The Clare Ehco 20/11/25

Clare weather response in jeapordy for cold snap?

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’s response to extreme weather events is at risk of being diminished due to ongoing industrial action. is week an ongoing dispute between outdoor sta of Clare County Council and the local authority began proceedings at the Workplace Relations Commission.

Outdoor sta of the Council attached to SIPTU trade union began a workto-rule in August and in September were balloted for industrial action. e matter has this week gone

before the Workplace Relations Commission.

Temperatures in Clare have plummeted this week with Tulla hitting -1.3 degrees on Monday morning.

Cllr Shane Talty (FF) sounded the alarm that the ongoing industrial action poses a big risk to how the Council can respond in extreme weather events.

“From talking to workers and General Operatives, the level of morale is at a very low ebb, I’d ag the concern that if the goodwill and cooperation is withdrawn then our reaction to the weather events could be severely hampered”.

 Pictured are Audry Linton and Trisha Buckley at the Munster Junior Cup last 32 tie between Bridge Utd and Grattan Utd in Sixmilebridge.

Photo by Joe Buckley

Milestone for Ennistymon NS

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lClare voices on sustainable Toursim

lFarewell Victory for Cilléin Mullins

Mountshannon lion was actually a ‘friendly mouse’ Banner support in Ennis

Councillors encounter gridlock in attempts to get Blake’s Corner update

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Crimmins wins Rising Star award

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ELECTED members of Clare County Council are encountering their own gridlock in attempts to get clarity on the status of plans to alleviate traffic congestion at Blake’s Corner.

KILLALOE GARDAÍ have solved the mystery of a reported ‘lion-like’ animal in the woods of East Clare.

CIAN CRIMMINS has been named as a rising star in business.

Reported sightings and footage of a potential lion emerged last week with reports made to Gardaí.

Clarecastle native Cian who is Transport Manager with Brigdale Coaches received one of the biggest accolades on offer at the 2026 Fleet Bus and Coach Awards.

have now discovered that was a deer. “I’m not saying for certain that it is a lion, but it does look to have a mane and a long tail. Some people even think that someone might have shaved their dog as a joke,” O’Reilly remarked at the time, a comment which

Three weeks on from the High Court dismissing an application to bring a judicial review challenge against the proposed compulsory purchase order for the Ennistymon inner relief road, elected members got stuck in their efforts to source further information from the top table of Clare County Council.

His win comes two years after Bridgale Coaches was honoured with the School Bus Operator of the Year at the same awards.

However, once on the scene in Woodpark Forest Park in Mountshannon, any trace of the lion was gone and garda investigators were unable to confirm whether the identity of the animal was in fact a lion. They reported that “enquiries were carried out” accordingly.

At a luxury gala event in Johnstown Estate in Co Meath on Thursday night, Cian was announced as the winner of the Rising Star award. Brigdale Coaches had been shortlisted for both the Bus Operator and School Bus Operator awards.

In a statement released last month following the High Court ruling, the Council said they “in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)” would proceed to the next stages of the N67/ N85 Ennistymon Inner Relief Road project. These stages include detailed design development, conclusion of land acquisition and planning for the construction phase.

Gardaí in Killaloe have since confirmed that the so-called lion was in fact a Newfoundland dog named ‘Mouse’ whose coat and tail had been shaved to resemble that of a lion. “The recent video of a lion-like animal roaming around the woods in East Clare is in fact the very friendly Mouse, a Newfoundland dog who is delighted with his recent viral video clip”.

that the definitive position,” he asked.

l

in the country.

“At a time when AI imagery and confusion as to whether online content is real or fake is so rampant, it fell on the guards in Killaloe Station to investigate and to establish the true facts,” Deputy Crowe

Municipal District, can you have a reply for next week”. Director Kirby confirmed a reply would be furnished for

Director of Services of Transportation, Carmel Kirby offered little detail when replying, “I will come back to you in the coming days on it with correspondence”.

At Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) referred to the project’s mention in the monthly management report.

In 1977, Cian’s grandfather Eddie Brigdale founded Brigdale Coaches. The company started off with a single minibus and is considered one of the leading school transport operators

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) told The Clare Echo, “Like many people, I was amused and intrigued by the reported sighting of a lion in Mountshannon. The guards

A past pupil of Knockanean NS and St Flannan’s College, Cian graduated with First Class Honours in BSc Business Information Systems from the National University of Ireland, Galway.

More surprisingly was the lack of reaction from elected members. Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) stated, “I have a motion down on the exact question as Cllr Talty has asked for our

According to a spokes-

person for Brigdale Coaches, the award is “an incredible honour for our team”. The “passion, dedication and leadership” of Cian has been hailed as bringing continued progression to the Clarecastle based company.

Ennistymon’s inner relief road is intended to address notorious traffic congestion at Blake’s Corner. The scheme includes the construction of a new bridge upstream of the Michael Conway Bridge, pedestrianisation of the existing bridge, and public realm improvements. A CPO was approved by An Bord Pleanála in June 2022, however the process was paused as the result of a judicial review until the High Court decision.

Mickey Guilfoyle, Robert Clancy and Brian Pyne supporting Clare during the Oscar Traynor (Munster region) quarter-final vs Kerry in Frank Healy Park

Photo by Joe Buckley

Corofin’s Cilléin Mullins, Marc O’Loughlin and Luke Neylon celebrate after beating Waterford side Stradbally in the Munster IFC club quarter-final. It was the last involvement of the season for Crusheen’s Mullins who departs for Australia.

Photograph: Burren Eye Photography

RISING STAR: Cian Crimmins accepting his award

John Burke speaking at the Irish Self Catering Federation conference in the Armada Hotel. [inset image: Cllr Michael Shannon]

Photo by: Eamon Ward

Decision to cancel oral hearing for South-East Clare wind farm slammed

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN ORAL hearing into a planned 50MW wind-farm in South-East Clare has been cancelled at the eleventh hour.

Due to be held on ursday in Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel in Shannon, the oral hearing was postponed on Tuesday evening.

Aviation issues relevant to Shannon Airport and Woodcock Hill radar station were to be the subject of the oral hearing which was to be staged by An Coimisiún Pleanala (ACP).

Last year, Limerick rm, Ballycar Green Energy lodged plans for the 12 turbine wind-farm to be located 3km northwest of Limerick city. e proposed 140-hectare site is located within the townlands of Cappateemore East, Ballycannan East, Ballycar South, Ballycar North, and Glennagross.

ACP has received 74 third party submissions with the bulk opposed to the wind farm which is proposed for a 105 hectare site neighbouring the townland of Ballycar, north of Meelick in South Clare. e tip height of the wind-turbines is to be 518 feet high and arising from the objections lodged by Shannon

Airport and AirNav Ireland, ACP commissioned an independent aviation review by aviation consultancy, Sagentia Aviation. In the review dated October 28th 2025 Sagentia Aviation has stated that “at this point in time, it is Sagentia Aviation’s view that despite signi cant engagement, the aviation concerns have not been addressed to the satisfaction of AirNav and the airport”. Applicants were to address the aviation related issues at the oral hearing with een minutes allocated for AirNav Ireland and Shannon Airport to air their

concerns.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) who was one of seven individuals listed to give their views at the hearing described the deferral until January as “totally unfair and unacceptable”. He told e Clare Echo, “I think it’s totally unfair and unacceptable that An Coimisiún Pleanála have decided to postpone this oral hearing at such short notice. ose who were scheduled to participate in ursday’s oral hearing got less than 48 hours’ notice that it wouldn’t be happening. I have been contacted by many local residents who had booked time o work and some of these people had even taken unpaid leave so they could be in attendance”.

Deputy Crowe continued, “An Coimisiún Pleanála have cited that the reason for this postponement is to allow for the developer and AirNav Ireland to enter further negotiation, but I personally think that this exercise is rather futile, given that both entities have been locked in discussions and negotiations for several years now. I also think that postponement is rather imbalanced as it becomes a powerplay between AirNav Ireland and the developer, whereas other

stakeholders are now locked out of this negotiation process.

“I have written to the Chairman of An Coimisiún Pleanála strongly stating my view that the oral hearing should proceed as planned. In particular, I have emphasised that the fact that there is a copious body of evidence arguing the pros and cons of this planning application and this, in itself, should be enough for An Coimisiún Pleanála to make a decision on the matter once and for all without any need for procrastination, postponement or unnecessary delay,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Ballycar Green Energy has previously stated that the proposed project “would play a central role in Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050”. She said, “If approved, the wind farm has the potential to displace almost two million tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime and will provide the capacity to power more than 30,000 homes”. She pointed out Ballycar Green Energy “will generate a Community Bene t Fund estimated at €3.75m over the rst 15 years of operation which could be utilised on sustainable initiatives for the growth and development of the local area”.

Industrial dispute could hinder Council response during extreme weather

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN ONGOING industrial dispute between outdoor workers of Clare County Council and the organisation could hamper how the county’s response in an extreme weather event.

Outdoor staff of the Council that are members of the SIPTU trade union began industrial action in the form of a work-to-rule in August and a month later were balloted for industrial action.

This week, the matter has been before the Workplace Relations Commission with elected members of the Council warning that emergency responses during severe weather events could be hampered.

“We’re entirely reliant on the good cooperation of our crews, there was crews cutting miles and miles of timber of trees and in the current context of the industrial action taking place. From talking to workers and General Operatives, the level of morale is at a very low ebb, I’d flag the concern that if the goodwill and cooperation is withdrawn then our reaction to the weather events could be severely hampered,” Cllr Shane Talty (FF) cautioned this week.

Speaking at a meeting of the West Clare Municipal District on Tuesday, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) outlined, “I understand that talks are taking place today with WRC on the workers”.

WIND-FARM: decision tocancel hearing slammed

Enable Ireland open residential respite service in Barefield

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENABLE IRELAND’s €1.2m residential respite service in Bareeld has been o cially opened. Funding has been announced by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley (FF)to double the annual bed nights at Hazeldene Residential Respite Service in Bare eld from 700 to 1400.

Acquired by Enable Ireland in the autumn of 2024, the property has been transformed from a B&B into a new residential respite service. e service comprises three bedrooms in the main area of the house and, within the same house, a one-bedroom self-contained apartment suitable for children and young people who may require a quieter space and prefer time on their own, and for emergency and crisis placements. At full capacity, the service can accommodate four children or young people up to eighteen years of age.

System for delivering assessment of needs is broken says Disability Minister

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

MINISTER FOR Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley (FF) has admitted the system for managing the assessment of needs for children is broken.

On ursday, Minister Foley o cially opened Hazeldene Residential Respite Service in Bare eld for children and young people with disabilities.

Between January and June of this year, the HSE assessed nineteen children from Clare on its assessment of need programme which was eleven percent of all cases in the county. An assessment of need is an evaluation carried out by the HSE for children or young people with a disability.

complement of sta including nursing, social care and support sta .

Young people with complex needs including autism and intellectual disabilities based in the Mid-West region will be accommodated through the new service in Bare eld. Children staying in the house will have access to two secure garden areas, one dedicated to the apartment, both with outdoor play equipment and be supported by a full

Speaking at the o cial opening on ursday morning, Minister Foley announced additional funding to double the bed nights annually from 2026 which she described as “a material difference”. She noted, “the home is really beautiful” while praising the work of Enable Ireland and the HSE. “I came across a quote recently, ‘the shoe that ts one person pinches another’ and I think it is applicable today”.

Minister Foley added, “a building is bricks and mortar, what is most important is spirit and heart, long may it thrive and prosper”.

“In terms of assessment of needs I’ve already outlined I have always felt and I am a number of months into this job but I’ve always felt the assessment of needs process isn’t working and is not t for purpose, we need to nd a better model,” Minister Foley told e Clare Echo.

She added, “I will be the rst to say, disability is coming from a low-base in this country, there is so much work that needs to be done, here in respite we are delivering a very positive story but more needs

to be done speci cally in the area of assessment for needs, I have said from the beginning I believe the system which delivers the assessment of needs is a broken one, this Government is committed to doing it di erently, work is underway to introduce legislation that will still ensure that a family or a person has the right to go through the assessment of need system but the focus will be on the need of the individual”.

Once through the system, almost a third of children are found to not have a need.

A new policy will introduce “a single front door point of access which will mean that once a child goes into the system, they stay in the system and they are not put on a 100 di erent waiting lists for different treatments, there will be one access point, there is also an autism protocol that has been introduced by the HSE because we have found in the last number of months, 45 percent of those who go through the assessment of need is to actually receive an autism diagnosis, there will be a separate pathway for that, there is a number of xes that need to be put in place,” the Minister advised.

Nationally, 10,714 children were waiting for rst contact

from Child Disability Network Teams (CDNT) by the end of July. Of those children, 6,957 are waiting over twelve months for rst contact.

Improving this gures cannot be done overnight, Minister Foley stressed. “ at is not something you can do by magic, it does require a change in legislation, we are saying that will be presented to the Dáil before the end of this term which is quite signi cant that I have done it in such a short space of time and it has involved engagement with the Atorney General”. An insu cient amount of people trained to take up positions as occupational therapists and speech and language therapists is prevalent, she cautioned.

When asked what she could say to children and their parents le on waiting lists, Minister Foley stated, “I’m saying we’re putting the work in now so in the coming months you will see a di erence. I know there are families and children awaiting respite places, I have announced here that there are 700 nights available here in Hazeline, in 2026 there will be 1400 nights available here, that is progress, is it enough? Absolutely not. Is there more to be done? Without doubt. I am determined we will do it.”

ENABLE IRELAND: Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, TD with parents Janet Sheehy and Lyanne Treacy, and Cathal Crowe TD.

Photo by: Natasha Barton

CLARE SHINES BRIGHT THIS CHRISTMAS

Clare Christmas Events Guide

County Clare is brimming with sparkle, music, markets, Santa visits, and winter magic for families and friends, creating a season full of cherished festive moments. Here’s a look at what’s happening across the county.

SANTA ADVENTURES ALL ACROSS CLARE

Clare offers countless ways to experience the wonder of Christmas. Meet Santa beneath the Burren at Santa’s Workshop at Aillwee Burren Experience, where children journey through the illuminated cave before enjoying sparkle, festive rides, and the soaring Birds of Prey Display. At Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, the Christmas Experience brings trails of light, storytelling, music, and friendly elves, while Breakfast with Santa at Bunratty Castle adds a lively festive morning. In Ennis, the Santa Land Experience at Treacys West County Hotel features the Fairy Forest, Mrs Claus’s Kitchen, and a cosy grotto, with an optional overnight stay. The dedicated stayover breaks — Santa at Hotel Woodstock and Santa at the Armada offer magical festive getaways. In West Clare, Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre shines with lights, a Tunnel of Light, Santa’s Post Office, and festive displays. Santa at Moher Hill Open Farm adds a Christmas Village, reindeer, farm animals, and seasonal treats. Young aviators can explore Santa’s Aviation Wonderland at Shannon Aviation Museum, while Santa’s Arrival & Grotto at Shannon Town Centre keeps festive cheer going throughout December.

LIGHTS ON, MAGIC IN THE AIR

The county glows with celebration. In Ennis, the Switching On of the Christmas Lights brings music and festive spirit as Santa lights up the town. In Shannon, the Christmas Lights Switch-On at Shannon Town Park offers carols, treats, and seasonal excitement. In Killaloe–Ballina, the Christmas Lights Turn-On adds its own touch of seasonal sparkle.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS & MAKERS

Clare’s markets offer wonderful opportunities to support local makers and find unique festive gifts.

The Clarecastle Christmas Craft, Gift & Food Market fills Abbey Hall with seasonal stalls. Ballymorris Christmas Fair in Cratloe showcases crafts and pottery, with the option to create your own decorations. The Lisdoonvarna Christmas Fayre brings over 30 makers, raffles, music, and Santa visits, while the Doonbeg Christmas Market offers crafts, food, children’s art, and the magical Lighted Tractor Parade with Santa. The Mountshannon Christmas Market brings hot food, children’s activities, and festive music from local performers. Across the county, Clare Crafts Christmas Fairs appear in Killaloe and Ennis, and the Kilrush Christmas Market supports a local charity with crafts, food, and choir performances. Find handmade gifts at the Chapel Lane Christmas Markets in Ennis, or visit the Lahinch Leisure Centre Christmas Market, supporting two local causes. At Clare Museum, children can enjoy Christmas Card Craft Workshops inspired by vintage cards.

SHOWS, MUSIC & FESTIVE MOMENTS

At Dromoland Castle, Christmas at Dromoland offers festive dining, Soprano & Supper evenings, Afternoon Tea, and the Enjoy ‘Dromoland at Home’ dining experience. At Bunratty, the Christmas at the Castle Dinner Show combines candlelit feasting, carols, and entertainment. At glór, a packed

programme features music, comedy, dance, and shows running into January — including A Very Clare Christmas and A Little Christmas Time, the latter especially for children aged 3 to 8.

FESTIVE MAGIC ABOVE & BELOW CLARE

Clare residents can enjoy free entry to the Cliffs of Moher Experience by signing up to the Cliffs newsletter — and experience breathtaking winter walks and views, with Irish-made gifts and festive treats indoors. At Doolin, Doolin Cave’s Winter Tours offer peaceful visits to the Great Stalactite, with a midweek tour discount.

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN CLARE

Lead into the new year with the New Year’s Eve Sanctuary & Sankalpa Retreat at Shannon Estuary Way Retreat — a late-afternoon and early-evening blend of reflection, yoga, ceremony, and gentle renewal. Or celebrate by the sea with the New Year’s Eve event at Aileen’s Restaurant, Armada Hotel, offering a seven-course tasting menu and a Champagne toast.

FREE CLARE CHRISTMAS EVENTS GUIDE ONLINE

For full event details and Christmas Gift Ideas, visit www.VisitClare.ie/christmas and get your free Christmas Event Guide.

8

The ‘last of the small shops’ in Kilrush

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Successful businessman paid over €14k to son’s former drug dealing associates

MARIE and Kevin O’Brien’s decision to close The Corner House marks the end of an era in Kilrush.

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

Corner shops are now a thing of the past in the West Clare town after their decision to close after 37 years as a fixture on Henry Street serving generations in their shop which opened seven days a week.

A SUCCESSFUL Clare businessman and father had to pay over €14,000 to former drug dealing associates of his son in order to protect his family, a court has heard.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford imposed a 30 month prison term with the final 15 months suspended on drugs courier, Dylan Quirke (30) of Tir Eda, Tobarteascáin, Ennis after he was caught holding and transporting €98,000 of cannabis for drug dealers on May 25th 2023.

had to pay over €14,000 in order to protect his family.

Mr Whyms said that this was the sort of people Mr Quirke’s son Dylan was dealing with.

Retirement is well earned for the married couple who first took charge of The Corner House on April 6, 1988, following in the footsteps of Rita McNamara and Nora O’Brien. They were open for 11 years before they were able to take time off when they treated themselves to a weekend in Paris.

Damien Quirke operates a plumbing and bathroom renovations business and on the Quirkes paying over the €14,000 to the drug dealers, Judge Comerford said, “The family saw the need to pay the money to drug dealers to reduce the loss suffered by the drug dealers as a result of good policing work”.

In July, when they were on holidays, they made the decision that the time had come and they would close at the end of October. They reflected on almost four decades of business in an in-depth interview with The Clare Echo

Turning the key of the shop for the last time after 37 years brought a mix of emotions. “We were ready, we were very tired after a long number of years but it was sad because we will miss a lot of the people, we’ll miss the chats and the craic with people coming in and out,” Marie outlined.

