play: 1-12 Spread of scorers: 7 Top scorer: Michael Collins (1-5) Bookings: Oisin O’Brien (11), Paraic O’Loughlin (15); John Conlon (45); Ciaran Howard (62) Own puckouts won: 18 out of 26 (69%)

REFEREE: Jarlath Donnellan (Wolfe Tones)

“

“

SIXMILEBRIDGE Frees For: 17 (10/7) Wides: 7 (3/4) Scores from play: 1-10 Spread of scorers: 8 Top scorer: Alex Morey (011, 8 frees, 1’ 65) Bookings: Shane Golden (27); Tommy Liddy (52) Own puckouts won: 20 out of 28 (71%)

MANAGER COMMENT

Donal Madden, Clonlara:

“Our first target was to come here and perform. That game could have gone either way, There is no doubt about it but the ‘Bridge will be back and they will be there in the latter stages of the championship; We turned up in Cusack Park, Some of the detractors say we wouldn’t. I get insulted by that, because its nonsense.”

“Halfway through the second half we were in a bit of bother.

A couple of things helped, experience and being able to grind it down and slow down the game while being able to bring on a couple of subs made a big difference. Our defence was excellent in the second half.

 Darragh Dillons gets away from Noel Purcell Photo by Ruth Griffin

Tommy Liddy, Sixmilebridge:

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 3 ROUND 1:

FEAKLE 0-19 WOLFE TONES 1-16 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Pairc Cíosóg, Ennis Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

ST JOSEPH’S DOORA/ BAREFIELD Frees For: 13 (7/6) Wides: 11 (4/7) Scores from play; 1-8 Spread of scorers; 5 Top scorer: David Conroy (0-8, 7f) Bookings; Michael Nash (50) Own puckouts won: 24 out of 35 (69%) REFEREE: Niall Malone (Éire Óg) CRUSHEEN Frees For; 11 (6/5) Wides: 12 (8/4) Scores from play: 0-12 Spread of scorers: 8 Top scorer: Breffni Horner (0-7 6f) Bookings; Gavin O’Brien (50) Own puckouts won: 20 out of 27 (74%)

Diarmuid Ryan - Cratloe

MANAGER COMMENT

Ger Conway, Feakle:

“It was up and down and we are lucky to come out with a draw, we had a couple of chances so had Shannon. It’s the first round of the championship and it’s hard to know what to expect.”

 Padraic O’Donovan celebrates

Photo by Ruth Griffin a goal

­

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

WOLFE TONES Frees For: 13 (5/8) Wides: 9 (7/2) Scores from play: 0-10 Spread of scorers: 8 Top scorer: Cian O’Rourke (0-6 6f) Bookings: Daithi Lohan (21) Own puckouts won: 17 from 24 (71%)

REFEREE: Joe Mullins (Clonlara)

“

Damien Kennedy, Doora-Barefield:

STORY OF THE GAME

O’Connell does it from long distance FEAKLE Frees For: 15 (8/7) Wides: 5 (2/3) Scores from play: 0-8 Spread of scorers: 7 Top scorer: Shane McGrath (0-12 11f) Bookings; Adam Hogan (42); Patrick Daly (59), Ger Conway (manager) Own puckouts won: 19 from 26 (73%)

MANAGER COMMENT

Michael Browne, Crusheen:

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

 Oisin Clune and Rory Hayes jump for possession Photo by Ruth Griffin

A COMMANDING display at centre-back has resulted in Cratloe’s Diarmuid Ryan winning the St Francis Credit Union/Clare Echo player of the week.

Cratloe led by Ryan produced a stirring display to defeat Scariff 1-24 1-21 in the first round of the TUS Clare SHC on Saturday evening.

Diarmuid’s display at centre back was outstanding. He was a magnet to the sliotar, powered up field and manned his defence in a performance which underlined that he may be Clare’s next number six. He even managed to score six points from centre back.

