The Clare Echo 02/08/2018

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2 Aug 2018

Yes we can A

TICKET SCRAMBLE is on ahead of this Sunday’s All Ireland Semi Final replay between Clare and Galway at Semple Stadium, Thurles.

Excitement has reached fever pitch as Clare bid to reach their first return to the promised land since 2013.

Thousands of Clare supporters raced to Centra and Superva-

lu stores on Monday morning at 11.30am, when it was announced without any warning that tickets for the replay were on sale.

Some 54,191 people attended Saturday’s thrilling draw in Croke Park - which has been billed as some of the best hurling ever seen on display at Croker - and Semple Stadium which will host the replay only has a capacity of 46,300.

KILRUSH IN FOCUS Photo courtesy of Clare CountyCouncil

See our 8-Page feature INSIDE

lBACKING THE BANNER: Clare supporters at Saturday’s thrilling draw in Croker on Saturday.

Photo by Martin Connolly

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

Index ROAD TO THURLES AOIBHIN GARRIHY

4-5

10-11

TIERNEY’S 25 YEARS 14-15 KILRUSH IN FOCUS

17-24

PROPERTY

26-27

MOTORING

28-31

SPORT

32-35

CLASSIFIEDS

36-37

The Square, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

NEWSDESK Email: editor@clareecho.ie or news@clareecho.ie

SALES Email: ciara.farrell@clareecho.ie or ger.naughton@clareecho.ie

l CUTE OUT: Some of the first customers, Oliver and Sophia Gill from Derry take a look around the newly refurbished Shannon Heritage Giftstore at the Cliffs of Moher as Niall O’Callaghan, Manging Director Shannon Heritage, Caroline Kelleher, Director Public Affairs Shannon Group, Senator Martin Conway look on at the official opening on Tuesday

Photo by Eamon Ward

Concern at lack of HSE consultants STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

C

LARE General Election candidate Mike McKee has raised serious concerns over figures released from the HSE which shows there are 47 vacant consultant posts in Limerick and in Galway hospitals which have an impact in Clare.

General Election candidate Mike McKee said: “For some time now hospital consultants and their representatives have been saying that there is a recruitment and retention crisis within the profession; and the figures released from the HSE regarding vacancy rates for consultants prove not only that this crisis is very real but, that it impacts Clare by consultant vacancies both at Limerick and Galway hospitals, and these consultant vacancies are across all specialist fields and must have an impact on healthcare in Clare.”

“The figures released show that there are at least 349 vacant consultant posts across the state, and at Limerick and Galway hospitals the vacancy rates are beyond worrying.”

“Indeed, in Limerick hospitals there are

29 vacant consultant posts in extremely important specialities such as general medicine.and up to 18 in Galway University Hospital such as in psychiatry.”

“In Psychiatry, an area where 2,700 children are waiting to be seen by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, there is a staggering 3 vacant consultant posts in Galway and one in Limerick.”

Mike McKee continued: “The HSE has tried every way to get around this problem, including employing doctors not on the specialist register as consultants and employing agency consultants; but papering over the cracks and short term solutions are not working.”

“It is undisputable that there is a recruitment and retention crisis affecting consultants and the Government and the HSE need to engage with representatives of consultants and come up with a plan to address the situation because continuing on this current trajectory is dangerous for patients, staff, and the health service.”

Summer Dining Take a Spin our Way..

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The Sights, Sounds and Tastes of West Clare on the Atlantic’s Edge

4

NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

Clare gets tough on gum litter 'Parteen

will be split in two'

ELAINE TUBRIDY

A

news@clareecho.ie

AN ANNUAL public awareness campaign aimed at reducing the level of gum litter across County Clare was launched in Sixmilebridge this week.

Councillor Michael Begley, Mayor of Clare, and Councillor Joe Cooney, Chair of the Physical Development SPC, were joined by members of Sixmilebridge Tidy Towns for the launch of the Gum Litter Taskforce’s gum litter education campaign.

Research commissioned by the Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) and conducted by Kantar Millward Brown during the 2017 campaign has demonstrated the campaign’s positive effect on people’s behaviour towards gum disposal.

The latest results show 86% of people saying they dispose of their gum correctly, compared with just 54% in 2006 when the campaign began.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor Begley said “The Gum Litter Taskforce is a fantastic initiative for communities to get involved in. Each year, we see communities coming together with the common aim of reducing the level of littered gum within

l STICKING TO THE TASK: Cllr Michael Begley in Sixmilebridge with young locals this week Photo by Eamon Ward

their respective localities. The campaign has achieved positive results to date in this regard, and I hope this year’s campaign will continue to further build on those results”.

Norah Murphy, Clare County Council’s Community Warden in the Shannon Municipal District, added, “The Gum Litter

Forecast of clear skies and giant screens for match ELAINE TUBRIDY news@clareecho.ie

THE weather over the last few days has been nothing short of horrific, but don’t put away the summer wardrobe just yet.

Here at The Clare Echo we are nothing if not thorough, so we can confirm from two independent sources that there will DEFINITELY be socks and sandals weather this Bank Holiday Weekend*.

Accuweather are reporting that temperatures will be in the high twenties on Sunday and Monday, with little or no rain forecast.

Met Eireann meanwhile are sure that the mercury will hit 26c and are forecasting light winds; perfect barbecue weather.

The National Meteorological Service also predict that the weather will remain settled for next week.

Meanwhile a number of local venues are showing the big game between Clare and Galway, including the Garden Bar at Cruises where there will be multiple screens (they are also offering

a selection of cocktails, and there will be live music after the game.)

Meanwhile, organisers of Scariff Harbour Festival had their thinking hats on when the game wen to a replay by putting on a a big screen at the Fair Green.

A giant screen has been organised

by Scariff Harbour Festival Committee for festival patrons unable to travel to Thurles for the hurling semi-final replay against Galway on Sunday 5th August.

‘It will be fantastic climax to the Harbour Festival if we could witness Clare go forward to another All-Ireland,’ said an excited GAA man and Chair of the Harbour Festival Committee, Mike Rodgers. ‘To accommodate our festival goers, we are erecting a 15ft x 9ft screen on the Fair Green.

The atmosphere is expected to be electric, if it’s anything like the heart-stopping games we have witnessed in the last week,’ he said. *Weather may not actually be fantastic. This is Ireland, after all.

Taskforce has been successful to date in changing the public’s behaviour ...

The latest report of the National Litter Monitoring Pollution System has shown that the percentage of chewing gum as a proportion of litter dropped to 8% in 2017 from 15% in 2016.”

A SOUTH Clare community “will be the only village in the country split by a dual-carriageway”, according to Cllr Cathal Crowe.

Last year the €150 million Limerick Northern Distributor Road (LNDR) was given the go ahead with works expected to start in September. It involves the construction of 2.1 km of dual carriageway and 3.5km of link roads.

In a motion at the July meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Cathal Crowe requested Clare County Council “safeguard the Parteen and Meelick communities” from the impact of the LNDR. To do so, he asked them to “plan for significant improvement works with the support of the Dept of Transport on the northern section of the Knockalisheen Road in Meelick as this will be the docking point for phase one of the LNDR and in its current form is incapable of carrying increased traffic”. Crowe also sought “a special masterplan for Parteen village to ensure that the integrity of the village can be maintained and enhanced as plans for phase two of the LNDR are progressed”.

Senior engineer Sean Lenihan confirmed he will follow up with DTTAS and the Road Section of the local authority on Cllr Crowe’s concerns about increased traffic in Meelick.

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

NEWS 5

Many loyal supporters with no tickets, says chairman PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

GAA clubs and supporters in Clare have expressed their disappointment with how tickets were made available for Sunday’s All-Ireland SHC replay between Clare and Galway.

Some 54,191 people attended Saturday’s draw in Croke Park and Semple Stadium which will host the replay has a capacity of 46,300. For the drawn contest, supporters had the option of purchasing tickets via their local GAA club if they were a member, online or through Centra and SuperValu stores.

On Monday there was surprise when Croke Park officials informed Clare GAA that allocations would not be given to clubs and instead they had to be obtained online or in Centra and SuperValu stores. It is worth noting that both retail outlets are official sponsors of the association. This led to panic for fans as they rushed to stores and queued for hours, the same applied for those trying to source their tickets online.

Normally for inter-county games clubs are given a portion of tickets where their members would be able to place an order. This did not happen and some clubs availed of the Club Pass Scheme which is operated for GAA Senior Championship All-Ireland Quarter Finals and Semi Finals in Croke Park even though the replay does not take place at Jones’ Rd. The short time-frame between games has been cited by Croke Park officials as the reason clubs were not given their usual allocation of tickets.

In a statement earlier this week, Tulla GAA club outlined their frustration. “We would like to apologize to all our members for the disgraceful way our organization has treated the loyal club member but unfortunately that will not make it any easier to buy tickets”.

Conall McNulty, Chairperson of the Banner GAA club, said the way in which the tickets were sold caused confusion. “None of us knew how the tickets were going to be sold. There was talk that they were going to be distributed to the clubs and rumours about them only being sold online. When we got the word at 10.30am, I immediately sent a text to all our members. When I tried to get my own tickets, the site said I was the 4,995th person in the queue”.

Meanwhile Clare GAA Chairperson, Joe Cooney stated, “It is disappointing, there is a lot of loyal supporters without tickets”. The O’Callaghans Mills clubman added, “I think it could have been looked at differently, more consideration could have been given to it. The other thing what I’m disappointed is they were put online at 11am when people were working and they weren’t aware”.