In court, Dylan Quirke’s father, Damien Quirke confirmed that he and Dylan’s mother “had to pay” over €14,000 to his son’s former drug dealing associates within weeks of his arrest and the seizure of the €98,000 worth of their drugs in 2023.

Judge Comerford said that he knows the motivation to pay over the money “was out of fear”.

He said “I understand that families across the country have to do this - it is part of harm done by drug dealing”.

Getting assistance to run the business stands out to Kevin as one of the biggest challenges in the shop and his gas deliveries.

Counsel for Dylan Quirke, Patrick Whyms BL (instructed by solicitor, Daragh Hasssett) described Damien Quirke as a “successful businessman” who felt that he

they have gone. No one is taking them over, it is a pity, every town needs something. I miss the chats with people coming in and out.

gaged in.

“It is the end of an era, nobody wants to buy it as a shop yet, we have viewings but I don’t think it will open as a shop. I wished that someone would have kept the shop open but it is not possible”.

Judge Comerford said that there were significant mitigating factors in favour of Dylan Quirke “and this is a sad case in so many ways”.

Closures have become common in Kilrush, “There was a lot of little supermarkets, we had 14 or 15,” Kevin outlined, “this is the last of the small shops”. Marie agreed, “There was a lot in the town but

Judge Comerford said that Dylan Quirke made an early plea of guilt, is a first time offender and didn’t make any commercial gain from low level drug dealing he was en-

former colleague then came to mind for Marie, “Catherine worked with me for 14 years, she used to say ‘we’re confidantes, psychologists, we’re everything you want in here, we’re agony aunts’ because of the things we’d be listening to, people’s troubles and happy times, the whole lot of it, that is what a small shop is”.

Booms, busts and a global pandemic were all withstood by Marie and Kevin when in business.

Judge Comerford said Dylan Quirke is not someone who is a committed member of the organisation who was totally in line with its purpose but it is still serious offending because of the amount of drugs involved.

“It didn’t bother us too much, it made no difference. We worked the whole time during COVID, never closed the door. I had two girls working with me at the time, they were fantastic and never took a day.

Judge Comerford said that Dylan Quirke almost benefits from a very favourable Probation Report and has taken proactive steps to try to achieve rehabilitation.

“There was a smell coming in the door because we were wiping Dettol across the place every morning, we wore our masks, we still have the cover up which my son built around us. We never closed and Kevin went out delivering every single day,” she said.

Judge Comerford said that Dylan Quirke has strong family support which is one of the best indicators of rehabilitation.

social dancing every weekend. “When Kevin retired from the Fire Brigade which is 15 years ago, we started dancing. We went everywhere dancing, Killarney, Galway and Ennis. We’ve met the most amazing people dancing, lovely people from all over Clare. We go to a club in Ennis, Dancing for Pleasure. We’ve made the closest friends from it and are still in contact with them. Some of them didn’t make it out of COVID, some of them since have lost partners and they don’t come anymore, it is awful sad but the nicest and happiest times we ever had are dancing,” Marie said.

value of the drugs.

In the witness box, Damien Quirke said that over the last two and a half years, “Dylan has been a totally changed person”.

Damien Quirke said, “He has taken responsibility for what he has done and puts all his time into working with me”.

He said that the two can be working sometimes six or seven days a week.

No longer having to get up at 6am to receive deliveries, Kevin is looking forward to getting to lie in. “Relax, did you ever hear that word,” he quips. Marie is looking further afield, “Lanzarote, my favourite place on earth, we never had more than week so we said the next time we go back we’ll have to stay longer”.

Dylan Quirke pleaded guilty to two drug dealing offences.

same thing.

“We’ve moved with the times, we don’t expect a person to come in with a shopping trolley. We have our customers passing by for fags, drinks and to say hello, they will pick up a bit of shopping”.

Judge Comerford said that Clare GardaÍ accept that Dylan Quirke was not regarded as a significant figure in the drugs trade.

Offerings in the shop changed over time, Marie recalled. “We took over from Rita [McNamara] who had a huge business of people on the books as they called it, people didn’t have as much money as they do now, very honest decent people, we continued the

Judge Comerford said that Dylan Quirke “had a drugs debt and did agree to transport a consignment of drugs for a value he wouldn’t have known”.

Kevin added that fuel deliveries had become very important to the shop’s profit margin, with customers from Kilrush to Kilkee, Doonbeg, Killimer and Knockerra.

cannabis from one point to another to bring to his house and hold it. This is how the people at the higher realms of drug dealing are able to insulate themselves”.

Providing a helping hand always were their four children, Stephen, Jean, Sharon and Claire. The spirit of enterprise is well and truly alive with Sharon running The Leisure Centre on Frances St. Their contribution prompts Marie to remember how Stephen at the age of 15 “let us all go to Dublin for the day, he did the shop all on his own, I don’t know how he managed”.

He said that “they put others under pressure to carry out these activities”.

Judge Comerford said, “He transported €98,000 of

People came into The Corner House for a lot more than their shopping, “Everything was discussed out there from farming to if something happened out the street,” Kevin stated. Views of a

Judge Comerford said that Dylan Quirke’s culpability is reduced as his offending arose because of drug addiction.

Judge Comerford set a headline sentence of five years and reduced it to 30 months after mitigation factors are taken into account.

Judge Comerford suspended the final 15 months of the 30 month prison term.

Judge Comerford said that the exceptional circumstances of the case don’t reach the threshold of suspending the 30 month sentence in full.

Employees were central to their success, the duo acknowledged with Catherine (14 years), Brid (11 years) and Michelle (five years) among their longest-serving staff.

Married for nearly 54 years, they live and work together but they also got great enjoyment from

He said that a custodial sentence has to be served to mark the seriousness of the offending and the significant

“We took it over because we hadn’t a choice really, we had four children who needed to be fed,. Kevin lost his job after Glynn’s Milk closed down, we knew we had to do something.

He pleaded guilty to on May 25th 2023 at Tir Eda, Tobarteascáin, Ennis having unlawfully in his possession cannabis with a market value in excess of €13,000 for the purpose of selling contrary to Section 15(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

“I was apprehensive but we did it, there was days we cried, days I thought I’d run away, days I thought we’d never make it, we had our house before we came in here and I wouldn’t let it go for anyone. All in all we had a good time here, we had very happy years here,” Marie concluded.

Dylan Quirke also pleaded guilty to a lesser drug dealing charge concerning €2,500 of cannabis at the same location on the same date and Judge Comerford imposed a separate 15 month fully suspended prison term for that offence.

Extended interview available for Clare Echo subscribers on clareecho.ie/subscribe

Mother & son to face trial for Kilrush knife assault

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A mother and her 16 year old son are to go on trial together for offences connected to an incident where the son is alleged to have carried out a knife assault on another male which required up to 80 stitches to a head-wound.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford has directed that the trial of the two commence as a priority case in the first week of February at the next sessions of the court.

In the case, the teenager is charged with assault causing harm of Jeffrey Ryan (25) at Francis Street, Kilrush contrary to Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act on June 13th last.

The 16-year old is also charged with producing a large kitchen knife during the course of a dispute at the same location on the same date contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.

The teenager is currently on remand at Oberstown

Detention Campus at Lusk in Co Dublin and was appearing via video-link from the detention facility at the circuit court.

After viewing photos of Mr Ryan’s injuries at a previous district court sitting, Judge Alec Gabbett said that the alleged injured party has suffered “very serious lacerations to his face” where he sustained a wound from the top of his head, running down his hairline on his forehead across to his ear.

He said, “You will see that the alleged injured party had upwards of 80 stitches with a view to putting back his forehead together again and also fixing his ear”.

A court has previously heard that the mother allegedly drove her son to the scene of the alleged knife assault on June 13th last.

In the case, the teenager’s 38-year old mother is charged with threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in the course of a dispute and producing a kitchen carving knife capable of inflicting serious injury in a manner to unlawfully

intimidate another person, contrary to section 11 Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 at the same location on the same date.

The mother is also charged with assaulting Ava Moloney on June 13th at Francis Street, Kilrush contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. The woman’s son is also charged with the assault of Ava Moloney at the same location on the same date.

Both Ms Moloney and Mr Ryan are originally from Croom in Co Limerick.

The mother cannot be named as that would lead to the identification of her co-accused and son who is a minor and cannot be identified.

The mother is on bail pending the trial and Judge Comerford directed that mother and son appear in court on February 3rd next for the trial and both accused are to be remanded on the same terms to that date.

l Marie and Kevin O’Brien at The Corner House in Henry Street

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

1 AHERN TERRACE, ENNIS, CO CLARE DOONAGORE, DOOLIN, CO. CLARE

9 THE MAPLES, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

7 CARRAIG NUA, TULLA, CO. CLARE

4 THE DRIVE, CAPPAHARD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, ENNIS CLONBONEY, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO.

CO.

2

STREET, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Cliffs of Moher revenue ‘is all invested back into Co Clare’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

REVENUE generated by the Cli s of Moher is invested back into Co Clare, the Chief Executive of Clare County Council has insisted.

Accounts for 2023 show revenues at the Cli s of Moher were €13.8m, an increase of €3m on the €10.8m recorded in 2022.

According to Chief Executive of Clare County Council, the Cli s are not the biggest earner in the Council’s co ers. “It is not the main revenue source, we’ve a revenue budget of over €200m, there are many other revenue sources from rates, local property tax, charges for services and government grants. In reality, all the money raised in the Cli s of Moher is invested back into Co Clare through either local authority services or supporting other tourism sites, it is all invested back into Co Clare”.

Within North Clare there is frustration that insu cient funds from the Cli s are pumped back into local infrastructure such as the roads in surrounding communities of Liscannor, Doolin, Lahinch, Lisdoonvarna, Kilfenora and further a eld.

Daly said the money is divered back to the Council but was unable to decipher the exact divi-

sion at the time of his interview. “I don’t have the exact gures on that as to the division of that spending. e money is invested across wider local authority services but there is also reinvestment into the site itself and also other visitor attractions”.

E orts continue to spread tourists countywide when they visit the world renown Cli s of Moher. “ at has been a challenge for een to twenty years since the initial visitor experience was opened in 2005, at that point our numbers started to go north of one million. Every e ort is being made in relation to that work with Fáilte Ireland, we have introduced a bus service during the summer to try disperse that, our marketing does try and disperse them to other sites under the ownership of the Council and other tourism visitor sites in Co Clare, every e ort is made to do that but it is an incred-

ibly popular iconic must-see site when people visit Ireland never mind the West of Ireland or Clare. We’re continuously trying to strike that balance”.

More resources could be assigned to the likes of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience to try strike that balance, he acknowledged. “We have seen that the Council has broadened its tourism focus by taking the very brave and correct decision to take on the Shannon Heritage sites and o its own bat to take on the Inis Cealtra project, there is a real attempt to get balanced development in Co Clare whether it is population, services, transportation or tourism that we want a balanced county, balanced development and there is huge tourism opportunities in East Clare, South Clare and West Clare, we want those areas to thrive as well”.

Spike in Clare motorway crashes prompts TII review

by Páraic McMa- hon paraic@clareecho.ie

25 ROAD collisions have occurred on the M18 and N18 over the past two months.

16 crashes were reported in September and nine in October on the M18/N19 according to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

September collisions in the county were signi cantly higher than the monthly average for this year.

Such a high rate of accidents have prompted TII to con rm they have agreed to carry out an investigation on the data to determine if there is any common factor causing the collisions.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) stated that accidents are “becoming far too regular an occurrence along the road.”

He agged that the stretch between Ennis and Cratloe is

accounting for a high proportion of the accidents. “Everyone will have seen other motorists on their phones, tailgating, speeding or dangerously lane hopping, all of which can have devastating consequences when something goes wrong. I would urge all road users to remember the RSA’s advice to leave space to the car in front, stay within the speed limits, take heed of the weather conditions and to stay o your phone while driving.”

Speaking at the November meeting of the County Council, he stated, “we’re all familiar with the one by Nenagh and Birdhill. ere is very few people if any caught on that stretch of road because the cameras are there.”

Cllr David Gri n (FF) has also sought a safety review on the motorway. He felt that both Dromoland and Quin were “blackspots” for accidents on the route.

Increasing safety provisions is paramount, Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) said. “We do need to make the road safer and bring up the standard”.

On the request for average speed cameras, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) commented, “they seem to be in other parts of the country but again we seem like the poor cousin in Clare.”

Deputy Crowe con rmed that he will be asking for an increase in visible Garda policing along the route when he meets with Clare Chief Superintendent Aileen Magner in the coming weeks. Cratloe based Cllr Pat O’Gorman has requested TII to consider installing “a motorway/dual carriageway average speed camera safety system” on the road network.

Clare County Council silent as senior tourism figures exit amid cutbacks

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL’s Chief Executive has declined to comment on the exits of high-profile personnel within their tourism directorate.

Along with a series of cutbacks at tourism sites operated by Clare County Council, the attractions have also been rocked by the exits of key personnel.

e Clare Echo has previously reported on the departures of Stephen Hanley (General Manager Clare Tourism East) and Eoin Flanagan (Group Head of HR at Clare Tourism).

Joining them in heading out the exit door has been Donnacha Lynch who served as Head of Commercial Services with Shannon Heritage. He had been responsible for producing a 600 page analysis and due diligence report for the Council prior to the local authority acquiring the Heritage sites.

Council Chief Executive, Gordon Daly declined to comment when questioned in September by e

Clare Echo on whether it was worrying to see such exits from Clare Tourism DAC. “I don’t talk about individual sta members’ circumstances,” he said.

is Wednesday will mark the rst meeting of the Tourism Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) of the Council since the exits of the senior personnel where it remains to be seen whether the issue will be discussed by elected members of Clare County Council.

During his two years with Clare Tourism, Hanley was involved with the opening of the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience in July, announcing plans of a €1m redevelopment at Craggaunowen which recorded a 27 percent increase in visitors in 2024 and Bunratty itself had a 14% jump in visitors in 2023.

At Knappogue, he had predicted it would be capable of catering for 1000 guests in 2025, 2026 and 2027 but was frustrated with the “teething problems” which has delayed its opening as a ve-star residence.

Outlook on the tourism front for Clare County Council has become

less positive in recent times. e Council’s interim nancial report up until the end of June 2025 showed a combined loss of €1m had been recorded for the Clare Collection which is owned and operated by the Council’s subsidiary companies, it was launched in February of this year.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, e Cli s of Moher Experience, Craggaunowen Castle & Crannóg, Inis Cealtra, Knappogue Castle & Gardens, Loop Head Lighthouse and Vandeleur Walled Gardens and Visitor Experience all form part of the Clare Collection.

When asked if cutbacks would continue at the tourism sites, Daly responded, “I don’t have the exact gures, the day to day management of it is under the Tourism Development DAC but Bunratty Castle is an iconic visitor attraction and it is performing very well and continues to be a very popular tourist destination for people and for Co Clare”.

Clare athlete places second in Red Bull Ocean Rescue 2025

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

CLARE athlete Leana Liddane, pictured, recently honoured as Water Safety Ireland’s Female Sportsperson of the Year has taken second place at the Red Bull Ocean Rescue 2025 event in Biarritz, France.

and Port Vieux. Competitors had to complete 2,310 meters of running, 950 meters of ocean swimming, cliff jumps, and nearly 1 km of kayaking, followed by stand-up paddleboarding between checkpoints along the coastline. Only elite athletes are selected to take part. All competitors

The race, held on November 16, is one of the toughest coastal rescue competitions in the world.

The event now in its fourth edition features a course covering over 5km which combines a range of water safety rescue and sporting skills.

This year’s race started at the beaches of Grande Plage

first had to qualify in a preliminary event on November 15. Already a European gold and silver medalist, a national record holder, and a multi-title winner at the Water Safety Ireland Stillwater Championships, this result adds to her growing list of international achievements.

CONNECTING IRELAND

Every time you choose public transport, you’re playing your part in reducing Ireland’s transport emissions.

Since 2022, the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan has introduced over 180 new or enhanced bus routes across the TFI Network.

8 million journeys were made along these routes last year, connecting towns and villages near you and supporting communities around Ireland to make sustainable choices. It all adds up.

Wherever you’re going, your journey counts.

Sinead’s top picks for instant youth and radiance

TO ACHIEVE the most radiant and comforted skin as we head into cooler days.

Here are my top winter skin saviours, as always please pop into Holly’s Pharmacy on Abbey Street in Ennis, where we will be happy to discuss any skin concerns you may have.

Double Serum 50ml

€105.00

Re nes skin texture and visibly tightens pores. So ens and nourishes. Instantly soothing. Visibly rms, li s, and ghts ne lines and wrinkles. Apply double serum morning and evening underneath your moisturiser and watch the blend of 22 powerful plant extracts get to work!

Cryo - Flash cream - mask €67.00

An intensive moisturising treatment with a unique cooling effect. It reduces pores while improving the skin’s firmness and radiance. Horse chestnut extract boosts the skin’s radiance, while a mix of shea and quinoa ensures deep and lasting hydration.

Top Tip apply to skin as part of your make up prep for the most glass skin appearance!

Multi Active Glow booster €69.00

Apply to the face. Avoid the area around the eyes and lips. Do not expose skin to the

sun directly a er application and apply sun protection during the day. Contains stabilized Vitamin C and AHA.

A beautiful product that will reduce pore size day a er day. is product is sure to get your skin noticed!!

Shake to activate the glow!

Hydra Essential Night Care €51.00

Who doesn’t love to end the day with a com- forting treatment on the skin?

is cream, enriched with hyaluronic acid and organic leaf of life extract intensely hydrates and plumps the skin. At the heart of its formula, the Hyaluronic Power Complex developed by Clarins Laboratories helps boost the skin’s natural self-hydration. Wake up to revived hydrated skin, a gorgeous winter product.

Council hire LDA’s O’Donoghue to speed up housing activation

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AS PART of its e orts to ramp up housing delivery, Clare County Council have announced the appointment of a new senior o cer.

Sinéad O’Donoghue joined the sta of Clare County Council on Monday last (November 10th). She has taken on the role of senior executive o cer in the Housing Delivery, Infrastructure Provision and Land Activation Directorate.

A native of Cork, Sinéad joins Clare County Council from the Land Development Agency where she was a senior planning project manager, a role she was promoted to a er two and a half years as a planning project manager.

Lip Comfort Oil €27.00

We cannot forget our lips in this cold season, this stunning product is a rm favourite in store and is essential for every handbag this season! Apply the lip treatment oil directly to the lips using the applicator for so , precise application. For everyday wear, try it alone or over your favourite lipstick for extra shine. For an overnight treatment apply shade 01 Honey.

As part of Chief Executive Gordon Daly’s vision to activate the delivery of more housing in the county on top of the Council’s statutory obligations, Sinéad’s addition is among the rst signs of the intent at which the Tuamgraney man plans to tackle the housing crisis.

ning policy team manager with West Berkshire Council. She is a chartered town planner and has held a lifelong involvement in camogie serving as a player, mentor and committee member, formerly lining out with Bishopstown in Cork. She is married to Brendan Troy who is now Head of Trade and Investment with Limerick City and County Council, he is a former

footballer with O’Currys. Daly worked alongside O’Donoghue during his time as a Director of Service in Limerick City and County Council when she was working for the LDA. In this time, a dedicated derelict properties team was created, between 2019 and 2024 a total of 326 properties were brought back into use, over 350 applications

were approved in Croí Cónaithe while twelve towns and villages in Limerick were included in a pilot project from Department of Housing contributes €2.5m to proposals with the Council providing €800,000 from its own resources. Six sites in Abbeyfeale are currently being brought back from dereliction using the fund.

All available at the Clarins counter in Holly’s Pharmacy, Ennis.