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

Warning If you do not meet the rep :

33

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 31, 2025

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

Inagh-Kilnamona too strong TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 2 ROUND 1:

INAGH-KILNAMONA 0-31 COROFIN 0-18 Venue: Gurteen Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME INAGH/KILNAMONA Frees for: 13 (7/6) Wides: 10 (6/4) Spread of scorers: 12 Scores from play: 0-22 Top scorer: Aidan McCarthy (0-9 8f) Bookings: Aidan McCarthy (31).

Own puckouts won: 18 from 26 (69%)

COROFIN Frees for: 19 (10/9) Wides: 8 (3/5) Spread of scorers: 4 Scores from play: 0-9 Top scorer: Gearoid Kelly (0-8 6f 2’65) Bookings: Seán O’Brien (12), Killian O’Connor (31), Conor Leen (57).

Own puckouts won: 23 from 41 (56%) REFEREE: Eoghan O’Leary (Whitegate)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Tomás Kelly, Inagh-Kilnamona:

“The last couple of years the first round hasn’t gone so great for us and we’ve been behind the eight ball and it makes life a lot harder, we’re happy to get the win”.

Liam Donoghue, Corofin:

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Sport

Crucial points for Clooney-Quin TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 2 ROUND 1:

CLOONEY-QUIN 1-18 BROADFORD 2-12 Venue: Wolfe Tones GAA, Shannon Compiled by Eoin Brennan

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

STORY OF THE GAME CLOONEY-QUIN Frees For: 17 (7/10) Wides: 12 (6/6) Scores from Play: 1-9 Spread of Scorers: 8 Top Scorer: Peter Duggan 0-9 (7f, 2’65) Yellow Card: Conor Grogan Own Puck-Outs won: 15 from 24 (63%)

BROADFORD Frees For: 23 (9/14) Wides: 10 (4/6) Scores from Play: 2-5 Spread of Scorers: 5 Top Scorer: Niall O’Farrell 0-9 (7f) Yellow Card: Paurig Taylor Own Puck-Outs won: 20 from 31 (65%)  Clooney/Quin’s Jimmy Corry

REFEREE: Jim Hickey

Photo by Joe Buckley

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

 Marco Cleary gets away from Colin Guilfoyle and Mark Delaney Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Townies off the mark

 Aargfsane

TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 3 ROUND 1:

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Cratloe sink champs TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 4 ROUND 1:

CRATLOE 1-24 SCARIFF 1-21 Venue: Glenomra Park, Broadford Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME CRATLOE SCARIFF Frees For: 11 (7/4) Frees For: 11 4/7) Wides: 9 (4/5) Wides: 11 (5/6) Scores from Play: 1-16 Scores from Play: 1-15 Spread of Scorers: 6 Spread of Scorers: 6 Top Scorer: Rian Considine Top Scorer: Mark Rodgers (0-9 8f) (1-9 6f) Yellow Cards: Rian Yellow Cards: Michael Considine, Riain Scanlan, Diarmaid Nash McNamara Own Puck-Outs won: 26 Red Card: David Collins from 34 (76%) (62) Own Puck-Outs: 19/32 (59%) REFEREE: Fergal O’Brien (Broadford)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

John O’Gorman, Cratloe:

“It was a great game, a real ding-dong battle, the same as last year. Two good teams with only a puck of the ball between us.

“We knew we were up against it coming in this evening as we were down a few bodies but I was really

impressed with the younger lads that really stood up today, Cathal Lohan and Daire Neville popped up with vital scores today.

“Look, it came down the final puck. I mean a goal from Mark Rodgers at the end and it would have finished level but that’s championship hurling for you.