It is another in a long running series of events by the GAA this summer that has caused upset and anger among their members. In the football qualifiers, Kildare voiced their anger when they home advantage was stripped from them when drawn against Mayo, this led to the Newbridge or Nowhere campaign, the Lilywhites regained home advantage and later defeated Mayo. Dublin’s footballers continued use of Croke Park as a home and neutral venue in the Super 8s has caused discontent while the initial refusal to host a testimonial game for the late Liam Miller in Páirc Uí Chaoimh was another bone of contention for many.

6

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

Ancient warriors also set for battle this Sunday...

STUART HOLLY

A

editor@clareecho.ie

S CLARE hurling warriors hit the pitch, so too will the Ancient Celtic Warriors in Craggaunowen. Located outside Quin in county Clare, we are celebrating the Celtic festival of Lughnasa. Kicking off at 11am with real live Fighting Warriors, the sound of clashing swords as metal strikes metal will zing through the air.

A fine display of medieval crafts and the opportunity to learn and discuss these crafts with the Jeweller, Blacksmith and see tanning and leather work in action. We have several crafts like pottery and weaving, our experts will give a short class in how to make a basic pot or basic weave.

Craggaunowen’s location encourages freedom in children. And we will be working with young and not

so young to bring out that medieval warrior battle cry. The Medieval Warrior Camps are an all action learning activity for kids 7-12 years old. We will take a maximum of 20 kids at time, dress them as knights, give them soft foam swords, teach them to march, a war cry and how to fight like a knight. It turns into mayhem but is great fun.

This activity takes approximately 15-20 minutes and has proven to be hugely popular.

Also set up will be a stocks! Our own village mischief maker will be sentenced to time in the stocks. People are invited to come and pelt him with balled up rags dipped in water.

If people are nominated to be put in the stocks.....then so be it!

Come join the fun of Lughnasa at Craggaounowen; Sunday 5th August 2018; 11am to 5pm; General admission.

l FIGHT TO THE DEATH: The show at Craggaunowen on Sunday is kicking off at 11am and will have real live fighting warriors

Photo by Eamon Ward

Politicians yet to decide on future PARAIC McMAHON

editor@clareecho.ie

l FLYING FORM: The fifth Foynes Air Show brought thousands of spectators to the west Limerick village this Saturday to witness awe-inspiring and daredevil acts by 23 of the worlds most iconic and celebrated aircraft.

One of the largest annual events along the Wild Atlantic Way, the Foynes Air Show is estimated to be worth more than €750,000 to the local economy, and forms part of the IAA’s #AviationIreland weekend, along with the Bray Air Display in Co. Wicklow.

The sun came out just in time for this year’s show as the supersonic attack aircraft the Saab Viggen also know as Thunderbolt opened the air show when it shot across the sky to the delight to the crowd below.

Pic Sean Curtin True Media

TWO experienced politicians have yet to decide if they will be running in the 2019 local elections.

Cllr Christy Curtin has topped the poll in each area he has ran for the last five elections. The Miltown councillor has been elected on the first count with his vote growing in every campaign since 1991. Last year, both he and Cllr PJ Kelly submitted the most amount of motions to council meetings with twenty three each.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Independent highlighted the challenge of topping the poll again. “That’s hard to repeat, you can go to the top of the mountain but you can go down quicker descending than you did ascending, every election is different”.

Next year’s election will be different with the redrawing of electoral areas in the county, if he is to contest his seat, Cllr Curtin will have to decide whether he will run in Kilrush or Ennistymon.

Curtin revealed that he won’t

make a decision until 2019. “I haven’t my mind fully made up on that yet, I’m concentrating on my present role at the moment and it will be 2019 before I make my decision. I’m on the border between two areas between Ennistymon and Kilrush, it will be 2019 before a decision is made. At this stage you review all circumstances and I’m working to fulfil my mandate at the moment”.

Meanwhile, it has been speculated that former Mayor of Clare, Joe Arkins will bid to win back the seat he lost in 2014. Four years ago, he was the biggest casualty when failing to be reelected while holding the position of Mayor.

In 2014, the Ruan man sought a seat in the Killaloe Municipal District having represented the Ennistymon area since 1999.

Over 200 votes separated him and first time candidate Alan O’Callaghan at the time.

Now that the Ennistymon area has returned, it is expected that Arkins may also seek a return to local politics.

Photo by Martin Connolly

Al Hayes Motors Ennis

Some ‘Karoq’ in Al Hayes Motors Ennis in preparation for the replay.

Here’s hoping Clare get off to a ‘Kodiaq’ start.

We wish Tony Kelly and the Clare team another ‘Superb’ performance and that they clock up the scores ‘Rapid’.

Let’s hope that all the Clare fans will be ‘Octavia’ happy.

065 6822400 Damien 087 2368841 Ronan 087 9031373 Noel 086 1894374

www.alhayesmotors.com

8

NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

Clare Young FG Eoin Neylon columnist reflects backing Harris Political on a magical day at Croker

Clare hurlers put a smile on our faces

ELAINE TUBRIDY

L

news@clareecho.ie

C

LARE Young Fine Gael has spoken in support of Minister Simon Harris who announced that the conscientious objection clause in the Bill for the Regulation of the Termination of Pregnancies applied only to individuals and not institutions.

Rebecca Gregan is the Chairperson of Clare Young Fine Gael and a healthcare professional. A pharmacist, the Clarecastle woman had the following to say: “Minister Harris’ actions are respectful of the desires of the electorate and the woman who require these services. A key component of any healthcare discipline is respecting a patient’s autonomy- their right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. Therefore any religious ethos of a publicly funded institution should not override this. The proposed legislation is extremely thorough and was determined through extensive consultation between the citizens assembly and the Oireachtas. There is no longer any excuse to delay passing the bill into law. The electorate knew exactly what was proposed and voted overwhelmingly in favour” Reiterating Gregan’s words, Deputy Chairperson Michael Taylor said: “I fully support what Minister Harris has said here.

As a person of faith myself I firmly believe that it is wrong for private faith of individuals to overpower the democratic mandate given by a referendum. Any institution that acts in a way that does not respect the

l SPOKESPERSON: Ms Gregan

democratic decision of the people does not deserve to govern a public facility. We, the people have spoken and we have overwhelmingly stated that we want safe and legal termination in this Country. The women of Ireland have waited 35 years, how dare the Church try and force them to wait any longer.”

Taylor, who is a law student and Kilkee native, continued: “This legislation allows for conscientious objection for individual medical professionals. This Bill doesn’t tie anyone’s hands, unlike the previous legislation which has tied the hands of doctors and women since 1861.”

Young Fine Gael campaigned against the introduction of the 8th Amendment in 1983 and at present fully supports the Bill.

Their support was reaffirmed last weekend at their annual Garret Fitzgerald Summer School in Bundoran, Co. Donegal.

l GOOD CAUSE: Councillor Gerry Flynn, Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, joined the people of Shannon Town at Wolfe Tones na Sionna GAA grounds to greet Fr. Tony Coote. Fr Tony and his colleagues were passing through the town as part of their ‘Walk While You Can’ fundraiser in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. More than €163,000 has been raised to date. To donate to this worthwhile cause visit www.wwyc.ie.

Photo by Eamon Ward

EAVING Croke Park on Saturday it was a pleasure to meet so many fellow county men and women each with a broad smile on their face. You’d think from the demeanour of the people that we’d won the game. However, their smiles were not for the result, delighted as we all were by Jason McCarthy’s last second equalizer. No, what really brought a smile to everyone’s face, Clare and Galway alike, was the spectacle of what we’d all witnessed. This was sport at its finest. The smiles made all the broader on the confirmation that we’d be heading to Thurles just eeight days later to do it all over again.

It’s easy to dismiss the huge positive sport brings to society. After all, “it’s just a game” is a line we’ve all heard before. Evidentially, it is so much more than that.

Why else would people show up in their thousands week after week to watch elite athletes battle it out? Where better to do it that the modern Celtic amphitheatre that is GAA HQ? These players are nothing short of inspirational. I met several visitors and new Irish who were amazed by what they’d seen.

My Kiwi rugby head coach was referring to Clare as “we” by the end of proceedings such was the display he’d witnessed. He’d been utterly converted to the game and to the Banner. That’s what sport can do. It unites people, it gives them a release and a means to blow off stress.

The main feedback I always get from people witnessing their first intercounty hurling game though is always along the lines of, “I can’t believe this is all amateur”. It really is a testament to our national games that in this era, the soul of them has been preserved away from the commercialisation of passion, as seen in soccer.

The FIFA World Cup is a great spectacle because we see the best players play for pure love of one’s country.

It’s a shame we’ve to wait 4 years in between them. The club game is, in my opinion, sullied by love that can be bought and sold to the highest bidder. Soccer players are more and more reduced to mere mercenaries. With the GAA, you get that raw pas-

sion, that pride of place, that love of the jersey and sense of primal community every single time. In the era of professional sports, what we have here in Ireland is utterly unique and I for one would hate to see that changed.

That said, the professional like sacrifices and training these players go through for our enjoyment cannot be dismissed either. These men and women in all codes of Gaelic Games do deserve some recompense for their time outside of mere expenses. There have been recent calls for the Government to allow intercounty players of all codes a special tax break.