In correspondence to elected members, Daly outlined, “Sinéad will have responsibility for the Housing Activation brief and brings a wealth of experience to this role”.

Before moving to Co Clare, she had been working in England for over a decade. Among the roles held in the UK include a planning enforcement o cer with Westminster City Council, a strategic planning o cer with Southend Borough Council, principal planning o cer and capital/funding manager with Cambridgeshire County Council where she managed a capital fund in the region of £60m, developer contributions team manager and plan-

ENHANCED DEFECTIVE CONCRETE BLOCKS GRANT SCHEME WALK IN CLINIC

Date: 28th November, 2025

Venue: Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, County Clare

Time: 9.30a.m. to 4:00p.m.

Clare County Council’s Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Facilitator will host a clinic in Clare County Council Head Quarters, Ennis, to support homeowners applying for the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme, as well as those who have already received their grant and need guidance on next steps on the scheme.

The clinic will offer one-to-one assistance, including:

• Help with completing applications

• Advice on required documentation

• General information about the scheme

• Scanning and uploading documents

No appointment is necessary. We encourage anyone seeking guidance on the application process or their grant to attend.

If you cannot attend on the scheduled date and have questions about your application or grant, please email the Defective Concrete Blocks Team at dcb@clarecoco.ie

HOUSING: Sinead O’Donoghue senior executive officer in the Housing Delivery, Infrastructure Provision and Land Activation Directorate

Sinead Walsh

Christmas magic arrives at the garden centre

WE ARE NOW in full Christmas mode at the garden centre, with preparing the most unique and lovely wreathes to add some festive cheer to the season ahead.

With that festive feeling in the air, we are creating the most stunning pots for the front door and there is lots of colour to choose from.

The Christmas trees are popping up in homes and the glow from the light in the evening is lovely.

We customise wreath to suit your taste whether you are going traditional or have a theme in mind this year for your home.

There are lots of special offers in the garden centre. Perennials are on half price so its ideal if you wanted add some to beds or borders.

We are taking care of our feathery friends by offering some bird food and feeder on special offer.

They are such a beautiful sight in the garden and a very therapeutic way to pass some time.

The last of our bulbs are on special offer. most popular is the Mando Daffodil it’s a gorgeous yellow flower similar to the trumpet but a bed of them in spring would cheer anyone up 50 bulbs for €15.00.

Tulips are another beautiful bulb starting flower late spring we have a one called Oriental Beauty and its only 25cm which is ideal for any container or pots.

If you were considering doing a lasagna pot these would look lovely with some blue bell and crocus bulbs.

If you are looking for the perfect Xmas tree we have some in store to give you an idea of size and choice we are taking booking for any larger tree requirements at

the moment.

With the chilly day it’s important to keep path ways clear and swept they can get slippery this time of year with leaves falling off trees. If you are doing beds or borders, we have a nice range of shrubs available and range from low growing like the Hebes to one that can grow nice and big like the Viburnum Tinus which also has lovely white flower this time of year. Wishing you all a wonderful week hoping you get out to survey the garden and continue to plan your next project.

Marie takes over the mantle of Radio One’s new sports show

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SIXMILEBRIDGE’s Marie

Crowe has taken over the reins on RTÉ Radio One’s new sports show alongside Jacqui Hurley.

An award-winning journalist, Marie has commenced presenting the new flagship sports show, Inside Sport weekdays from 6pm as part of Radio One’s biggest shakeup since 1999. Already this week, she has interviewed former Irish soccer international Niall Quinn and outgoing CEO of Swim Ireland, Sarah Keane.

The Clare Echo was among the first to tip Crowe for the role in recent weeks. As a result, the final whistle has sounded on 2FM’s Game on which she fronted for the past seven years, her co-presenters included jockey Ruby Walsh and retired rugby player Donncha O’Callaghan.

She also presents Sunday Sport on Radio One alongside Des Cahill who has family connections to Corofin. Marie has been with RTÉ

since 2016, joining from The Sunday Independent. She recently returned to work from maternity leave after having her fourth child and first daughter, Jessie. She has three sons, Timmy (13), Billy (11) and David (8) with ex Laois footballer Billy Sheehan who lined out with Cratloe in the 2020 Clare SFC.

Earlier this year, Marie was involved in the threepart series Football Families on RTÉ which offered a behind-the-scenes look at Shelbourne FC’s soccer academy, highlighting the hard work involved and pressure put on the young players and their families.

Alongside Mark Tighe of The Sunday Independent, Marie revealed allegations of predatory behaviour and misogyny in Irish women’s football. Girls in Green was a joint investigation between RTÉ and The Sunday Independent, it took the top prize in the sports documentary category at the Gradaim Royal Television Society (RTS) Ireland awards held in March.

Liveline closes for Stockton’s Wing

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THE LIVELINE has closed for Stockton’s Wing. Clare band Stockton’s Wing have been associated with Liveline for four decades. Their tune ‘Over the Moor’ had been the signature tune for the flagship RTÉ Radio One programme until Monday.

Kieran Cuddihy sitting in the presenter’s chair was not the only change noticed by Liveline listeners with RTÉ inserting a “placeholder” as it prepares a new signature tune for the show.

Stockton’s Wing released Over the Moor in their debut album ‘Full Flight’ which was released in 1986.

Ennis’ Mike Hanrahan a founder of Stockton’s Wing said the song was now “iconic” and had been “associated with an iconic show”. He admitted, “I think the time is to move on. We’ve had the tune associated with the shows since Marian [Finucane] was there”.

RTÉ did contact Hanrahan on Friday evening to inform him the tune would be replaced. “We’ve little to complain about. There was seven of us involved. It paid for quite a few dinners and a few drinks over the years, so all good. It’s an old Irish tune, a reel, and then the album we recorded was called Full Flight, and it was probably our most advanced album. We really pushed so many boundaries on the album, and as a result, it flopped, but it is definitely my favourite album, and having one of the tunes from the album last so long in our ears was great”.

He praised RTÉ for the “class” gesture in notifying them in advance of the new show. “The show is very important for Ireland. It’s all about Ireland. And I think that showed with the phone call”.

lRADIO: Marie Crowe and Jacqui Hurley

LNDR can unblock UL and bring plans for University Town back to life

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PLANS for Europe’s first twenty first century university town will remain shelved unless the second phase of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road (LNDR) is brought back to life.

Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Gordon Daly has con rmed he has commenced discussions with senior o cials in Limerick City and County Council to revive plans for phase two of the LNDR.

Clare County Council and the University of Limerick (UL) spent six years working on an application for the South Clare Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) where they identi ed a 300 hectare site that they calculated would create 3,500 plus jobs and generate €1.795bn to the Irish economy annually.

Twelve months ago, UL’s Governing Authority recommended that the application for the SDZ designation to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage be withdrawn.

UL cited “multi-faceted” reasons for the withdrawal, the application had been made to the Department in February 2022. “Among the reasons for withdrawing are infrastructure such as Limerick Northern Distributor Road, alignment with academic programme development at this time, imminent changes in planning legislation and the current governance situation of the University,” Acting President of UL, Professor Shane Kilcommins outlined in correspondence to Clare County Council last November.

Arguing that the SDZ cannot happen without the LNDR “is misleading,” Cllr Michael Begley (IND) argued at the time. “I don’t think the LNDR and UL are inter-dependent. It is misleading to say the two of those should be tied into the other,” he stated. Ex Council Chief Executive, Pat Dowling said in response to his comments, “you are absolutely right”.

However Dowling’s successor, Gordon Daly does

not seem to think Cllr Begley is “absolutely right”. ere is no mention of the SDZ in his seven-year structural plan for the County Council which he unveiled at the beginning of September. e LNDR must be enabled in order to progress the SDZ, he said.

In October, the rst phase of the LNDR linking linking Coonagh to Knockalisheen opened to tra c. Phase two was scrapped by ex Transport Minister Eamon Ryan (GP) in 2022 in favour of increased investment in public transport, including a new train station at Moyross.

Speaking to e Clare Echo, Chief Executive Daly outlined that the SDZ will not progress without the LNDR. “A key enabler of any expansion of the University of Limerick is the Limerick Northern Distributor Road so any further expansion of the University of Limerick or growth of that area is dependent on the Limerick Northern Distributor Road so I believe that needs to be enabled rst, notwithstanding that the proposal hasn’t progressed, there was land zoned in the County Development Plan and has been for quite a period of time and objectives to support the expansion of the University of Limerick on the Clare side, that remains”.

He added, “ e SDZ would have been a vehicle to achieve planning consent in relation to that, while that hasn’t progressed, it

shouldn’t be lost that the Clare County Development Plan is the primary document and it calls out the ability for the University to expand for a range of associated uses”.

Daly con rmed that he has held conversations with his former colleagues in Limerick City and County Council to put new life back into e orts for phase two of the LNDR.

Nothing will change for the SDZ unless there is progress with the LNDR. “I would say a strategic development zone is a planning mechanism, it is a means of achieving planning consent, the objectives of the County Development Plan to facilitate the expansion of the University of Limerick remain, the SDZ not progressing doesn’t take away from the primacy of the County Development Plan and the objective of Clare County Council to facilitate the expansion of the University of Limerick, that can still occur and is occurring but by means of access from the Limerick side so if there is more expansion required on the Clare side and planning applications come in they can be looked at favourably but certainly even with the SDZ proposal the Limerick Northern Distributor Road was always key to accessing those lands, there was also going to be a key enable to it so the initial priority will be to reactivate work on that route”.

UNIVERSITY TOWN: UL aerial view

East Clare

Clare veterinary surgeon awarded Nuff ield Scholarship

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

TULLA’S John Donlon, pictured, has been selected as one of ve agri leaders to receive a prestigious Nu eld Ireland Scholarship.

John is currently a veterinary surgeon specialising in cattle health and welfare with a focus on calves. After earning his veterinary pneumonia. He has worked with Teagasc to improve animal health in the dairy calf-tobeef sector and is a member of the Progressive Veterinary Network, co-authoring a landmark paper on veterinary workforce retention.

degree from UCD in 2018, he completed a production animal internship at the Royal Veter- inary College and later a PhD at University College Dublin (UCD) on housing and calf e

Earlier this year, he joined Atlantic Technological University (ATU) as a Lecturer, contributing to the launch of Ireland’s new veterinary school.

John’s chosen topic for his Nu eld Scholarship research will be “Stopping the brain drain: retaining young veterinary professionals in rural Irish communities”.

e 2026 Nu eld Scholars will conduct their research over the next two years before returning to present their ndings at the 2027 Nuield Ireland Conference.

Top award for Brian Boru service station

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BRIAN BORU service station in Tuamgraney has been named the forecourt retailer of the year.

Top marks went to the Pat McDonagh owned service station at the Checkout National Grocery Retail Awards 2025 held in recent weeks.

Scariff woman Mairead O’Donnell is the manager of the busy East Clare service station.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Supermac’s Managing Director stated, “it was good to see it because there is a great team up there led by Mairead. It is a nice project, it came out very well, I’m delighted with it because Tuamgraney and Scariff is a nice area with nice people, it is great to be able to do something for them. It is a win win situation because we do pretty well on it”.

In November 2023, the Plaza Group which owns Supermac’s acquired the property in an online auction for a fee of €820,000. The property was described as a “substantial forecourt in a high profile location”.

Clarecastle GAA honoured for promoting Irish language

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

CLARECASTLE GAA are the only club in County Clare to receive the Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha (FSMD) award.

proudly accepted the FSMD award, which is part of a partnership initiative between Glór na nGael and the GAA. e scheme aims to increase the use and visibility of the Irish language across clubs nationwide.

Representing Clarecastle GAA, Niall Ó Tuathaigh, Seán Ó Tuathaigh, and Emmet Ó Maoldomhnaigh

Clarecastle GAA are 1 of only 13 clubs which have received this award. is recognition highlights Clarecastle GAA’s ongoing commitment to integrating Irish into club life and nurturing its growth among members and the wider community. Clare GAA was also among ve county boards nationwide to be recognised for their work in fostering the use of Irish. Donal Ó hAiniféin, originally from Lispole, County Kerry

and principal of Scoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg in Ennis, accepted the award on behalf of Clare GAA. In a special family moment, he collected the honour alongside his deartháir, Tomás Ó hAiniféin, who received the award on behalf of Kerry GAA.

IRISH: Members of Clarecastle GAA with the silver FSMD medal [inset image: Donal Ó hAiniféin collecting the award for Clare GAA and his brother Tomás collecting the award for Kerry GAA

Shannon Springs Hotel kicks off the festive season with Christmas tree lighting

SHANNON Springs Hotel brought the spirit of Christmas to life with its highly anticipated Christmas Tree Lighting Event, creating a magical evening for the community to enjoy.

Families, friends, and guests gathered to celebrate the start of the festive season in style.

The evening was filled with joy and excitement as the hotel’s stunning Christmas Tree was lit, illuminating the grounds with dazzling lights and holiday cheer. The event featured live entertainment, including festive music that set the perfect holiday tone, spreading warmth and happiness throughout the crowd.

gift, ensuring magical memories for all. Guests also enjoyed a variety of seasonal refreshments, from warming hot chocolates to delicious holiday treats, all served in the cozy atmosphere that Shannon Springs Hotel is known for.

The highlight for many children was a special visit from Santa Claus himself, who took time to greet his young fans and bring smiles to their faces. Each child left with a festive

The hotel team is thrilled with the turnout and extends a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who attended and made the evening so special.

Owner/Director John Gavin said, “This event is our way of giving back to the community, bringing people together to share in the magic of Christmas.”

Shannon Springs Hotel looks forward to continuing its tradition of spreading festive cheer and wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday season.

Stay tuned for more exciting events in the weeks ahead!

SHANNON SPRINGS (far left) Sinead Gavin with children Zoey and Oran. Also

The people of Shannon enjoy the festivities provided by Shannon

Photos by: Natasha Barton.

John and Sinead Gavin with children Zoey and Oran in Santa’s Grotto All photos by: Tom Micks

Shannon

Shannon to put community creativity centre stage with new Arts Council funding

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THE ARTS Council has awarded Creative Places funding to Shannon, as part of a €1,097,000 national investment in communities across Ireland for 2025.

Creative Places, established in 2020, invests in people and places around Ireland that have not previously bene ted from sustained investment in the arts. To date, €5 million has been invested in 19 communities, reaching more than 125,000 people.

Shannon is one of three Creative Places to move from research and development to a three-year programme phase in 2025, each receiving €310,000.

From theatre and visual arts to music, lm and storytelling, Shannon’s Creative Places programme will build on the town’s dynamic creative energy. e

initiative aims to connect residents, artists and local organisations, using the arts to explore Shannon’s distinctive identity and create opportunities for participation across generations.

Working with community partners, the programme will pair experienced practitioners with rst-time participants through mentoring and training. e focus is on lasting impact, building skills and con dence that celebrate creativity in the town.

Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport commented:

“Creative Places brings the arts into the heart of communities where sustained opportunities have been limited. e impact is clear—building con dence, wellbeing and local pride, and helping people see their places in new and inspiring ways through creativity.”

Clarecare to begin construction on Community Care Centre in Shannon

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARECARE is to commence construction on a new multi-million community care centre in Shannon.

Located in Tullyvarraga adjacent to Shannon Garda Station, the new facility is funded by Clarecare, alongside Ei Electronics, JP McManus Pro-Am 2022, the Sun ower Charitable Foundation and the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation.

March 2027 is the expected completion date for the centre which will provide addiction treatment services, care of the older person services such as home support, a day centre for over 65s, social work and family support services. A dedicated community space and a thri shop will also form part of the centre.

In 2016, Clarecare acquired the site with plans lodged in December 2024 and granted in August 2025.

Clare-based construction rm Lymar Contracts has been awarded the building contract.

CARE CENTRE: Design plans for new

said construction would “begin in late November 2025. is

new centre represents a major step forward in our mission to provide accessible, high-quality care and support to individuals and families in Shannon and the wider County Clare area. We are deeply grateful to our funding partners and look forward to working with them to bring this vital project to life”.

Clarecare currently lease o ce space in Shannon Town business centre and welcomes the transition to a purpose-built, permanent facility that will enhance its ability to serve the Shannon community. e organisation employs over 400 sta and delivers services in partnership with the HSE, TUSLA, the Department of Social Protection, and other key stakeholders.

Founded in 1968, Clarecare is the largest Clare-based, not-for-pro t social enterprise agency, providing a wide range of support services to individuals and families throughout County Clare. Headquartered in Ennis, Clarecare also operates from local o ces in Bushypark, Kilrush, Killaloe, and Ennistymon.

Maura McGrath, Chair, e Arts Council said:

“Creative Places expands access to the arts and recognises the creativity already present in communities and the value of supporting it to grow. e Arts Council is proud to continue investing in local collaboration, imagination and inclusion through Creative Places.”

Siobhán Mulcahy, Arts O cer, Clare County Council commented:

“Working in partnership and putting people and places rst, this new funding will support artists and local groups to co-create work in the spaces we share bringing workshops, performances and community-led projects into everyday life across Shannon.”

Bóthar na Rinne left ‘in a bad state’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ONE side of Bothár na Rinne in Shannon has been resurfaced with the remainder “in a bad state” according to elected representatives.

In a proposal before the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr James Ryan (SF) asked that “the condition of Bóthar na Rinne be assessed with a view to resurfacing as the condition has deteriorated with many bumps”.

Acting senior executive engineer, John Strand outlined that the Shannon MD will ask Road Design to carry out an assessment on the surface.

“It needs resurfacing, it is in very bad condition in places, I welcome the assessment, it definitely needs resurfacing,” Cllr Ryan told Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon MD.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) stated, “I drive over it quite a lot. One side of the road has been done and the other needs to be done because it is in a bad state”.

CREATIVITY: Siobhan Mulcahy Clare County Arts Office and Katie Lowry Head of Local and Place Partnerships Arts Council

Photo by: Conor Keegan

Bill Twomey, Chairperson of Clarecare’s Board of Directors

North Clare

Lisdoonvarna’s healing waters “damaging to the roads” Councillors demand clarity at Blakes Corner

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ANOTHER judicial review for Blake’s Corner is at risk of being lodged next month, the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District has warned.

“We don’t know what is going on in Ennistymon or at Blake’s Corner,” Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) stated this week amid ongoing frustrations at securing information on a scheme designed to alleviate congestion at the notorious blackspot.

Last month, the High Court dismissed an application to bring a judicial review challenge against the proposed compulsory purchase order for the Ennistymon inner relief road.

As reported by The Clare Echo at the time, this did not necessarily mean a green-light for the scheme to proceed. The scheme includes the construction of a new bridge upstream of the Michael Conway Bridge, pedestrianisation of the existing bridge, and public realm improvements.

Although he issued a public statement at the time describing the High Court decision as “a major step forward,” Cllr Slattery has since rowed back on his optimism surrounding the project.

In a proposal before Tuesday’s meeting of the West Clare MD, he cited the decision when requesting the Council executive to liaise with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and other agencies “as a matter of urgency as to the next stages of the project”.

Such stages include the conclusion of land acquisition, design and construction of the new bridge. He also asked that councillors “be informed and included on every

report on the project and schedule of works going forward” with a monthly update “on the legal position in respect of the judicial Review for Blake’s Corner”.

Senior engineer in the capital infrastructure delivery section of the Council, Morgan Lahiffe said the High Court decision “clears the way for the N67/N85 Inner Relief Road project at Blake’s Corner to proceed. The Council will continue working closely with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and other relevant bodies to advance the next stages of the scheme as a priority”.