ÉIRE ÓG 2-24 NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS 1-18 Venue: Clarecastle Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME ÉIRE ÓG NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS Frees For: 9 (7/2) Frees For: 17 (7/10) Wides: 8 (5/3) Wides: 12 (8/4) Scores from Play: 1-15 Scores from Play: 1-8 Spread of Scorers: 6 Spread of Scorers: 8 Top Scorer: Danny Russell Top Scorer: Peter Power (0-13 8f 1’65) (0-10 7f 2’65) Yellow Card: Danny Yellow Cards: Colin Russell (3) Guilfoyle (3), Mikey Red Card: Luca Cleary (52) McInerney (48), Eoin Own Puck-Outs won: 23 Guilfoyle (66) from 31 (74%) Own puck-outs: 26/34 (76%) REFEREE: John Bugler (Whitegate)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Gerry O’Connor, Éire Óg

James Carrig, Newmarket

“Ultimately when you break it all down, there was very little in that game. I thought both teams broke even in the middle but in the times when we won the ball there, our use of possession seemed to be a little bit better than theirs [Newmarket]. We varied the supply inside whereas they hit in a long of high ball that thankfully our full-back line were able to handle over the hour.

­

 Tadhg Ó Uallacháin and Sean Kennedy collide Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Kilmaley comeback TUS CLARE SHC GROUP 4 ROUND 1: KILMALEY 2-20 BALLYEA 3-16 Venue: O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME KILMALEY Frees For: 13 (9/4) Wides: 12 (8/4) Scores from Play: 2-11 Spread of Scorers: 7 Top Scorer: Mikey O’Malley (0-11 8f) Yellow Card: Joe Carmody (48) Own Puck-Outs won: 15 from 25 (56%)

BALLYEA Frees For: 7 (3/4) Wides: 6 (2/4) Scores from Play: 3-13 Spread of Scorers: 8 Top Scorer: Tony Kelly (2-8 1f) Yellow Cards: Gearoid O’Connell (8), Jack Browne (44 & 52) Own Puck-Outs won: 21 from 34 (62%) REFEREE: Kevin Corry (Sixmilebridge)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Brian Culbert, Kilmaley:

Robbie Hogan, Ballyea:

“It was nuts really. It’s a second half that we just gathered momentum. I suppose the early goal helped us and we probably got the next few scores after it and just got on a bit of a roll after that.

34

Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

‘Really special’ win for Clare minor ladies MINOR B ALL-IRELAND LADIES FOOTBALL FINAL Clare 1-08 Sligo 0-07 Venue: Connacht GAA Centre, Bekan

STORY OF THE GAME CLARE Frees for: Total 19 (10/9) Wides: 3 (3/0) Spread of scorers: Six scorers Scores from play: 1-7 Top scorer: Aoibheann Ryan (1-1) Bookings: None Own kickouts won: 8 from 13 (62%)

SLIGO Frees for: Total 22 (13/9) Wides: Total 6 (1/5) Spread of scorers: Three scorers Scores from play: 0-3 Top scorer: Ellen Giblin 0-5 (4f) Bookings: None Own kickouts won: 8 from 12 (66%)

REFEREE: K Phelan (Laois)

by Ivan Smyth news@clareecho.ie

CAPTAINING Clare to All-Ireland success was the stuff of dreams for Aisling Crowe.

On Saturday it became a reality as the Kilrush teenager led Clare to victory over Sligo in the ZuCar All-Ireland Minor B ladies football final.

They were aided by a strong Banner support to add to a memorable occasion.

Reflecting on their breakthrough, Aisling said, “It is just incredible. It is something that I would have dreamed of when I was younger, captaining my county to an All Ireland final. We have been thinking about it so much for the last two weeks and I

know I said I was trying not to think about it but you couldn’t help it. It feels incredible. I am so proud of the girls. They have worked so hard. We are such a good team to play together. You can see how hard they worked when things weren’t going our way and they were having their purple patch in the second half. We still dug deep and look where we are now”.

There was a swirling breeze in Bekan, the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence but it didn’t deter Clare in the slightest. “We have been training in rain, we have been training in wind so we are used to it. We weren’t going to let the uncontrollable dictate our game. It is something you

CLARECASTLE, MILLS & TUBBER OFF TO WINNING START

INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

SCAN FOR ROUND-UP

Sixmilebridge’s Adam Murray tries to block the clearance Photo by Gerard O’Neill from Ashley Brohan of Ruan

 Clare captain Aisling Crowe receives the cup from LGFA Vice-President Brendan Cregg after victory in the ZuCar All-Ireland U18 B Ladies Football Championship final in Mayo Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

have to take on the chin on the day and just play on and that is what we did”.

