The Clare Echo 01/02/2018

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editor@clareecho.ie

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1 Feb 2018

West Clare school on Point ELAINE TUBRIDY

S

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

Des McNally with Mia the dog at The Run Clare event in Barefield last Saturday. Photo by Katie McNeill

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T JOSEPH’S Secondary School in Spanish Point is the top performing second level school in Co Clare, according to a new report published by the Sunday Independent.

The report analysed levels of third level placement, with results from over 700 schools across Ireland.

The secondary school sent every single one of their students on to third level education in 2017.

They have consistently sent more than 80 per cent of their students to third level education over the last decade, sending 100 per cent of their pupils on to third level in 2009.

Rice College in Ennis came in second place,

with 99 per cent of their students going on to third level education last year.

Rice College also comes out as the top performing second level school over the last decade, sending 92 per cent of their pupils on to third level.

Colaiste Muire in Ennis is the top performing school in Clare for sending their students to university, with 53 per cent attending uni over the last 10 years.

Dining Out In Clare SEE OUR 12-PAGE FEATURE INSIDE

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

Index GOATS ON THE LOOSE

4

RAIL CONCERNS

5

AOIBHIN GARRIHY

10-11

RUN CLARE

12-13

DINING OUT GUIDE

15-26 29

SPORT MOTORING

33-35

CLASSIFIEDS

37

GET IN TOUCH

Inside The Clare Echo FEATURE: PAGE 10/11

Aoibhín’s top wedding snaps In her Love Clare column this week, Aoibhín Garrihy takes time from her hectic schedule to bring Clare Echo readers her favourite spots in Clare for wedding photos

NEWS: PAGE 8

SPORT: PAGE 29

The good, bad and the unlucky

Match made in heaven

WITH the national hurling and football leagues underway, we take a look at how the respective teams got on at the weekend and look ahead to another busy weekend of GAA action

Clare Echo reporter Elaine Tubridy visits legendary matchmaker Willie Daly at his home in Ennistymon to discuss matters of the heart

RECEPTION

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PLACE AN

ADVERT To learn how we can promote your business call us on 065 671 9021 or email ciara.farrell@clareecho.ie.

l UP THE BANNER: Claire Costelloe, Moira McNamara and Lizzie Roche who travelled from Ballyvaughan, Kilfenora and Carron to cheer on the Clare Footballers Photo by Martin Connolly

€23m for local roads STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

C

LARE’S Independent TD has welcomed the 2018 roads allocation for Clare, which amounts to €23.5mn. Dr Michael Harty said there were a number of infrastructural projects included which are badly needed and he is very pleased the Minister has included them.

Under Strategic Regional and Local Roads, €6.5 million has been confirmed for the Shannon Crossing at Killaloe and €200,000 for the Limerick Northern Distributor Road. He has also provided two important Specific Improvement Grants, €1.25 million for Latoon Bridge near Clarecastle and €150,000 for the bridge at O’Briensbridge.

“While these special projects are most important, I don’t believe the overall allocation will significantly im-

prove the quality our rural roads which are in an appalling state and require a dramatic once off investment to make up for the neglect of the austerity years,” said Dr. Harty.

Local and regional roads in Clare are set for a total 59 per cent increase on last year’s allocation, according to Minister Pat Breen.

Minister Breen added, “I am delighted that Clare will receive €23,537,603 in funding for our local and regional roads, close to a €9 million increase on last year’s allocation. Some €417 million has been allocated for investment in the programme nationally.

“This funding will be used to maintain and improve local roads in Clare.

As our economy grows it is essential that we invest in our infrastructure not only to meet the demands of our expanding economy, but to ensure the safety of our road network.”

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4 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

Rambling wild goat herd make themselves at home

ELAINE TUBRIDY

D

news@clareecho.ie

OG Warden Frankie Coote has confirmed that there is nothing he can do about the wild goats that roam on the area known as “The Rocky” in Ennis.

The herd of roughly 10 goats in total, have inhabited the area for decades.

The herd has drawn attention to itself recently by entering local residents’ gardens and making themselves at home.

Maggie Burke wrote a post on the Ennis Town Forum Facebook page about the issue, stating that she is at her “wits end” with her frequent furry visitors.

“They’re really cute but could they be cute somewhere else?

Haven’t a shrub or tree left with them. They have knocked all my walls,” Maggie commented this week.

The post caused some amusement with goat jokes a

l YOU’VE GOAT TO BE KIDDING: A number of the rambling goats photographed after entering a local person’s garden in Ennis. The herd has been in Ennis for a number of years Photo by Maggie Burke

St Joseph’s is top performing school ELAINE TUBRIDY elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

ST JOSEPH’S Secondary School in Spanish Point is the top performing second level school in Co Clare, according to a new report published by the Sunday Independent.

The report analysed levels of third level placement, with results from over 700 schools across Ireland.

The secondary school sent 100 per cent of its students to third level education in 2017.

They have consistently sent more than 80 per cent of their students to third level education over the last decade, sending all of their pupils to third level in 2009.

Rice College in Ennis came in second place, sending 99 per cent of their students to third level education.

Rice College also comes out as the top performing second level school over the last decade, sending 92 per cent of their pupils on to the third level.

Colaiste Muire in Ennis is the top performing school in Clare for sending their students to uni-

versity, with 53 per cent attending Uni over the last 10 years.

Report contributor John Walshe said that while the study has its value, it’s important to recognise that they are not the most important thing when it comes to choosing a school.

“League tables do what it says on the tin – they indicate how well individual second level schools perform in the college entry stakes. Parents know that they should not judge an individual school’s placement rate on the basis of the results from a single year,” Mr Walshe said.

He also said that families need to look at alternative education options, rather than automatically putting universities at the top of their lists.

“Perhaps in future Irish parents and students will look on further and higher education as offering a continuum of opportunities instead of seeing the options as a hierarchy with the universities as the ideal choice,” Mr Walshe added.

plenty, but some suggested the goats should be shot.

Others suggested rehoming the animals, however due to a number of factors including the risk of disease, Frankie Coote said it’s not as simple as that.

“I have helped over the years with goats that were ill or injured, but there seems to be no major welfare issues with them at the moment. It would be breaking the law to move them,” he confirmed.

The goats are not tagged and are therefore not registered, so it would be difficult for a farmer to take them in as they are not guaranteed to be disease free.

Frankie said that it is up to the Department of Agriculture to deal with the issue.

It is thought that the wild herd were looked after by a woman over 60 years ago, who used to breed them and sell their meat.

At the time of going to press, no response had been received from the Department of Agriculture.

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

Future of rail in Clare faces a new threat

NEWS 5

Ennis to Limerick to be served by bus transfers following flooding ELAINE TUBRIDY

l ON A TRACK TO NOWHERE: Iarnrod Eireann says that they will monitor flooding levels which are ‘continuing to rise’, and apologised for any inconvenience caused. All services between Limerick and Galway will be substituted by bus

news@clareecho.ie

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US transfers between Ennis and Limerick will continue until further notice, according to Irish rail.

The statement comes as the train line was forced to close again over the weekend due to flooding on the track at Ballycar.

A spokesperson for Irish Rail said: “Iarnród Éireann will monitor flood levels which are continuing to rise, and advise customers on likely service restoration dates when flood levels begin to recede. We apologise for the inconvenience caused”.

Flood waters rose to a maximum height of 1.60m above the railway track during some flood events, despite works which saw Iarnród Éireann raise the track level by 60 centimetres at Ballycar in 2003.

In addition to causing disruption to rail services, these flood events also caused disruption to the water supply to Newmarket on Fergus as well as blocking local roads and restricting access to farming lands.

Ballycar Lough and its environs lie within a geological and hydrogeological environment where the underlying

limestone rock and thin covering of soil and bedrock exposure combine to produce a shallow network of springs, turloughs and disappearing streams.

The causes of flooding at Ballycar Lough are mainly the prolonged sustained rainfall in Ballycar Lough catchment and the slow outflow stream of Ballycar Lough located between the swallow hole and the spring.

Those intending to use the Ennis-Limerick service should note that all services between Limerick and Ennis will be substituted by bus, except Sunday 06.50 Limerick to Ennis and

21.40 Ennis to Limerick, which have been cancelled.

All services between Limerick and Galway will be substituted by bus between Limerick and Ennis, with train between Ennis and Galway.

Sixmilebridge Station will have bus transfers to/from Limerick and Ennis, but to a reduced frequency.

Full service www.irishrail.ie.

details

are

at

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NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

Dumping is an ‘ongoing’ issue I NDEPENDENT Councillor Michael Begley has confirmed that his own locality has been a victim of illegal dumping, following a recent spate of dumping around the county.

A bag of household waste was dumped about a mile from his house and is strewn all over the road.

“It’s bad enough getting litter thrown out like that which can be picked up if someone had a mind to do it. But you can’t and you’re not going to pick up household rubbish. It happens regularly,” Cllr Begley said.

Dumping is an ongoing problem in East Clare and tends to reappear in areas that have not been hit for a while.

Cllr Begley added that there have been

l DISGUSTING: Bags of waste found by council workers in Sixmilebridge this week

instances where individuals collecting rubbish and claiming they were going to bring it to landfill have actually dumped rubbish on country lanes.

He pointed out that it’s difficult to prosecute people for dumping, but it can be done.

“Occasionally the council are requested to pick up those bags if they can be picked up.

They usually go through them to see if they can get any evidence, names and documents or that. We have done that from time to time and been successful. Some people get prosecuted,” Cllr Begley said.

A spokesperson for Clare County Council explained there is a dedicated community warden in each of the Municipal Districts who monitor their areas and who also work closely with members of the Council and local communities to address illegal dumping.

Clare County Council uses a complaints database to help identify and address the black spots in all areas of the county.

CCTV cameras are being used as a preventative measure to help deal with litter black spots and any viable evidence collected will continue to be used in prosecuting.

Clare County Council’s Rural Development Directorate provides grant schemes to community groups wishing to undertake improvement in their areas. In addition, the council operates recycling centres and provides 55 bottle and textile banks throughout the county.

For more details visit www.clarecoco.ie.

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

New housing stock essential for Clare

Minister hears of shortage on Clarecastle visit STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

A

N ENNIS building contracting firm has insisted that the quality of new housing stock as well as quantity is essential in meeting Ireland’s housing shortage needs long term.

Managing Director of M Fitzgibbon Contractors, Michael Fitzgibbon, was speaking following a visit by Minister for Housing, Planning & Local Government Eoghan Murphy to the two specially adapted Peter Bradley Foundation homes at Haggart View, Clarecastle, which were built by the Ennis building company with the support of the developer Woodhaven Developments.

The four new homes were built by M Fitzgibbon contractor for people with acquired brain injuries, adjacent to the newly developed private housing estates of Haggart View and Meadow View in Clarecastle.

Mr Fitzgibbon said “It is essential that we not only build more houses, but that we ensure these houses are high quality homes that cater for individuals, couples, families of all shapes and sizes, and people with varying levels of physical abilities.

“In our current developments at The Meadows and Haggart View we like to work with the purchaser to design the internal layout of their homes,” added Mr Fitz-

Resident Martina Shanley with Minister Murphy, Joe Carey TD, Mayor Paul Murphy and Mr Fitzgibbon Photo by Eamon Ward gibbon. “In Haggart View and Meadow Park we have successfully done that to date with 40 families and individuals - some who are looking to buy their first home and others who are looking for a new property for their growing family. Each individual has a need or preference as unique as themselves and it is important that we can deliver on those requirements.”

Inn the visitors good books...

STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

THE Inn at Dromoland has been recognised as a winner in the Top 25 Hotels in Ireland - Family category of the 2018 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice® awards for Hotels, ranking seventh.

Travellers’ Choice award winners were determined based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travellers worldwide. In the 16th year of the awards, TripAdvisor has highlighted the world’s top 8,095 properties in 94 countries and 8 regions worldwide.

This year, the awards celebrate hotel winners in 10 categories, including Top Hotels Overall, Luxury, Bargain, Small, Best Service, B&Bs and Inns, Romance, Family, All-Inclusive and Value for Money. The hallmarks of Travellers’ Choice hotels winners are remarkable service, value and quality.

The Inn at Dromoland is delighted to receive such a commendation as it continues to

cement itself in Ireland as a firm family favourite. With such facilities including a large Indoor Playground, “The Play Inn”, outdoor playground and activities such as Crazy Golf and Foot Golf, along with supervised activities in the evening during Mid Term Breaks and Holidays – it is easy to see why the hotel appeals to families year after year.

The Inn at Dromoland is part of the Dromoland Castle Estate and offers a large selection of room types that suit families of all sizes.