Lahiffe outlined that the upcoming phases include the completion of property and land acquisition under the CPO which was approved in June 2022, progression of detailed design work in anticipation of construction stage. “This project aims to improve traffic flow and safety while preserving the historic character of Ennistymon. The existing seven-arch bridge will be retained for pedestrian and public realm use, with enhancements to landscaping, lighting, and accessibility”.

Ukrainian war veteran walks free over stabbing in Lisdoonvarna Direct Provision

by Gordon Deegan

news@clareecho.ie

AT ENNIS Circuit Court, veteran of the war in Ukraine, Petro Drima walked free after Judge Francis Comerford imposed a fully suspended three year and two month prison term on Mr Drima for the stabbing of Ukrainian, Oleksandr Lozyuk at the Burren Hostel, Doolin Rd, Lisdoonvarna on November 28 2023.

Judge Comerford said that Mr Drima of High Street, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo carried out a “pure punishment attack to stab his victim as the man was trying to move away from the scene”.

Mr Lozyuk lived in his own room at the hostel while Mr Drima lived in shared accommodation there.

Mr Lozyuk had left the fight and the altercation but Mr Drima stabbed him from behind in the buttocks.

Judge Comerford said that the injury sustained by Mr Lozyuk “isn’t insignificant – it is quite wide 5cm and deep, 3cm”.

Judge Comerford said that in fully suspending the 38 month prison term, he was taking into account Mr Drima’s plea of guilt, his age, that he has not been in trouble for the past two years since the offence “and he does have obligations to third parties”.

Judge Comerford also took into account the factors of stress that did exist in Mr Drima’s life at the time while staying at the direct provision centre.

Counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL (instructed by State Solic-

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HEALING waters of Lisdoonvarna “is actually damaging to the roads,” the area’s local councillor quipped this week.

Beneficial effects of the mineral waters at the Spa Wells in Lisdoonvarna were first noted in 1751.

For over 200 years the waters that flow from springs in the Clare Shale in Lisdoonvarna have attracted visitors for their curative properties. The waters are rich in sulphur and iron and in 1875 the first bath-house was built. By 1895 over 20,000 visitors were coming annually. The water which flows from the springs has its origins at Slieve Elva, it flows underground through limestone passages until it reaches the Clare Shale at Lisdoonvarna.

Now such waters are adding to the workload of crews from Clare County Council to improve roads in the locality, according to one elected representative.

In a proposal to the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) asked

that the repair and improvement of footpaths and public realm areas in Lisdoonvarna be prioritised.

He wanted particular attention to be placed on Sulphur Bridge junction to “improve safety and accessibility by repairing and upgrading the junction, including clearer signage and pedestrian safety around the bridge”. From Rooska Estate to the town centre footpaths, he asked for repairing and resurfacing of footpaths “to ensure safe and comfortable passage for pedestrians, addressing issues with uneven surfaces, potholes, and inadequate lighting”.

Senior executive engineer in the West Clare MD, Tony Neville stated, “Footpath upgrades/repairs are ongoing at various locations throughout the North Clare LEA at present. Sections of the footpaths from the Rooska estate to the Wild Honey Inn and sections from Sulphur Bridge along the Kilfenora Road are included in our programme of works”.

itor for Clare) Aisling Casey said that the victim in the case, Oleksandr Lozyuk has since died.

Mr Lozyuk’s death is unrelated to the stabbing incident in November 2023.

In evidence, Garda Brion Dolan said that Mr Lozyuk was preparing potatoes in the kitchen of the hostel on the night when Mr Drima approached him.

Garda Dolan said, “Mr Drima asked the injured party for the key to his bedroom so that Mr Drima could bring a lady back”.

Garda Dolan said that Mr Lozyuk “refused to hand over the bedroom keys and there was an argument between both parties”.

After the initial argument, Mr Drima produced the knife where he stabbed Mr Lozyuk in the buttocks as he walked up a stairs.

Garda Dolan said that Mr Drima had arrived into Ireland after he left Ukraine following his discharge from the Ukrainian army on reaching his 60th birthday in the Summer of 2023.

Mr Whyms said that Mr Drima has spoken about the stress of the war including the impact of shelling.

In a Garda interview, Mr Whyms said at the time of the incident Mr Drima said that he was thinking “about Ukraine, my mother, my sons in the war, my life and my soul”.

Mr Whyms said that Mr Drima’s “four sons continue to fight in that war for Ukraine and that causes considerable distress and anxiety in his life”.

Neville added, “Separately, working out of Clare County Council’s Planning, Economic, Rural and Community Development Department, our Town Centre First Team are leading the ‘Lisdoonvarna Square and Environs Project’, which will include Public Realm works. Consultants have been appointed and the project is progressing. Road surfacing at Sulphur Bridge is also included in our programme of works and weather permitting it will be completed by the end of the year”.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the West Clare MD, Cllr Garrihy welcomed “such a positive response”. He said, “safety and mobility around our villages is very important. Sulphur Bridge is in bad shape, the healing waters is actually damaging to the roads,” he quipped. “The Rooska estate is one of the original estates in the town, it is adjacent to a site we’re hoping to develop in the serviced site scheme”. He informed the meeting that Grafton Architects were working on drawings for the town centre and public realm “to lift” and give the town centre “a refresh”.

lCLARITY: Blakes Corner Ennistymon

West Clare

Thought for the week: The Candles of Advent

Vacant parish house to become West Clare Community Hub

Spreading the word of positivity

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

A PARISH home vacant for 16 years and deemed “unsuitable to rent or sell” due to its neighbouring church is to become a West Clare community hub.

Ready or not it is Advent. It began last Sunday and many of us are already preparing our homes and families to observe this season.

e Kilmurry McMahon Parochial House was constructed in 1936 and has been vacant for the past 16 years. It became the Parish’s home a er the original priest house in Sunny Side burned down in the summer of 1932, leading to the development of the Drumdigus site using parish funds.

As the commercial world about us readies itself for the Christmas season we are invited to take a step back and view the bigger picture.

Advent is a season of Hope and we must make it so for our people in need in our country. It is a season full of anticipation and hope.

In September, the Kilmurry McMahon Parish Council applied for permission to change the use of the Kilmurry McMahon Parochial House from residential to a community space. e now conditionally granted hub will consist of a community space, meeting room, kitchen, and o ces.

In my family growing up we always kept an Advent wreath whose four burning candles reminded us of the spirit of the season and served to build anticipation for the coming joy of the Christmas celebration.

e 0.157-hectare house features a front recessed porch, a semi-hexagonal bay window, a masonry chimney, and a slated roof. Currently, the inside contains two bed-

Just the other day I was powerfully reminded of the

symbolic importance of the Advent wreath through a beautiful allegory a close friend shared with me.

It goes like this: “For me this is an important reminder that hope is an integral part of our Christian faith. The reality of Christ’s birth reminds us that God has a plan to conquer the pain, sufferings and misfortunes of humanity’s existence.

That plan consists of the birth of the Christ child in a manger over 2,000 years ago. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the “ultimate hope” let us reflect on our own abundance or dearth of this vital virtue. Is our “Hope” candle still burning bright? If so, you may be surprised at how many other candles you can light, and how many lives you can touch. As usual a story might help.

rooms, a kitchen, a living area, a meeting room, two o ces, a utility room, and a boiler room.

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, please remember that Advent matters, because it’s our way of keeping our

With the granted permission, though, the house can expect to change its bedrooms into a pantry and storage area, and its living area into a community space. With the goal to “bring the space back into use for the community,” the Parish are hoping that the house will

eyes and our hearts and our arms all wide open even in the midst of our grief and longing.

Advent is the perfect time to clear and prepare the Way. Advent is a winter training camp for those who desire peace. By reflection and prayer, by reading and meditation, we can make our hearts a place where a blessing of peace would desire to abide and where the birth of the Prince of Peace might take place. Let’s try to make our country a place of love, peace and care for all our people, especially our children and for those who might feel marginalized and alone and afraid. Let’s always make our country a place of Hope and a place where a Prince of Peace may be born....now that is something we can be proud to do!!!

facilitate community events, such as co ee mornings or small workshops/training. Typically, 5-20 people will utilise the building on two occasions per week for 1-3 hours. ey claim, “ e community hub will combat isolation by creating a space for people to gather, share experiences, and build relationships.”

e subject application does not propose any chang-

Amhrán Nua le Phoenix & Wolfe/ New song by Phoenix and Wolfe

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

es or alterations to the protected structure or its curtilage. As a result, the exterior of the house will remain unchanged, with the only change relating to the way the property is used.

‘Slí na Fírinne’ – an singil nua ón duo Éireannach Brasaíleach Phoenix and Wolfe a deir siad atá spreagtha ag leithéidí Clannad, Loreena McKinnett, Gamela, Dire Straits, Lenine.

‘Slí na Fírinne’ is the new single from the Brazilian Irish duo Phoenix and Wolfe which they say is inspired by the likes of Clannad, Loreena McKinnett, Gamela, Dire Straits, Lenine.

Equally inspired by the sean-nós tradition and the Brazilian arrangest and composer Gamela this hotly anticipated Irish language single ‘Slí na Fírinne’ celebrates the connection of two nations dispossessed of their native languages and traditions.

e change of use has been granted under two conditions: at the site will be completed in accordance with the drawings and particulars received by the Clare County Council, and that the applicant will submit a report stating whether the wastewater treatment system is of su cient capacity.

Kilkee’s Nolan appointed Asst Chief of Staff with Defence Forces

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A KILKEE man has been appointed as the Assistant Chief of Staff with the Irish Defence Forces.

Brigadier General Neil Nolan has been promoted as the new Assistant Chief of Staff within the Irish Defence Forces by Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris (FG).

command appointments including the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Battalion and 28th Infantry Battalion. He also served as the Defence Forces Press Officer and Executive Officer of the Human Resources Branch. His overseas experience includes deployments to Lebanon, Chad, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo.

l Amhrán nua le Phoenix agus Wolfe

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?!

Imeachtaí/Events:

St Mary’s Church have a total of 14 existing car parking spaces available for use, which the legal owners, St Flannan’s Killaloe Diocesan Trust, permitted the Parish to use whilst giving permission for the change of use at the end of June. “ e Parish understands and agrees that car parking spaces adjacent to the Parochial House and Church would be available to the new Community Hub for the purpose of ful lling its parking needs.”

Neil is a professional infantry officer with over thirty five years experience in a variety of roles across the Defence Forces as well as deployments with the United Nations, NATO and the European Union.

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

Nolan’s most recent appointment was as Director of the Army Force Design office with responsibility for planning and designing the future structures and capabilities of the Army.

nLUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach nClare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM nCILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm nINIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com nLUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389.

Prior to his current role he served as the Director of Infantry of the Defence Forces. Brigadier General Nolan has served in

His educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce from NUIG, an MA in Leadership, Management & Defence Studies from MU, a MSc in HR Leadership, Diploma in Change and Transformation and a Professional Diploma in Strategy Development & Innovation from the Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, UCD. He is a graduate of the Defence Forces’ Command & Staff Course.

n AN SCAIRBH – Lón i nGaeilge, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé An Gáirdín fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

Goose Breast with Glazed Beetroot and Thyme

INGREDIENTS

For the Glazed Beetroot

n60g butter

n2 shallots, peeled and finely sliced

n500g beetroot, peeled and cut into wedges

n2 tbsp maple syrup

n200ml of water

For the sauce

n1 large shallot, peeled and diced

n250ml red wine

n500ml chicken stock

n2 tbsp redcurrant jelly

n25g butter, chilled and diced

nA few sprigs of thyme

n4 medium sized goose breasts

nOlive oil

nSea salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

Step 1: To cook the beetroot, melt the butter in a saucepan and add the shallot. Cook until softened, but not coloured.

Step 2: Add beetroot wedges. Add water. Reduce until liquid has evaporated. Stir in maple syrup, and a knob of butter, keep cooking and stirring until you have caramelisation.

Step 3: Season to taste.

For the sauce:

Step 4: Sweat off shallots and thyme. Add red wine, until reduced by half.

Step5: Add chicken stock, reduce again by half. Add redcurrant jelly, bring to simmer, whisk in hard butter cubes, take off heat and keep warm. Do not boil or you’ll split the sauce.

To cook the goose breast:

Step 6: Half goose breasts out at room temperature, preseasoned with salt, do not use crushed pepper at this stage.

Step7: Put the goose breasts on a cold frying pan, skin side down. Tip: use grease proof paper, or butter paper between the goose breasts and the base of the pan. Step 8: Fry until you have a nice golden brown colour on the skin. When so, flip over your breast, add thyme, butter cubes and baste your breast, until cooked to your preference. I recommend medium rare. If well done, put into a pre- heated oven at 180 electric until cooked to your preference.

Step 9: Remove from oven, let rest for 10 minutes under a sheet of tinfoil.

To serve:

Arrange glazed beets on dish, slice the goose breast, and spoon over sauce. Recommend serve with apple, potato and sage mash. Enjoy.

COMMUNITY HUB: Vacant Parish home

RONAN SCULLY

Knockanean NS’s building delayed to 2030

by Dearbhla Parry

KNOCKANEAN National School’s new building is now expected to finish in another five years.

The site comprises an active school construction site for Knockanean NS, situated just 4km outside Ennis, which was granted permission in June 2020.

The €6.5m- €7m, 1.34ha site is expected to become a two-storey building, consisting of eight new classrooms, a general purpose room, and ancillary accommodation.

The newly expected completion date for the project is July 23 2030, which was originally expected to finish in February 26 2027.

Senior Architect Carlos Figueira stated that delays came as a result of some rented temporary classroom buildings on site, which the rental accommodation supplier could not remove until August, unexpected large retaining wall structures beneath the existing building, as well as a rock not being identified in the pre-construction site investigation report. These issues “delayed the commencement of dem-

olition works for the main contractor” and “slowed the contractor’s work at foundation formation level”.

From an inspection of the site on October 28, Executive Planner Áine Bourke and Senior Executive Planner Candace Ingram have noted in the Planner’s Report that works have already commenced on site since July 14 of this year. They also noted that substantial works have been carried out with contractors actively on site, machinery operating, and the school building fully demolished.

Plans were first lodged in December 2019 by the Commissioners of Public Works (OPW) in Ireland on behalf of the Department of Education. The development will also involve two pedestrian entrances, two gated vehicular entrances, pedestrian pathways, a bicycle shelter, two ball courts, play areas, and the replacement of the existing gated entrance. Facilitating 24 parking spaces and associated set-down areas, the new school will cater for up to 360 students and 23 staff members, according to a report by the OPW.

Bourke and Ingram claimed that the extension is reasonable and that the development will be completed within the new time frame. They also state that additional or altered conditions are not required for this development.

Since the beginning of the development, students have temporarily moved onto the St Flannan’s College campus. In light of the time extension, Figueira has noted that the students will remain with St Flannan’s as agreed and return to their new school building after the next two school years.

Figueira added that by the beginning of this month, “the project will be 3.5 months into the 20-month contract, estimated to be approximately 20% completion at that point.”

In January 2025, St Flannan’s revealed plans for the development of additional classroom space after welcoming 1,280 students. The new building will consist of six special educational needs classrooms, three science laboratories, and a technology room. Expected to be completed by December, it was largely finished

Temporary fix for Clositer car park as Clare GAA criticised for slow action

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

IMPROVEMENTS were carried out to the Cloister car park over a two-day period last week by Clare County Council with officials in Clare GAA saying it will next year before the tender stage for the overall development is completed.

When a memorandum of understanding was signed between Clare County Council and Clare GAA in February 2024, both parties outlined that development works would commence “in the coming months” before reaching their completion in 2024. Twenty one months on, no such works have even commenced.

Instead, the local authority over the course of two days carried out repairs and levelling works to the existing surface to address issues of localised flooding. “These works were carried out to ensure that the car park is in the best possible condition as we approach the busy Christmas season.” a senior Council official informed elected members of the Ennis Municipal District. Lack of progress with the car park had caught the attention of elected members of the County Council.

At County Board meetings, the matter has been regularly flagged by Kilmihil delegate, Gerard O’Neill, most recently at the September meeting.

Responding to O’Neill’s latest query on when the development of the Cloister car park will be completed, Clare GAA Chairman Kieran Keating stated, “the Council has reached the tender process stage but it will be next year before it is competed. When completed there will be close on 200 parking spaces which will be near double what is there at present”.

As part of the deal between both parties, the Council have agreed to lease the car park from Clare GAA, a move which Treasurer Brian Fitzpatrick explained that the provision of a guaranteed recurring income stream “was one of the most important aspects” of the arrangement.

Fitzpatrick outlined “one of our big KPIs was generating revenue from a car park like this and something we could dial into the budgets every year because we know financially that the cost of teams and facilities is going up so this project was a win win in that Clare County Council and the town of Ennis needed parking spaces and for us we could turn this piece of real estate into a revenue generation asset”.

by September and therefore welcomed the 297 students of Knockanean NS, who were previously due to be temporarily located to the St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield GAA club grounds, in time for the school year.

The primary school students bid farewell to their school building in June with a final celebration. “We engaged in many activities to mark our last month in the old school building, before we relocate to the grounds of

St Flannan’s,” said Mr Curran in the school’s summer newsletter, which included decorating the walls with paint and a blessing from Fr Tom, who visited for a special ceremony during the last week of school.

Principal Jim Curran said, “We want to sincerely thank the entire school community for the warmth, support, and memories we’ve shared. While we fondly remember the past, we now look ahead with excitement to beginning another chapter together in our new school grounds.”

Knockanean NS did not comment on the delays when approached by The Clare Echo.

‘Sisters4Sláinte’ marathon run raises nearly €9k

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

FIVE Clare women raised nearly €9000 for Slainte an Chlair through a marathon fundraiser.

Orla Hanrahan of Spancilhil and her four sisters; Fiona Mcarthur from Tulla, Sinead, Deirdre and Emer Connaughton from Glaway partipated in the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon

lFUNDRAISER: Orla Hanrahan of Spancilhil, Fiona Mcarthur from Tulla, Sinead, Deirdre and Emer Connaughton from Galway at the VHI Mini Marathonin May

earlier this year under the banner of ‘Sisters4Slainte.’ The five sisters decided to run the marathon to raise money for Slainte on Chlair. Through an idonate fundraising page the group raised €8,935 for the Cancer support service.

Orla, Sinead, Deirdre, Emer and Fiona recently presented the cheque to Slainte on Chlair.

Ennis

news@clareecho.ie

lDELAY: Knockanean National School

Multi-Award Winning conservationists to lead biodiversity workshop at Slieve Aughty Centre

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

MULTI-AWARD winning conservationists Gilly Taylor and Brian O’Toole of Wildacres Social Enterprise will host a workshop with Centre for Environmental Living and Training.

The session will focus on enhancing biodiversity by creating habitats for native flora and fauna, offering practical guidance for anyone with a garden, larger landholding, or community space.

Participants will learn how to bring biodiversity back through managed rewilding, including where to begin, different approaches to habitat creation, and the wildlife species that can be expected to return. The workshop will include an indoor seated visual presentation followed by a Q&A session.

Wildacres is a multi-

award-winning Nature Reserve and Biodiversity Education Centre located on 34 acres bordered by the Redcross River near Brittas Bay in Southeast Wicklow, approximately an hour south of Dublin.

As an Environmental Social Enterprise, Wildacres is dedicated to biodiversity restoration, protection, monitoring, and education. Their mission is to inspire and support others in making a positive difference for the environment and personal well-being. The centre hosts nature-based tours, workshops, and educational experiences for individuals, community groups, clubs, and corporate teams.