How Clare upped the ante in the final quarter was a real source of pride for the midfielder. “There is something special about this team is no matter what happens and no matter if we were going down and they were getting back into it we wouldn’t stop. We

wouldn’t drop our heads and we know ourselves we are playing for each other and drive it on again. The forwards were exceptional. They just tipped the points away.

To receive the All-Ireland trophy from LGFA Vice-President Brendan Cregg was “some feeling,” she admitted.

“It is still hard to believe that we are All Ireland champions.

This is the highest grade that any girl on this team has ever got to play in. We have never in our lives got to this grade and to win it out and to win it like we did when for so many of us it is our last minor year, it is a really, really special win”.

Their success was made the sweeter given the setbacks of losing the All-Ireland semi-final last year and the

U16 All-Ireland final in 2023.

“Last year we lost to Sligo in our All Ireland B semi and today we were able to get back at them and win out the final so it takes a lot of hurt away winning this out. We lost an All Ireland final when we were U16s (in 2023) and it is a really special day for us”.

Strong support from the people of Clare really made a difference, Aisling said. “I have never, ever seen the likes.

I have never played in front of a crowd with that many Clare people even at club games. It is incredible to see how many people travelled up and support us here today. It really does make a difference. When Aoibheann (Ryan) scored that goal and you heard the roar of the crowd. It makes a huge difference. It really drives you on. It reminds you that you are playing for everyone out there and not only the people on the pitch”.

Progressing onto Clare’s intermediate side will be the target for many of the All-Ireland winners, she felt. “It is such a positive thing and hopefully a few girls will look to move on to an intermediate team. It is huge and hopefully the young girls can take a bit of inspiration from what we have done today and work hard themselves and maybe

Four Clare minors on team of year FOUR Clare minor hurlers have been selected on the Electric Ireland Hurling Minor Star Team of the Year, writes Páraic McMahon.

Captain Graham Ball, sharpshooter Paul Rodgers (pictured, right), centre-back Dara Kennedy and goalkeeper Leon Talty have been included on the team of the year which was named on Wednesday morning.

Ger O’Connell’s side reached the All-Ireland final where they came up short against a strong Waterford outfit on a score of 1-18 0-11 at the end of June. Graham, Paul and Dara had been part of the 2024 panel who reached the All-Ireland semi-final.

Over the course of seven championship appearances this season, Scariff ’s Paul Rodgers scored a total of 2-52, his ability to hit over sideline cuts from long distance and score points from all angles saw him stand out as one of the players of the year.

At midfield, Graham Ball of St Jo-

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

seph’s Doora/Barefield was a ball of energy during Clare’s run to the All-Ireland final. The St Flannan’s College student displayed throughout the campaign why he was an ideal choice to serve as captain.

Centre-back Dara Kennedy demonstrated his ability to pick out passes from distance, his manner of spraying the ball to Clare’s inside line was central to their run to the final with the Ballyea man recovering from a quad

injury which saw him miss the first two rounds.

Netminder Leon Talty was a solid presence between the posts for O’Connell’s side and played every minute in Clare’s campaign. He kept a clean sheet in Clare’s fourth round win over Limerick in the Munster championship and the 2-20 0-13 All-Ireland quarter-final win over Dublin.

All-Ireland champions Waterford lead the way with five members selected on the team of the year followed by Clare’s four and four from Cork with two Kilkenny representatives selected.

Cormac Spain of Ballygunner in Waterford was named Electric Ireland Minor Star Hurling Player of the Year: Waterford’s Cormac Spain. Spain delivered several outstanding scoring performances, most notably his remarkable 11-point contribution in the All-Ireland final against Clare, despite playing through a leg injury.