I’d echo those calls. Critics argue that this represents further state funding for the GAA, an organisation that already has a massive turnover. On the other hand though, we should be investing more in all sports.

If the GAA, the LGFA and the Camogie Association were to each fund this, it would immediately make for inequalities and inconsistencies as the former has much deeper pockets from which to recompense male players compared to the female players. There’s also the fact that these bodies aren’t money hoarders and invest whatever profit they make back into grassroots, which is arguably much more important. If they’re asked to fund elite players, the grassroots will ultimately be the ones to lose out.

Whereas the intercounty players serve as the inspiration, the aspiration for young people to achieve, making sure young people have the facilities and materials to get involved is paramount. We’re fighting a growing pandemic of obesity in Ireland, especially among our young people. Spending money on the promotion of sport and participation will lead to a huge saving in health expenditure down the road. It’s also not just the GAA that should see investment, but all sports. In recent weeks we’ve celebrated some great achievements by sportsmen and women from Clare. A fortnight ago, the Echo’s front page celebrated 4 Clare people who’d each enjoyed great sporting success or who’s sporting endeavours helped them achieve heroics. Jo Keane in athletic,

Ryan Nolan in soccer, Rhys Williams in show jumping and Jim Warney’s cave diving helping rescue efforts in Thailand. They all did Clare proud and those sports and others which might not have a traditional following in Clare should be promoted just like any other.

Sport gives more than mere physical fitness too. It also has huge mental health benefits. The emotional support of your peers when you’re part of a team in invaluable. A good team will rally to your side no matter if the trouble you are going through is on or off the field.

Kids make friends for life though sport and learn interpersonal and social skills that are rarely found through anything else. Your kid doesn’t need to be the star player to get the most out of being an active participant either. All though my years of playing and coaching in various sports, it was never about identifying the best player and rallying around them, but around each and every person who makes a team a team.

The most skilful player might not be the emotional leader of a team. The team joker is needed to break the ice and relieve pressure a team might be under at any given time. Young players learn that when they’re part of a sports team; that’s there’s a place for everyone and every person brings something different to the table.

These are lessons that anyone should live their life by. Even people participating in solo sports garner huge benefits from learning to be self-motivators, to also learning that you can’t ever do anything 100% on your own either and that a good coach, training mate or someone else is necessary to get you over the line from time to time. Sport might be a game, but it’s also so much more than that.

We should, as a sports mad country, invest more in it.

After all, inspirational days like last Saturday in Croke Park will certainly inspire the next generation of Clare hurlers. We should make sure they have what they need to bring them from the local fields of Clare to the big stage of Croke Park. After all, who among us wouldn’t like a few more outings in Jones Road long into the future?

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WESTERN GARAGES - BACKING THE BANNER ALL THE WAY!

10 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE

CLARE

THE NOTEBOOK

I

’M still buzzing over what was one of the most thrilling games of hurling last weekend. It was inspiring to watch. Sunday can’t come quick enough and baby Hanorah has well and truly nailed her colours to the mast in our house! Wishing all the team the very best of luck in Thurles.

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Woman’s Way Mum of the Year Awards with my own Mum and it was such a wonderful afternoon, hailing all the amazing mums and hearing their truly inspirational stories. Norah Casey was a fantastic host and I was lucky enough to sit next to Vicky Phelan who was the very deserving recipient of the Gamechanger award on the day.

I am delighted to team up with Western Garages as their new car brand ambassador. Volkswagen was the brand of my first car and the car I learned to drive in...to be back in one now with the little one feels so safe and familiar and I’m so looking forward to many a family adventure in our new motor!

Last week we shot the brand new

l CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Brave Vicky Phelan; my mum and Norah Casey with Hanorah and I; the new Knight and Day collection shoot

Autumn Winter Knight and Day Jewellery collection. This is my third season as the brand ambassador and once again it was an honour to work with such a well

COVET IN CLARE GET INSPIRED The newest range from Centra, Inspired, has some delicious convenient food options for those on the go. I particularly love the healthy salads, juices and nut range but there are some indulgent sweet treats there too. Check it out at your nearest Centra.

known and loved Irish brand. The new collection is fabulous and I can’t wait to share some of the images with you in the coming weeks.

Watch this space!

lBACKING THE BANNER: Baby Hanorah has well and truly nailed her colours to the mast in our house

LIFE LESSONS Looking for an easy read sure to motivate, get you thinking and leave you feeling positive? Look no further than Oprah Winfrey’s What I know for Sure. Whether you’re a fan of Oprah’s or not, there is a message in this book for people of all ages and at all stages in life. I found it a real page turner.

Available at all good bookshops.

R&R Treat yourself to a pamper evening with Voya’s natural, organic sea products. The moonlight moments bath and shower oil is my favourite with lavender and rose A TOUCH OF MALIBU geranium combined Escape to sunnier climes with this newest with natural seaweed addition to Meadow and Byrne’s furniture soothing the mind collection. Whether you are decorating and body and aiding a dressing room, salon or living space, a more comfortable this statement piece will brighten up the night’s sleep. Available darkest of days! Available at Meadows and at the Kilkenny Shop, Byrne, Bunratty or online.

Ennis

EYE CANDY Just because the sun may have bid farewell at home, lots are planning an Autumn/Winter break post season instead and if you haven’t booked a getaway yet, let Eye Candy’s newest range of sunglasses inspire you! I’m particularly fond of these beauties from YSL. See in store for full range of designer brands.

COLUMNIST 11

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

HAPPENINGS

Seafood Restaurants

Top 5 in Clare

CLARE V GALWAY, ALL IRELAND SEMI FINAL REPLAY, THURLES: This week’s “Happenings” event does not take place in Clare so to speak but it’ll feel like the county is on tour!

Tickets may be scarce but here’s a gentle reminder for those in Thurles on Sunday or not...get behind the Banner Men and support your county colours this weekend! Throw in is at 2pm. Hup! LIVE AT THE BARN,DOOLIN: Two fantastic gigs take place in Hotel Doolin back to back this August. Monday the 6th August Luka Bloom with special guests The Fiddle Case and on Tuesday the 7th check out Kíla. Tickets available at www.tickets.ie or by calling 065-7074111.

MORRISSEYS, BAR AND RESTAURANT, DOONBEG

1

This fourth generation family run bar and restaurant is a hidden gem in the heart of Doonbeg. Maintaining the charm of the old bar while adding an outdoor seating deck overlooking the river and charming comfortable dining inside. The Wild Doonbeg Crab claws are a must...when in Rome!

2

LINNANE’S LOBSTER BAR, NEW QUAY

Built over 300 years as a traditional thatched cottage with a small pub and post office, Linnane’s Bar in New Quay, overlooking Galway Way boasts some of the county’s most stunning views. The name will give away its signature dish, the Fresh Lobster...but the rest of its seafood offering is exquisitely fresh and delicious too.

VAUGHAN’S ANCHOR INN, LISCANNOR

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Vaughan’s in Liscannor is located along the main tourist route from Lahinch to Doolin in the little village of Liscannor but has long been established as a destination location for it’s seafood reputation.

Head Chef, Denis Vaughan strives for perfection on the plate always and the fresh seafood platter is my personal favourite. Feeling bold? The shared desert platter is unforgettable!

4

WILD HONEY INN, LISDOONVARNA

Wild Honey Inn is owned and run by prominent chef Aidan McGrath and his partner Kate Sweeney and together they have established their restaurant as the ultimate foodie spot, championing Irish produce from the land and sea and executed to perfection. So much so, they are now the only Michelin Star restaurant in the county. The menus are ever changing but you can be sure to sample some of the freshest ingredients presented as art on a plate!

JULIA’S LOBSTER TRUCK

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For something a bit more casual why not try Julia’s Lobster Truck (www.facebook.com/juliaslobstertruck). Based in the Burren, Julia Hemingway offers fresh lobsters caught by fisherman Gerry Sweeney in New Quay, while her mussels and oysters are supplied by The Redbank Food Company topped off deliciously by her petite brioche buns slathered in hot molten butter.

NUALA O’FAOLÁIN TABLE AT DOOLIN CAVE A unique pop up dining event hosted

by The Burren Food Trail members in Doolin Cave on the 14th September 2018.

Celebrate the Irish journalist at a unique culinary experience underground! Tickets €69 per person available on Eventbrite.

12 COMMUNITY

Community

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

EAST CLARE / SHANNON

EAST CLARE WOMAN WAS BORN BREADY! Mary Kennedy from Bridgetown ICA Guild, Co. Clare has qualified for the National Brown Bread Baking Competition semi-finals.

Mary, pictured above with Anna May McHugh from the National Ploughing Association, was one of the quarter-finalists of the National Brown Bread Baking Competition, sponsored by Aldi and in association with the NPA and ICA, which was held at An Grianán, Co. Louth on the 31st of July.

She will now compete in the semi-finals which will take place in the Aldi marquee at the National Ploughing Championships on the 18th and 19th of September.

Two people will be chosen from each day and will go on to compete in the final of the competition on the 20th of September.

The winner will see their winning brown bread on sale in Aldi stores across the country for a minimum of 6 months, and will win a share of the profits, guaranteed to be at least €10,000! For more information see www.aldi.ie.

COUNTYWIDE OLDER PERSON VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS Attention, community and voluntary groups in County Clare!

Is there someone in your area, aged 55+, who has made an outstanding contribution to the life of your community through volunteering?

Would you like to see that person recognised publicly for that effort, time and commitment?