Formerly four fields of heavily grazed pasture, Wildacres has been transformed since 2017 by Taylor and O’Toole into a thriving wildlife haven through the creation of diverse habitats for native species. As a Social Enterprise, all proceeds

and products directly sup

from tours, workshops, courses, and products directly support the Wildacres Nature Reserve Project and its work in biodiversity protection, restoration, and education.

Current biodiversity initiatives at Wildacres include more than 65 wildlife ponds ranging in size from kitchen sinks to football pitches, 8 acres of native woodland, 14 acres of native wildflower and wild grass meadow, a 1-acre traditional orchard and tree nursery, 2 km of native hedgerow, and nearly 1 km of river riparian zone along the Redcross River. Additional projects will be highlighted during the workshop.

The workshop will run from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with a maximum group size of 16. The cost of attendance is €20. The workshop will take place at the Slieve Aughty Centre in Kylebarck co. Galway.

Galway is first official visit outside of Dublin for British ambassador

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BRITISH Ambassador to Ireland Kara Owen chose Galway for her first official visit outside Dublin since her appointment in October.

Ambassador Owen was previously British High Commissioner to Singapore. Her connections with the county are also personal, with her husband, William Tierney hailing from Ballinasloe.

Ambassador Owen was welcomed to Áras an Chontae in Prospect Hill by Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr David Collins (FG), Mayor of Galway City Mike Cubbard (IND), Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally and Galway City Council Chief Executive Leonard Cleary.

Cllr Collins said, “It was a real pleasure to welcome Ambassador Owen to Galway and to remind ourselves of the enduring spirit of collaboration that exists between Ireland and Britain. Such meetings help to maintain existing business relationships and build new commercial opportunities. Galway also shares incredibly strong cultural

and ancestral ties with communities across Britain, and it is vital that we continue to celebrate and remember our shared heritage”.

Chief Executive Liam Conneally commented, “The visit represented

an excellent opportunity to showcase what our region has to offer, cutting-edge companies like Dexcom and Boston Scientific to our world-renowned cultural and educational institutions. The UK re-

mains one of our most important partners, with British visitors accounting for a sizeable proportion of our tourism economy and supporting thousands of jobs across the hospitality and related sectors.

In the post-Brexit landscape, it is now more important than ever to foster these relationships face-toface. Ambassador Owen’s visit enables us to explore new avenues of collaboration that will have longterm positive impacts for both regions well into the future”.

Following her engagements at Áras an Chontae, the Ambassador took a walk through the city and received a backstage tour at Druid Theatre, where she held discussions with its artistic leadership.

She continued to St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church to meet Rev Lynda Peilow and on to the PorterShed for meetings with Galway Chamber CEO Karen Ronan and PorterShed CEO Mary Rodgers and her team.

At the University of Galway, President David Burn hosted a reception and discussions on shared research, cultural collaboration, and international partnerships. Later, Ambassador Owen attended a symposium to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Druid Theatre before travelling to Platform94 for a roundtable with companies operating in the UK market.

f from tours, workshops,

Kylebarck co. Galway. rom tours, workshops, courses,

lBIO-DIVERSITY: Gilly Taylor and Brian O’Toole

lOFFICIAL VISIT: British Ambassador to Ireland Kara Owen pictured at Áras an Chontae with Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally; Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr David Collins; Mayor of Galway City Mike Cubbard; and Galway City Council Chief Executive Leonard Cleary

Gort & South Galway

Thought for the week: Walk in gentle freedom

Spreading the word of positivity

THERE are moments in life when words fail, when our hearts ache under the quiet weight of disappointment, loss, fear or guilt.

Sometimes we smile on the outside while silently wondering if anyone truly sees what we carry. But God sees. And not only does He see, He cares. His heart breaks for every wound that breaks ours. His love reaches into the places we hide, not to condemn, but to heal.

When we finally stop running, stop pretending, and turn toward Him, something begins to change. We discover that the call to follow Jesus is not a call into duty or fear, it is a call into freedom, forgiveness, mercy, hope and healing. But God sees what no one else can. He sees the tears that never fall, the struggles we hide behind our smiles, the ache we cannot name.

Perhaps you’ve walked through seasons when faith felt distant, when prayer seemed to echo into silence.

Maybe you’ve carried regret

for things done or left undone. Yet even there, Christ meets us. He kneels beside our pain and whispers, “You are mine. You are loved. You are not beyond healing.” It is often in those quiet, hidden moments, when tears fall and words falter, that His grace does its deepest work. Healing in Christ is not just physical; it’s deeply spiritual and emotional. It’s the kind that restores what life has broken and breathes life into what grief has silenced. “He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners.” (Isaiah 61:1.)

Some wounds are healed in a moment; others take time. Some scars remain, not to shame us, but to remind us that grace carried us through. Even in our most painful chapters, God is writing redemption. When you open your heart to His love, He begins to replace fear with faith, bitterness with peace, and despair with hope. He doesn’t erase your story, He transforms it.

Healing in Christ is not just physical; it’s deeply spiritual and emotional. It’s the kind that restores what life has broken and breathes life into what grief has

silenced.

Some wounds are healed in a moment; others take time. Some scars remain, not to shame us, but to remind us that grace carried us through. Even in our most painful chapters, God is writing redemption.

Thought for the Week

As your thought for the week, take a few quiet moments to pause in prayer. Ask yourself: What am I still trying to carry alone? Where in my life do I need to experience Christ’s healing touch? Is there someone I need to forgive, including myself?

Then take one small step. Lay that burden at the feet of Jesus. Whisper your hurt to Him in honesty. Ask for His peace. And then look for someone else who might need to feel His love through you.

When Jesus calls you to follow Him, it isn’t into bondage but into freedom, the gentle freedom to be healed, forgiven, and whole.

May we each take that step this week, with trembling hearts, open hands, and eyes fixed on the One who walks beside us to walk lighter, love deeper, and live freer because the One who calls you walks beside you.

Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy ar TG4 san oíche amárach!

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

Scoth an cheoil ó Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy 2024. Beidh ceol ó Johnny Óg Connolly, Clíodhna Costello, Noel O’Donoghue, Cáit Ní Riain, Kate Bevan Baker agus Nick Williams as Quebec sa gclár seo.

TG4, 20:00, Dé hAoine, 21ú Samhain.

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aoin ag 7.30pm lINIS – 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 lLUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh. Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389. lAN SCAIRBH –’Lón i nGaeilge’, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé An Gáirdín

What we’ve learned: wrapping up our home energy support series

OVER the past number of weeks, Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) and Ennis Environmental Action Group (EEAG) have taken a closer look at the energy supports available to people across Clare and throughout Ireland, particularly those who may be vulnerable, on low incomes, or living with medical needs.

We shared vital information here in the hope of reaching as many people as possible. As this series comes to an end, it’s worth stepping back to reflect on what supports are available, and why these schemes matter more than ever.

One of the strongest messages that emerged throughout was that many people simply don’t realise they qualify for help. Whether it’s free solar panels for medically vulnerable individuals, insulation upgrades, energy-saving grants, or targeted supports for older people, these schemes exist to ensure that no household is left behind.

Rising energy prices have put real pressure on families, but sup-

port is available, and in many cases completely free.

Medically vulnerable people face unique challenges, with hous holds depending on electrical medical equipment, whether oxygen concentrators, ventilators, dialysis machines, or other essential devices, cannot risk interruptions or worrisome bills.

That’s why the national solar PV scheme for medically vulnerable people has been such an important development. It provides free solar panels to eligible homes, increasing energy stability and reducing the burden of high electricity usage.

It’s an example of how targeted supports can protect the people who need it most.

Another theme that stood out is the importance of energy efficiency, not just energy aid. Grants that help households insulate attics, seal draughty walls, upgrade heating systems or improve ventilation don’t just cut bills but they improve comfort, health, and longterm sustainability.

Time and again, people who completed upgrades reported warmer homes, fewer damp issues, and lower monthly expenses. These are small changes that make a big difference.

One of the biggest barriers identified has been lack of information or access to technology. Some people assume they won’t qualify or simply don’t know where to start. Others worry about paperwork or online applications, or believe their house is too old, too rural,

or too small to be considered. Yet again and again, we’ve heard that once someone reaches out whether to a local development company, a community worker, a health professional, or even a neighbour the process becomes easier and the path forward clearer.

A powerful takeaway has been the role of community. Energy supports don’t just help individuals they strengthen households, neighbourhoods and towns. When someone gets their home upgrad-

ed or secures support for essential energy needs, their sense of comfort, security and wellbeing increases. And when vulnerable people are supported, the entire community benefits.

Finally, what what’s noteworthy is this: these schemes are here for a reason. They exist because everyone; regardless of age, health, income or circumstance; deserves a safe, warm, energy-secure home. So, here’s the message we want to leave you with:

If you think you might qualify for help, reach out. If you know someone who might benefit, pass the word along. And if you’ve been unsure where to begin, start with a phone call or a conversation. Support is available, and no household should face energy challenges alone.

For anyone needing guidance or help navigating available energy supports, you can reach out to Hannah, Just Transition Officer, Clare Local Development Company.

lSCOIL SAMHRAIDH WILLIE CLANCY AR TG4: Noel O’Donoghue

Clare Taekwon-do master on his battle with prostate cancer

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

A POPULAR Clare man has opened up on his cancer battle – and drawn on his fighting spirit as a Taekwon-do master in his battle with the deadly disease. Tim Forde was accompanied by his wife last October when the surgeon in UHL delivered news the Shannon native had half expected. “He called me into his office - it wasn’t his colleague like the last time - so I said to my wife ‘this is not good’.”

Dad of three, Tim has been at the helm of Ac-

tive Ennis for 15 years, where he serves as general manager of sports and recreation. Known as Master Tim Forde in Taekwon-do circles, the holder of an eighth degree black belt, his dedication to the sport has seen Clare become a leader in the martial art with six Taekwon-do Masters all emerging from Tim’s school.

Speaking to The Clare Echo this week, Tim admits, “I always said, ‘I’m a fighter by nature and I’ll be fighting this just the same way as I fight everything else.’”

In the autumn of 2023, Tim started feeling “something wasn’t

right”. “When I was 40 I researched prostate cancer. I don’t know why but I did. One of the symptoms I found was that you would have difficulty passing water and the stream would split in two. That started for me near the end of 2023 for me.”

In early 2024, a relative of Tim’s rang him to tell him he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. “I was being educated, ironically, at the time by him. Because he was diagnosed, because of my research and because of how I felt, I visited my GP.”

That medical journey would involve his PSA

levels being checked, an MRI, and finally a biopsy before highly aggressive prostate cancer was confirmed in October 2024. Presented with the choice of having his prostate removed or radiation treatment, Tim opted for the latter. Soon after that fateful day, he sadly lost his father and hero Tim who passed away aged 88.

Tim then drew on

his fighting qualities, he recounts, “I said to the doctor at the time, ‘What is it. Where is it. What do we need to do. Let’s get it done...I wasn’t letting this get to me. Like I said earlier, I was a born fighter. I was going to do whatever I needed to do.”

Acknowledging the “great support” of his wife and children, along with neighbours and relatives, Tim began his radiation therapy in February of this year.

“They explained the side effects. Some people experience severe side effects. Tiredness,

you could fall asleep at work. It affects your bowel, your waterworks. You’re basically poisoning yourself when you get the radiation,” Tim explains.

About a month after Tim’s treatment concluded, he recalls being “hit” with the tiredness and discomfort. “It was a rough road.”

Despite the challenging time, Tim continued supporting his students at tournaments and working with Clare County Council, “doing the best that I could”.

Six months later, in September of this year, he received the news that his family had been waiting anxiously for.

“I went to see Dr Mazin [Consultant Radiation Oncologist]. He pulled out the file and says ‘PSA, 0.03. He says ‘you’re in remission, have you any questions?’ And me being me, my first question was ‘what’s the percentage of recurrence’ and he said ‘will you enjoy the moment!’.”

The side effects of the treatment continue to impact Tim however he is grateful that he is now in a position where he has a fresh outlook on life. “A lot of stuff that I worried about prior to this happening to me, I no longer worry about.”

Tim says anyone suffering with cancer should engage with Midwest Cancer Foundation, who supported him on his journey and continue to do so with the Thrive & Survive support course. He concludes, “If you think it’s prostate cancer, get the PSA test. They say the things to watch out for are excessive urination, waking at night to urinate two or three times.

“The most important thing I’d stress, if you’re in this situation, the Midwest Cancer Foundation in Limerick - contact them. They have phenomenal set-up, phenomenal services, and they’ll tell you what you need to know and what you need to do. Definitely,

International Men’s Day

THIS week saw International Men’s Day take place on the November 19, celebrating the positive impact that men and boys have in our families, workplaces, and communities, and raising awareness about the importance of men’s health and wellbeing.

International Men’s Day falls in the middle of November each year, which is also Movember, a month-long global campaign focussed on raising awareness around men’s mental and physical health.

International Men’s Day is guided by six core pillars:

Promote positive male role models:

Highlighting men who embody positive qualities and are making a difference in their communities.

Celebrate the positive contributions of men:

Acknowledging the valuable impact men have on families, communities, and society.

Focus on men’s health and wellbeing:

Promoting general health and wellbeing for men and boys

such as the importance of physical activity and diet, as well as raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.

Highlight discrimination against men:

Addressing the discrimination that men and boys face.

Promote gender equality: Advocating for gender equality, working for a better world for both men and women.

Work towards a safer and better world:

Creating a safer and more positive world for everyone.

Across Clare, men play vital roles in family and community life, in sports clubs, local organisations and initiatives giving their time and energy to help others.

These pillars help us to celebrate men while addressing important issues that affect them.

Men are often less likely to talk about emotional difficulties, attend counselling, or seek help when struggling, and there are greater numbers of male than female suicide deaths both in

Ireland, and globally.

Looking after wellbeing can start with small actions such as staying active, eating well, talking openly to friends and family, and reaching out when life feels challenging. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and support is always available.

Talk to your GP for information or the organisations listed below:

lConnect Counselling a free, confidential phone service for men aged 18+.

Speak to a trained therapist about stress, low mood, or personal challenges, 5pm9pm daily on Freephone 1800 577 577.

lMyMind provides in-person and online counselling, with six free sessions available through your GP via referral. Contact MyMind on 0818 500 800 or hq@mymind.org. This ‘Movember’, please take time to check in with yourself and/or the men in your life, and celebrate the positive impacts they have. See hse.ie for further information on men’s health and wellbeing.

Housing, investment and Shannon estuary top agenda for Clare’s new Chief Executive

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HOUSING, increased investment in Co Clare and harnessing the potential of the Shannon Estuary are among the three goals that the Chief Executive of Clare County Council is targeting success in his seven year term.

Tuamgraney native Gordon Daly took on the role of Chief Executive of the Council in May or a seven year term with the option of a three year extension.

During an in-depth interview with e Clare Echo, the Chief Executive outlined his “three key priorities” for his seven year tenure.

Not alone will increasing the activation of housing deliver more homes for the people of Clare but will work as an enabler, he explained. “I’ve touched on one of them and that is increasing housing delivery but not just that in itself, at the back of that the outcomes I want to achieve from it in addition to homes for people are increased town regeneration, addressing rural depopulation

survive and thrive, they all have people who belong to their place and to return there”.

Daly said increased investment into the county is also to the top of his agenda. “We need continuous investment in the county, the services, the roads and the infrastructure of thirty years ago are very di erent to now and will always need a cycle of continuous improvement, investment in our water services infrastructure, cultural infrastructure, tourism infrastructure, community infrastructure, sports and recreation infrastructure, transport infrastructure, we need continued investment in the infrastructure of Co Clare, that is a priority and it is ongoing”.

Capitalising on the bene ts of o shore energy is a more long-term vision for the Chief Executive. “It is slightly more longer-term, it is one where we need to get some work done or lay the foundations, Clare has a huge opportunity for o shore energy and harnessing the potential of the Shannon Estuary, we are uniquely placed, we’re very di erent to a county in the Midlands that may not even have a coastline, we have a coastline but also

and increased economic development, they are key outcomes but it is that we need to see the importance of housing as an enabler to those, I could say we want to do more on rural depopulation but what is the measure to do that, the only measure is more people and if you have more people you need to provide housing for them or at least the choice, there’s no guarantees that in areas of rural depopulation that people are going to live there but my sense is that they will, people take great pride in place, all parts of Co Clare, we’ve forty six rural parishes, they all have their own identity and their right to

100 kilometres of frontage along the Shannon Estuary, one of the deepest water ports in Europe, I do want us to see some progress in that area, it will be slower than people initially thought but ten or een years doesn’t be long going by.

“We have to put the building blocks in place now that will help with that, an obvious example of that is something tangible like the national secondary road network particularly the N68 from Ennis to Kilrush, we will be making the case for investment in that route for the local and tourist population but also if the Government is serious

about harnessing the potential of o shore renewable energy, we need a really strong road network out to West Clare, in a similar way where there is a Limerick to Foynes motorway being built and a new rail line to there, we need strong infrastructure. Housing as the enabler of the town regeneration, rural depopulation and economic development, investment in Co Clare not just infrastructure but attracting inward investment and continuing to get people to invest in the county and thirdly the unique opportunity for harnessing o shore renewable energy from the Shannon Estuary”.

Clare County County has approximately 1000 employees, he con rmed. When asked if it is enough to achieve his new vision.

“Even with 1000 employees we are one of the largest employers in the county. Like any company, any organisation, any part of the public service you’d ask of course you could always do with more people but it is import-

ant that we are e cient, focused on our priorities but for now we’re working within the numbers we have and we are clear on our priorities”.

Prior to returning to Clare County Council, Gordon spent a decade as a Director of Service with Limerick City and County Council including working as Deputy Director General. “ e importance of communication is really important. at is a real important component of it for me, we are the local authority and we are good at that, we are working with all the key stakeholders and working in partnership with our elected members, our communities, business communities but we are a big organisation so it can be challenging at times. Working in partnership with all the stakeholders that impact on making a better Clare is a priority,” he said of the Limerick learnings he will bring to Clare.

AGENDA: Kilkerrin Battery Fort, near Labasheeda, Shannon Estuary

Nine Clare schools to benefit from Climate Action Summer Works Scheme – Crowe

NINE Clare schools are to benefit from the Climate Action Summer Works scheme, Cathal Crowe TD has confirmed.

The Climate Action Summer Works scheme funds infrastructural developments and upgrades in schools, with a strong focus on sustainability. It allows schools to undertake measures such as insulation upgrades, LED lighting installation, EV charger provision, active travel measures and other climate-focused works alongside traditional maintenance.

The schools who will be in receipt of the scheme in the summer of 2026 include:

lThe Holy Family Junior School, Ennis (Climate Action & Curricular Requirements)

lMiltown Malbay NS (External Environment Projects)

New Quay NS (External Environment Projects)

lConvent of Mercy NS, Kilrush (Climate Action & Roof Works)

lKilmurry McMahon NS (Climate Action & Windows Projects)

lColáiste Mhuire, Ennis (Climate Action & Roof Works)

lSt Joseph’s Secondary School, Miltown Malbay (Climate Action & Mechanical Works)

lScariff Community College (Climate Action & Science Labs)

lSt Anne’s Community College, Killaloe (Climate Action & Science Labs)

According to Deputy Crowe “This is very welcome investment in these nine schools and has long been called for. I have worked closely with a number of these schools in getting their application for works across the line and I thank Minister for Education, Helen McEntee, for approving these projects today.

“These works, which are typically carried out during the summer holidays, will have a very real impact in a number of ways. It will allow the expansion of teaching and

learning for those who will have new science equipment and learning spaces, and it will be of huge benefit to the school communities who will now have warmer classrooms due to new and more energy efficient roofs, windows and other energy preserving measures.