The hotel has undergone a number of refurbishments in the last number of years and continues to invest in improvment.

“This year’s Travellers’ Choice awards for Hotels recognise thousands of exceptional accommodations that received the highest marks for overall experience, including service, amenities and value, from travellers worldwide,” said Brooke Ferencsik, senior director of communications.

NEWS 7

International award for Kilmaley brewery STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

WESTERN Herd Brewing Company, based in Kilmaley, have taken home two awards from the largest beer competition in the world, RateBeer Best for 2017. RateBeer Best compiles millions of beer reviews to report the very best beers, brewers and beer retailers in the world.

BackBeat Witbier won a gold medal ranking it in the top 5 Wheat Beers in the world while their Pale Ale, Siege, received a Silver medal placing it in the top 10.

Michael Eustace of Western Herd stated, “We are delighted with these awards and to be ranked alongside some renowned International Craft Breweries. It’s a great reward for all the work that we have been doing for the last 2 years and especially for our head-brewer Ian Garry.

“We are looking forward to releasing more new beers again this year and starting our barrel ageing programme.”

The beers are now available widely throughout the county including their own brew-pub, McHughs of Parnell Street, Ennis.

Information about Western Herd Brewing Company can be found at www.westernherd.com, facebook, twitter and instagram.

8 NEWS

Clare’s own love guru lets us in on secrets to his Matchmaking success

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

lWORLD FAMOUS MATCHMAKER: Willie Daly with his lucky love book and (inset right) Willie in his younger years

ELAINE TUBRIDY

N

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

INETY PER CENT of rural Irish marriages and babies would not exist if it wasn’t for a bit of Dutch courage, according to world famous matchmaker and all round love guru Willie Daly.

He says Irish fellas are so shy, most of them need a few drinks in their system before they can pluck up enough courage to approach the girl of their dreams.

Just last month, Willie had planned to introduce a lovely West Clare man to a girl in Ennis, but the date didn’t go ahead.

“He would have to drive about 20 miles and he wouldn’t be able to face me or the woman without having a few drinks in him.

With the new drinking rules he decided that he couldn’t and didn’t,” Willie says.

He is adamant that there is a line that is not to be crossed when it comes to alcohol though.

While a few scoops can be an effective catalyst for marriage, too much of it can turn people off each other.

Willie believes the Irish social scene can be very difficult for the reserved, quiet types as the loud music and flashing lights means those looking for lurve have to be lively and outgoing to attract attention.

Much like the displays the birds of paradise create to attract a mate.

“I think they feel that if they’re in there in a very noisy and a very competitive place, I suppose they have to act out of context to be attractive. If they’re not very flamboyant or boisterous they’re not noticed. If you’re a quiet, shy person at a disco I think you may as well stay at home,” he adds.

Willie says that people can become quite amorous at the Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival, with people of all ages falling in love.

He regales a tale of a man in his seventies who spotted a cailín of 18 across the road.

He runs over to her and declares his love for her, saying “where have you been all my life?”

Without missing a beat, she spins around and replies: “Well I wasn’t born for the first 60 years of it!”

The Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival has been running since the year dot, but an additional festival called ‘The Outing’ was created a few years ago for the LGBT com-

My lucky love book is just the trick lBEHIND THE SCENES: Our Elaine with Willie Daly

munity. The first couple of years were a roaring success, but Willie says The Outing has quietened a little since the passing of the gay marriage referendum.

“Since the referendum, the thing is gone smaller. I think they have maybe achieved a goal or something,” he says.

Willie confirmed that he has introduced

lots of LGBT couples, but no marriages have been announced yet.Fingers crossed.

Over 50 years in the business, Willie is as busy as ever. Times have changed and people are living more complicated lives, but ultimately everyone wants to settle down and create a little nest for themselves.

He has noticed that women in particular contact him when they have worked hard at their career and want to meet a partner before the biological baby clock stops ticking.

“More girls who contact me when they’re at a particular place at a particular time at a particular age in their life. They would have worked pretty hard in their career, been successful in many cases, a nice comfortable job, but all of a sudden being married has an important place as well,” he says.

Settling down is just as important to Irish men, who want to find the love of their lives.

“There’s a good percentage that just want to, as their parents did have a girl in their lives, have small children in their house and in their family. It’s a very strong tradition in Ireland which is nice,” Willie adds.

Online dating has become the norm for a lot of people, with apps like Tinder, Bumble and Plenty of Fish exploding onto the scene in recent years.

One would be forgiven that a matchmaker would be opposed to something that would lose him business, but Willie believes that anything that brings people together is a good thing.

He points out that putting yourself out there on a dating platform is not a new concept.

Magazines like Ireland’s Own and tabloid

newspapers have had lonely hearts sections for years.

But the difference with Willie’s service is that you simply cannot beat a face to face introduction for igniting the flames of love.

“When I’d be introducing people I’d like to have that little bit of magic in it that when you see the person coming towards you you’d think God that’s the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. I kind of kept a lot of that.

“Physical attraction is a very big aspect of it. When you see him coming towards you that you become a bit spellbound and you say God he’s lovely and you find it hard not to be looking at him,” he smiles.

So what’s Willie’s success rate?

He says he doesn’t keep track, because it’s impossible to stay in touch with everyone he has matched over the years.

But he is regularly approached by people who have settled down with the love of their life thanks to him.

“I got a letter from a girl a week ago and she told me she touched the lucky book. She thought she would never find anyone and she was in a restaurant and the man next to her came over talking to her. They ended up getting married.

“The book would be an enhancement of possibilities, it’s a lucky love book so when you touch it, it kind of encourages you to put a little more effort into looking for love.

Maybe put a little more trust in when you see someone, you say maybe this is it,” Willie adds.

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

NEWS 9

Having a Merriman time Celebrating love for the Irish language

lGATHERING OF MINDS: Some of the crowd at the Merriman Winter school at the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis on Saturday. Photo by Eamon Ward

lON SONG: Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh singing at the Merriman Winter school at the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis on Saturday. Photo by Eamon Ward

lENJOYING THE EVENT: Máire Ní Neachtain, Leas-Cathaoirleach, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Doireann Ní Ghriofa, Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill and Patricia Coughlan at the Merriman Winter school at the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis on Saturday. Photo by Eamon Ward

lTAKING IT ALL IN: Some of the crowd at the Merriman Winter school at the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis on Saturday. Photo by Eamon Ward

10 COLUMNIST

THE NOTEBOOK

I

T’S BEEN wedding season in Clare over the past few weeks with budding brides and grooms-to-be preparing and planning for their big day...last weekend saw several hotels roll out the red carpet and I had the pleasure of meeting some of the counties best wedding suppliers at the Armada Hotel’s Wedding Expedition. It makes you want to do it all over again! All the wedding talk also inspired this week’s Top Five as we really have some of the best scenery for that all important framer.

Last week marked the 72nd Feile Luimnigh where my own Senior students from the Actors and Reactors

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE lBIG DAY: Armada Hotel’s Wedding Expedition

lWELL DONE: Senior students from the Actors and Reactors School of Speech and Drama in Ennis

CLARE

School of Speech and Drama in Ennis performed very successfully in various competitions throughout the festival doing themselves, their parents and their teachers very proud! The icing on the cake was nabbing the cup for the Under 18 Dramatic Group Scene on Sunday... congrats girls!

John and I joined Maura and Daithi on RTÉs Today Show this week to talk all things Elevate-Rais-

lIMPORTANT CAUSE: John and I joined Maura and Daithi on RTÉs Today Show to talk all things Elevate-Raising the Banner for Youth Wellness

COVET IN CLARE DREAM TEAM I wait for the new Lennon Courtney collection at Dunnes Stores each season with bated breath and it never disappoints. This fresh and light drop print blouse is just one in a range of bright Spring tones sure to banish all remaining traces of the winter blues! €69 available online and Dunnes Stores, Ennis.

ing the Banner for Youth Wellness... catch the full interview on the RTÉ Player. This week I am looking forward to presenting an award at the Xpose/Benefit Awards in the Mansion House honouring a whole host of women and men in the entertainment, beauty and fashion industries.

No doubt there will be plenty of glamour to feast the eyes on...catch the 60 minute awards ceremony on TV3 next week.

PUCKER UP Lips need a bit of tlc this weather, especially with Valentine’s Day just around the corner! Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Lip Balm is one of the best on the market.

Available in most good pharmacies.

GUILTY PLEASURE Staying with the health buzz but want a touch of indulgence with that cuppa in the evening...try Dr Coy’s Coconut Nutritional Chocolate Bar for a little piece of heaven!

Available in most health food stores.

SPRING CLEAN Out with the old and in with the new...before you look to that brand new Spring/Summer collection a wardrobe overhaul may be in order and wardrobe wellness coach Annmarie O’Connor provides all the inspiration you need to remove what no longer serves you. Check out The Happy Closet available in most good bookshops.

COLUMNIST 11

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

lBEAUTIFUL: We are lucky to have world class wedding locations on our doorstep here in County Clare

Top 5 Backdrops for your Wedding P hoto in Clare CORCOMROE ABBEY

1

Set in the heart of the Burren...this early 13th Century monastery in its ruined raw state, needs no embellishment and makes for a stunning majestic setting for your wedding ceremony or that epic photo. You will also capture stunning images on the limestone flags of the surrounding rugged landscape.

2

DOONAGORE CASTLE

Overlooking the Aran Islands and the quaint village of Doolin, Doonagore Castle is nestled on a height and provides a picturesque focal point for a bride and groom taking a casual stroll towards wedded bliss!

CATHAIR, COAST ROAD

3

I always remember seeing this shot and thinking what a beautiful place for a “first look”.

This beautiful couple, Eamon and Cliona, arranged to meet on the Coast Road, overlooking the ocean, prior to the ceremony, to settle the nerves and it made for the cutest picture!

4

CLIFFS OF MOHER

Are you even married in Clare without a token shot at the Cliffs of Moher?! With views this good it’s hard to say no.

Avoid the hustle and bustle of the visitor centre and access the Cliffs from Nagle’s car park in Liscannor. It’s worth the trek up believe me!

LAKES OF KILLALOE

5

Is there anything more tranquil than the stillness of a lake? Arrive by boat and you’ve got “Notebook” romance status right there! Wait until evening for that beautiful light and you’ve got the perfect Kodak moment.

HAPPENINGS

KEITH BARRY’S MAGIC MADHOUSE: If you have not been to see this internationally acclaimed mentalist/hypnotist now is your chance! Promising a death defying finale to leave audiences breathless, Keith will once again blow your mind! Glor, Sunday 11 February, 8pm, €30

NAIL IT I recently discovered a new Irish range of nail care and am 100% sold! Lasting up to a week longer than other gel polish, totally durable with a stunning range of colours, Semilac is my new nail go to! FYI...Frappe is a gorgeous Winter to Spring transitional colour. Available at Bodytreats, Ennistymon.

DOOLIN WRITERS’ WEEKEND: Doolin Writers’ Weekend (Feb 2nd-4th) in association with UL Creative Writing offers and array of workshops, readings, advice from publishing industry insiders, music sessions, open mic and more. Weekend tickets from €99 which include free access to all events, workshops and the opening night drinks reception and readings. See doolinfestivals.ie for more SEAN KEANE HEROES OF THE WATER CONCERT: Join Sean Keane as he performs in the unique setting of Aillwee Cave as he helps raise funds for the RNLI on Friday 9th February at 8pm. Tickets €25 available at aillweecave.ie

12 COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

The scene Run Clare kicks off twitter.com/ClareEcho

facebook.com/clareecho

CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE

WITH more than 1,000 participants signed up for the Run Clare Series, the first edition of this year’s races delivered in terms of atmosphere and fun - as well as tough competitors.

Excitement was building early at registration where the DJ kept spirits high before runners descended on the start line in Barefield.

The starting line of the 5k resolution run was heaving last Sunday morning, with runners, walkers, parents with prams, and children all taking part.

First to cross the finish line was Brian Sexton in a time of 17.47. He finished first in the men’s section, followed very

instagram.com/theclareecho

closely by David Richardson (GoTri Triathlon Club) in second with a time of 17.55 and William McKenna in third with a time of 18.02.

In the ladies section, Madeline Loughnane of Thurles Crokes was first to finish in a time of 19.23, followed by Shona O’Flynn (Dooneen AC) in 19.52 and her clubmate Emer O’Mahony in third place with a time of 21.15.