Don’t delay – get your nomination ready for submission before the closing date of Friday August 24th2018, see contact details below.

Clare Older People’s Council, in association with the Age Friendly Programme of Clare County Council, is again seeking nominations from organisations or individuals in County Clare, for the Clare Older People’s Volunteer of the Year Award. The nominee chosen will receive his/her award from Dr Michael Harty, T.D. at the award ceremony in the Woodstock Hotel, Ennis, on Tuesday September 25th, as part of National Positive Ageing Week.

This is the fifth year that Clare Older People’s Council are organising the event, aimed at showcasing the

Alan Logue of Clare Coast Hotels pictured with students of Scoil Mhainchín Ennistymon and their teacher, Helen Fitzgerald outside the Atlantic Hotel in Lahinch after Clare Coast Hotels sponsored the school sports kit

of Music Generation Clare’s Ennis Instrumental Hub. The tutors working at each of the Music Generation hubs – all highly experienced practitioners and performers – will share their skills with the young participants, develop creativity, and build towards end-of-term performances and recording opportunities. Music Generation Clare will also make a range of musical instruments available for hire at very reasonable rates.

Key information: Group classes will be available for children and young people from second class to sixth year INSTRUMENT HUBS FOR CLARE Sessions are priced at €6 per week payable in instalFrom September, children and young people throughout the county will have opportunities to access music tuition ments throughout the year. Tuition will be offered in Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keys, Percussion, Concertina, Violin in three new ‘instrument hubs’, thanks to Music Generand Banjo. Tuition dates: Ennistymon Hub: Mondays, ation Clare. The ‘hubs’ – which will be based in Kilkee, commencing in September 2018, after school, EnKillaloe and Ennistymon – will open weekly, offering group lessons with skilled professionals for national and nistymon Vocation School. Kilkee Hub: Mondays, after school, St Joseph’s Community College, Kilkee. Killaloe secondary school children in guitar, percussion, violin, Hub: Wednesdays, after school, St Anne’s Community keys, and more.

The launch of the three new centres follows the success College, Killaloe. Info at www.musicgenerationclare.ie. important contribution that older people make to the lives of their local communities. Far from being a burden to society, older people volunteering their skills, time and expertise is critical to the success of many voluntary organisations nationwide.

So don’t delay – get your nomination form today by phoning 065 68 46489, or visit www.clarecoco.ie/community or email clareolderpeoplescouncil@gmail.com.

Right: Neven Maguire at The Tea Rooms last week in Corofin.

Nevin was in the area visiting a black pudding producer and stopped in for a coffee and a scone with Ciara Copeland and her staff

COMMUNITY 13

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

lFUN IN THE SUN: A selection of shots from the annual Children’s Tag Rugby Clare summer camp which took place last week at Ennis Rugby Club

Photos by Eoin McCaffrey

14 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

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

Man on a mission Celebrating 25 years in business, Andy Tierney still holds true the mission statement he wrote in 1995

STUART HOLLY

“T editor@clareecho.ie

HE very first guy I sold a computer to, we sold it on July 30, 1993 and he’s still a customer of ours.”

So explains Andy Tierney, 25 years after setting up Tierney’s Office Automation in Ennis. Having started his now flourishing IT company from the box room of his house in 1993, on Thursday night last his 40-strong team celebrated a quarter of a century in business at the Temple Gate Hotel.

When Andy was asked to speak on Thursday about the company’s success, he decided to talk about the importance of being friendly in business, an integral part of Andy’s work philosophy. Walking through the doors of Tierney’s in the Quin Road Industrial Estate today, just inside hangs a frame with the company mission statement within, which begins, “Our mission and central purpose is to provide the very best computer solutions, service, support and information in a friendly and efficient way.” All these years later, friendly remains a key word.

Andy explains, “When there were only three people working in this company, I wrote a mission statement in 1995 and not one word has changed in that in 23 years. On Thursday night, when I was asked to talk, I was going to talk about the history of the company but everybody knows about the history. So I decided to talk about respect in business and I picked one word out of our mission statement, ‘friendly’. I spoke for 10 minutes on the word friendly and what it means in business and why it’s important in business.”

Tierney’s has been a journey of huge success, one which Andy began alone in that small box room. Andy, a Mayo native, came to Ennis in the late ‘80s, following in the footsteps of his ‘favourite’ uncle Martin Heaney of Parnell Street television store fame.

“I was made redundant in 1993. At that stage I had a mortgage, I had four kids, I had feck all money because there was a huge financial crisis in 1992… my job wasn’t going that well at the time. I was service manager with a company [in Shannon] and we had had a tough year and half before that, we had laid off a lot of people. In Christmas of 1992, our mortgage repayment was so high in comparison to my wages that we basically had no money left and then in April I was made redundant.”

Establishing his IT solutions business was a decision he made with the help of wife Ann, and having turned down a good job with Microsoft in Dublin they decided to give the business a year before deciding on their future. By 1994, director of operations Eileen McNamara had come on board and Tierney’s can now count more than 300 Irish hotels as customers - that’s almost half of the country’s hotels - and a growing staff base of 40, which happens to include Andy’s son Kevin (senior engineer) and daughter Mary, who works in the finance department.

Andy does however, make the point that once they leave the house, his children are treated no differently to other staff.

Although an engineer by trade, at heart Andy is a born leader. “As long as I can remember I wanted to be manager.

My brothers and sisters tell me that even from when I was four in school, I was always the leader.

Even though - we went to a very small national school - I would have

lLANDMARK YEAR: Service Engineer Mark Murray, one of 40 staff employed by Andy Tierney (left), who is celebrating 25 years in business Photo by Martin Connolly

been without any shadow of a doubt the worst footballer, I was the one that managed to put the team together. Through secondary, same thing, I always wanted to be out front.

I always wanted to set up my own business.”

Andy continues to evolve as a businessman through his studies, which include a Masters Degree in Work Psychology, a Diploma in Management, a Degree in Theology and a Masters in Theology. All these have combined to help contribute to Andy’s management skills, which he believes are paramount to creating a strong team which in turn has been the reason Tierney’s have maintained and strengthened business relationships.

Tierney’s count the likes of The Armada Hotel, Clare FM, Temple Gate Hotel and Austin Slattery as customers since Day One, along with the man he sold his first computer to.

The devoted GAA man, who has coached at various levels including with the Banner

Ladies and Miltown Malbay, has also taken great satisfaction in being able to provide 40 skilled jobs in the local community. Having given me the guided tour of his offices, Andy adds, “It looked very calm up there today and it is. But those people had answered 105 calls already. They’re so used to it that it’s autopilot and if the shit hits the fan they know what to do, who to fall back on. I’ve got to have a team that can work together. When we go out and get a sale we have to be able to deliver.”

Reflecting on his 25 years, Andy admits money isn’t “anywhere near being the greatest motivator” in running his business.

“Money doesn’t drive me, that’s not to say it’s not important and that I haven’t done pretty well out of it but it’s not what gets me awake in the morning. It’s not in my nature … I like to just travel, go to matches [and] make sure everybody I’m concerned with has enough to get by. That really is the fact of the matter.”

BUSINESS 15

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

l WINNING FORMULA: Telephone Support Technician Alison Hurley at Tierney’s offices at the Quin Road Industrial Estate and (right) Andy’s son Kevin, who is the senior engineer with Tierney’s Office Automation Photos by Martin Connolly

ating

Celebr

years

In Busin ess

Winners of 2018 NCR EMEA Innovation Award

HARDWARE ¨ NETWORKING ¨ SOFTWARE ¨ SUPPORT ¨ HOSPITALITY Quin Road Business Park, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 TWC1 • Email: info@tierneys.ie • Tel: 065 682 8281 •

www.tierneys.ie

Entertainment

FUN-FILLED FEAKLE READY FOR FESTIVAL

I

AUG 8-13 @ FEAKLE FESTIVAL F YOU love live music, song and dance then the Feakle Festival is the place to be from Wed 8th to Monday 13th August.

This year’s progamme as ever offers a wide choice of events for all traditional music fans from Workshops with Master Tutors, concerts featuring the finest traditional musicians, sessions from noon till late, céilís, poetry, children’s activities including the addition of art classes, and so much more. Many of the events are free and this year the Festival is grateful to the Arts Council for a small grant that has enabled concert ticket prices and workshops fees to remain the same as last year.

Highlights are the three main concerts on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the festival.

This year’s line up for the Café Style Concert on Thurs 9th is the renowned Galway singer Sean Tyrell, the legendry concertina player Chris Droney and the Boruma Trio featuring Eileen O’Brien, Dr. Geraldine Cotter and Andrew MacNamara. Advance tickets can be booked direct from Glór or via the Festival web site. Ticket price includes complimentary glass of wine and artisan food.

Friday night’s Music Recital in St. Mary’s church is on many music fans bucket list and early booking is advised. Besides it being the annual homecoming concert for Feakle’s

own Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill the concert will also feature another festival favorite Joe Fitzgerald and Seamus Begley.

Feakle is delighted to introduce singer Heidi Talbot together with Breandán Ó Beaglaoich, aided and abetted by award winning multi-instrumentalist John McCusker and guitarist Paul Meehan. Rejoice in the energetic polkas and slides of West Kerry and waltzes, marches and reels from Scotland.

Saturday’s Gala Concert is a very lively elective mix presented by Cork legend Con Fada Ó Drisceoil.