“The investment in today’s science laboratory refurbishments, to which €30m has been allocated nationwide, supports the roll-out of the new leaving certificate curriculum which aims to ensure that students are equipped with the skills and competencies they need to thrive after they finish school.

“This is the first tranche of project approvals to be made under this Government and I will be pushing very hard for a number of other projects in other schools around Clare to be top of the priority for the next round of allocations.”

lCLIMATE ACTION: 9 Clare schools to receive EV chargers as part of Climate Action Summer Works Scheme

Arts & Culture

The Ennis players mark 40 years of Supper Theater at The Old Ground Hotel

by LISA MULLALY lisa@clareecho.ie

THE ENNIS Players drama group will host the 40th instalment of the groups Supper eatre Event.

e annual performance has become a signi cant date in Clare’s holiday calendar for many patrons.

is year’s Supper eatre will include two short plays and a revamp of the groups all Ireland winning one act play “ e Dandy Dolls” directed by Geraldine Greene.

e Ennis Players won the All-Ireland One Act Festival with ‘ e Dandy Dolls’ in 2004. To mark this anniversary the group has decided to bring the award winning show back with the origi-

nal cast reprising their roles.

‘ e Dandy Dolls’ is a 90 minute one act play which follows Roger Carmody, a man who spends his days making Dandy Dolls. When he isn’t making Dandy Dolls, he’s out stealing his neighbour’s poultry. Every time he completes a doll it is stolen by the Hag’s son and

he has to begin all over again. A visit from the mysterious Grey Man, who takes interest in the dolls, seems to herald a change in Roger’s fortunes.

e short play which will open this year’s Supper theatre is ‘Emotional Baggage’ written by Nina Shengold. Directed by Sinéad Clancy the play is a witty

character driven comedy.

Following ‘Emotional Baggage’ will be ‘Nagin’ written by Sine Friel directed by Michelle Kelly. e play is a short sketch style comedy. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community Michelle wanted to take this opportunity to create a space to present queer relationships on stage. With permission from the writer Michelle has recast the play to include two lesbian couples.

Tickets for Supper eatre are available through the glór box o ce or at https:// glor.ie/ennis-players-40th-supper-theatre/. Supper eatre will once again take place in e Old Ground Hotel from Monday November 24 to Friday November 38 with each performance starting at 8pm.

‘In The Air’ launch for 15 years of Inis Creative Writers Group

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

INIS CREATIVE Writers Group (ICWG) celebrates fifteen-years anniversary with the launch of their second Anthology, ‘In The Air’.

The launch will take place in the group’s base at Easi Artists Studios, Tobarteascáin, Ennis on Wednesday November 26.

The book consists of a selection of work from members of the writing group each reflecting their own style of writing.

The cover art of the anthology includes an image of dandelion seeds. The image and title references the groups journey and the blossoming of Inis Creative Writers Group where it landed.

From its inception in 2010 ICWG has been a life-line to many writers who attended the beloved round room hub by the river Fergus at The Rowan Tree Café Bar in Ennis and now frequent Easi Artists Studios.

The group facilitates public readings at intervals and encourages collaborations with other groups. They have been involved with The Clare Poetry Collective (CPC), The Ennis Book Club Festival, Ennis Street Art Festival, The Record Break Café, The Muxz ensemble, Culture Night and Easi Studios Arts Nights over the years.

The group was forced to suspend activities in March 2020 when their base closed due to Covid-19 pandemic considerations.

A few members held Zoom meetings that kept the ICWG flame lit. When the comrades reemerged, in September 2022, to restart meetings, the sad news broke that their cherished base was permanently closed.

A space was rented in the Studio Theatre at glór for a time and St Columba’s Church for another period until a more permanent base was found at Easi Artists Studios in Tobarteascáin.

From this base the group offers weekly meetings every Wednesday for 6:30pm-8:30pm for writers working in all genres, where members share their work. Once a month there is a workshop for members which is facilitated by various members. This takes place on the last Wednesday of every month. In addition to this there is a monthly ‘Round Table’, novelists support group on another evening.

In this setting, members have performed at Ennis Arts Nights and Culture Night readings organised by DnA Productions (2023, 2024).

Many members have published and launched their work while attending the inspiring and supportive weekly meetings.

DANDY DOLLS: Ennis Players members at the Dress rehearsal for ‘The Dandy Dolls’

Business

Asba Meats directors move to address all liabilities after receiver steps down

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

DIRECTORS of Shannon based Halal meat operator, Asba Meats are taking the necessary steps to place the company in a position to address all outstanding liabilities.

That is according to solicitor for Asba Meats, Colum Doherty who was commenting after documents lodged with the Companies Office show that Deloitte’s John Quinlan and James Anderson have ceased to act as receivers to the company.

Mr Doherty said that owner of Asba Meats, Tarequr Rahman Khan has stated that there are “no fears of job losses at the moment” at Asba Meats.

Mr Doherty previously confirmed during a court hearing in Ennis that Tuffy Financial Services Ltd had appointed a receiver to Asba Meats in September concerning a debt of around €330,000.

A receivers extract lodged with the Companies Office on November 12th shows that the receivers received a ‘settlement payment’ of €320,000 along with receivership realisations of €100,071.

The receivers’ extract also shows that under the heading of payments out, there was an interim distribution of €173,484 to a secured lender during the receivership.

The receivers’ extract also reveals that receivers’ fees and outlay totalled €54,498 while legal and counsel fees amounted to €60,479. Security fees and outlay totalled €134,546.

The receivership was short-lived as Mr Quinlan and Mr Anderson were only appointed on September 15th based on a debenture entered between Asba Meats and Tuffy Financial Services Ltd from last December.

Solicitor, Colum Doherty had previously told Judge Alec Gabbett at Ennis District Court that he was confident that issues relating to the receivership would be resolved.

Now, speaking on behalf of Asba Meats, Mr Doherty said, “We wish to confirm that, in light of recent progress regarding the position of the receiver, the directors are taking the necessary steps to place the company in a position to address all outstanding liabilities”.

Seoidín wins jewellery store of the year at National Retail Awards

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

CO. CLARE jeweller Seoidín has been named Jewellery Store of the Year at the Elavon Retail Excellence Ireland Awards 2025, the only Clare-based business to receive an award at this year’s national event.

The ceremony took place on Saturday, November 15th, at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny, where more than 500 industry leaders gathered to celebrate excellence in Irish retail. Seoidín’s achievement highlights the strong presence of Clare craftsmanship and retail standards on a national stage.

The award recognises the retailer’s commitment to quality Irish-designed jewellery and its reputation for outstanding customer service.

Retail Excellence Ireland CEO Jean McCabe commended the determination and creativity shown by retailers this year, noting that strong performances from businesses like Seoidín offer confidence as the sector looks toward 2026.

Established in 1997, the Retail Excellence Ireland Awards continue to promote best practice and high standards across the industry.

He said, “Asba Meats Limited is actively working towards the full resolution of these matters with the intention of returning to normal trading and production operations as soon as possible”.

He said, “The directors remain committed to ensuring that all obligations are met and that the business is placed on a stable footing going forward”.

Separately, Asba Meats and Mr Khan are facing court action from Agri-Food Regulator under unfair trading practices (UTP) regulations with 24 summons showing that they owed €576,386 to farmers at the time of the issuing of the summons.

At a hearing of Ennis District Court last month, solicitor for the regulator, Jonathan Moore said that some monies have been paid over “and the total amount outstanding is currently €304,980 according to our records”.

Judge Gabbett has adjourned the cases to February to allow Asba Meats and Mr Khan pay further down the cumulative debt and to indicate their attitude to the summons.

Renewables rising star Patrick Donlon earns National Industry award

TULLA native Patrick Donlon has been named Young Industry Person of the Year at the inaugural Irish Renewable Energy Awards.

Patrick (26), a project manager with BNRG Renewables, received the award – sponsored by Jones Engineering – in recognition of his leadership and ambition as part of Ireland’s next generation of renewable energy professionals.

Patrick grew up on a dairy farm in Tulla and studied at University College Dublin (UCD) before joining BNRG, where he now works on major solar and renewable projects.

Speaking after receiving his award, Patrick said:

“I’m delighted to be named Young Industry Person of the Year. Looking back, I was always fascinated by renewables, even when I was much younger, so I felt great sense of achievement becoming a project manager at BNRG Renewables. What’s really special about working in the renewables industry is that you can always feel a sense of pride in the work you’ve done that day.

“I think it’s really important that the industry continues to attract people from a range of backgrounds; I come from a dairy farm and try to use that background in what I do too, looking at what works in a farm setting. That mindset, about how we can integrate renewables across all sectors, will be crucial to a successful energy tran-

sition.”

The awards ceremony which took place on November 13 was hosted jointly by Wind Energy Ireland and Solar Ireland.

Speaking at the ceremony, Noel Cunniffe, CEO, Wind Energy Ireland, said:

“Tonight marks the beginning of a new chapter in Ireland’s clean energy journey. For the first time, the Irish Renewable Energy Awards bring together pioneers from across the wind, solar and storage sectors to celebrate the people and companies leading the way forward. It’s clear from the people and projects celebrated at the Awards that we have the expertise and ambition to flourish, now we must continue to deliver at scale.”

Also speaking on the night, Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland, said:

“Solar Ireland is proud to stand alongside Wind Energy Ireland in celebrating the people and organisations driving Ireland’s clean-energy transition. The Irish Renewable Energy Awards shine a light on the innovators, communities and businesses behind the projects – the people turning climate ambition into delivery on the ground. This is a hugely exciting time for renewables, as wind, solar and storage reshape our energy system.

lASBA MEATS: recivership steps down

l WINNER: Member of Seoidín team accepting their award

Ex PwC senior partner appointed to Shannon Airport Group board

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FORMER senior partner with PwC, Ken Johnson has been appointed to the Board

of the Shannon Airport Group. Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien (FF) made the appointment which is for a five-

year term.

A spokesperson for the Shannon Airport Group confirmed to The Clare Echo that Ken is a new addition

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

NON-STATUTORY PUBLIC CONSULTATION

CLARE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029

Proposals Requested in response to the NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2025 for additional residential lands to support accelerated housing delivery.

Clare County Council invite the public, landowners, homebuilders and other interested parties to put forward suggestions for lands that are suitable for zoning for residential use (greenfield and brownfield/ infill/regeneration sites) and could meet the objectives of the NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements Ministerial Guidelines in terms of contributing to the acceleration of housing delivery over the remaining life of the Clare County Development Plan i.e. 2026-2029, or in the long term 2029-2039 .

The Ministerial Guidelines on NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements were published on 29th July 2025 (https://www.gov.ie/ en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/ section-28-guidelines-npf-implementation-housing-growth-requirements/)

with the aim of updating development plans to reflect the requirements of the Revised National Planning Framework (NPF) and achieving a significant acceleration in housing delivery. The Guidelines provide for an increased annual housing growth requirement for Clare County Council, and an ‘additional provision’ mechanism to support the zoning of additional lands in areas where it can be justified.

In this regard Clare County Council is seeking proposals for lands or sites within towns (with the exception of Shannon which is subject of Shannon Local Area Plan) and villages as identified in the settlement hierarchy in the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 (but excluding rural sites located in the open countryside) that:

a) align with the strategic objectives for growth as set out in the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029

b) are serviced, due to be serviced or serviceable over the remaining life of the Clare County Development Plan i.e. 2026-2029, or in the long term 2029-2039

c) would contribute to sustainable, compact and sequential patterns of growth

d) would support the development of infill housing, housing on brownfield land or address vacancy and dereliction

e) are located in towns and villages with good social infrastructure and capacity in schools and community facilities.

A submission alone does not guarantee that any land will be included in a potential variation to the County Development Plan to be zoned for residential purposes. All submissions will be considered by the Planning Authority having regard to the proper planning and development of the area. No lands will be zoned purely on foot of this consultation. Lands can only be zoned by way of a formal process to make or vary a development plan. Any lands that are considered suitable for residential zoning that meet the above criteria to achieve the objectives of the Guidelines, following analysis and assessment by Clare County Council, may come forward as part of a formal variation of the Clare County Development Plan in early 2026.

Residential Zoned Land Tax

Landowners should be aware that any lands zoned for residential use may be liable for an annual Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) based on the value of the site. Landowners are advised to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Residential Zoned Land Tax. Further information is available on Clare County Council’s website www.clarecoco.ie

Invitation to make submissions

Submissions, including supporting information, identifying lands that are

to the Board and is not replacing any of their existing members.

During his time as a partner with PwC in Limerick, Ken spent

over 23 years advising senior leadership teams nationally and internationally across a range of sectors.

He has experience in

suitable for zoning for residential use, that meet the above criteria and that could meet the objectives of the Guidelines in terms of contributing to accelerated housing delivery over the remaining life of the Clare County Development Plan 2026-2029, or in the long-term 2029-2039 are hereby invited from interested parties during the period Friday 21st November 2025 to 19th December 2025 inclusive.

A submission/observation can be submitted by one of the following methods:

– In writing to: NPF Housing Growth-Additional Residential Lands, Planning Depart-ment, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare. V95 DXP2

– By email to: devplan@clarecoco.ie. Subject headline should read “NPF Housing Growth-Additional Residential Lands”

In respect of making a submission please note the following:

• Please insert the heading “NPF Housing Growth-Additional Residential Lands” on your submission

• Please make your submission by one medium only i.e. by email or post. This will avoid the duplication of submission reference numbers and will streamline the pro-cess.

• Submissions/observations should include your name and may include address, a map (for identification purposes) and, where relevant, details of any organisation, community group or company etc., which you represent. Clare County Council is sub-ject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act (as amended) and General Data Pro-tection Regulation (GDPR). This processing of your personal data is lawful under Ar-ticle 6 (1)(e) of the GDPR regulations. The Council’s Data Protection Policy is availa-ble on the Council website.

• Please be advised that all submissions received may be published online. You should ensure that no vexatious, libellous or confidential information, including confidential information relating to a third party (in respect of which the third party has not, ex-pressly, or impliedly in the circumstances, consented to its disclosure) is included in your submission. The Planning Authority reserves the right to redact any submission or part thereof that does not comply with this requirement.

• All submissions are subject to the Data Protection Act (as amended) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (as amended) and the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (as amended).

The deadline for receipt of submissions is Friday 19th December 2025. You are encouraged to make your submission well in advance of the closing date. Late submissions will not be accepted. All submissions received during the period stated above will be taken into consideration as part of the process of identifying additional lands for residential zoning, where required. Lands considered appropriate will be included in any resulting proposed variation to the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029, which will be subject to a period of public consultation.

If you have any queries or require more detail, please contact the Forward Planning Section by email at: forwardplan@clarecoco.ie or by phone at 065-6846407/6846451.

Jason Murphy, Director of Service, Planning, Economic, Rural & Community Development. 21st November 2025.

audit, accounting, risk management, and corporate governance. In addition to his client leadership roles, Ken led PwC’s Mid-West Practice. He is also an executive coach, supporting senior leaders and boards in enhancing performance and effectiveness. He has served on the PwC oversight committee.

From 2013 to 2020, he served on the Board of Limerick Chamber of Commerce and is also a past President. He is currently a Director and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee at Milford Care Centre and an external member of the Audit & Risk Committee at iCare Housing.

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ken holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Galway and a Professional Diploma in Business and Executive Coaching from the Smurfit Business School. He is accredited at Senior Practitioner level with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council.

Chair of the Shannon Airport Group, Conal Henry stated, "Ken Johnson is a very welcome addition to our Board. His extensive experience in governance, risk, and leadership development will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve as a Group. Ken’s appointment further strengthens the depth of expertise on our Board, and I look forward to working with him during this exciting phase for The Shannon Airport Group and the wider region”. Sitting members of the Board of Directors include Chair Henry, interim CEO Ray O’Driscoll, employee representatives Audrey Costelloe and Alan Donohoe, market leader with PwC Aisling Curtis, Amrose Loughlin ex director with McCann FitzGerald LLP, former Group Editor-in-Chief at Independent News & Media Stephen Rae, Director of Brand Strategy at X Emily Ross and Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Risk Committee with Vhi Group, Dr Mary Halton.

lNEW BOARD MEMBER: Ken Johnson Ex PwC senior partner

In profile: Clare Business Excellence Awards 2025

e Clare Business Excellence Awards 2025 are coming up on ursday, November 27th. With the awards soon to take place at the Inn at Dromoland, e Clare Echo will pro le all nalists over the next two weeks. Here, we look at 15 of the nalists...

BEO - The Well

Best New Business - Sponsored by Tierney’s; Innovation in Business Award - Sponsored by PTSB; Best Use of Digital Marketing & Social MediaSponsored by The Clare Echo

Best New Business - Sponsored by Tierney’s; Best Café/Bistro - Sponsored by AIB; Best Use of Digital Marketing & Social Media - Sponsored by The Clare Echo

At Óir Tonics, we blend tradition and innovation to cra premium, health-focused products inspired by Ireland’s natural bounty. Our commitment to creativity drives every aspect of our business- from developing unique, functional tonics to implementing sustainable production methods. rough engaging digital storytelling and authentic social media marketing, we’ve built a loyal community that connects deeply with our brand values. As a dynamic new Clare business, we’ve rapidly grown our presence both locally and online, proudly representing the entrepreneurial spirit of the region. Óir Tonics embodies innovation, digital excellence, and fresh ambition- making us the perfect choice for these awards.

Ciara Petty Design Studio

Professional Services Excellence Award - Sponsored by Bank of Ireland

At Ciara Petty Design Studio, we believe good design transforms how people experience a business. Based in Ennis, we specialise in

commercial interiors for the retail, hospitality, food-service, and workplace sectors — creating spaces that are both inspiring and commercially e ective. Over the past year, we’ve helped local brands reimagine their environments and strengthen their identity. Being named a nalist in the Professional Services category is a valued recognition of our commitment to design and collaboration, and we’re proud to stand alongside such talented nalists who represent the best of professional excellence in Clare.

Beo | the well was created to bring people together through connection and community. In just 18 months, we’ve evolved into a vibrant wellness destination that rede nes the café experience — where wholesome food, sustainability, and mindful living meet. We take pride in creating a welcoming space that inspires positive lifestyle choices and celebrates local produce and people. Our innovative use of social and digital media has built a highly engaged community, positioning beo as a trusted voice for wellness and con-

Employability Clare

scious living. beo embodies innovation, heart, and purpose — a co ee house, community hub and café with real impact in Clare.

Professional Services Excellence Award - Sponsored by Bank of Ireland

For 22 years Employability

Clare has supported those with disabilities and longterm health conditions to nd meaningful work. We also help local employers to practically avail of the long term advantages of accommodating employees needs.

We’re very proud to be shortlisted for the Professional Services Excellence Award. Our service com-

bines heart, strategy and serious know-how (including Lean Black Belts and trauma-informed coaching!).

Our team is passionate, our systems are sharp, and our co ee is strong. With a new Communication Liaison O cer on board and exciting growth plans in motion, we are con dent in the bright future of our service.

We’re genuinely honoured to be named a

for

EcoSafe Products

Founded in County Clare over 34 years ago, CCSL has grown from a small local caterer into a national food service partner trusted by some of Ireland’s leading companies. Our story is one of teamwork, creativity, and staying true to our roots. From bringing fresh food experiences to workplaces and rail routes across Ireland to opening new cafés at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and Inis Cealtra, we’re proud to represent Clare on a national stage, where great food and great people remain at the heart of everything we do.