The Run Clare series continues next month in Lahinch on February 18 with the Lahinch 5 Mile run. For details go to runclare.com or follow us on Facebook.

l WE DID IT: Patricia Breen & Mary Cahir cross the finish line together (below left) Michael McInerney completes the 5K run and (right) Sarah Shally crossing the line

Photo by Katie McNeill Photo by Julie Tillett

COMMUNITY 13

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR: The Collins and McNamara families pose together after completing the race in Barefield last weekend

Photo by Julie TIllett

l ALL SMILES: (top) Sharon Quinn & Roisin O Halloran cross the finish line; (above) The Lee’s Road runners take a well earned break after finishing the first of the Run Clare series; (below) Nicole Cleary is embraced by her biggest fan at the finish line

Photos by Julie Tillett

SUPPORT: Shirley Gillespie, Supermacs Ennis, who are Run Clare’s main sponsor, with some of her staff members who took part in the 5k Run

14 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Author spreading the word of positivity

Always remember to smile

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LINE from one of my favourite songs which was made famous by Louis Armstrong says: “When you’re smiling, when you’re smiling the whole world smiles with you.” Think about that for a moment after you have stopped singing it in your mind and then think about the people in your life you know who have a lot of love in their lives, and recall whether they smile a lot and then try to be one of them! No financial crash or adversity can devalue the power of a smile, and it might be just the stimulus package you or a loved one or a friend needs. You see we are all people in need of help and support a lot of the time on this journey through life. We are not perfect and far from it at times if your anything like me. We all make mistakes. We are only human. We all need grace. We all need compassion. We all need mercy. We all need forgiveness. We all need love and acceptance. We all need help and support at times.

We all need other people. And you know that’s okay for that is what it is to be human. Not every day will be good, but there will be something good about and in every day. Notice it if you can. Ignore the negativity around you. None of us know the exact road we will travel or the trials that will come our way. The secret is to find joy and love in the journey.

The more obstacles you overcome, the stronger you will become. Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, you just get stronger, more experienced and more resilient. Smiling and appreciating each step you take on this journey of life is the best choice. Your positive attitude to life will help you realize that sometimes the bad things that happen in your life put you on a direct path to the best possible things that could ever happen to you. So please smile more if you can. You’d be surprised at how much faster it is to make love happen in your life when you make a habit of this simple physical process of smiling. For a variety of reasons, smiling makes you happier and more open and gives you the appearance of being approachable,

touchable, and lovable, the very qualities you are looking to develop in order to lead a loving and caring life. For me, one of the ways I sense spirituality and compassion in other people is by smiling. Smiles spell love, compassion, mercy, joy, generosity, kindness, warmth, reliability, forgiveness, patience and real-love.

‘God’s love’ is not just romantic love, it’s much more than that, it is a never-ending series of positive, creative, affirming, challenging, forgiving, healing and protecting feelings and actions whose purposes are to promote our sense of well-being for ourselves and others and help’s us to be aware of how God feels lovingly and warmly towards us. A smile is a part of that purpose and is a powerful means of communication. It is made up, not only of parted lips, but also of eyes, which sparkle or weep, eyes, which are full of tenderness, acceptance, humour, forgiveness, love and compassion.

SMILES CHANGE PEOPLE

Many people speak the language of smiles, especially children. I remember the smiles on orphaned and abandoned children in Africa and India where I worked during the last 25 years and the unspoken words of love and appreciation in their smiles is a memory I will never forget. Smiles transform the faces of all people, giving them charm, grace and a beautiful radiance. Such smiles portray the presence of love.

They pour into others a portion of that love. Love and a smile changes people and it encourages them. The value of a smile is priceless, yet it is the cheapest, easiest, most rewarding and most sincere gift to anyone that crosses your path. A smile makes a person’s day, anybody’s day even a stranger’s day. A smile is infectious. Start infecting people with your smile today. Our smile increases our patience, tolerance and forgiveness—emotions that allow for the flourishing of love.

Our smile decreases our anger and irritability, boosts our confidence and reduces our anxiety. Our smile helps us become more lovable

IMPORTANT: Smiling makes you happier

and loving people, better in every way. And because the smile is so powerful and impactful, we should be flashing it as often as possible.

A good smile is God’s gift to you.

It reveals your inner joy. It means that when you are thankful to God you naturally smile. A smile is not just an expression of your joy; but it also helps spread happiness and joy and it changes people and events.

In that sense, if you smile well you are making this world a better place to live in. Imagine, if all the people you met each day would smile. How great would be the sense of happiness it brings to all! A smile, it is said, is of no use unless it is given away. It may just take a few seconds for you to gift a smile to someone.

But the memory of that smile, the cheer and hope it might have given to that person would last a lifetime.

Indeed, the richest man or woman in this world is poor if he or she cannot gift a smile! A smile easily builds relationships. You make strangers your friends through a smile for it is the first step in building a relationship. Above all, you should always remember that smile is God’s unique gift to us. Since people were created in the image and likeness of God, the ability to smile is a God-given gift to us. Like all other gifts God has given us, we should make good use of this gift.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, see what your smile does for you. You might find that you should smile more often and that the power of a smile will work wonders for you and for others. So let a smile be your protection from the despair of life.

As you go through your day, remember to smile. Your smile is a message to everyone you meet that you know the joy of living. Sadly, so many people simply forget to smile as they worry too much about what is going to happen tomorrow. As Mother Teresa said, “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do!” Therefore chose to smile and spread joy all around. And find that “the whole world smiles with you!”

Clare Echo THE

DINING OUT

In Clare TOP DINING OUT SPOTS IN CLARE

FIRST DATE ETIQUETTE Tips from the experts on the dos and don’ts in the world of dating and dining

Reasons to go Vegan

Hungry? Here’s our picks Whether it’s fine dining or a favourite lunchtime joint you’re looking for, we recommend some of Clare’s top restaurants BREAKFAST & LUNCH Astoma, Parnell St, Ennis

Astoma is one of the newest additions to the heart of Ennis and a very welcome one indeed.

This bright and welcoming café & restaurant serves handsome portions and has a great variety on the menu.

You can’t go wrong with the all day brekkie menu, deli bar, and filling delicious meal options such as curry and lasagne, cakes, Serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and coffee.

Peckish, Merchant’s Quay, Ennis

Peckish (left) brings something very unique to the Ennis dining landscape which can be enjoyed by everyone.

Beautifully presented and delicious daily specials such as lentil shepard’s pie or roast veg soup are bursting with taste so whether you’re vegan or not, a trip to the Pekish will leave you satisfied. Its funky decor is an added bonus.

The Peppermill, Quin Rd, Ennis

One of Ennis’s most well-known eateries, The Peppermill is a family favourite that’s full of surprises on a first-time visit. Come to expect high quality food whether it’s breakfasts, Sunday roasts or lunches. The roast beef ciabbata is a favourite of staff at The Clare Echo.

PUB GRUB Durty Nellies, Bunratty

Arguably Clare’s most iconic pub, Durty Nelly’s sits under the dramatic backdrop of Bunratty Castle. But it’s not its prominent location alone which makes Durty Nelly’s a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Atmosphere, warmth, good drinks and good food are always order of the day at Nelly’s.

Poet’s Corner, O’Connell St, Ennis

Getting a table any day of the week in Poet’s Corner is an achievement in

itself, and that speaks volumes of the quality of Poet’s Corner. Always lively with tourists and a magnet for pub grub lovers of Clare, Poet’s Corner’s recipe of sticking to much loved classics such as their famous Vol au Vent has stood the test of time.

DINNER DINING The Market Bar, Ennis

The Market Bar has it all covered early bird, kids menu, breakfast, dinner, gluten free menu, drinks - and it’s the perfect place for a social occasion.

The Market Bar stands out from the crowd thanks to its atmosphere, friendly staff and consitently good food.

The Dining Room, Ennis

For an exquisite early bird in a conveniant and comfortable setting, look no further than The Dining Room. This restaurant has a menu to suit everybody’s tastes. Also serves daily lunch specials every day from 12-4.30pm.

for dining out in Co Clare SOMETHING SPECIAL

flavours of wonderful Asian cuisine are bursting at Mi, and all at very affordable prices. Also a great takeaway option.

Carrygerry House, Newmarket on Fergus

Carrygerry House (right) is a wonderous countryside setting fit for a special outing.

The award winning “Conservatory Restaurant” overlooking the Shannon and Fergus Estuary is a relaxed & charming place to dine. Carrygerry prides itself on using only the finest and freshest local produce, with a large emphasis on organic and artisan growers and producers while always respecting the season.

Open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday.

Tulsi Restaurant, Ennis

Clare’s premiere restaurant for Indian cuisine. The high quality service is all part of the Indian dining experience, and the team at Tulsi deliver in a big way. Hearty, fulfilling dishes that go down a treat with their great selection of wine and beer. The madras is a favourite with The Clare Echo team.

ITALIAN CUISINE Amici, Kilrush

The Pipers Inn, Killaloe

The Pipers Inn is one of East Clare’s best known gastropubs, renowned for its great food, cosy bar & warm welcome.

A trip here, you can indulge in delectable starters, and mouth-watering main dishes such as Roast Duck in Orange Butter Sauce. A supporter of small farms & Irish produce and where possible buy Organic, Free Range & GM Free.

The Town Hall, O’Connell Street, Ennis

The Town Hall in Ennis is long established as a cuisine leader in the county.

The historic walls along with intimate, candlelit tables make for the most charming dinner setting. The Town Hall is a must visit no matter what time it is, from excellent coffee and freshly baked scones and pies to the bistro-style lunch menu.

opulent upstairs setting, one thing remains the same - exquisite quality and truly attentive service.

The Cloister prides itself on ‘doing simple things exceptionally well’ - and it succeeds.

The Cloister, Abbey St, Ennis

ASIAN CUISINE

The Cloister is another establishment with a stunning backdrop (Ennis Abbey).

Whether it’s the warm buzzing atmosphere of downstairs or the more intimate and

Mi Street Food, Clare Road, Ennis

Stunning selection of Asian ‘street food’ in a casual dining setting. The smells and

Reopening its doors this Friday, Amici is a welcome addition to West Clare and offers authentic cuisine offered up by the Italian head chef. We’re excited to see what’s in store here.

Daily’s Woodfired Kitchen, Woodquay, Ennis

Daily’s Woodfired Kitchen is the real deal when it comes to pizza and american style burgers. You’ll be blown away by the value, but left even more impressed by the quality.

Lightly crusted pizza that you wouldn’t be surprised to find in a restaurant in the heart of Florence or Rome.

SPOILED FOR CHOICE: The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis is home to no less than three restaurants including Poet’s Corner pub, the extravagant Town Hall Bistro and Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

First Date?

We look at the correct etiquette when dining out with a new friend for the first time

l CHEERS TO THAT: RTE’S First Dates Ireland is a source of entertainment for viewers - but going on a first date can be nerve-racking experience

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Be careful what you order.

Don’t order the ribs. It WILL be messy, and you WILL look like a disgrace. Also, steer clear of the garlic bread and the onions if you’re hoping to get a smooch at the end of the night.

For the love of God, put away your phone. Who cares what the score is, or what your mates are getting up to. Pay attention to the person sitting in front of you. Everything else can wait.

Everyone has an opinion on this one, but if the guy offers to pay for the meal, don’t make too much of a fuss. If you fancy them, you could always suggest buying them a drink after the meal to say thanks.

Don’t flirt with the waiter. This kind of goes without saying, but the waiter generally won’t appreciate it and neither will your date. Make sure you are giving your companion your undivided attention.

Table manners can tell a lot about a person. Don’t tuck your napkin into your t-shirt, don’t lick the knife and wait until your date has their food in front of them before you begin to eat.

Keep your elbows off the table and

offer to pour their water.

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It’s equally important to be relaxed, though. Don’t be afraid to lean back a little in your chair, rather than sitting up poker straight. This will help cool your nerves and take in what your date has to say.

If you are drinking wine and decide to have a toast; look your date in the eye when you clink your glasses and while you take a drink. If there are sparks, this is when they will fly.

Pace yourself. This applies to both the guys and the girls.

If you are an Olympic speed eater, make a conscious effort to slow it down a bit.

Guys, don’t order for the lady.

Some will say it’s the polite thing to do, but it’s almost guaranteed to get under her skin, and not in a good way.

Lastly, make sure you are on time. Just like an interview, first impressions count for a lot and your date will not be happy if you show up late. If it cannot be helped and you don’t have your date’s number, call the restaurant and ask them to apologise on your behalf.

Wow factor in East Clare A perfect 10 for the Piper’s

PIPER’S INN KILLALOE

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HE first word that comes to mind when talking about the Piper’s Inn? Amazing. The wow factor started when we were received with a warm welcome at the door from the waiter, who took our coats and offered us a drink.