A Gradam Ceoil TG4 winner Con’s comic songs always entertain. The lineup includes the highly respected uilleann piper Mick O’Brien, his daughter Aoife Ní Bhríain and flautist Emer Maycock. The dynamic band Breaking Trad. Folk singer Lynda Cullen with guitarist Fintan Lucy.

Sean-Nós dancers Irene and Ashline Cunningham from Connemara and Clare’s own Tony Linnane teams up with Kerry’s Danny O’Mahony.

Other highlights include: Poetry Reading with Rita Ann Higgins.

Lakeside Stories a film produced by the young people of the area. New this year, children’s Art classes with Edain O’Donnell from Thursday to Saturday from 2 to 5pm.

For full details of all events go to www.feaklefestival.ie

lEXCITEMENT BUILDS: Heidi Talbot and her band, who will perform at the Feakle Festival next week

JUST IN FOR THE ONE? SIAR EXHIBITION TO COINCIDE WITH CRUINNIÚ NA MBÁD IRELAND’S newest oil on canvas work comes to Siar in Kinvara on 9 August with an exhibition titled ‘just in for the one’ by Galway artist Ryan Lavin. The show will coincide with the 40th Cruinniú na mBád in Kinvara.

The exhibition features 22 previously unseen works by Lavin, raised in Ballinderreen, who then lived in Virginia USA where he spent six years playing banjo. This is his first full show and depicts Galway pubs, music and people, the beautiful hookers (turf boats) of Galway and some of Kinvara’s iconic places and people.

“I think it was my mother who first suggested I should paint pub scenes and my father who actively encouraged it. It was certainly from my mother that I got the artistic gene. I was always keen to return home to Galway. Delighted to be living back here again! If it weren’t for the seagulls I’d give it a nine.”

The exhibition will be opened by dancer, actor, singer and Kinvara native Stephanie Dufresne at 7pm, Thursday 9 August with music by Phillip Lonergan and friends. It will run until early September.

For further information please contact Mike Considine on siarkinvara@gmail.com or 086 0506535

KILRUSH IN FOCUS 17

Trump International heroes rescue stranded dolphin

l HAPPY ENDING: The dolphin was rescued after a member of staff spotted the stranded creature on Doughmore strand

STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

A DOLPHIN had a lucky escape when he was trying to check in at Trump International in Doonbeg last week.

Housekeeping staff member Rebecca Glenny was walking along Doughmore beach when she saw the dolphin stranded in the surf.

She waded into the water and tried to help the dolphin swim back out to sea, but she couldn’t move it as it was too big.

A hotel guest and his caddie John Wright spotted Rebecca with the dolphin

and rushed down to the beach to assist in the rescue.

After two failed attempts to save the dolphin, the trio eventually managed to dislodge it from the shallow surf after wading out to shoulder depth.

There was much praise on the Trump International Facebook page post, with nearly 300 likes and countless comments.

One woman commented that she too rescued a dolphin calf from the same location recently.

“Thanks to all involved, it’s nice to know the Doonbeg hug extends to all creatures,” the Facebook post reads.

18 KILRUSH IN FOCUS

Kilrush garda on mission for mental health ELAINE TUBRIDY

K

news@clareecho.ie

ILRUSH Community Garda Eoin Daly is on a mission to raise much needed funds for West Clare mental health charity Happy Feet Happy Minds.

The local organisation provides mental health support services for young adults in the region which is starved of supports, particularly in the area of mental health.

Eoin was prompted to raise money for Happy Feet Happy Minds following a recent local

tragedy.

“Because of knowing so many people in the area and because of the recent local tragedy and because it’s a great service to West Clare specifically, I thought that I’d start up this online link and it’s going well,” he said.

Gda Daly plans to run the Dublin Marathon in October.

His gofundme page has already raised almost €1,000 within the first 24 hours of going live and Eoin hopes to smash his target of €5,000.

He has vowed to do some form of training every day between now and taking on the marathon, whether it’s walking running, cy-

cling, hitting the gym or swimming.

Eoin is very involved in the local community, training youngsters on the under six, under seven and under eight Moneypoint soccer teams.

“Mental health can affect everyone. You never know what’s on someone’s mind, you never know how far away it is.

“It could be your own family.

Friends can suffer with it,” Eoin added.

Check out Eoin’s gofundme page and donate to this great cause here: https://www.gofundme.com/happy-feet-happy-minds

lSAVING THE DAY: Eoin Daly has already raised €1,000

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20 KILRUSH IN FOCUS

The Colleen Mysterious tale of Ellen Hanley death is explored in historical new book ELAINE TUBRIDY

T

news@clareecho.ie

l NEWLY-PUBLISHED: Pat Fitzgerald signs copies of his new book at the book launch

HE story of the Colleen Bawn is one that is intrinsic to the history of West Clare. The events that surrounded Ellen Hanley’s death is a subject that has fascinated author and historian Pat Fitzgerald for many years.

He has finally published his labour of love in a brand new book, giving a unique insight into the tragic tale of the Colleen Bawn.

“It is great to see the book over the line.

Many times over the past eight years I have parked the project but inevitably a gnawing duty to finish the work always nudged back into action. At least three interviewees have departed this life in the meantime and their voice would be lost had I not persisted.

“A few interested historians were also in-

terested in writing the story also but left it to me as I had started. I really had to finish for all their sakes and for the future generations who deserve to know the full story along with a high level of details,” Pat said.

West Clare and West Limerick/North Kerry have always enjoyed strong links.

John B Keane’s The Man from Clare is based on such links. The movement of limestone and turf established industrial links across the Shannon while pleasure boating played a key part in Ellen’s story.

The ‘honeymooners’ John Scanlan and Ellen Hanley spent much of June and early July of 1819 in Kilrush and probably Kilkee. In early September the partially bound remains of a young woman washed up at Moneypoint and within a short time three prominent Magistrates held an Inquest at the scene having empanelled a jury of locals.

A grave was made available at Burrane Cemetry, Knock, Killimer and must be one

KILRUSH IN FOCUS 21

Bawn story is unveiled

lFASCINATING: The cover of Pat’s book, depicting Colleen Bawn

of the most visited graves in the south chael Whitby chose West Clare as the setting west of Ireland. Such was the Clare influ- for his thinly veiled fiction which he entitled ence in the minds of the public that a mere The Poor Man’s Daughter.

Others copied him but his adaptation was five years later a Wexford man, James Mi-

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the first. In 1896 an RIC constable T. E. Galt-Gamble collected, recorded and published many of the myths and traditions surrounding the story which had become known as The Colleen Bawn story since 1860 and Boucicault’s record breaking play.

Galt-Gamble even interviewed a man who had been present on the strand on that fateful day when the Knight of Glin, Major Tom Odell and Major Warburton of KIlrush signed their Inquest findings.

In the 20th century many Clare septuagenarians recall having the story beaten into them. But while they disliked their headmaster they loved the story.

“My own interest in the story stems from growing up in Ballingarry where Ellen’s father was living at the time of her death and where John Scanlan’s father was born.

There were so much conflicting information vying for favour that one could be forgiven for balking at undertaking the task of unravelling the puzzle.

“The development of Local Study libraries along with the growing popularity of local history has also helped me. Local newspapers continue to run articles relating to the story at regular intervals. In short

people still seem to want to know all about the characters and their life and times,” Pat adds.

In 2010, Pat was invited to attend one of Patrick C Fitzgerald’s (no relation) Colleen Bawn tours and was interview by Nationwide that day. Following on from that several people contacted him and his research commenced slowly from there.

“I found that the story had to be told in a certain fashion in order to fully explain the development of the various adaptations and adoption. The memory, folklore and traditions they spawned also required consideration and in fact the longest chapter in the book is given over to them.

“Overall my local history project has taken me places I never expected and has been worth every hour. The important Ellen Hanley/Colleen Bawn story has again been told but this time in twenty first century style,” Pat says.

The Colleen Bawn is available in O’Mahony’s Bookshop, O’Connell Street, Limerick and Crescent Bookshop, Crescent Shopping Centre, Dooradoyle or online at https://thecolleen-bawn.webnode.com/.

22 KILRUSH IN FOCUS

Kilrush society is ELAINE TUBRIDY

K

news@clareecho.ie

KILRUSH and District Historical Society is a not-for-profit educational society whose mission is to promote an understanding of the history of Kilrush and its surrounds by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting that history and its relationship to the region, and nation beyond, to audiences of all ages and interests.

The society held its first summer outing of 2018 to Tarbert House and Listowel Castle on Sunday 29 July. For its second summer outing, the society has been invited to visit the magnificent Mount Levers House near Sixmilebridge on Sunday 12 August. Mount Levers was built in 1737 and replaced an earlier castle. This splendid Georgian house is still occupied by the Ievers family. There is a €5 charge per person, payable at the house.

Places on the tour can be booked

by emailing kilrushhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

It is not long after that until Heritage Week, in which KDHS has been involved since its establishment in 2012. This year, the society is planning An Exhibition of Kilrush Ceramics.

The exhibition is currently scheduled for 2pm-5pm in the Teach Ceoil on Sunday 19 August, but will be rescheduled to avoid a clash with the All-Ireland Hurling Final if things go to plan for Clare in Semple Stadium next Sunday.

Kilrush Ceramics was established in 1961 and traded until 1983. The exhibition will present a selection of its products including dinner sets, tea sets, vases and collectibles.

From 1961 to 1983, Kilrush Ceramics employed over 100 people.