Best Green & Sustainable Practices - Sponsored by Rengen Power

At EcoSafe Products, sustainability isn’t an add-on; it’s our foundation. We supply FSC certi ed, phenol free thermal receipt rolls, o ering safer alternatives to harmful chemicals like BPA and BPS. From ethical sourcing to ful lment by a social enterprise and low carbon delivery with An

Post, every step of our supply chain re ects our values. We’ve recently expanded into non-toxic, nature based products for home, pet and personal care, with more to come. We’re passionate about education and transparency, helping customers make informed, health conscious and planet friendly choices.

CCSL Catering Best SME in Clare- Sponsored by Cup Print

nalist

Best SME in Clare 2025.

Óir Tonics

One-Use Medical: Competing Globally from Ennis. Atlantic Clinical Packaging Ltd. (trading as One-Use Medical), headquartered in the Quin Road Business Park, Ennis, delivers medical and diagnostic products to the Drug Addiction Treatment sector. Established in 2015, the company now employs 10 full-time

sta and exports account for over 80% of its revenue. Supplying 15 countries across Europe and North America, One-Use Medical demonstrates how an innovative Clare-based business can compete successfully on the global stage in the vital area of healthcare and harm reduction.

Temple Gate Hotel

Best Hospitality in Clare - Sponsored by Shannon Group

Situated in the heart of Ennis, Temple Gate Hotel is honoured to be shortlisted for “Best Hospitality in

Clare” and “Best Place to Eat – Best Café/Bistro in Clare” at this year’s Clare Business Excellence Awards.

Known for its elegant

charm and professional service, the hotel blends historic character with modern comfort. From welcoming guest stays to exceptional dining experiences, our dedicated team takes pride in delivering warmth, quality, and attention to detail in every aspect of our service. We sincerely thank our guests and community for their continued trust and support as we celebrate excellence in Clare’s hospitality.

Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations Best Tourism Experience - Sponsored by TUS

Siar Photography Best Micro Business - Sponsored by Clare Local Enterprise Office

SIAR Photography captures Ireland as Gary sees it - original, contemporary photographs showcasing the landscapes, light, and details that make our coun-

try so special. “SIAR” means “West” or “Westward” in Irish, re ecting our roots in Ennis. Founded in 2019 by Aoife Lenihan and Gary Collins, we have grown nationally and internationally, producing high-quality photography prints, cards, calendars, and bespoke collections. Our products are sold through retail stockists, visitor attractions, and our website. Our commitment to Irish-made products, creativity, and customer care has earned us national recognition and a loyal following, for which we are immensely grateful.

Tours Best Tourism Experience - Sponsored

Ollie’s Tours Turns 10!

Next year, Ollie’s Tours is turning 10 years old, and I honestly can’t believe it! What started as me standing at the height in Ennis waiting for tourists has grown into a small but mighty team sharing laughs, stories, and adventures at the Cli s of Moher, the Aran Islands and Ennis.

To top it o , we’ve just been nominated for Clare’s Best Tourism Experience 2025, which feels like the perfect birthday gi !

A sincere thank you to everyone who’s joined one of our tours, supported us, or simply cheered us on

The Flower Den

Caherconnell Fort and Sheepdog Demonstrations are delighted to be a nalist in the 2025 Clare Business Awards.

We love welcoming visitors to Caherconnell and showcasing our unique indigenous experiences - our guided fort tours and sheepdog shows are renowned for being fun, interactive, inspiring and beloved by all ages. We wish all the nalists the very best of luck, we are in exalted company.

over the years. Here’s to another decade of fun, storytelling, and showing o the magic of Clare!

I’m having fun :)

Best Use of Digital Marketing & Social MediaSponsored by The Clare Echo

Social media is an important part of our day from sharing new stock to showcasing the talents of our amazing team. During the recent roadworks in town our online presence became a lifeline,

keeping us connected to our valued customers when they couldn’t reach us in person, both near and far. e recognition alone is huge for us, as we’re a small sh in a big pond when it comes to social media. But being shortlisted among such great local talent means the world, and winning would truly be the cherry on top for our little corner on Barrack Street.

Doolin Ferry demonstrates true Innovation in Business through creativity, investment, and forward-thinking that have powered measurable growth. Our custom-built Cli s of Moher Express has rede ned passenger travel to the Aran Islands and Cli s of Moher, combining unmatched comfort, speed, and sustainability. Purpose-built for the Wild Atlantic seas, its stabilisation system and retractable canopy ensure smoother, all-weather sailings, while advanced emissions-reduction and solar technologies make it the most sustainable vessel on

Ireland’s west coast. Furthering our innovation, we’ve invested in a luxury RIB - making us the only company o ering premium private tours to the Aran Islands and Cli s of Moher. ese pioneering steps have enhanced visitor experience, strengthened our leadership in marine tourism, and driven significant business growth. We remain committed to continued investment and innovation across our eet in the years ahead.

Shannon Estuary Way Retreat & Academy Ltd. has been named a nalist for Best Tourism Experience in the Clare Business Excel-

lence Awards 2025. Nestled along the scenic Shannon Estuary, the retreat o ers

immersive experiences that celebrate nature, wellness, and community. Visitors can enjoy guided estuary walks, mindfulness and creative retreats, and locally inspired food and cultural experiences. e on-site Holistic Training Academy provides worldwide accredited wellness and holistic therapy training, enriching both guests and students alike. is recognition highlights Shannon Estuary Way Retreat & Academy’s dedication to sustainable tourism, wellbeing, and showcasing the unique beauty and spirit of the Shannon Estuary Way.

Restaurant

Here at e Market Bar and Restaurant we are absolutely delighted to be a nalist in Clare’s business excellence awards for Best Customer Service. We believe we deserve this as we consistently go above and beyond to try and create an exceptional dining experience for our customers whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We pride

ourselves in looking a er our customers especially as a small local restaurant and treat all our guests with genuine warmth, professionalism and attention to detail. Whether accommodating special dietary needs or celebrating special occasions our teams dedication to hospitality makes every visit feel personal, welcoming and enjoyable.

Ollie’s

by TUS

Shannon Estuary Way Retreat & Academy Best Tourism Experience - Sponsored by TUS

Atlantic Clinical Packaging Best Micro Business - Sponsored by Clare Local Enterprise Office

The Market Bar &

Customer Service Excellence - Sponsored by Xeinadin

Éire Óg in 'dreamland' ahead of Munster final

MUNSTER SHC CLUB SEMI FINAL

ÉIRE ÓG 2-20

LOUGHMORE-CASTELINEY 1-16 (AET)

Venue: O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

ÉIRE ÓG:

Frees for: 21 (7/9/1/4)

Wides: 7 (4/1/1/1)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 2-6

Top scorer: Danny Russell (1-14 12f 1’65)

Bookings: Aaron Fitzgerald (16), Fionan Treacy (21), Ciaran Russell (32), Darragh Stack (33).

Own puckouts won: 19 from 31 (61%)

LOUGHMORE-CASTLEINEY:

Frees for: 19 (7/6/3/3)

Wides: 14 (3/10/1/0)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 1-9

Top scorer: John McGrath (0-12 5f 2’65)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 19 from 29 (65%)

REFEREE: Nicky O’Toole (Waterford)

QUALIFYING for the Munster club hurling final has left Éire Óg in “dreamland” according to manager Gerry O’Connor.

An extra time victory on Sunday over Loughmore-Castleiney has sent Éire Óg who last month won the Clare SHC for the first time since 1990, into a first Munster final in thirty five years.

It’s been an enjoyable run for all involved, thus far, manager Gerry O’Connor admitted. “It is dreamland stuff, we enjoy doing what we’re doing for the past year and we’ll knock another two weeks out of it”. With the final score of 2-20 1-16 visible in the background as O’Connor gave his reflections on the encounter, he was adamant that the final margin didn’t tell the whole story. “The scoreline didn’t reflect how tight that game was, it was a one or two point game either way, the conditions and

winter hurling turned it into an absolute dogfight, the desire and physicality of both teams was frightening in intensity to watch from the sideline.

“We’re incredibly proud of our all players but our young players yet again, we’ve been talking about building a panel but we seem to get better and get more energy as the game went on, we’re just thrilled.

"We set out here today to come out and do a job, we had targeted as I had spoke all week, we targeted breaking ball and winning the fifty fifty duels but I can’t believe how well we played in the last twenty minutes, the energy and desire we brought was savage”.

Extra time saw Éire Óg hit their stride, they finished with 1-4 without reply to seal the win, Darren Moroney bagging the major while

in extra time overall they outscored the Tipperary champions 1-7 0-3.

Key to the Ennis side taking charge was the manner in which they developed their running game, this also led to David Reidy assisting Moroney for the green flag.

“We got our running game going, we were able to escape their clutches. They are a phenomenally difficult team to play against, you have to see up it close to see how good they are in the air. Noel McGrath and John McGrath caught ball in front of us but once we were able to get our running game going and put the ball out wide, it was very difficult to get ball into Marco (Cleary) and Danny (Russell)”.

Russell was their chief scorer over the hour, hitting an impressive

Mills show 'serious resilience'

“SERIOUS RESILIENCE”

was shown by O’Callaghans Mills to qualify for the Munster IHC club final for the first time - with their manager confident that some call-ups to the Clare hurling panel will follow.

There was a period in the second half of Sunday’s Munster intermediate hurling championship semi-final when the game “could have gone from us but the team showed serious resilience especially the boys at the back”.

That’s according to O’Callaghans Mills manager Sean Doyle as he reflected on the team’s two-point win over Tallow from Waterford at Mallow on Sunday.

Twelve months on from what was a very disappointing day for the club as they were relegated from senior ranks, the East Clare outfit are now one win away from being crowned Munster champions.

They have gone through the 2025 championship without tasting defeat and on Saturday week Doyle and his backroom team of Patsy O’Donnell, Robbie Madden and Joe Cooney will hope to

continue that unbeaten run.

Manager Doyle noted the outstanding performance of Conor Cooney at full back, Cormac Murphy at midfield, Jacob Loughnane “who showed fierce leadership up front”, Gary Cooney “who got three great points when needed” and goalkeeper Killian Nugent who scored “two serious points in the closing stages”.

“Aidan O’Gorman our captain and Cormac Murphy have struggled with injury in recent weeks but they put in some performances”.

Reflecting on the season Bodyke man Sean paid tribute to his clubmate Patsy O’Donnell “who has been with me a lot of years".

He added, "Look the players have driven this. They wanted to get back up to senior. There is some really good talent coming through and there is some great experience there. The Donnellans, Bryan and Pat wanted to give it another go at playing at the highest level. Bryan has struggled with injury over the past few years. He is showing great leadership in this campaign”.

1-14. “Nobody has any idea what Danny has done for this team over the last two years in particular, he has been an incredible leader, he talks when has to talk but he does most of his talking through his hurling,” O’Connor outlined.

Managing the gap of six weeks from their Clare SHC final win over Clooney/Quin worked out well for O’Connor and his management which also includes John Russell, Ronan Keane and Liam Cronin.

“The six week gap was a blessing in disguise, we took two weeks off, it coincided with us getting out to the schools and the Academy closing for the winter. We were able to relax and meet people that we needed to meet with that Cup over that two week period.

MURPHY FIRES MILLS INTO MUNSTER FINAL

MUNSTER JUNIOR CUP

"Then we went back to work for the last two weeks, we’ve been incredibly lucky that we’ve been able to get pitches. Gurteen with Joe McNamara, Niall Tuohy in Clarecastle, Caherlohan Deirdre Murphy, Kieran Keating and Michelle Moroney have been incredible, the amount of people that have gone out of their way and the goodwill to give us pitches to train on over the past four weeks has been incredible, we have to acknowledge”.

Initial preparations had them focused on welcoming their opponents to Cusack Park but a burst watermain in Francis Street led to the fixture getting moved to Sixmilebridge which was not ideal for both sides, the ex Clare joint manager felt.

“I’d say it was a bigger hiccup for Loughmore-Castleiney because they had to kill time on the bus, we just heard 15 minutes before we met and it was easier for us, we just sent lads home for an hour, we dropped an hour off the schedule and in fairness it probably discommoded Loughmore much more than us”.

Fixture details set for Éire Óg & Mills' Munster finals

VENUES have been confirmed for Éire Óg and O’Callaghans Mills’ respective Munster finals, writes Páraic McMahon Éire Óg take on Ballygunner on Sunday November 30th with FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles confirmed as the venue. The game will throw-in at 3pm.

On Saturday November 29th, TUS Gaelic Grounds is the venue for O’Callaghans Mills’ meeting with Tipperary side Upperchurch-Drombane, this game has a 5pm start.

Munster GAA confirmed the times and venues on Monday evening in a statement.

A strong extra time showing from Éire Óg saw them defeat Loughmore-Castleiney on Sunday 2-20 1-16 to qualify for the final against Ballygunner who have overcome Na Piarsaigh and Sarsfields en route to the decider.

Successive wins over Abbeydorney and Tallow have put the Mills in the Munster intermediate final. Upperchurch-Drombane’s only outing of the provincial series was their three point semi-final victory against Ballinhassig on Sunday.

O’Callaghans Mills midfielder Fionn Hickey Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Marco Cleary finds a gap in the Loughmore-Castleiney defence Photo by Gerard O'Neill (inset) the work of Danny Russell was acknowledged by his manager Photo by Ruth Griffin

Photo: David Reidy after Éire Óg's win. Photo by Ruth Griffin

Shortest Clare GAA meeting in decades

by Seamus Hayes

CLARE GAA’s shortest board meeting for many many years was held online on Tuesday evening when there was unanimous agreement on the officers to be appointed to positions on the County Executive.

At the November meeting, the names of Joan Crotty (Scariff), Paddy Smyth (Éire Óg) and Neil O’Brien (O’Callaghans Mills) were put forward to the upcoming Clare GAA Convention for election as Children’s Officer, Planning & Training Officer and Demographics Officer respectively.

Chairman of Clare GAA, Kieran Keating proposed all three and his fellow officers Robert Frost for Crotty, Michael O’Connor for Smyth and Seán Chambers for O’Brien seconded the proposals.

Both Crotty and Smyth are outgoing officers to the positions they have been returned to.

O’Brien announced in the past fortnight he was stepping down as Coaching & Games Officer. He succeeds Patrick O’Connor

of Tubber who was appointed to the new role in April of this year.

Replying to Ruan delegate Michael O’Regan as to the election of Facilities Officer for the coming year, the Chairman said, “it’s an appointed position but I am not sure what the process is. It’s not in our byelaws. We hope that Ambrose (Heagney) will agree to stay on. The process for this one is slightly different”.

Éire Óg delegate Bob Loftus asked the meeting, “can ye look favourably on our request to change the date of the under 21 B football final” to which the chairman replied, “that’s a matter for the CCC and I am sure that they will deal with it”. According to the Clare GAA fixtures list, the U21B football final between Éire Óg and Cratloe is scheduled for Tuedsay evening next.

Shannon Gaels delegate David O’Connell asked the meeting to note that “we have applied for a loan of €22,600 from Croke Park and all the paper work is in order”. This was seconded by Robert Frost.

The meeting concluded after just eight minutes.

At least three new officers

AT LEAST three new officers will join the Executive of Clare GAA for 2026, writes Páraic McMahon

Nominations have been circulated to clubs of Clare GAA with only one contest on the cards for next month’s County Convention. It will be the last Convention of Deirdre Murphy’s tenure as Head of Operations with the ex Clare camogie captain exiting the role she held since October 2022.

Kieran Keating who entered in December 2021 defeated the then incumbent Jack Chaplin to become Chairman will return for a fifth term. The Naomh Eoin clubman has been unopposed in each Convention since and 2026 will be his final year.

Clooney/Quin’s Brian Fitzgerald the Treasurer of Clare GAA since July 2023 is not seeking re-election. Cathal Kilmartin of Newmarket-on-Fergus is the sole nominee for Treasurer. He is a non-Executive Director of Atlantic Aviation since June 2017. With his club, Kilmartin managed the Newmarket-on-Fergus senior camogie side to three county finals in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Bidding farewell for now is ex referee, Neil O’Brien. The O’Callaghans Mills clubman who is viewed by many in Clare GAA circles as a po-

tential future candidate as Chairman but is bowing out from his post as Coaching Officer and the Executive. Taking on the role of Coaching Officer is Fintan Leamy. The Tulla man now attached to the Clooney/Quin club was part of Brian O’Connell’s management team for the Clare minor hurlers crowned All-Ireland and Munster champions in 2023. Another officer with one more year to serve but seeking change is ex Clare U21 football manager Joe Garry. The Cooraclare man is the outgoing Irish and Cultural Officer but is not seeking to continue. Instead he

Exciting U21A final on the cards

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Three weeks after they played a draw in round 2 of the championship Ennistymon and Clondegad will face off again, this time in the final of the Berwick Callinan Murphy under 21 A football championship.

Páirc Naomh Mhuire in Quilty will host the final on Sunday where the throw in time is 12 noon. The winners will receive the John Marrinan memorial cup.

Both survived hard fought contests in the semi-finals last weekend, Ennistymon winning by a point against Kilmurry Ibrickane while Clondegad needed extra time to overcome Cooraclare by two points.

Before a ball was kicked in this season’s title race Ennistymon were on a short list of favourites to win back a title they held in 2022 and 2023. They started their campaign with victory over the title holders St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield before a draw with Clondegad sealed their place in last week’s semi-final.

A final decision on the fitness of their captain Josh Vaughan and defender Daniel Brody won’t be made until nearer match time.

Speaking this week ahead of the decider manager Brendan Rouine said “we knew there wouldn’t be more than a kick of ball between the eight teams in the race, they are all good teams. Clondegad are playing very well, they really hit the ground running, they are the form team in this championship”.

Rouine outlined, “the under 21 competition is particularly important for clubs as it feeds into their adult sides. Look at Kilmurry Ibrickane, they won five or six in a row and went on to achieve notable senior success. It was the same with Éire Óg. Look at what came down the track for them after they had under 21 success”

Clondegad put down a marker as to their intentions when they caused a shock in the opening round when accounting for favourites Lissycasey who lost out after extra time in

last year’s final.

There was no doubting the merit of their two point win on that occasions a win they followed with a draw against their final opponents which they achieved at the North Clare club’s venue.

They went into last week’s semi-final against Cooraclare as underdogs but they dictated matters and deservingly came out on top in a tie that required extra time.

They have played most of the campaign without Cian and Fiachra Kirby due to injury. They started the first round against Lissycasey but have been out of action since and following surgery on their injuries will again be absent.

Cillian Gavin and Dara Kennedy will again be absent this week due to injury. Despite the loss of this talented four, they have deservingly marched to Sunday’s final when they will be chasing a first title for their club at this level since 2012 when their title winning team on that occasion included Tony Kelly who has gone on to claim nu-

merous honours at the top level in hurling.

“This is very important to us, maybe more so than to Ennistymon as they are in finals every second or third year. We are building a team. A lot of players have retired in recent seasons and we are trying to build again”, Clondegad manager Fintan Meaney explained.

Noting that “this team won an under 14B title, beating Miltown in the final and an under 17 A shield at the expense of Kilmurry Ibrickane”, he said “they are now in the under 21 A championship final. It’s all about progress”.

Meaney added, “the lads are giving 100% and they are playing as a unit. Ennistymon were down a couple of boys when we met a few weeks ago. They will have them back and we are likely to be going in as underdogs, It’s all about needing to be able to compete, we are aiming to win and they are in the same boat. A final is there to be won”.

When the sides met three weeks ago both were short key players, Clondegad being down

is one of three candidates for the two Munster Council delegate positions.