We noticed the rustic, homely décor and the bar looked very enticing, but we were pretty hungry and the food smelled incredible, so we asked if we could be taken straight to our table.

We were seated right away. The waiter informed us that at the Piper’s Inn, they support Irish produce and wherever possible they try to buy ingredients that are Organic, Free Range and GM Free.

I ordered Tiger prawns gently sautéed in garlic and coriander served with thimble of basmati to start, followed by Slaney valley herb crusted rack of lamb cutlets set on champ with a rosemary jus. My mouth was watering just thinking about it.

My partner ordered Fresh wild Irish

mushrooms sautéed with garlic set on crusty sour dough bread and half a roast duck served with spiced game chips, orange and ginger sauce.

The food was so tasty we ate every bite and even though we were both stuffed, we had to make room for dessert.

We shared a Rum and Pistachio Chocolate Brownie, and I have to say that it would be worth coming back just for the dessert alone.

The Piper’s Inn also has a decent wine list for the discerning sommelier.

The bill was a pleasant surprise; very affordable and totally worth it.

Afterwards we sat in big, comfy armchairs by the fire and enjoyed a couple of perfectly poured pints.

We were very slow to move from the fireside.

VERDICT: If I was to score this place out of five, I’d give it a 10.

*The above review was written by a customer of The Piper’s Inn

Authentic Italy in West Clare AMICI BISTRO, KILRUSH

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MICI Bistro & Restaurant, Kilrush, offers Authentic Italian Cuisine on the West Coast of Ireland.

Together with their Italian Chef, a native of Sardinia, co-owners Caroline and her husband Simon are opening the doors of the newly-refurbished premises this Friday.

The establishment also offers accommodation for those coming from further afield to taste the flavours of Amici, and indeed sample what West Clare has to offer.

The menu at Amici changes each week, always providing something new to taste as well as some more traditional Italian favourites.

The menu relies on premium quality ingredients produced simply and which allow diners an opportunity to be transported to Italy.

Each ingredient is selected for its quality and are imported directly from artisan producers in Italy or sourced locally from the freshest

Refurbished West Clare restaurant perfects the mouth-watering classics equipped with the highest quality beds for a comfortable night’s rest.

Amici Bistro & Restaurant is managed by Caroline Wilson, who after working for more than twenty years in London moved to Co Clare.

Caroline is a native of Kilrush but it was her husband Simon’s love for the local landscape which sealed the move as an ideal place to raise their three boys.

The Head Chef also has strong connections to Co Clare and it is this collaboration and mutual appreciation of good food which prompted the opening of the restaurant. fish, meat and vegetable producers in Ireland.

All dishes are cooked to order to ensure the finest dining experience.

“Our aim is to produce dishes which allow the quality of the ingredients to speak for

themselves,” says Caroline.

The restaurant has been newly furnished in a comfortable, inviting and relaxing atmosphere and we make good service a priority.

The project began 18 months ago with a complete refurbish-

ment of the building which consisted of three individual properties dating back to the 1800s and which was previously a local newsagents.

The upper floors provide seven-bedroom accommodation, all rooms are en-suite and are

Doors open again on Friday 2nd February 2018, and reservations can be made by calling 065 9052641.

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THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

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31/01/2018 11:02

Dining out in Ennis, a haven for all tastes WHETHER it’s exotic cuisine from far-away lands or a decent Irish dish you’re looking for, Ennis has the answer.

The county capital town has a host of well-established fine dining restaurants including The Cloister and The Town Hall, which have in recent years been joined by similarly delihgtful yet more casual settings such as The Dining Room and Market Bar. Ennis also has an array of Indian and Chinese restaurants to delight the senses, as well as an exciting Asian street food scene

such as the recently opened Mi. Ennis boasts multiple award winning gastro pubs, which provide excellent menus in a warm surrounding.

You’re almost guaranteed to find a café on Ennis’s medieval streets if it’s a light lunch you’re after.

And pizza and pasta lovers will also be delighted, as Ennis has a host of fantastic Italian restaurants.

Even the most discerning palettes will be catered for in Ireland’s Friendliest Place.

10 reasons eating out is good for your wellbeing WHILE many people will argue that too many nights out is bad for you - it’s easy to forget that a well-earned dinner date or a meal with friends in a relaxed and fun environment is a great way to destress at the end of the week.

Here, we explore 10 reasons why going out for dinner is good for your wellbeing.

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It’s a great way to reconnect. Call up an old friend and invite them out for a bite to eat. There’s nothing better than catching up over a meal at your favourite restaurant. Make a regular thing of it and use it as a way of staying in touch.

Almost everyone likes to socialise but not everyone likes to drink, so dining out is a great alternative. You can still enjoy a warm, relaxed atmosphere with some tasty treats and steer clear of the wine menu.

If your love life is in need of a serious romance injection, then dining out is the way to do it. Whether it’s with your long term partner or on a first date, candles, soft music and sharing a dessert are guaranteed to get the sparks flying.

If your New Year’s resolution was to try new things, then dining out is the perfect way to do it. Always wanted to try Indian food but never plucked up the courage?

Co Clare is bursting with alternative flavours and tastes.

Dining out is great for celebrations. We can think of nothing better than being surrounded by the people you love on your birthday, all tucking in to a delicious meal.

Dining out means less distractions. We are all guilty of having way too much screen time these days and if you’re in the company of others at a restaurant, you are far less likely to take out your phone.

Ever dine out alone? It’s something everyone should do at least once. It can be little unnerving at first, but it means you will soak up the atmosphere and enjoy your meal even more.

Sometimes dining out is completely worth it just because you don’t have to cook or clean up after yourself (and others).

Dining out can be easier if you are cooking for a party with specific food needs, or likes and dislikes. Let everyone choose what they want and avoid the hassle of trying to please everyone.

Treat yourself. Whether you have been working super hard or have been going through a tough time, sometimes the best reason to dine out is because you simply deserve a treat.

Benefits of eating vegan...

Whether you’re live the life of a vegan or not, it’s been proven that there are many health benefits to ditching meat, dairy, eggs and all animal-derived products from your diet VEGANS are frequently misunderstood as fringe eaters with an unnatural passion for animal rights.

While many vegans do feel passionately about animals, a vegan diet and lifestyle go way beyond animal rights.

Following a healthy, balanced vegan diet ensures a host of health benefits as well as prevention of some of the major diseases.

All of the following nutritional benefits come from a vegan diet full of foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, and soy products.

1. Reduced saturated fats. Dairy products and meats contain a large amount of saturated fats. By reducing the amount of saturated fats from your diet, you’ll improve your health tremendously, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health.

2. Fiber. A diet high in fiber (as vegan eating usually is) leads to healthier bowel movements. High fiber diets help fight against colon cancer.

3. Potassium. Potassium balances water and acidity in your body and stimulates the kidneys to eliminate toxins.

Diets high in potassium have shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

4. Antioxidants. For protection against cell damage, antioxidants are one of the best ways to help your body. Many researchers also believe that antioxidants help protect your body against forming some types of cancer.

5. Vitamin C. Besides boosting your immune system, Vi-

tamin C also helps keep your gums healthy and helps your bruises heal faster. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant.

EATING a healthy vegan diet has shown to prevent a number of diseases. Find out from the list below what you could

potentially avoid just by switching to a healthy, balanced vegan way of eating.

1. Cardiovascular disease. Eating nuts and whole grains, while eliminating dairy products and meat, will improve your

cardiovascular health. A British study indicates that a vegan diet reduces the risk for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Vegan diets go far in preventing heart attack and stroke.

2. Cholesterol. Eliminating any food that comes from an animal and you will eliminate all dietary cholesterol from your diet. Your heart will thank you for that.

3. Blood pressure. A diet rich in whole grains is beneficial to your health in many ways, including lowering high blood pressure.

IN ADDITION to good nutrition and disease prevention, eating vegan also provides many physical benefits. Find out how a vegan diet makes your body stronger, more attractive, and more energetic.

1. Weight loss. A healthy weight loss is a typical result of a smart vegan diet. Eating vegan eliminates most of the unhealthy foods that tend to cause weight issues. Read more about weight loss and a vegan diet here.

2. Healthy skin. The nuts and vitamins A and E from vegetables play a big role in healthy skin, so vegans will usually have good skin health. Many people who switch to a vegan diet will notice a remarkable reduction in blemishes as well.

3. Energy. When following a healthy vegan diet, you will find your energy is much higher.

4. Nails and Hair. Many who follow vegan diets report that their hair and nails becomes stronger.

Seriously delicious Authentic Italian and American style grub DAILY’S WOOD FIRED KITCHEN

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NNIS’ newest restaurant Daily’s Wood Fired Kitchen - which is already thriving - has a name that evokes homely feel-good food.

Daily’s was last Monday the only restaurant in Ennis featured on the RTE programme ‘One Day: How Ireland Eats’ - presenting a snapshot of the eating habits of the nation, and showing the complex supply chain that ensures consumers get the food choices they now expect.

As they say, the proof is in the pudding so The Clare Echo went to find out.

We ate for two; this included a 12-inch classic crust pizza, a highlander burger, onion rings, garlic dip and a drink with it all coming in at €22. Daily’s can not be faulted for value.

We went for the Highlander Burger, a 4oz chargrilled beef patty with melted cheddar, mustard, smoked ham, sautéd onion and lettuce. All of the handcrafted burgers are made with prime cuts of Irish beef which are grilled on a charcoal grill, and that smokey flavour bursts through the toasted Brioche bun. The burger did not disappoint and I would strongly advise a side of House

Made Onion Rings, especially if you’re into a delicious crispy batter.

Then for the Hot Lips 12-inch pizza, which we got on a classic crust, and it was just the right amount of hot and crunch for our tastebuds. The pizzas are made using top grade bakers flour and local Irish ingredients and this shines through from the cheesy corners to the crispy crusts.

Possibly my favourite thing about Daily’s – while we were both left full after our hefty feed, there was no residual sick feeling from over-eating because the portions are just right and the produce is fresh.

But it’s not just the food that makes Daily’s a must-visit. Omar and his team are among the friendliest you’ll meet and the casual setting allows you to chat to the staff while they put together your dinner before throwing it all into the impressive inferno where the pizzas are cooked.

VERDICT: Daily’s Wood Fired Pizza is the perfect place to enjoy high-quality food in a casual setting. Highly recommend!

The hottest place in town Family friendly Indian cuisine TULSI RESTAURANT INDIAN CUISINE

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HEN it comes to Indian cuisine in Clare, we’re not short of options so it’s important to be well informed.

Tulsi Restaurant on Carmody Street has been the standard setter in Clare for Asian Cuisine for more than a decade so we went for a visit to see what sets it apart.

India’s gastronomic fare derives its rich history from a 4,000 year timeline so there is much more to Indian cuisine than the spicy curries. Tulsi serve you a platter full of Indian delights and tantalizing food for an unforgettable dining experience.

On any visit to Tulsi on Carmody Street in Ennis, you can expect brothers Mohashin and Mamun together with their family to welcome you with a smile and deliver excellent customer service from the moment you arrive to when you pick up the bill (which is always surprisingly affordable).

You’ll be given a healthy serving of poppadom with a selection of dips on arrival to nibble on while your order is taken.

The starters in Tulsi such as samosas or onion bhajee which we tried, are a delicate flavoursome treat – and if you’re lucky the chef might send out a delicious taster to get your taste buds buzzing.

Accompanied with a crisp Cobra beer (if that’s your thing), there’s little as moreish and satisfying.

The comfortable surroundings add to the warm atmosphere and in a nutshell, or should we say samosa, this place can be summed up brilliantly in four words; service, presentation, taste, value.

For our mains, we ordered the Chicken Bhuna and Rogan Josh lamb dish.

The presentation and thought that goes into each meal is of note, with a hot tray keeping your meal warm from where you can dish it onto your plate. This is also good for those who like to stay away from too much sauce.

The meat was lean and the sauces were brimming with flavour with the right level of spice.

Waiting times is a huge priority for a lot of diners, and Tulsi has hit the nail on the head; it’s just long enough to enjoy the atmosphere but not too long to leave you upset. And there is always a staff member available to offer you a fresh drink.

All year round Tulsi Restaurant is a go-to for us, whether it’s for an enjoyable dining experience or a Saturday night in front of the television.

VERDICT: The perfect place to bring a family or a large crowd and not blow the bank.

Amazing service and quality food.

l GREAT SERVICE: Brothers Mohashin and Mamun at Tulsi in Ennis

COLUMNISTS 27

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

EDITOR’S OPINION

Eoin Neylon

Willie’s one of a kind only to be found in Clare

We see the effects of climate change in Clare

Stuart Holly

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HIS week we stopped by legendary matchmaker WIllie Daly’s house for a chat and a cup of tea.