It is affectionately remembered for its innovative use of quirky colours, shapes and designs. It collaborated with the famous Kilkenny Design Shop to produce a wide range of products and it is often remarked that ‘there is a piece of Kilrush Ceramics in every house in

Clare’. The event will present the story of the enterprise and feature an extensive exhibition of items produced by the company.

Another of the principal activities of KDHS has been the restoration and preservation of Kilrush Churchyard.

Along with the original pre-Reformation church from which Kilrush takes its name and the former Church of Ireland built in 1813 (now the Teach Ceoil), the Churchyard contains a number of highly decorative and important mausoleums commemorating local families of all religious denominations.

Many of these monuments are now in a very poor state of repair and in need of urgent investment.

The largest and most impressive of these is the mausoleum erected in 1873 by the prominent Ennis architect and builder William Carroll (1817-1889), at the same time as he was building the tower and spire on Ennis Cathedral.

The society has recently been awarded a grant of €17,000 under the Structures at Risk program for repairs to this

lDIFFERENT TIMES: Henry Street in Kilrush has undergone big changes since the 19th century

KILRUSH IN FOCUS 23

going back in time mausoleum, erected over the remains of the late Lady Grace Vandeleur (c18121872).

While there are mixed opinions locally on some members of the Vandeleur family and their legacy, the Society believes that this structure needs to be saved and that we cannot afford to be selective when it comes to preserving our built heritage.

It may have been constructed for the local landlord but it was designed by an Irish architect and built and decorated by highly skilled (possibly local) stonemasons. The society hopes that funds for other mausoleums and vaults in the Churchyard will follow the successful conservation of the Vandeleur mausoleum.

The society has also recently been granted LEADER funding for a feasibility study of the restoration of the nearby Terret (or Turret) Lodge, for use as a heritage or genealogy centre.

The KDHS winter series of lectures, held on the last Tuesday of every month in the Teach Ceoil, will resume on 25 September with a talk on the West Clare photographs in the National Photographic Collection.

The society also hopes that its ongoing activities and its involvement in events like the National Famine Commemoration held in Kilrush in 2013 will help to grow the local tourist economy, giving the people of West Clare pride, joy and satisfaction in their own community and in their own place.

There is also a junior history club up and running in St. Senan’s Primary School.

Any grants secured by the society towards restoration work must be supplemented from its own funds, and the committee is grateful for the generous support given to its recent church gate collection.

Other sources of revenue are the annual Down Memory Lane calendar and membership fees, which are just EUR 20 per year.

A membership form can be downloaded from the society’s website www.kdhs.ie

24 KILRUSH IN FOCUS

Tour de Munster spins through West Clare ELAINE TUBRIDY

T

news@clareecho.ie

HE Tour De Munster charity cycle has been raising funds for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland for the last 18 years.

The cycle will be passing through West Clare, from Kildysart and on to Killimer on Friday around lunchtime and Down Syndrome Clare Treasurer Laura Cahir, who hails from Ballygriffey, said all of the money raised has gone directly to helping families.

“They’re all doing it on a voluntary basis, they’re all mums and dads. They’re doing it for the right reasons because they have their own children,” Laura added.

Laura’s three year old son Matthew, who has Down Syndrome has benefitted immensely from speech and language therapy subsidised by the charity.

“It’s amazing and people can see it that know him here. It is all because he has gotten his voice.

He has been given the tools from speech therapist Claire O’Loughlin,” Laura said.

They also subsidise activities such as swimming and horse riding, as well as organising fun days out and helping out with home tutoring.

The four day charity cycle takes place from Thursday, August 9 to Sunday August 12 and will see over 100 amateur cyclists cycle over 600km around the six counties of Munster.

The cyclists will arrive in Clare on the second day of the tour, vis-

iting Killaloe, Tuamgraney, Ennis and Killimer before heading on to Kerry. The mother and toddler groups organised and sponsored

by Down Syndrome Clare are a huge help to new mums.

“Initially I think you just feel a little bit alone about the whole thing and who do you ask and even if you want to get advice about something you don’t know who to go to.

“You make friendships as well which I think is so important, because all of these mums understand what you’re going through and how you feel,” Laura added.

Down Syndrome Clare are looking for bucket shakers to help out along the route.

Those interested in getting involved can get in touch via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Downsyndromeclare/

l FUNDING: Laura Cahir, Treasurer of Down Syndrome Clare, with her three-year-old son Matthew

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK 25

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

Deep hearted love ‘Don’t ever forget for even a second how very important and how very special each and every one of us are’

A

S we start into the second half of the year, I have put together some thoughts that might help us relook at some of our life choices and help us refocus on this journey called life. Each day we get up from our rest is a time for giving thanks for blessings received, asking forgiveness for transgressions committed, forgiving those who have aggrieved us, and asking grace and strength for the future.

Already, just as we start into the month of August we are aware of needing to make decisions about both our past and future.

We cannot reject the past, but we can allow it to be redeemed.

We cannot determine the future, but we can allow it to be permeated with the love and the mercy of God. I can look back on the first part of the year and the resolutions or new beginnings that I made and see how often I have failed to live up to those.

I can look forward in hope to trying to live my resolutions or new beginnings better in the second part of the year, but, most of all, I can decide, here and now, to try to live today as it should be lived, because ‘today’ is all we ever really know. So, for me, let’s continue with our ‘new beginnings’ and a renewed sense of purpose about what I am called to be and do and to try and love deeply from our hearts.

TRY LOVING ALWAYS

When trying to truly love always it will entail many hardships and costs. But you have to keep trying.

I know myself for I have failed miserably at times. True love when its for real gets its hands dirty. It takes a chance. It goes out on a limb. It takes a gamble.

Love makes a statement and leaves a legacy. It does the unexpected, surprising, and stirring. It performs acts that steal the heart and leaves an impression on our

souls. Often these acts are never forgotten.

I recently read a moving story about Bob Pierce the founder of an international charity. He had advanced leukemia, but he chose to visit a colleague in Indonesia before he died.

As he and others walked together through a small village, they came upon a young girl lying on a bamboo mat next to a river. She was dying of cancer and had only a short time to live.

Bob was indignant. He demanded to know why she wasn’t in a clinic. But his friend explained that she was from the jungle and wished to spend her last days next to the river, where it was cool and familiar.

As Bob gazed at her, he felt such compassion that he got down on his knees in the mud, took her hand, and began stroking it.

Although she didn’t understand him, he prayed for her. Afterwards she looked up and said something, “What did she say?

Bob asked his friend.

His friend replied, “She said, ‘If I could only sleep again, if I could only sleep again.’” It seemed that her pain was too great to allow her the relief of rest. Bob began to weep.

Then he reached into his pocket and took out his own sleeping pills, the ones his doctor had given him because the pain from his leukemia was too great for him to sleep at night.

He handed the bottle to his friend.

“You make sure this young lady gets a good night’s sleep,” he said, “as long as these pills last.” Bob was ten days away from where he could get his prescription refilled. That meant ten painful and restless nights. That day his love cost him greatly. But even in the midst of his suffering, God infused him with a supernatural sense of satisfaction that he had done the right thing. Real love

inevitably carries costs and true love always costs. If there is no cost there is no love.

REFOCUSING

In the second part of our year from this August onwards lets try to refocus ourselves and on the goal of life which is real love for one another and not just in a sentimental way but in a real practical and caring way to our fellow human beings from all walks of life, colour and creed.

Try if you can to rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone. Pray often.

God will listen, if you only speak.

Be tolerant of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, conceit, anger, jealousy and greed stem from a lost soul.

Pray that they will find guidance. Search for yourself, be yourself. Do not allow others to make your path for you.

It is your road and yours alone.

Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you. Treat the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve them the best food, give them the best bed and treat them with respect and honor. Do not take what is not yours whether from a person, a community, a charity, the wilderness or from a culture. It was not earned nor given.

It is not yours. Respect all things that are placed upon this earth - whether it be people, animal or plant. Honor other people’s thoughts, wishes and words.

Never interrupt another or mock or rudely mimic them. Allow each person the right to personal expression.

Never speak of others in a bad way. The negative energy that you put out into the world will multiply when it returns to you.

All persons make mistakes. And all mistakes can be forgiven. Bad thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and spirit. Practice compassion and real love and caring when and where you can.

LOVE DEEPLY ALWAYS

Loving and living deeply from the heart is not easy. It takes work.

Very hard work. It demands self-sacrifice, a generous spirit, great tenderness and goodness and an expansive embrace.

MATURITY: The measure of our maturity is our love for God and our love for others

It implies the risk of loving and living without barriers and obstacles. It suggests walking in someone else’s shoes, leaving behind one’s own baggage that makes the walk heavier, and letting go of old habits that become burdens on the journey.

It is to speak and act with compassion and mercy. Loving and living deeply from the heart is intentional. It does not happen accidentally. It happens because we decide to live that way. We love in spite of us, even if it hurts.

It means going beyond what holds us back, beyond what bothers you about another person and looking for the good in them.

Loving and living deeply from the heart is about forgiveness - forgiving previous generations for their actions. And in the case of some of the most difficult and painful situations, loving deeply from the heart also means praying: God forgive us, even though we know what we do.

Deep-hearted love does not just contemplate the wrongs that have been done or the mistakes that have been made; it also calls us to active repentance. It says, “Don’t just sit there feeling bad; do something to make it better. It gets beyond that which keeps us stuck in the past and prevents us from moving into the future. At the center of it all, deep heart love and life is a call to conversion and, if we’re honest with ourselves, most of us need this wake-up call to conversion.