35

Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

To place a notice email kieran@clareecho.ie

Planning

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 9, DÚN NA COILLE, MOUNTIVERS, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO CLARE We, LPN Construction (Holding Ltd.), are applying to the above authority for retention permission for the following development on property at Site no. 9, Dún na Coille, Mountivers, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare: Retention Permission for revised site boundary as previously granted (P18-519 and P23-60105 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 CLARISFORD, KILLALOE, CO CLARE V94 5P65 I, Colin Varley, am applying to the above authority for retention permission for the following development on property at Clarisford, Killaloe, Co Clare V94 5P65: Retention Permission to retain minor modifications to the elevations of the building previously granted planning permission under Ref no. P21/212. Modifications include removal of two number windows on the west elevation, removal of external double door on the north elevation, removal of skylight on the lower north facing roof, retention of two number velux windows on the upper north facing roof, removal of a window on the east elevation and retention for the continued use of the building for residential purposes 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 DOONASS, CLONLARA, CO CLARE, V94HW8C I, Alan O’Connell, are applying to the above authority for permission for the following development on property at Doonass, Clonlara, Co Clare, V94HW8C: Demolition of existing detached 2 storey dwelling owing to building condemnation and replacement with new two storey dwelling, connection to necessary services together with all associated incidental ancillary and 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 DOONASS, CLONLARA, CO CLARE, V94HW8C I, Noel Daly, am applying to the above authority for permission/retention permission for the following development on property at Fahy Beg, Bridgetown, Co Clare: Retention Permission for partially constructed detached dormer dwelling house and permission for completion of same, onsite wastewater treatment system and percolation area, connection to necessary services, construction of new entrance detail 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, LEAGARD SOUTH, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE Take notice that E. Hynes intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a dwelling house, garage and proprietary waste water treatment system along with ancillary site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, KILLERNAN, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE Take notice that M. Clancy intends to apply to the Planning Authority for retention permission and permission for the following a) to retain the extensions and alterations to the existing dwelling house and the open turf shed b) 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 TEERMACLANE, BALLYEA, ENNIS, CO CLARE Take notice that Sean McGrath & Angela Kennedy intend to apply to the planning authority for retention permission for a domestic garage 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 GURRANE, ENNISTYMON, CO CLARE. Take notice that Debbie Gilroy and Gearoid White intends to apply for planning permission to build a new house, garage, install a waste water treatment system, create a new entrance onto the public road and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SMITHSTOWN, SHANNON, CO. CLARE Chemifloc Ltd intend to apply for planning permission at their site in Smithstown, Shannon, Co. Clare, V14 VY67.

The application will consist of permission for the following developments on the site, consisting of; 1) Construction of a new 540 m2 fully bunded sodium hypochlorite building with a 60 m2 lower mezzanine floor and 10 m2 upper mezzanine floor, including 2No. external underground brine storage tanks; 2) Construction of a new 102 m2 mezzanine floor extension to an existing storage area within an existing warehouse; 3) Construction of a new 32 m2 extension to an existing ESB substation on site; 4) Demolition of an existing internal ramped accessway and removal of 2 No. existing temporary containers off site; 5) All ancillary site development works and services to facilitate the development including drainage, external plant, external pipework to adjacent storage tank and utility connections.

The proposed development site is controlled by an Industrial Emissions Licence (Register No. P0076-02) authorised by the Environmental Protection Agency.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILCLOHER, KILMALEY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Ronan Pyne & Angela Sheehan intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a 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 application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLOONEYBREEN, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO CLARE. V95F7PN Take notice that Rebecca Pigot and Mark Fletcher intend to apply for planning permission to extend the existing house and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MOGULLAAN, CROSSAGH, RATHLAHEEN SOUTH, CULLEEN, DRUMLINE, AND BALLYCASEY BEG, CO.CLARE GP Joule Ireland Limited intend to apply for permission for the development at this

site at the Townlands of, Mogullaan, Crossagh, Rathlaheen South, Culleen, Drumline, and Ballycasey Beg, Co.Clare.

Planning permission is sought for a duration of 10 years, with an operational life of 35 years from the date of commissioning.