The myth, the legend, one of a kind and fittingly a man who hails from the Banner County. When it comes to characters of his ilk, Clare is fairly unrivalled. Like Eddie Lenihan, Willie is a person who links traditional Ireland to today, a character who remains more relavent than the bloggers, instagrammers, Facebookers, and self-proclaimed ‘influencers’ who are hoping for a career in trend-setting in the whacky world of the internet.

Willie Daly has brought us the world famous matchmaking festival, attracting thousands of visitors to north Clare for the month of September. He’s also brought us ‘Pint Baby’, (which brought a smile to many a face watching an RTE braodcast last year) who was spotted supping a pint of the black stuff in his Ennistymon pub 20 odd years ago. He’s the man who leaves a lasting impression with a wit to boot. He’s met the Beatles, for God’s sake.

With Willie, there’s no need for a computer, it’s all done by the book. Literally.

Willie has a famous ‘lucky love’ book that’s over 150 years old which was handed down to him.

If you put your hands on the lucky love book for seven seconds and close your eyes, you’re promised love and marriage

within six short months .

It’s a beautiful use of the imagination and one which brings hope to many singletons desperate to find their soulmate.

On our reporter Elaine’s arrival at his home in rural north Clare, Mr Daly invited her in for a cup of tea. The first thing that struck her was pictures adorning the wall of Marylin Monroe alongside the Pope, and of course his family. Being a family and community man, Willie was chatting to his neighbour at 10am when Elaine stopped by.

By the time she was leaving, he had offered to set her up with one from his long list of suitors. Clearly a man who loves the idea of love, Willie even turns a professional meeting into an opportunity to make a match.

Which brings us on to our dining out guide... If you are on the lookout for love, what better place to get the party started than in a romantic local restaurant. If you’re reading this, you’ll have just paged your way through 12 pages of our Dining Out in Clare guide so there’s plenty of options there to choose from - and as an added bonus, within our guide there is our top tips for dining etiquitte on a first date.

So on that note; pick a local restaurant, put away your phone, be careful what you order, and most importantly, don’t flirt with the waiter.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR email: editor@clareecho.ie post: The Clare Echo, The Square, (above Sherry Fitzgerald), Ennis, Co Clare

ON THE ROAD TO NOWHERE In reaction to the news that €23.5m has been allocated to Clare regional roads (posted online) Dear Editor, I’ll believe that when they do some work in Mountshannon. About time we had some money spent out of all the taxes we pay, income tax, property tax, motor tax, value added tax, vehicle registration tax to mention just a few. And what do we get.

Precious little.

Me and my neighbours have spent the past year trying to get some of the worst damage repaired but it has only got worse due to nothing being done. And this extra will hardly be enough to repair the worsening damage. And nobody, council

officials or councillors seems to be able to do anything. Time for a revolution. Stop paying our taxes until we get something in return?

One of our concerns is that roads with fewer house are getting repaired but ours is not. And we have not been able to find out why this is so.

For example the adjoining road with four houses had over 25 places repaired. Our road in Derrycon with eight houses only had four places repaired.

Result is that more erosion has occurred on our road than on neighbouring road.

And this also means more costs to taxpayers in the long run.

Yours, Joe Griffin, Mountshannon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

T

HERE are many issue to which politicians need to band together and implement the laws and changes we need as a society. As our needs as a people grow and new industries develop to meet our ever-changing needs, we are consuming more and more energy every year. As such, our energy use and environmental concerns also need to keep pace with these same changes. It’s quite a daunting thing to get one’s head around. As the world consumes more raw materials and uses more power, we not only pump more green house gases into the air and make our oceans more acidic, but we’re also removing the Earth’s natural filtration mechanisms to remove these toxins from the environment.

It’s been clear for some time that action is needed but it’s all been a bit too slow.

The people of the West coast and the Shannon basin are well used to the effects of climate change at this point.

We’ve all too often seen the pictures of massive waves crashing over the sea wall in Lahinch, damage to the prom wall in Kilkee and images of flooded homes and farmland in New Quay or Clonlara.

The depressing thing is, these scenes have, over the past 150 years, become more frequent.

What we in engineering circles call “100-year events” are now happening every 30 years on average around the world and Co. Clare is no exception.

The scientific proof behind the theory that man-made action is powering climate change is undeniable. Since climate science became an internationally recognised field of importance in the 1970’s, 97% of all academics in the field from around the world have confirmed that climate change is manmade. Between 1991 and 2012 for instance, 13,950 peer reviewed papers also confirmed it. Only 24 papers internationally rejected the concept in that same time. This is despite the petro-chemical industry throwing their vast financial weight behind campaigns to discredit said research. The question of if we should take urgent action has been answered in the affirmative. What we must decide as a people is how we

are going to act.

The Paris climate agreement was a good starting point where Governments from around the world signed up to take real, affirmative actions to reverse this worrying trend. Donald Trump shamefully pulling America out of the accord means the USA stands only with Libya and Syria, two countries without and semblance of a functional Government, outside of the agreement. The European Union also has firm commitments, that each member state has agreed to, to lower emissions and tackling waste.

Ireland though looks set to miss these targets and is currently one of the worst in Europe for waste per capita, especially with regard plastics.

It’s not common knowledge that an awful lot of plastics are not recyclable these days.

What you think might be the environmental option is in fact a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

In 2016, China took 95% of Ireland’s plastic waste, however, that’s all going to change as they have banned all plastic imports from Europe. In 2015, we each produced 61kg of plastic waste every year; the worst in Europe. We must do something drastic to cut this number down. One suggestion is a levy on all plastic bottles and disposable coffee cups, which are also non-recyclable due to the plastic coating on the inside of the cup. Whereas it’s a commendable measure, it might not have the desired effect. There needs to be a social change in attitudes and that’s where a new Government initiative has come into effect.

Earlier this year, the Department of the Environment, in conjunction with An Taisce, launched the Climate Change Ambassador program. They sought people of all ages and backgrounds to apply and help lead a revolution in the way we approach climate change and caring for the environment.

I was delighted to be chosen as one of the first ambassadors in Ireland and over the weekend, I joined 20 other newly appointed ambassadors for a training day in Galway to learn a bit more and share ideas. What I was met with was a diverse group ranging from their mid-teens to their

70’s. We are from all walks of life and locations, including people born in America, Canada, India and Germany who’ve made Ireland their home. I was taken aback at some of the initiatives and ideas they had, and it really did give me hope for the future. These ranged from a community energy program in Belmullett to a school in Limerick that has, just this Monday, instituted a complete ban on single use plastic bottles on their grounds.

These are ideas that can easily be implemented in Clare and all over the country. To put it in context, if each person in the state bought one less plastic bottle each week, that’d be 247 million less plastic bottles produced per annum.

Small actions add up very fast. What was brilliant about the school in Limerick is the student there who is now a climate change ambassador is committed to driving her fellow pupils to converting to use reusable cups and abandoning plastics and disposable cups altogether. I’d hope each school in Clare would follow this lead.

I was also impressed at the fact that there are a number of Clare based ambassadors among the 100-strong team nationally, showing the Banner county does care about our environment. The changes we need to make are not just Governmental, but personal. Yes, the Government does need to promote more use of renewable energy, look seriously at converting Moneypoint power station to an alternative fuel source and fund further research into feeding cattle seaweed to reduce agricultural emissions.

However, we all also need to do the simple things, like turning off lights when they’re not in use, buying products with less packaging and getting involved in voluntary groups like Tidy Towns.

If we all change our behaviours, even ever so slightly, large corporations will follow suit. Demand your store cuts out plastics, and demand your public representatives enact more environmental policies.

We owe it to proceeding generations after all. We are not but custodians of this planet.

28 COMMUNITY

Community

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

Instrument Appeal 2018: Have you a fiddle under the stairs, a flute in the kitchen drawer or a bodhran under the bed? If so we want them!!

“Over the last three years we have donated musical instruments worth many of thousands of euros to young students, these instruments have been re-strung, tuned and repaired and are now being played and loved” said co-ordinator Cllr Mary Howard.

Collections are taking place on Facebook page: Instrument Appeal. We also have an instrument appeal at lunch time on Friday Feb 9th in Room 306 at Rice College on from 1.20pm -2pm and at Colaiste Muire from 12.30pm till 1pm in Room 17 or equally contact any of our team Alice Keane, Emma Pyne, Faye Curran, Niamh McHugh or Cllr Mary Howard at 086 8780 298.

ENNIS

NORTH CLARE Rose Keane has shared her story of battling cancer to coicide with the 20th West Clare mini marathon (below)

MNÁ AG COMHRÁ Women speakers of Irish in Ennis are invited to ‘Maidin na mBan’ on Saturday 3 February at 11:00AM in Bia agus Caife, next to the Friary.

Unique to Ennis, Maidin na mBan is an opportunity for women to get together in a relaxed and informal setting and enjoy a chat in our own language. All women regardless age, nationality or levels of knowledge of Irish etc. are welcome. This event is facilitated by Caint agus Comhrá the voluntary Irish conversation group in Ennis. No cover charge.

Further information caintaguscomhra@eircom. net

EAST CLARE MACRA MEETING Sixmilebridge Kilmurry Macra monthly meeting takes place this Friday 2nd in The Greyhound Bar Sixmilebridge at 9pm.

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram or Snapchat smbmacra for more details.

New members always welcome. 086-8779329

MOL AN ÓIGE HOST SPRING FÉILE In ancient Irish folk tradition St. Brigid’s day, on the 1st of February heralded the first day of Spring and the beginning of the farmer’s year. In honor of this tradition Mol An Óige School in Ennistymon are holding their annual Spring Féile this Sunday the 4th of February from 12 to 4pm.

This is a fun-filled family afternoon of craft activities for young and old, games for all the family, storytelling, face painting and a unique and magical puppet show. There will be a baking room for children to get creative with their cookie baking skills and stalls selling freshly baked waffles and hot chocolate.

The cafe promises to be stocked with delicious treats to eat in a lovely atmosphere of live music.

There will be plenty of opportunities to try something new and use a new skill to make a traditional craft to take away with you. Entry is €5 per person up to a max of €20 per family which will include entry to all shows and participation in all activities.

If you would like to run a stall please contact Kathy on 0834157459.

EAST CLARE

On Tuesday evening eleven new beavers were invested into Tulla Scouts 12th Clare

Margaret Touhy, Roger Duff, Margaret Houlihan and Bosco Clarke of the Tulla drama group, who take to the stage in the courthouse from Jan 31 to February 3 with their production of Tommy Marren’s “The Real McCoy”.

Doors open 8pm. Adults €10. Students/children €5.

WEST/NORTH CLARE OPERATION TRANSFORMATION Operation Transformation has taken over Lisdoonvarna as dozens of locals make the best start to the New Year.

The programme is in its 11th series and Lisdoonvarna adopted the fitness initiative for the first time this year.

Community Health Nurse Paula Byne O’Donnell explained, “It started with a couch to 5k last year, they decided to keep going so on the success of that we decided to go Operation Transformation style.”

An incredible 120 people have already registered, drawn from the Spa Town and surrounding, Doolin, Ennistymon, Kilfenora, Fanore and Liscannor.

“It’s brilliant,” said Paula. “It gets the whole community together, people have come who wouldn’t have met in years, people on their own are out meeting people, a lot of new people have moved to the area and are meeting people, making memories and friendships.”

Carmel Whelan said: “With the support of the guys I said I’d do a quick walk on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and I’ m actually losing weight – It’s great”.

Keeping the pace were youngsters Sadhbh and Erin, “We love this” said Eireann “It’s great.” Agreed Sadhbh.

Registration brings a host of benefits including a health screening at the Burren Pharmacy, family passes at Lahinch Sea World, advice by nutritionist Liz O’Byrne and Fitness advice from expert trainer Paul Dunne. Even fruit and drinks are provided, courtesy of Fitzpatrick’s Supervalu, while Failte Lisdoonvarna provide the premises.

At the finish Eilidh McNamarasaid: “I do really enjoy it it’s a great club – We were just talking about getting the teenagers involved – there were a few out tonight and we want more of them – it’s great to get the whole family together.”

Operation Transformation is free to join. Meetings are on a Tuesday 6 to 7pm Thursdays 7 to 8pm and Saturdays from 11 to 12. Paula can be contacted on the Lisdoonvarna Operation Transformation Facebook page or by phone on 087 288 0936.