Maybe loving deeply from the heart should be part of everyone’s new beginnings for the second part of our year. Our families, our

friends, our work colleagues, our towns, our cities, our country and our world need it.

IT IS UP TO YOU!

Always remember that, “One song can spark a moment; One flower can wake the dream. One tree can start a forest, One bird can herald spring. One smile begins a friendship, One handclasp lifts a soul.

One star can guide a ship at sea, One word can frame the goal.

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

One step must start each journey; One word must start each prayer.

One hope will raise our spirits; One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom. One heart can know what’s true.

One life can make the difference; you see it’s up to You!”

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, don’t ever forget for even a second how very important and how very special each and every one of us are.

Please try to love deeply from your heart always and for the good of everyone.

In the end, the goal of real life is love.

The measure of our maturity is our love for God and our love for others.

If we fail in our love we have missed what it means to be a truly good person.

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

Sought after location

2 BALLYHANNON HEIGHTS, QUIN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 D9F3

L Impressive dormer

P

OSITIONED on a private landscaped site of over half an acre this very fine five bedroomed detached dormer bungalow at Ballybeg, Ennis is ideally located in a quiet cul de sac within minutes drive of Ennis Town, Clarecastle village and the M17 & M18 to Shannon, Limerick and Galway.

The property has recently been completely renovated and is in show house condition throughout. The accommodation is bright and spacious with well-proportioned rooms with the ground floor accommodation including living room, kitchen/breakfast

OCATED in the much sought after Ballyhannon, suburb of Quin is this bright spacious and well proportioned four bedroomed detached bungalow set on a stunning site extending to approximately 0.5 acres with fantastic countryside views both to front and rear. Surrounding properties are generally family homes with Ballyhannon Equestrian Centre within 200 mts, and facilities

€179,000

such as Dromoland Estate and Quin village within equal distance of approximately 0.5 Km. This is highly recommended for viewing and is strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents. PSL No. 002295 Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200

room, dining room, sunroom, utility, bedroom and bathroom. There are four good sized rooms on the first floor, one of which is en-suite and a separate shower room.

There is also a very large detached garage to the rear of the property.

This outstanding home is one to be viewed to truly appreciate its’ fine qualities.

Further details from the sole agent Helen Gallery Auctioneers and Valuers on 065 682 9481 or 086 250 4671.

Stunning bungalow COLLEGE VIEW, CLONROADMORE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 E5XP

L

OCATED immediately opposite the entrance to St. Flannan’s College, this stunning town centre detached bungalow is set on a magnificent circa 0.25 acre landscaped and tree-lined site, a rare asset to be placed on the market in Ennis Town. The property which accommodates 4 bedrooms, 2 receptions, kitchen/ breakfast and main bathroom would make an ideal family/retirement home in an un-

Excellent condition

61 ACHA BHILE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 PHD9

T

HREE bedroomed terrace house presented for sale in excellent condition in a popular residential estate ideally suited for first time buyers/ investors. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents.

PSL No. 002295

€168,000

nBuilt in 2007 nOverlooks green area and playground to the front Contact: Douglas Hurley, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200

€229,000

rivalled and much sought after residential area. The south facing garden and looking onto St. Flannan’s College polish off this remarkable property and 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

O’SULLIVAN HURLEY

8 CUIRT NA BHFIACH, TULLA, PRICE: €280,000, BER C1 NO. 111128856

5 bedrooms (3 en-suites)(2 with walk-in wardrobes), spacious Reception, open plan kitchen/dining/family, separate utility, downstairs shower room, downstairs bedroom one, spacious first floor landing, main bathroom, solid quality Shaker maple fitted kitchen, Integrated appliances, extensive timber flooring, tiling and carpets throughout, quality fixture and fittings, 2 by solid fuel stoves, tarmacadam drive, gated side access, stunning rear gardens, garden shed (block built), mature shrubs and lawned front, side and rear, gas heating, built in 2005

(065) 684 0200 74 O'CONNELL STREET ENNIS PSL NO. 002295

3 BOHERAROAN, NEWMARKET ON FERGUS, PRICE: €229,000, BER C3 NO. 111254389

4 bedrooms (1 en-suite), main reception, kitchen/dining, utility, main bathroom, downstairs WC, double glazed PVC windows, PVC fascia and soffit, quality tiling, timber and carpeted flooring throughout, high rear block wall boundary, garden shed, town centre location, minutes drive to M18, Shannon Airport - 10mins, Limerick - 25 mins, built in 1998

COLLEGE VIEW, ENNIS, PRICE: €229,000, BER E2 NO. 103843918

7 DUN NA RÍ, ENNIS, PRICE: €175,000, BER C3 NO. 110851136

LISSYCASEY, CO. CLARE, PRICE: €170,000, BER E1 NO 111276143

61 ACHA BHILE, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, PRICE: €168,000, BER B3 NO. 101069300

53 LAGHTAGOONA, COROFIN, PRICE: €149,000 BER C2 NO. 106887342

2 BALLYHANNON HEIGHTS, QUIN, PRICE: €179,000, BER E2 NO. 111292587

4 bedrooms, 2 x receptions, kitchen/breakfast, main bathroom, gated access with tarmacadam drive extending to side and rear, detached block built garden shed, circa 0.25 acre landscaped site, extensive lawn area to rear, south facing garden, fully tree lined site, town centre location across from entrance to St. Flannans College.

4 bedrooms, 2 receptions, kitchen/dining, upstairs storage room, manicured lawns and mature hedgerows. meandering tarmacadam driveway, detached storage shed, close to local amenities, Ennis town centre 10 minute drive, double glazed PVC windows, PVC fascia and soffit, oil fired central heating, 0.7 acre site, built in 1943

3 Bedrooms (1 en-suite), main reception, kitchen/dining, utility, downstairs WC, main bathroom, overlooking green area, within walking to distance to village amenities, new condensing boiler installed, attic insulation since BER carried out, oil fired central heating, built in 2006

3 bedrooms (master en-suite), spacious reception, open plan kitchen/dining, state of the art fitted kitchen, downstairs WC., main bathroom, quality floor finishes throughout, property presented in impeccable condition. double glazed PVC windows, PVC fascia and soffitt, brick paved front drive, corner site position with extended side access, (gated), private rear gardens, large paved patio area, garden shed, oil fired central heating, close to all amenities, built in 1999

3 bedrooms (1 en-suite), main reception, kitchen/dining, utility, downstairs WC, main bathroom, energy efficient, main gas with upstairs/downstairs hot water zoning, mechanical ventilation throughout the house, original wiring and box for Ihomes technology, overlooks green area and playground to the front, built in 2007

4 bedrooms (master en-suite), spacious main hallway, spacious reception, open plan kitchen/dining, main bathroom, adjoining garage, circa 0.5 acre site, tarmacadam drive, walled and mature shrubbery and treelined site, excellent residential location, oil fired central heating, built in 1970

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

Awesome Allspace lSPACIOUS: Bigger Tiguan gets seven seats and lots of space

ROAD TEST: VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN ALLSPACE

I

N space, no-one can hear you scream, so it’s said, but to be honest I doubt that you’d be able to hear too much noise from the back seats of the VW Tiguan Allspace, for this is the bigger, roomier, seat-ier version of VW’s popular mid-size SUV. To become an Allspace, VW bulks up and stretches out the Tiguan so that is’s bigger, longer, and a tiny bit taller. It’s cleverly done, as you’d have to be a colossal anorak to be able to spot the difference from the outside. Once you’ve seen it though, there’s no mistaking the big butt of the Allspace.

Overall, it’s 300mm longer than the regular Tiguan, and between the wheels it has been stretched by more than 100mm to 2,787mm. So, big butt means a big boot, too. as long as the extra row of seats in the back are folded away, you have 700-litres of loadspace with which to play, whereas the standard model get 615-litres. Put all the seats upright and there’s still 230-litres of space out the back, which is small but, generally, useful.

Apparently, though, the car has been designed to not necessarily have those extra seats. VW says that they’re an option (and not an especially cheap one either, an extra €770, but the idea is that some buyers want to have the Allspace just for the extra boot volume, and not the extra seats, so at least there’s the choice. You pays your money, you takes your chances…

The extra folding seats in the boot are useful, though. Not the biggest (adults won’t really fit) but there’s reasonable headroom and legroom for anyone under ’lanky teenage’ size, while the middle row of seats can be slid back and forth by up to 180mm, so you can have more legroom,

more boot-room, or a bit of both.

In posh Highline spec, as applied to our test car, the Tiguan Allspace comes with attractive 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, LED headlamps, parking assistant, a rear view camera, the all-digital ‘Active Info Display’ instruments, an eight-inch toushcreen, and a lane-keeping assistant which helps to keep you between the white lines.

That does add up to a fairly chunky price tag, though. €50,252 for this one, with the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine with 150hp, the DSG automatic dual-clutch gearbox, and 4Motion four-wheel drive. Considering how sharp the seven-seat SUV opposition is right now, that could be a price tag too far.

That opposition includes not just the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq (identical to the Tiguan under the skin) and the Peugeot 5008, but also the likes of the Kia Sorento and the (hugely impressive) new Hyundai Santa Fe. Still, the Tiguan’s interior art least gets it off to a flying start. it’s a touch on the plain side, even with the big central touchscreen, but there’s a lot of good stuff going on in here.