The proposed development comprises the construction and operation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm on a site of approximately 95 hectares. The project includes: (i) Ground-mounted solar arrays supported by steel frames, with an internal network cable facilitating connection to the Drumline 110kV substation. An internal network cable will be installed to enable an under-the-fence connection from the onsite transformer compound to the adjacent substation.

The transformer compound will include an Independent Power Producer (IPP) building, a 110kV transformer, and an 18-metre-high lightning monopole mast. (ii) Underground electrical cabling and ducting, security fencing, CCTV stands. (iii) New internal access tracks and site entrance. (iv) Site drainage. (v) All ancillary site development works and apparatus.

A Natura Impact Statement will also be submitted to the Planning Authority with this application.

The planning application and Natura Impact Statement 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 in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CRAGGYKERRIVAN, BALLYNACALLY Take notice that J. Kelly intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to extend existing derelict house and store to include living-kitchen-dining area, 4No bedrooms, bathroom and to install foul sewer treatment plant and percolation area at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL GORT ROAD ENNIS Take notice that L. Laffey intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct warehouse to include cycle assembly area, storage area, staff room, kitchenette, staff WC and to connect to ancillary services at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYKETT, KILRUSH, CO CLARE Take notice that Noel Keating and Meabh

McCarthy intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct an extension to the rear of an existing derelict dwelling house along with alterations/ renovations to the existing house and the construction of a new entrance, access road and a new wastewater treatment system along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 53 BALLYCASEY CRESCENT, SHANNON, CO. CLARE I Shane Mulqueen intend to apply to the above authority for permission for change of use of an existing office suite previously granted planning permission under (PL Ref 06-252) into a (x2) bedroom apartment at 53 Ballycasey Crescent, Shannon, Co. Clare, V14 DC98. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CAHERAPHUCA, CRUSHEEN, CO. CLARE Planning permission being sought by Sean & Kemilly MacNamara to (a) demolish 2 no. existing concrete storage sheds (b) realign existing front boundary and create new site entrance (c) renovate and extend existing single storey private dwelling house, (d) new waste water treatment system and all associated site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made 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.

Opening hours 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL: MOVEEN WEST, KILKEE, CO. CLARE I Aidan Kelly Agricultural Design & Planning Services (ADPS, 085 7466211, www. adps.ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of my client Alan O Mahoney . Permission to construct (i) Milking parlour incorporating dairy, plant, storage, Milk tank, Meal Bin, Rain Water storage tank, holding yard with crush/ drafting yard, flow channel and all associated site works at Moveen West, Kilkee, Co. Clare .The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

36

Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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39 Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 46

Quiz

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

Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz 1.

In what year did the Clare Senior and Junior hurling teams win All-Ireland titles?

1930 1914 1945

6.

What pub in Doolin is famous for its live traditional music sessions?

Gus O’Connor’s pub McDermott’s pub McGann’s pub

2.

In what county are the Vandeleur Walled Gardens located?

Kilrush Doolin Kilkee

7.

3.

Which Irish poet is annually celerated in Miltown Malbay?

W.B. Yeats Elizabeth Bishop Patrick Kavanagh

Which Clare landmark located near Kilfenora is an ancient fort built around 1000 BC? Cahermore Fort Caherconnell Stone Fort Mooghaun Hill Fort

8.

4.

Which famous Kilfenora-born musician is known for his traditional Irish music?

Christy Moore Joe Kooley John Francis Flynn

Where is Clare’s well-known surf school located?

Fanore Quilty Lahinch

9.

What was Tulla’s population in 1991?

645 414 398

5.

Which Clare town is often referred to as the ‘gateway’ to the Burren?

Kilnaboy Liscannor Ennis

10. Which Clare town is famously associated with the Burren Perfumery?

Ennistymon Corofin Carran

ANSWERS 1914 Kilrush Patrick Kvanagh Joe Kooley Kilnaboy

Gus O’Connor’s pub Caherconnell Stone Fort Lahinch 398 Carran

Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Clare Minor ladies team at clare vs sligo minor ladies football final July 26 2025 Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

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