Clare sink Tipp with late flurry page 30

Sport

Martin Daly reflects on lost chance page 31

l BRIGHT BEGINNINGS: The Clare squad that defeated Tipperary in Cusack Park sit for Photo by Martin Connolly photographs before the game last Sunday

Banner look to build Ryan: ‘I LAUREN GUILFOYLE

T

HE Clare Senior Hurlers got their league campaign off to a winning start with a five point victory over traditional rivals Tipperary in front of a six thousand strong home crowd in Cusack Park on Sunday.

Clare started with a relatively strong team that most likely won’t see massive change when championship season swings around come May, in contrast to a Tipperary starting team without household names like Seamus Callanan, John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer and Brendan Maher.

Speaking to The Clare Echo after proceedings, joint-manager Donal Moloney cited the main aim of his panel’s approach to this league campaign is to “build a squad and gain momentum”.

Drastic change comes into effect as the Munster championship structure is revamped for 2018 to a league basis rather than knockout, and this alteration will set apart the great management teams.

The Banner men will play four senior championship games across five weekends with a potential final two weeks later.

Medical teams will be working hard to maximise preparation, while S&C coaches will have all hands on deck monitoring training load between

games to reduce the risk of overload while maintaining high levels of performance.

Waterford in recent years have been notorious for their 20 man approach to closing out games – players such as Maurice Shanahan and Brian O’Halloran being introduced with 25 minutes to go with a full tank to finish the job.

Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor will be using the league to build a bigger squad to replicate something similar. Niall Deasy (Ballyea) and Ian Galvin (Clonlara) are two players we’ll surely see more of throughout this campaign.

Moloney praised the “workrate” and “attitude” of Clare players throughout Sunday’s tussle and this was exemplified through the high-tempo performance of Eire Og attacker David Reidy.

Finishing the game with 1-8 (6f), Reidy placed himself intelligently throughout, his awareness of space and positioning lending him scores thanks to assists from McInerney, O’Donnell and Conlon.

General consensus from the onlooking crowd commented on the perhaps unfair switch of placed ball duties from Peter Duggan to Reidy midway through the first half, however, speaking to Colm Parkinson on

the GAA Hour podcast on Monday, Reidy revealed it was Peter himself that asked him to take up the duty – “..You get days like that when you’re just not comfortable or something isn’t right and Peter said to me about hitting the next one”. Duggan, as top scorer in club championship last season, is a proven free taker so a plethora of options for deadball expertise is a welcome problem for management to have.

l SATISFIED: Lauren interviews Dónal Moloney Photo by Martin Connolly

see myself as lucky’

By STUART HOLLY

ALL-IRELAND winner Conor Ryan has been forced to retire from hurling following ongoing struggles with his health.

In 2016, an issue with the Cratloe man’s pituitary gland was recognised which effected his adrenaline levels, and despite taking a year out from hurling in 2017 and going to great lengths to find a solution to his health concerns he finally conceded this year that his hurling days are behind him.

In an in-depth interview with The Sunday Independent, Conor told Marie Crowe: “Last week, I asked the doctor in Beaumont the question that I had been avoiding for a long time: ‘Would I get back to the level I needed to be able to play again?’ He was straight up and said it wasn’t going to happen for me.

“He told me my body was broken, but I didn’t want to accept it so before I told anyone I rang my doctor at home and he said the same thing. I’ve been bouncing a ball off a wall for two years now and despite trying everything, it just wasn’t bouncing back.”

Ryan (26) said his greatest regret is not lining out beside his brother Diarmuid, but admitted that he will explore the possibililty of coaching in the future.

“Looking back, I probably was too into it [hurling] but I don’t regret it because it brought success and I have great memories.

W h e n I told Colm Collins the news, he said, ‘You did your shopping early’ and he is right.

To win county medals with the club and to win All-Irelands at senior and under 21 level is special so I see myself as lucky.”

30 SPORT

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

Reidy flurry secures win over Tipp NHL Division 1A Round 1 at Cusack Park

Hurling JAMES MULVIHILL

C

LARE made a positive start to their League campaign with victory over arch rivals Tipperary in Cusack Park.

Man of The Match David Fitzgerald played his best game in a Clare jersey. Conor Cleary was rock solid at full-back and did a great man marking job on Jason Forde. Cathal Malone played very well at wing forward scoring four points from play and worked very hard throughout this contest. Shane O’Donnell was absolutely brilliant in terms of setting up scores and winning frees at crucial stages and is continuing the form he showed in last year’s Championship, and Eire Óg’s David Reidy was the difference between the sides as he landed 1-8.

Clare will travel to Nowlan Park full of confidence but need to be wary of a Kilkenny backlash following their opening round defeat to Cork.

Tipperary came to Cusack Park with high expectations and their supporters travelled in big numbers. The Premier men were very poor in attack with their full-forward line failing to score from play during the entire game.

However, Noel McGrath, Padraic Maher, Tomas Hamill and Alan Flynn performed well. Tipperary host Waterford on Saturday night knowing that they will need a victory to stand any chance of making the knockout stages of this campaign.

The Premier men scored the opening

‘‘

‘‘

Clare 1-21 Tipperary 0-19

Shane O’Donnell was brilliant in setting up scores

point of this contest through midfielder Cathal Barrett. Clare hit back with a long-range effort by Tony Kelly before hitting the front for the first time thanks to a great pass by David McInerney who found David Reidy in space and the Eire Og man slotted over from an acute angle. Jason Forde responded for Tipp from a placed ball, which was then cancelled out by John Conlon. Peter Duggan and Jason Forde exchanged frees to leave the score at 0-04 to 0-03 in favour of Clare after 10 minutes.

A poor clearance by Padraic Maher was punished emphatically by Colm Galvin to extend the lead to two points. Tipperary responded with two points of their own but the Banner got their nose in front again through Cathal Malone and Peter Duggan. A brace of points from Noel McGrath levelled this contest for the fourth time.

More tit for tat scoring followed including a long-range effort by John Conlon and a Cathal Malone point and tensions threatened to boil over when Tipperary captain Padraic Maher made a late tackle on Cathal Malone.

The Thurles Sarsfields man picked up a yellow card and Peter Duggan scored his second point before Noel McGrath levelled the game for the seventh time.

Clare finished the half well thanks to points from Peter Duggan, Cathal Malone and David Reidy (free) to leave the half-time score at 0-13 to 0-10.

Cathal Malone got the opening score

l PRE-SEASON BATTLE: (From top) Conor McGrath keeps a close eye on Alan Flynn; David McInerney tests out the Tipperary jersey material with Michael Breen; Tony Kelly being fouled by Tipp’s Cathal Barrett; (bottom left) Two for the future Cathal McNulty and Dara Hogan from Ennistymon; Abbas Chyad, Garda Mark Murphy and Carene Rohr; Credit: Martin Connolly

of the second half and Reidy scored two from placed balls to extend the lead to five. However the teams were level once again following a purple patch from Tipperary.

The Banner men hit the front again through Reidy (free) before Kelly pointed his second following a brilliant team move involving Fitzgerald and Galvin. David Reidy scored his second point from play and the Banner men led by three points with eight minutes remaining. The gap was closed to a single point heading into added time but a Reidy free, followed by a goal which he rifled into the net after great work from John Conlon essentially ended the contest.

Clare: Donal Tuohy; Jack Browne, Conor Cleary, Patrick O’Connor; David Fitzgerald, David McInerney, Seadna

Morey; Colm Galvin (0-1), Tony Kelly (0-2); Cathal Malone (0-4), John Conlon (0-2), David Reidy (1-8,6fs); Shane O’Donnell, Peter Duggan (0-4,2fs), Conor McGrath.

Subs: Podge Collins for McGrath (H/T), Gearoid O’Connell for C. Galvin (60 mins), Ian Galvin for Duggan (64 mins), Niall Deasy for Malone (67 mins).

Tipperary: Paul Maher; Alan Flynn, Tomas Hamill, Donagh Maher; Seamus Kennedy, Padraic Maher (0-1), Tom Fox; Cathal Barrett (0-1), Ronan Maher (0-1), Conor Kenny, Noel McGrath (05,1f), Sean Curran (0-1); Ger Browne, Jason Forde (0-10fs), Patrick Maher.

Subs: Joe O’Dwyer for Fox (35 mins), Michael Breen for Kenny (45 mins), John McGrath for Browne (50 mins), Brendan Maher for Kennedy (60 mins), Dan McCormack for Patrick Maher (67 mins).

Referee: Alan Kelly (Galway).

SPORT 31

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

Martin Daly GAA ANALYSIS

After a disappointing opening day draw with Cavan in Cusack Park, Martin Daly says that Clare were unlucky and returning players will help campaign

Forget the finger pointing, Clare failed to capitalise

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Clare 1-12 Cavan 2-09

National Football League Division 2 at Cusack Park

I

N THE space of one minute, this game was turned on its head. Two mistakes from kickouts were capitalised on by Cavan for a gain of 1-1, which put the Ulstermen back in contention and handed them the share of points which they barely deserved.

Fingers have been pointed at our goalkeeper Killian Roche but Clare left it behind on Saturday after failing to capitalise on numerous chances. It’s Clare’s Achilles’ Heel.

FINGER POINTING Despite the wrongly aimed finger-pointing, it’s that very weapon, Roche’s kickouts, that will be of huge benefit to Clare as the season progresses.

Back in my day you needed to be a good shot stopper and okay under a high ball - but your kickouts didn’t really come into play. It was about putting the ball down and kicking it as far as you can.

Nowadays it’s about a possession game, your kickouts have to be top drawer stuff. You see even the likes of Stephen Cluxton and top goalies making mistakes with short kickouts - you do get caught out the odd time and unfortunately young Roche got caught out this time around. For 65 minutes of the 70 he was excellent - it was just those five minutes that caught him and I’m afraid that overall it caught out the team.

FAILED TO CAPITALISE It was a decent enough performance but still, Clare left this behind as opposed to Cavan playing well. They blooded six new players which was a big plus - Conor Finnucane and Eimhin Courtney, even though I think there’s more in them, contributing 1-02 up front was an excellent introduction. Alan Sweeney, although it

Eoin Cleary, just back from injury, stepped up to the mark

SCORING POWER & LEADERSHIP There are a few players, Jamie Malone and Pearse Lillis, who were in the backs because you have the likes of Sean Collins out injured. With the return of key injured players, you can shove these guys up front and strengthen your scoring power which is what we really need.

In terms of leadership roles, Ciarán Russell had an excellent game - probably died towards the end for the simple reason he’s trying to fit Sigurdson and Fitzgibbon Cup in. That was his third game last week. But all in all he was exceptional.

Cathal O’Connor was also exceptional and Eoin Cleary, who’s just back from injury and fitness levels wouldn’t be very high, he stepped up to the mark in centre forward.

FRUSTRATING: Brennan receives a black card

didn’t really click for him, you could see that his workrate is really good and he will improve with every game.

However Cavan blooded 10 new players and it was an experimental side. Clare had them on the rack, they were five or six points up at one stage of the second half and it looked like Clare would close out the game. However a few missed chances

Photo by Martin Connolly

up front and a failure to capitalise fully on the amount of possession we had will be rued. Gary Brennan might have been out of sorts but Cathal O’Connor had another excellent game and dominated midfield.

When you’re winning midfield you’re likely to dominate possession and we still didn’t capitalise on it.

MEATH A TOUGH ASK Obviously you’re looking for wins in the upcoming matches against Meath and Tipp, but Meath away at the weekend is going to be a tall order. We know they came down to Clare last year and handed out a beating so hopefully that will be motivation for Clare to go up and not be walked all over.

With Meath, the two livewires of Graham Reilly and Cillian O’Sullivan have serious pace and excellent scoring ability.

If Clare can curtail those two we might have a fighting chance. But to go up to Meath and get two points may be a bit out of the reach of this team at the moment, at least until they get their full panel back to match fitness.

32 SPORT

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

Tight margin as Clare hold off Sligo Ladies Football Division 2: Clare 0-13 Sligo 2-6 in Clarecastle

TRISHIA DONNELLAN

C

LARE Ladies were happy to come away with three points from their league opener with a one-point win over Sligo, 0-13 to 2-6 but will have to up their game before travelling to face senior side Waterford on Saturday next.

Clare manager James Murrihy had to make two changes to his starting line-up due to injuries with Fidelma Marrinan starting in place of Grainne Nolan and Sarah Bohannon for Caoimhe Harvey.

The 2018 panel is a mixture of youth and experience with 17 returning players and 13 newcomers, as well as 10 players who won the All Ireland Minor B final in August last.