Two-time All Star John Callinan who has just completed his first season as Munster delegate faces competition from Garry and Martin O’Brien of Coolmeen. Callinan’s election last December was the only change to the County Executive for 2025.

Leah Talty of Kilmurry Ibrickane who is a primary school teacher based in Ennis at Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg is set to join the Executive as Irish and Cultural Officer.

Former Treasurer, Bernard Keane has served his five year term as Munster Council delegate. The Doora-Barefield man who was team liaison officer for Clare's senior football managers may be headed for a role with Munster Council.

Michael O’Connor (Vice Chairman), Deirdre Chaplin (Asst secretary), Seán Chambers (Asst Treasurer) Aaron Carroll (PRO), Robert Frost (Central Council delegate) are all nominated unopposed for their respective positions. The trio of Ambrose Heagney (safety and facilities officer), Joan Crotty (children’s officer) and Paddy Smyth (planning and training officer) all sit in appointed rather than elected positions.

the aforementioned injured players while Ennistymon were short Sean and Conor Rynne and James Cullinan, who are all available this week and expected to be in the starting line up. Their availability may prove vital but the North Clare side

cannot afford to take anything for granted against a Clondegad outfit that has shown a huge hunger for victory throughout this campaign.

Paudie Considine kicked the winning score for Ennistymon Burren Eye Photography

Fintan Leamy will be elected as the new Games Officer Photo by Gerard O'Neill

AVENUE HOLD OFF LIFFORD & DONS DOWN KILRUSH

BRIDGE & NEWMARKET MAKE LAST SIXTEEN

Hynes strengthens Clare squad for Oscar Traynor semi-final

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

CLARE manager Denis Hynes has boosted his squad for Saturday’s Oscar Traynor semi-final against Limerick Disrict League.

Saturday’s Munster region semi-final sees Clare welcome Limerick District League to Frank Healy Park. Kick off is pencilled down for 17:30 with the visitors carrying the favourites tag.

A hamstring injury kept Avenue Utd midfielder Nnabuike Nneji out of action for the quarter-final victory over Kerry at the beginning of November.

Nnabuike is one of four new additions to the squad and comes in on fine form having been one of the steady figures for his club over the weekend when they managed to hold off a scare from Lifford AFC in the Premier Division.

His clubmate Seán O’Callaghan has also joined the squad. The centre-half won a Connacht Cup during his time with Athenry Utd and scored an all-important goal for Avenue when overcoming Bridge Utd in last season’s title-decider to win what was his first Premier Division medal with the club.

Left winger Jack O’Halloran who was part of the Clare side under Donie Garrihy last year has also linked up with the squad in advance of Saturday’s semi-final.

The Bridge Utd man was a first-choice starter during Garrihy’s tenure and has become a leading figure for his club over the past two seasons.

O’Halloran scored twice for the Sixmilebridge club in Sunday’s win over Grattan Utd in the last thirty two of the Munster Junior

Cup, when introduced off the bench.

Also hitting the net twice for Bridge in their 4-2 win was Conor Whelan.

The former Tulla Utd clubman who previously represented the Oscar Traynor side. He returned to the Clare league in August when leaving Avondale Utd for Bridge.

Shane Cusack will once again wear the captain’s armband for Clare this weekend.

The Newmarket Celtic man is expected to be joined in the starting

eleven by his clubmates Harvey Cullinan and Aaron Rudd. Eoghan Thynne of Avenue Utd and Bridge Utd’s Scott Kirkland will be others looked to lead the way for Clare this weekend.

Also on Saturday, Clare’s youths are in action in the inter-league Munster region semi-final.

They are also headed to Frank Healy Park but have an earlier start of 12:30 when hosting Cork Youth League in Doora.

Third AIL win for Ennis RFC Ladies

ENNIS RFC recorded thier third Energia AIL win with Aoibhín Donnelly crossing the whitewash four times in defeating Cooke by just three points.

Last Saturday in at the Showgrounds, Ennis got their campaign back on track following a couple of difficult outings by accounting for Belfast-based Cooke on a scoreline of 22-19.

Donnelly crossed for her first try after 12 minutes and again at 25 minutes to give Ennis a 12-0 half-time lead, one of the tries being converted by Patricia Coote. Donnelly and Katie Gilmour traded tries, either side of Ilse van Staden’s sin-binning, but the former Ireland

international returned to cross twice late on and give Cooke a battling bonus point.

The visitors had the deficit down to five points at one stage, but Donnelly’s excellent 75th-minute effort –from a Lyndsay Clarke cross-field kick – earned Ennis their third win in six matches since their promotion to the All-Ireland League.

ENNIS: Patricia Coote; Clodagh McMahon, Saskia Conway Morrissey, Saher Hamdan, Aoibhín Donnelly; Lyndsay Clarke, Emily Murphy; Annie Lynch, Aisling Heapes, Ciara Coughlan, Aoibheann Hahessy, Laura Cooney, Sally Kelly, Micaela Glynn (capt), Caoilfhionn Conway Morrissey. Replacements: Caoilinn

Cahill, Saoirse Reidy, Emily Anglim, Eileen Keane, Amy Flavin, Nell Walsh, Emma Keane.

COOKE: Molly Boyd; Elise McDermott, Paige Smyth, Teah Morton, Katie Gilmour; Amanda Morton, Georgia Boyce; Sophie Barrett, Maebh Clenaghan, Shola Iluyemi, Izzy Harris, Emilee Jalosuo, Bronach

Cassidy, Laura Scott, Megan Simpson (capt).

Replacements: Ilse van Staden, Freya Craig, Emily Kingston.

Scorers: Ennis: Tries: Aoibhín Donnelly 4; Con: Patricia Coote

Cooke: Tries: Katie Gilmour, Ilse van Staden 2; Cons: Amanda Morton 2

Referee: Fergal Brislane (IRFU)

For an indepth match report, scan here to visit irishrugby.ie.

l Jack O'Halloran has been added to the Clare squad

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Aoibhín Donnelly sidesteps the Cooke fullback en route to one of her four tries

Photos by Michael Reid SCAN

Dylan Casey scored a free kick for Avenue Utd Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Bridge Utd celebrate Conor Whelan’s goal Photo by Joe Buckley

SCAN

Ladies committee appointed at Ennis Golf Club

by Seamus Hayes

ENNIS GOLF CLUB:

ENNIS Golf Club held its Annual General Meeting where the ladies committee was put in place for 2026. Mary T. McMahon takes over as lady captain from Mary Curley and the committee will comprise Josephine Tone (Hon Secretary), Caroline Magee (Hon Treasurer), Sinead O'Sullivan (Competition Secretary), Peg Hanrahan (HC Secretary) with committee members Patricia Clune, Sarah Connolly Barnes, Attracta Williams and Audrey McEnery. The incoming Lady Captain will announce her vice captain at the captain’s dinner on Friday November 28.

Meanwhile John Lillis is the new senior men’s cap-

tain at the club and he takes over from Tim Scanlon. The incoming vice captain is Michael O Reilly.

Last week’s mixed scramble was won by Margaret Flannagan, Patsy Kett and Paul White with 59 points. They won on a countback from Ethna and Conor Murphy and Noel Pilkington. In third place with 58 points were Joan Murphy, Pat Rutherford and John Kearse followed by Lorraine Barry, Helen Harnett and Jimmy Kearns with 56 points. Winners of the men’s fourball competition were John C. Mc Namara (12) and Flan Glynn (15) with 48 points and they were four ahead of Cyril Corry (13) and David Considine (11). In third place with 42 points were Fintan McEvoy (21) and Padraig Cusack

(14) followed by Leo Herbert (13) and Ger Donohue (14) also with 42 points.

The senior ladies scramble was won by Carmel Verling, Bernie Brooks and Sarah Bermingham from Jean Moloney, Mary Kearns and Una O’Reilly.

The ladies November Spirits competition was won by Ann Pyne Gallery (33) with 30 points and she was one ahead of Monica Finnerty (32) with Mary T. McMahon (13) in third place with 28 po. Ann Pyne Gallery (16) won the 9 hole competition with 19 points followed by Helen Harnett (15) with 18 points, Mary Woulfe (17) with 15 points and Marie Connolly (23) with 14 points.

SPANISH POINT:

Last week’s ladies stableford competition was won

Kilkee owners Browne & McNamara claim big wins

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

KILKEE owners Brendan Browne and David McNamara tasted big wins in Galway and Clonmel. The final of the Irish retired greyhound trust A6 525 yards stake was the feature on Friday night’s card at Galway Greyhound Stadium. As the traps rose, Lissatouk Storm, Glasheen Model and Lexis Sydney were away well but as they closed on the opening bend it was the Brendan Browne of Kilkee-owned Glasheen Model that held the call by over a length from Lissatouk Storm with Lexis Sydney in third out wide. Turning into the back straight, Glasheen Model shot three lengths clear. Turning for home Glasheen Model (Dromana Bucko & Glasheen Covid) looked home and hosed but she was searching for the line late on as Breaghmore Tilly closed to within a length and a half at the line in 29.64.

An S7 graded 350 yards contest kicked off proceedings. As the traps rose the red jacketed Gower Eileen was away smartly and opened up a two length advantage over Croaghill Magic and Calling Bridie racing towards the opening bend. Tracking well out of the back straight the daughter of Ballyhimikin Jet & Tiermana Jetty was in command and though Croaghill Magic finished well the Anne Carey of Cooraclare owned Gower Eileen held on by three parts of a length in 19.64. All six runners came away on terms for the A4 graded affair with Highview Fashion and Notsobadnow disputing the lead as they rounded the opening bend. Railing tightly Notsobadnow took a length out his rivals and racing towards the halfway mark the Going-Well-Now-Syndicate owned son of Ballyhimikin Jet & Raha Gogo set sail for home leading by three lengths at halfway. From the top of the home straight the leader began to tread water but the Declan McDonagh of Liscannor trained runner had enough in hand to score by a length and a half in 29.43.

The opening contest at the same venue on Saturday night’s card was an A7 graded 525 yards contest. Off the home bend it was anyone’s race

by Niamh O’Regan with 25 points from Aine Burke with 21 points.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB:

John McCarthy won the men’s 18 hole singles stableford competition with 41 points and he won on a countback from Alan Neville. John Hayes with 39 points was third while Vinny Derham won the category for handicappers of 20 and over with 34 points. The gross was won by Brian McMahon with 38 points.

The ladies 9 hole turkey/ wine competition was won by Lisa McKnight with 22 points from Julie Fitzgerald with 21, Dolores Fox with 20 and Leslie O’Flynn with 20.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB:

Hotel Woodstock will be the venue on this Friday night at 8pm for a presentation

but the Clare natives John Collins and Albert Long owned Brickhill Robin (Good News & Brickhill Daisy) surged between her rivals close home to score by half a length in 30.20.

After celebrating her fourth birthday in June the Kay Lynch of Quin-owned Cragataska Black (daughter of Skywalker Logan and Drombeg Dancer) scored her seventh career win by four lengths over Lakeside Albert in 29.53.

In the S6 graded sprint contest, Mollys Ambition forced the pace. Racing around the crown of the home bend the Michael Malone of North Clare owned Substance shot to the front on the wide outside and although he took the scenic route turning for home the daughter of Slippery Robert and Be Slow Teresa raced clear to defeat Mollys Ambition by three lengths in 19.40.

At Clonmel, on Friday evening last, there was an eye-catching performance by Castle Tier who is owned by Kilkee’s David McNamara, in partnership with Gavin Tier from Corbally, a daughter of Coolavanny Hoffa and Stonepatk Molly, and trained by Tipperary man David Flanagan, her winning time was 28.98.

From the Cork Greyhound Stadium, Curraheen Park, a large attendance witnessed an excellent night of racing which had the Bar One Laurels as the feature event on Saturday last, it proved to be a memorable night for two Clare greyhounds who graced the winner’s enclosure.

Tiermana Dream impressed all with a 17.51 victory over the 330 yards trip, this was career win number four for the Colm Fitzgerald from Tullabrack trained son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Tiermana Jetty, owned by the Zero Zero syndicate which comprises off Tullabracks Michael and Liam Fitzgerald, Cooraclare’s Joe Kelly, and Nicholas O Dwyer from Quilty.

Highview Ben won the finale or the VHR Syndicate whose members include Seanie McMahon from Newmarket and Clarecastle native Tommy Hegarty. A son of Pat C Sabbath and Highview Ivy, he recorded career win number 14 in 28.58, he is trained by Paraic Campion from Tipperary.

night for Woodstock golf club when the winners of a number of competitions during the season will receive their awards.

Winners include Kenneth O’Malley (April medal), Paul Coote (monthly medal for May and June, the singles matchplay and golfer of the year), Colin Reidy (July medal), Stephen Clancy (August medal), Ken Horgan (September medal), Brian Gilligan (senior scratch cup), Cathal O’Sullivan (intermediate scratch cup) Ross Darmody (Junior scratch cup), Eoin Collins (Minor scratch cup), Robbie Dormer (Michael Cullinan memorial and the club championship), Paul Coote and Adrian Kearney (fourball matchplay winners), Paddy Meehan and Brian Kilker (fourball matchplay

runners up) Cian Ruane (singles matchplay runner up), Tony Neville and Ross Kenny (scotch foursomes matchplay winners), Ross Darmody and Cathal O’Sullivan (scotch foursomes runners up) and Frank Landy (Woodstock masters).

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB:

The ladies Wednesday scramble at East Clare last week was won by Ursula Hogan, Marie A. Kelly and Kay Grimes from Pauline Nugent, Mary Jo Minogue and Mary Brennan.

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB:

This Friday is the closing date for entering the Winter league at Lahinch. The competition will be held over four qualifying stableford competitions which will take place on November 15 and 30, December 13 and January 11.

Golden Gloves for Nash

IN THE first ranking event of the 4-Wall season, Tuamgraney’s Diarmaid Nash got his season off to a flyer, claiming his second Men’s Open Golden Gloves title. Diarmaid defeated Daniel Relihan (Cork) in the final 15-10 15-11. On route to the final, Diarmaid didn’t drop a game, defeating Monaghan’s Oran Kiernan, Gavin Buggy of Wexford and Cork’s Michael Hedigan (who defeated Clooney/Quin’s Sean Coughlan in a Round of 16 tiebreaker). This win moves Diarmaid up to first place on the Irish rankings.

Tuamgraney had further success at the tournament with Daniel Madden winning the 15&U B Boys section. There was further participation with Clare featuring well in the Men’s B grade. Glenn Murray of Newmarket was successful in his opening round with a win over Jack McNeela of Galway but gave way to fellow Galway player Sean Moughan.

Tuamgraney had Tiarnan Slattery and Seanie Doyle also in the same grade with Doyle having the longest route with a round of 32 game. Both ended up meeting in the semi-final where Doyle came

out on top, just being pipped in the final by Peter Reilly of Cavan.

Meanwhile, a festival of Ladies handball took place in Clare last weekend. Munster’s inaugural female targeted tournament was a great success with over 100 players taking part from U11 to adult. There was a large Clare entry and the U11, U13 and adult grades of Mothers and Others doubles and singles taking place in Clarecastle. There was success for Clooney-Quin in the doubles and singles with Sheila Sexton and Rosie Hynes defeating Niamh O’Neill and Julie Tiernan. Sheila was double winner in defeating Julie in the singles final. Claire Minogue won the Ladies Junior over Ashling Fitzgerald. Anne-Marie Fitzgerald was runner up in the O35. Samantha Vaughan won the girls U13 defeating Saoirse Frost of Kilkishen in Final with Ava Considine, Clarecastle defeating Sarah McGrath, Clooney-Quin in B final. Sinead Doyle, Tuamgraney was runner up in U15 final to Molly Joyce, Ballina. Jane Hogan, Kilkishen won the U15B final over Erin Neville, Ballina.

PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

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 e planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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

BALLYHICKEY, QUIN, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Rachel O’Connor & Jim Duignan intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, wastewater treatment system, a bored well and ancillary works at the above address. e planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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, TULLYVARRAGA, SHANNON, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Shannon Athletics Club Ltd.

intends to apply for Permission to construct a running track with ancillary track facilities, changing rooms, enlarged parking area, oodlighting and associated site works. is planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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, SITE NO.4, SPANISH POINT, LEAGARD

SOUTH, MILTOWN

MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that D. & E. Donnellan 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. at the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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 CO. COUNCIL

CLONLARA TLD. CLONLARA, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Darach and Louise Honan intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for development which will consist of the construction of a dwelling house with garage/store, a proprietary waste water treatment system and ancillary site works At the above address e planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the o ces of the Planning Authority

Clare County Council, Áras Contae An Chláir New Road, Ennis Co Clare, during its public opening hours, and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL INISHDEA, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Kevin Donnelly intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, wastewater treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. e planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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 CARROWKEEL, KILSHANNY, CO CLARE. Take notice that Danielle Flaherty and Chris Healy intend to apply for planning permission to build a new dwelling house, install a wastewater treatment system and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. e planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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 CARROWMANAGH SOUTH, KILSHANNY, CO CLARE. Take notice that Sonya O Loughlin and Caitriona Fingleton intend to apply for planning permission to build a new dwelling house, install a wastewater treatment system and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. e planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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.

3 Day Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Never Known to Fail)

Oh, most beautiful ower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity (make request). ere are none that can withstand your power.

Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (Say 3 times).

Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands. (Say 3 times) Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days, and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you.

3 Day Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Never Known

Oh, most beautiful ower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity (make request). ere are none that can withstand your power.

Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (Say 3 times).

Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands. (Say 3 times) Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days, and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you.

to Fail)

JMCN

WORD SEARCH

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

Almanac

Commander

Commandos

Demands

Dismantle

Egomaniac

Germanium

Humanly

Kilimanjaro

Permanent

Romance

Salamanders

Undemanding

HOW TO PLAY

Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the

with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.

1 Pottery oven (4)

3 Endearing (8)

9 Hug (7) 10 Assisted (5) 11 Employees (5)

12 Material for violin strings (6) 14 Young cat (6)

16 Root vegetable (6) 19 Silly laugh (6)

21 Push roughly (5)

24 Go in (5)

1 Memento (8)

2 North African country (5)

4 Soak (6)

5 Cook in an oven (5)

6 Nomadic Arab (7)

7 Terminates (4)

8 Perplex (6)

13 Magnificent (8) 15 Prickly plant (7)

17 Northern Ireland (6)

18 Tyrant (6)

20 Eat gluttonously (5)

25 Feign (7) 26 Cooked egg dish (8) 27 Difficult (4) CROSSWORD

22 Last Greek letter (5) 23 Nought (4)

The Clare Echo Quiz

1. Tony is a teacher in which Ennis school?

Rice College

St. Flannan’s College

Coláiste Mhuire

2. What age was Tony when he won young hurler of the year in 2013?

In 2014, Tony Kelly featured in an ad for which British sports broadcaster?

4. Tony won 2 Fitzgibbon Cups with what college?

5. Although famously hurling for Ballyea, who did Tony play underage football for?

Lissycasey Kilmihil Clondegad

6. Kelly has the record for Clare All-Stars, but how many does he have?

7. Who did Kelly make his senior debut against? Antrim Dublin Tipperary

8. How many appearances has Tony made for Clare at senior level?

9. Which man did Kelly refer to as “like our God” in his victory speech after the 2024 All-Ireland Final?

Ger Loughnane

Brian Lohan Anthony Daly

10. Tony scored a fantastic goal in the 2024 All-Ireland final but in what minute did he score it? 27th 36th

Flannan’s College

Spot the Difference

Last weeks Answers

Enable Ireland - Hazeldene Respite Residential Home Opening Day. Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley (FF)

Photo by Natasha Barton