Sligo were first on the board with a point in the opening minutes but Clare dominated possession and slotted over four unanswered scores from Ailish Considine (x2, 1 free), Fidelma Marrinan and Roisin Looney.

Clare could have inflicted a lot more damage but they struggled to get the better of swirling wind. Sligo turned the tables quickly and after their goal attempt hit the upright, they responded with an unanswered 1-3 to take the

lead 1-4 to 0-4 by the turn of the first quarter.

An Ailish Considine free, and a point from Sarah Bohannon in the dying minutes reduced the margin to one by the halftime whistle. Clare 0-6, Sligo 1-4.

With the aid of the wind, Clare got off to a flying start in the second half and drew level with a point from Ailish Considine in the opening minutes.

The backs kept Sligo scoreless for the first 18 minutes while Clare added points from Becky Mahon, A. Considine, Niamh O’Dea and Catriona Callinan to give Clare a 0-11 to 1-4 lead. Ailish Considine was sent to the sin bin at the 43rd minute for contact with the goalie and Sligo soon capitalised on this with a lucky goal that just breezed past the fingertips of Clare goalie, Ciara Harvey.

Sligo then levelled the match at the 51st minute but another point from Catriona Callinan, who played in the Inter-provisional Post Primary Schools final for Munster only the day before, gave Clare the lead again. A point from Niamh O’Dea gave Clare a 2 point lead, but Sligo closed the gap once more at the 56 minute, Clare

l HOME ADVANTAGE: Clare’s Ladies Footballers came away from Clarecastle with a one-point win over a visiting Sligo team

Credit: Martin Connolly 0-13, Sligo 2-6.

A tense ten minutes ensued as Sligo searched for the elusive point to level the match but Clare held on to the slim lead through six minutes of injury time. Final score: Clare 0-13, Sligo 2-6.

Speaking after the match, Clare manager James Murrihy said the team made hard work of it and gave away a lot of ball.

He attributed this to the time of the year and the tiredness due to the heavy ground. He stated, “A win is a win no matter how you get it but a big improvement is needed during the week before we play Waterford.” He will continue to take the league game

by game.

Clare: Ciara Harvey (West Clare Gaels ), Kate Harrington (St Joseph’s D/Barefield), Laurie Ryan-captain (Banner), Amanda Mulcair (St Joseph’s D/Barefield), Louise Woods (Banner), Grainne Harvey (West Clare Gaels ), Laura Egan (Kilmihil), Tara Kelly (Shannon Gaels), Roisin Looney (Cooraclare) (0-1), Becky Mahon (Kilmihil), (0-1) Fidelma Marrinan (West Clare Gaels) (0-1), Sarah Bohannon (Shannon Gaels), (0-1) Catriona Callinan (Kilmihil) (0-2), Ciara Hickey (Kilmurry Ibrickane), Ailish Considine (Kilmihil) (0-5, 2f).

Subs: Roisin Considine (Liscannor) for K. Harrington 22min, Niamh

O’Dea (Banner) for F. Marrinan HT (0-2), Orla Devitt (Eire Óg) for B. Mahon 39 min, Emma McMahon (Coolmeen) 44 min, Kayleigh McCormack (Burren Gaels) for T. Kelly 48 min, Eimear O’Connor (Coolmeen) 59 min.

Sligo: Noelle Gormley (St Nathys), Michelle McNamara (Drumcliffe/Rosses Pt), Grainne O’Loughlin (St Michaels), Shauna Henry (Tourlestrane), Sinead Regan (Drumcliffe/Rosses Pt), Lauren Boles (St Michaels), Sadhbh Brennan (St Marys), Laura Ann Laffey (Coolera/Strandhill), Sarah Reynolds (Geevagh), Sinead Naughton (Eoghan Rua), Emma Kevany (St Pats), Lisa Casey (Eastern Harps), Nicola Brennan (Tourlestrane), Katie Walsh (Tourlestrane).

Referee: Kevin O’Brien (Limerick)

Injury time free secure Clare draw Littlewoods Senior Camogie League: Clare 2-13 Sligo 2-13 in WIT Arena

BRID MACNAMARA

A

N INJURY time free secured a share of the spoils for Clare at the WIT Sports Complex on Saturday evening in the refixed Littlewoods Ireland Div 1 Camogie League. Played on the astro turf surface, Clare had to concede home venue due to the impact of the recent inclement weather.

The sides traded points in the opening minutes, Niamh Rockett and Orla Devitt both on target. The next passage of play saw the first of the games four goals, a Beth Carton free travelled the distance and though blocked in the crowded Clare goalmouth, Kaisha Tobin capitalised on that crowded goalmouth as she sent her rebound shot to the back of the net. Carton followed up with another converted free.

Clare were struggling with the pace, and it was Andrea O’Keeffe who struck for the Banner’s second point. Orlaith Duggan caught the resulting puckout and pushed forward before finding Niamh O’Dea who fired over to narrow the deficit to two points. However a brace of frees

from Waterfords chief scorer on the day Carton saw the home side extend their lead to four points.

Again Clare’s next score came from the defence, this time Roisin McMahon following a well won possession drove forward and finished between the posts. Waterford were better able to cope with the artificial surface and hit their purple patch in the next ten minutes, striking four points Carton (2), Annie Fitzgerald and Aisling Power on target.

A brace of Morey frees in the 24th and 26th minutes narrowed the deficit to five, before Rockett struck from out on the wing to extend the Deises lead back to six points, with two minutes of time remaining.

Clare won their own puckout and with Roisin McMahon surrounded, the Newmarket player handpassed to Duggan. The Clooney woman put the head down and drove forward and in spite of the punishment meted out to Duggan she arrived at the edge of the square still in possession, finishing with a handpass to the net to leave the half time score Clare 1-6 Waterford 1-9.

The second half started under the floodlights, Clare had the rising wind

at their backs. Eimear Kelly, who has been on form for UL, split the posts for the first score of the half.

Clare rang the changes soon after, proving timely with Roisin McMahon winning the first high ball, and helping to set up a Morey point.

O’Dea then raised Clare’s second green flag giving Clare the lead for the first time in the 46th minute. The game continued in back and forth fashion and with just three minutes remaining, Carton fired over what looked like the winning point for the Deise, however Clare had one last attack and Morey struck from 40 yards out to split the posts, ensuring that Clare came away with a draw.

Clare: Lauran Solon, Whitegate; Eimear Kelly Truagh 0-1, Clare Hehir Inagh Kilnamona, Carol O’Leary Newmarket; Ciara Grogan Clooney Quin, Máire McGrath Sixmilebridge, Laura McMahon Newmarket; Roisin McMahon Newmarket 0-1, Orlaith Duggan Clooney Quin 1-1; Andrea O’Keeffe Inagh Kilnamona 0-1, Niamh O’Dea Kilmaley 1-2, Orla Devitt Eire Og 0-1; Chloe Morey Sixmilebridge 0-6 5F, Amy Keating Inagh Kilnamona, Doireann Murphy Clarecastle Sub: Regan Conway Feakle for Keating 42 mins Referee: Ray Kelly, Kildare

l TIGHT BATTLE: Clare’s Clare Hehir in control against Waterford’s Beth Carton Photo by Noel Browne

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

ATECA IS AWESOME

FACTS & FIGURES: Model tested: Seat Ateca FR 2.0 TSI 190hp 4Drive DSG Pricing: €40,149 as tested. Atreca range starts from €25,130 Engine: 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, four-wheel drive Body style: Compact SUV CO2 emissions: 159g/km (Band D, €570 per annum) Combined economy: 40.0mpg (7.0 litres/100km) Top speed: 212km/h 0-100km/h: 7.9 seconds Power: 190hp at 5,000rpm Torque: 320Nm at 2,500rpm Boot space: 485-litres (seats up), 1,579-litres (seats down) Euro NCAP rating: 5-stars; 93% adult, 84% child, 71% pedestrian, 60% safety assist

ROAD TEST: SEAT ATECA FR

I

KNOW, the whole idea of a sporty SUV is in so many ways a bit ridiculous.

While Porsche may have struck gold with the high-power Cayenne Turbo all those years ago, realistically what most of us want from an SUV is a frisson of rugged, outdoor-pursuits styling and plenty of room inside for the family.

Still… It’s rather hard to deny the appeal of something with a bit of sporting dash about it and the Seat Ateca FR most certainly fits the bill. Seat has been, to coin a phrase, really knocking the hits out of the park lately — ever since it launched the current-shape Leon, it has produced car-after-car of star-quality, with this Ateca and the recently-launched new Ibiza the standouts.

FR is Seat’s mild-heat sporty brand, lacking the outright power and poise of the properly aggressive Cupra models, but still with a touch of the race track about them. To turn the Ateca into an FR, Seat adds rather gorgeous 19-inch alloy wheels, a chunky bodykit which includes a deeper front air intake, an underbody diffuser under the rear bumper (I doubt that it genuinely generates downforce, but it does look good), a boot spoiler, and some very piercing all-LED headlights. The cabin

gains a set of exceptionally comfortable seats swaddled in Alcantara man-made suede, and the big eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. That includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so those of you who can’t bear to be parted from your phones when driving will be able to indulge yourselves safely.

There are some mechanical changes, although they’re pretty subtle. Our test car came with Seat’s 4Drive all-wheel drive, and the ‘Driver Profile Selection’ which allows you to switch between Normal, Eco, Off-Road, Individual, and of course, Sport modes. Switch it to Sport and the steering weight increases, the throttle response sharpens, and the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox pricks up its ears. It’s all suitably sporty.

There’s some genuine sporty driving on offer too, to back all that up. The Ateca, in its standard form, has pretty decent chassis reflexes, so the FR is working from an already-solid base. The meatier steering is certainly welcome, and it makes the Ateca feel decently agile and responsive. Around corners the Ateca FR feels planted and solid, and not a little entertaining. Here is a family-friendly SUV you really can enjoy driving.

The ride quality has suffered, though, mainly thanks to the bigger wheels and their low-profile tyres, which do make things very stiff all over. You’ll especially notice it in town, where small, short-wave bumps are especially felt and your passengers may not thank you for ticking the ‘FR’ box on the spec sheet.

They will thank you for ticking the 4Drive box, though, especially in the depths of an Irish winter. To call the rain torrential during our tenure with the Seat would be an insult to cloudbursts — frequently it was like driving at the bottom of a swimming pool, but thanks in no small part to the 4Drive system (which uses clutches to distribute the engine’s power from front to back as needed) the Ateca never put a tyre out of line the whole time.

Your bank manager may not thank you for choosing the 190hp 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine. It’s distantly related to the engine used in the Volkswagen Golf GTI, and it certainly has impressive power and torque, and it takes just 7.9secs for the Ateca FR to scramble its way to 100km/h. It feels muscular and strong, and has very good refinement too.

If you fancy a petrol engine then the 150hp 1.4 TSI does an excellent all-round job while being a lot more frugal, and of course there are very good 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDI diesel options too.

Going for one of those engines will also bring the price down, considerably, from the €40,149 asked for our test car.

So, it seems sporty and SUV do indeed mix rather well, and the Ateca FR is a pretty good example of the breed. Just pick your engine reasonably carefully.

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

MOTORING 34

Motoring News

Toyota sets up $4-million prize for paralysis research Global competition to develop new tech to fight paralysis

T

HE TOYOTA MOBILITY FOUNDATION, in partnership with Nesta’s Challenge Prize Centre, has launched a life-changing initiative to change the lives of people with lower-limb paralysis. The two have launched a $4 million dollar global Mobility Unlimited Challenge, with the winners announced in a ceremony in Tokyo in 2020.

The Challenge is seeking teams of innovators to create game-changing technology that will help radically improve the mobility and independence of those with lower-limb paralysis. The aim of the Challenge is to harness creative thinking from across the world to accelerate innovation and encourage collaboration with users to find winning devices to

transform the world for people with lower-limb paralysis.

The mobility solutions of the future could include anything from exoskeletons, to artificial intelligence and machine learning, from cloud computing to batteries.

The Mobility Unlimited Challenge Prize is supported by a number of ambassadors from around the world, all of whom have experience of living with lower-limb paralysis.

Global ambassadors include Aki Taguchi, Director, Paralympian Association of Japan; August de los Reyes, Head of Design at Pinterest; Yinka Shonibare MBE, Turner Prize nominated British/ Nigerian artist; Sandra Khumalo, South African rower; Preethi Srinivasan, Indian athlete and campaigner; Sophie Morgan,

British TV presenter; Tatyana McFadden, USS track and field athlete; and Dr. Rory A Cooper, director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories at the University of Pittsburgh The Challenge is open to all designers, engineers and technologists. As part of the Challenge, the Mobility Foundation has created the Discovery Awards which will provide means-tested seed funding of $50,000 for ten groups with promising concepts, who might otherwise lack the resources to enter the main Challenge. Recipients of these grants will use the funds to develop credible entries to the Challenge.

The closing date for the Discovery Awards is February 7th, with the deadline for all other entries being August 15th.

A panel of expert judges

will pick five finalists who will each receive $500,000 to take their concepts from an intelligent insight to a prototype. The Challenge winner will receive $1,000,000 to make the device available to users – with the winning concept unveiled in Tokyo in 2020.

Both the global Mobility Unlimited Challenge and Toyota Ireland’s announcement as the Official Partner of the 2020 Irish Paralympics Team are Toyota Ireland’s notable examples of coming to life through the ‘Built for a Better World’ brand purpose.

Julie Ann Burandt, Global Communications Manager, Toyota Mobility Foundation said “Personal mobility devices can help overcome some major barriers in life for people, however, at present they do not

fully meet the needs of user’s due to limitations in functionality and usability. We know people could benefit from technologies and innovations from outside the assistive technology field, as well as from greater support to those in the field. That is exactly what we want to do with the Mobility Unlimited Challenge, and hopefully change people’s lives.”

Steve Tormey, Chief Executive, Toyota Ireland added; “According to Spinal Injuries Ireland there are over 1,800 people living with spinal cord injury in Ireland, and there are many more with lower-limb paralysis that are striving for a better way of living. We look forward to seeing the difference this initiative can make to people and encourage those with ideas here in Ireland to apply.”

ADVERTISEMENT 35

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

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Property

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

Bright & Spacious 27 CLOONBEG, SHANABALLA, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE V95Y5N4

€274,950

L

OCATED in the much sought after Shanaballa housing development, No. 27 Cloonbeg is a bright and spacious well proportioned 5 bedroomed detached family home enjoying an elevated site overlooking a vast and mature green area within the Cloonbeg housing development.

The living accommodation is set out over two floors.

At ground floor level is the main reception, kitchen/dining, downstairs WC and the first of the 5 bedrooms.

The main reception which looks onto the landscaped green area features a solid wood surround feature fireplace, ceiling coving, quality carpet and double connecting doors to the kitchen/dining.

Kitchen/Dining features a quality fitted kitchen, extensive tiling, ceiling coving, integrated appliances and French doors onto the rear patio. This open plan ground floor layout makes for an ideal family or entertaining space Outside the double parking bay with paved drive, front lawned side gated ac-

cess, rear lawned area, patio and garden shed finish this house off as an absolute gem in the current market. This is a must view and strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents. PSL No. 002295 Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

SOUGHT AFTER SUBURB 25 GORT LEAMHAN, ENNIS, CLARE V95EA0P Number 25 is an exceptional 5 bedroom semi-detached house located in the popular Gort Leamhan housing development in the much sought after suburb of Roslevan. Positioned on a corner site, this home must be viewed to truly appreciate the level of finish that features throughout.

To the ground floor, the porcelain tiled entrance hallway leads to the main reception and kitchen/dining via glass panel doors with the main reception boasting solid oak timber flooring, oak surround feature fireplace, recessed lighting and connecting doors to the formal dining. The open plan kitchen/dining is finished with solid shaker oak wall and base units, integrated appliances, breakfast counter, dresser unit and French doors onto the extensive rear decking. It is worth mentioning that under the deck is a ready foundation for a family/sunroom extension. Off the kitchen is a fully equipped and fitted utility room with access to the shared downstairs WC which also acts as an en-suite to the ground floor bedroom.

€229,000

At first floor level are four further bedrooms three of which are double and 2 featuring full en-suite bathrooms. Outside, the extensive tarmacadam drive, gated side access, rear lawned area, timber decking and garden shed put the polishing touches to this stunning home. PSL No. 00295 Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

Dream cottage THATCH COTTAGE, TULLAGOWER, COORACLARE, KILRUSH, CO CLARE

Ideal starter home 76 LEIM AN BHRADAIN, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO CLARE

S

TUNNING first floor two bedroom apartment. 76 Leim an Bhradain is in a development on the Gort road in Ennis. It has excellent letting potential for an investor or it would make an ideal starter home.

Accommodation includes an entrance hall, generous kitchen/dining/ living area (with balcony), hallway, utility room, bathroom and two double bedrooms (one of which has an

€109,000

en-suite, walk-in wardobe and its own balcony).

Viewing of this superb property is highly recommended.

74sq.m (796 sq.ft) approx. BER No. 107863664

Contact: Tiernan O’Malley, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 6867866

WHO doesn’t dream of a nice thatched cottage in the Irish countryside.

Fire crackling, warm cup of tea whilst watching the rolling hills from the windows. Here is your opportunity to purchase such a place.

Conveniently located on the main road just outside Kilrush sits a 150+ year old quintessential stack stone cottage, coupled with an outbuilding and 0.5 acres of manicured garden. The postcard of Irish cottages!

An American couple purchased this non-protected property in 2009 and set about completely refurbishing it to the high standards warranted, whilst keeping all the character essential to such a unique property. Vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, you name it!

€175,000

Why buy a property and have to deal with the years of renovation required (both time, budget overruns and labour) when you can own one turn-key!

This property will be sold FULLY FURNISHED (over €12,000 spent on new furnishings alone).

Do not lose out on this unique opportunity.

BER G. BER Number 100448299. BER Code: 506.73 kwh/m2/yr.

Contact: Danielle Kavanagh, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866

CLASSIFIEDS 37

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

Classifieds DOGGIE DAY CARE

CAR REPAIRS

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BUSINESS TESTIMONIAL

I would like to compliment the Clare Echo for the way in which they have helped with my business. I have used the Clare Echo for my business classifieds and have experienced great interest thanks to the Clare Echo.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

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Cheapest rates around using your own comprehensive insurance.

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38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

Your Horoscopes February 1 OFFER to help anyone who sits down next to you today, especially if you’re en route somewhere and they may have been desiring a little nap. That’s completely out of the question, as should soon be obvious. You’re in the mood for a nice long chat. How many times have you been verbally barraged and managed to maintain your reputation for politeness? It’s their turn now!

YOU’RE so fond of chatter that it shouldn’t take much to get involved with almost anyone. The bus stop, the convenience store queue -- the place doesn’t matter. Communication is your specialty, and you’re used to keeping up not just your side of the conversation, but everyone else’s, too, if necessary. Today, though, you’re amazed by the verbal flexibility of someone new and chat-worthy.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

AFTER years of caretaking -- family, friends, customers or coworkers, among others -- you’re still shocked when an authority figure offers you a new responsibility you weren’t expecting. Remember that if you didn’t deserve it, you almost certainly wouldn’t have received it. Still, it couldn’t hurt for you to have a friend go over the details, especially if they specialize in such things.

AN OPPORTUNITY for travel is coming soon -- bringing with it the possibility of going cheap or free. You don’t want to argue about the small stuff, like what you’re expected to do once you arrive, but it’s not a bad idea to straighten it all out before you head out. If you’ve been trying to talk someone into coming along, let them know that you can’t wait forever.

AS OF tonight, you should understand that the Universe has only your best interests in mind -- for now. When your people come asking if it’s all true -- if they really should say yes to new offers -- go right ahead and let them know that it’s all good. Now and then, your energy is configured in such a way that we all get a little boost out of it.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

g difficult - just lso an ideal

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14 Florida resort or country job centre (7) 16 Protection for plants? That's g old hat! (6) 19 Good floating platform required hard work (5) 20 Member of youth organisation on a Caribbean island (4)

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1 Female graduate in queen’s place (5) 2 Arab state in Ottoman Empire (4) 3 One is entertained by unacceptable idea (6) 4 Get back arrangement for baritone (8) 5 Going by boat, seamen initially unwell (7) 6 Enjoy your meal in Paris? (3,7) 9 Number called for supporters joining team (4,6) 12 Nina gets new bloomers (8) 14 Florida resort or country job centre (7) 16 Protection for plants? That’s

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DOWN

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20 Member of youth organisation on a Caribbean island (4)

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old hat! (6) 19 Good floating platform required hard work (5)

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3

possibly, with skin blemish (3,7)

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1 Queer old dean, say, breaking no promises (10) 7 Cook to carve ham (7) 8 College window (5) 10 Partially open a container (4) 11 Behold an object with revulsion (8) 13 One gets a degree without being called (6) 15 Legs in motion, making one run (6) 17 Swiss legend possibly revealing secrets (8) 18 League ignoring the French complaint (4) 21 Some Briton gaining islands in South Pacific (5) 22 Campaign to overhaul used car (7) 23 Singer from Dorset,

14 Florida resort or country job centre (7) 16 Protection for plants? That's ling old hat! (6) 19 Good floating platform required hard work (5) 20 Member of youth organisation on a Caribbean island (4)

1

ACROSS

in

The Clare Echo Crossword

NOW and then, a forgotten aspect of your life has to be fixed. It may be personal, domestic or career-related, but the longer you wait, the longer it takes to repair, and the longer it will take to get your life back in order. This is a wakeup call -- so get it fixed! You’re getting the message that there’s no time like the present. Go for it ASAP.

car

LIFE is good -- but it’s getting better! That’s your belief, or it should be, and it’s an affirmation to help you make best come to pass in your life. Whether you wear it on a T-shirt, meditate on it or just believe in it profoundly, it feels mighty real right now. You should see new evidence of just how right you are. Prepare for the best -- after all, you’re due!

YOU took your role as class clown quite seriously (still do, really), and you’ve always made sure to keep up your skills.

Anyone who wants to wrestle the title away from you finds it next to impossible, in fact. You’re able to defend it today, no matter where you find yourself. Make sure you can turn it off, if and when the situation turns serious -- in a romantic way, that is.

,

IF YOU’RE partnered romantically, you’re about to feel a swelling of pride like nothing that’s come before -- not because of your mate, but because you’ve been working so hard to make them proud of you. You may have been putting too much energy into your work than into your love life, but that can change. If you’re single, don’t expect that to last much longer -- and don’t be too surprised if the one you like is somewhat offbeat.

n

r

YOU can’t figure out where this is all leading, but you’re pretty sure you’re liking it. The one thing you don’t know for sure is whether or not you’re going to be comfortable when you land. Invite someone else (maybe new) along for the ride, so no matter where you find yourself, at least you’re both happy. Gather your courage and ask.

AFTER a bit more time spent thinking of someone as impulsive, difficult and completely irresponsible, you get the chance to see them in an entirely new light. Whether you’re ready or not, you experience a side of them you’d have thought couldn’t exist: Responsible, respectable and reliable. It’s all good -- you’ve sprung a few big surprises on a few people in your time, right?

ly

Gemini

7)

ENERGY, vivacity, and directness are three traits people usually count on seeing in you. They’re all pretty obvious to those you meet today, whether they’ve seen it all before or have never seen your face, so don’t be shy about letting those fine qualities show -- they’re a few of the reasons folks love you like they do! Your legendary bravery doesn’t hurt a bit, either.

Taurus

Aries

1/1

cult - just n ideal

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, FEB 1 2018

The Clare Echo Quiz CLARE LANDMARKS 1Where is Barley Harbour?

Clare has its own Coney Is2Co land. Where is it?

Labasheeda, Shannon, Doolin

Kilkee, Ballynacally, Tullig

other location did develop3What ers consider for Shannon Airport?

Moyasta, Cahercon, Kilmaley

Clare also has its own Knock.

4Co Where is it?

Near Scariff, Near Killimer, Near Inagh

5Where’s Hog Island?

6Where’s the N67?

Kilrush, Killaloe, Quilty

Ennis – Limerick, Kilrush-Ennis, Kilkee-Ballyaughan

Doughmore, Lahinch, Kilkee

8Where’s Lough Atedaun? was jockey Kieran Fallon 9Where born?

l BEAUTIFUL CLARE LANDMARK: Scattery Island

Inagh, Kilkishen, Corofin

l LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: What other location did developers consider for Shannon Airport?

town is known as the ‘city of seven crosses’?

10Which Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna, Ennistymon

6. Kilkee-Ballyaughan 7. Doughmore 8. Corofin 9. Crusheen 10. Kilfenora

Tulla, Crusheen, Barefield

SHOWING SUPPORT

Supporting the Banner Footballers were Daire Culligan, Shane Culligan and Darren Keane. from Lissycasey. Photo by Martin Connolly

ANSWERS 1. Shannon 2. Ballynacally 3. Moyasta 4. Near Killimer 5. Kilrush

which beach did the Sunder7On land flying boat crash in 1941?

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