Excellent front seats mean you’ll never lack for comfort. The Active Info Display means you can choose between dials or sat-nav map and more, depending on your mood (although we wouldn’t bother with the optional heads-up display which looks a bit cheap).

FACTS & FIGURES: Model tested: Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2.0 TDI 150 DSG Highline Pricing: €50,252 as tested; starts at €34,825 Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel Transmission: seven-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Body style: five-door, seven-seat SUV CO2 emissions: 153g/km (Band C, €390 per annum) Claimed economy: 47.8mpg (5.9 litres/100km) Top speed: 198km/h 0-100km/h: 9.9 seconds Power: 150hp at 3,500rpm Torque: 340Nm at 1,750-3,000rpm Boot space: seven seats in place 230 litres; five seats in place - 700 litres; all rear seats folded - 1,775 litres EuroNCAP safety rating: Fivestars; 96 per cent adult; 80 per cent child; 68 per cent pedestrian; 68 per cent safety assist

Driver assistance systems fitted across the board come in the form of Adaptive Cruise Control, which tracks the speed of the car ahead and automatically accelerates and brakes the Tiguan Allspace while keeping a safe gap ahead, as well as that Lane Assist, Front Assist and City emergency braking. Meanwhile, also on the safety front, the 4Motiion all-wheel drive system is operated rotary/push-button switch that allows the driver to activate one of four driving modes: ‘Onroad’, ‘Snow’, ‘Offroad’ and ‘Offroad Individual’.

It tunes the transmission of the car to meet the conditions the driver is facing. Sunny weather during our test drive meant that there wasn’t much of a chance to put that to the test, but it could be handy once the cold, wet weather returns.

The 150hp 2.0-litre diesel engine is familiar from a raft of other VW, Skoda, Seat, and Audi products and it’s as good here as it ever is — smooth, refined, and generally with good economy.

We say ‘generally’ because the Allspace’s extra weight is `bar to straightline performance, and that means you often push the engine harder than you’d like to keep up with traffic, which can put a big dent in your fuel consumption.

In handling terms, there’s not much to get excited about (hey — it’s a big, tall, family car; what did you expect?) but equally the Tiguan never puts a foot wrong.

The steering has pleasant weight, it rides comfortably, there’s plenty of grip, and only a touch too much tyre noise spoils the party at times.

Worth the extra over a Skoda Kodiaq?

Or capable of going toe-to-toe with the new Santa Fe? That’s a tough order, on both counts, but the Tiguan has the space, quality, and usefulness to maybe, just maybe, pull it off.

AL HAYES MOTORS LTD., GALWAY ROAD, PORTUMNA CO GALWAY Finance Arranged Rates as low as 3.9%

SPECIAL AUGUST OFFERS ON OVER 200 VEHICLES TO CLEAR VISIT: www.alhayesmotors.com | Open Mon – Sat 9am – 6pm YEAR 152 2011 141 2009 2012 171 2012 131 2012 2012 152 131 161 2011 142 141 151 2012 2011 2009 2014 2016 2014 2014 2006 2012 2012 2009 2014 2010 2011 2011 2016 2013 2011 2017 2016 2016 152 151 151 141 141 132 132 131 2011 2010 2009 2008 151 171 161 151 151 141 141 132 2012 2011 2010 2009 141 2012 151 131 2011 171 161 161 152 151 151 142 141 141

MAKE & MODEL PASSENGER VEHICLES Audi A3 S- Line 1.6TDI Audi A3 1.6TDI Audi A6 2.0TDI 177BHP Audi A3 1.9TDI BMW 520DSL Citroen Berlingo Citroen C4 Picasso 7 Seater DSL Citroen C4 1.4 Citroen C5 2.0DSL Ford Focus 1.6 DSL Ford Focus Zetec 1.6 DSL Ford Focus Titanium 1.6 Ford Mondeo Style DSL Ford Mondeo Zetec 2.0DSL Ford transit Tourneo 7 Seater DSL Honda CR-V 1.6DSL Hyundai i30 DSL Hyundai i40 DSL Hyundai Santa Fe 7 Seater DSL Hyundai Tuscon Commercial Mercedes Benz A180 DSL Mercedes Benz Vito 111 Van Mitsubishi L200 2.5DSL Mitsubishi ASX 1.8DSL Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Low Mileage Mitsubishi Lancer DSL Mazda 6 DSL Nissan Qashqai DSL Opel Insignia DSL Renault Fleunce DSL Suzuki SX4 1.6DSL Toyota Avensis DSL Toyota RAV 4 DSL Luna Toyota Avensis Aura DSL Toyota Corolla 1.4DSL Volkswagen Golf HL 1.6TDI (New Model) Volkswagen Golf Sport 1.6TDI Volkswagen Golf CL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Golf TL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Golf TL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Golf TL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Golf CL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Golf TL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Golf HL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Golf CL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Golf TL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Golf TL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Golf HL 3 DR 2.0TDI 140BHP Volkswagen Golf 1.9TDI Volkswagen Golf 1.4 Petrol Volkswagen Golf SV HL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Jetta 2.0TDI Volkswagen Jetta CL 2.0TDI Volkswagen Jetta HL 2.0TDI Volkswagen Jetta TL 2.0TDI Volkswagen Jetta TL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Jetta CL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Jetta TL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Jetta TL 1.2 Petrol Volkswagen Jetta 1.6TDI Volkswagen Jetta TL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Jetta 1.9TDI Volkswagen Passat CC 2.0TDI 140BHP Volkswagen Passat CC 2.0TDI 140BHP Volkswagen Passat Estate 1.6TDI 120BHP Volkswagen Passat Estate 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat Estate 1.6TDI CL Volkswagen Passat HL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat CL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat TL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat TL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat HL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat CL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat HL 2.0TDI 140BHP Volkswagen Passat CL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat TL 1.6TDI

PORTUMNA 090 742200 ENNIS 065 6822400 TUAM 093 26411

PRICE €19,500 €8,500 €19,950 €6,950 €12,500 €9,950 €8,950 €7,950 €8,500 €7,950 €14,500 €10,500 €17,950 €8,500 €15,950 €15,950 €12,950 €9,500 €11,500 €4,500 €16,900 €14,950 €14,500 €13,500 €5,500 €7,950 €9,500 €6,500 €8,950 €5,500 €6,950 €6,500 €24,500 €11,950 €8,750 €22,500 €17,500 €16,950 €15,950 €14,500 €14,000 €13,500 €12,500 €12,500 €11,950 €11,000 €7,950 €7,500 €6,000 €3,950 €16,950 €19,950 €16,950 €15,950 €13,500 €11,500 €12,500 €9,950 €10,500 €7,500 €6,250 €5,500 €17,950 €11,950 €16,500 €12,500 €7,950 €26,500 €19,500 €18,500 €14,950 €17,500 €15,000 €14,500 €12,950 €12,500

YEAR 131 132 131 2012 2012 2011 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 171 161 161 161 152 141 2010 161 2009 172 162 161 151 151 141 162 161 151 181 171 161 162 162 151 141 131 2012 2011 2010 2011 181 171 152 181 151 142 182 171 162 2010 2012 152 181 162 151 161 161 152 141 151 161 161 152 141 181 152 151 141 2011 2008

MAKE & MODEL Volkswagen Passat TL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat HL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat CL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat SE 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat CL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat SE 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat CL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat HL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Passat CL 2.0TDI 110BHP Volkswagen Passat 1.9TDI Volkswagen Passat HL 1.6 Petrol Volkswagen Polo TL 1.0 Petrol Volkswagen Polo Lounge ( High Spec) 1.0 Petrol Volkswagen Polo TL 1.0 Petrol Volkswagen Polo TL 1.4 DSL Volkswagen Polo TL 1.4 DSL Volkswagen Polo TL 1.0 Petrol Volkswagen Polo TL 1.6 TDI Volkswagen Sharan CL 2.0TDI Volkswagen Sharan 1.9TDI Volkswagen Tiguan CL 2.0TDI Volkswagen Tiguan HL 2.0TDI 150BHP Volkswagen Tiguan LL 2.0TDI Volkswagen Tiguan TFN 2.0TDI Volkswagen Tiguan Sports 2.0TDI Volkswagen Tiguan TFN 2.0TDI Volkswagen Touran HL 1.6TDI Volkswagen Touran CL 1.6TDI VOLKSWAGEN COMMERCIALS Volkswagen Amarok HL 2.0TDI 180BHP Volkswagen Caddy TDI ( Demo) Volkswagen Caddy Trend 102BHP Black Volkswagen Caddy 2.0TDI 150BHP Volkswagen Caddy HL 2.0TDI 150BHP Volkswagen Caddy TDI Volkswagen Caddy 1.6TDI Volkswagen Caddy 1.6TDI Volkswagen Caddy 1.6TDI 102BHP Volkswagen Caddy 1.6TDI Volkswagen Caddy 1.6TDI Volkswagen Caddy 1.9TDI Volkswagen Caddy Maxi 1.6TDI Volkswagen Crafter LWB HR 140BHP Volkswagen Crafter LWB TREND HR 140BHP ( no miles) Volkswagen Crafter MWB HR 109BHP Volkswagen Golf Van 1.6TDI Volkswagen Golf Van 1.6TDI Volkswagen Golf Van 1.6TDI PETROL CARS RANGE Volkswagen Passat 1.4TSI 150HP HL Volkswagen golf SV 1.2TDI HL Extras A/T Volkswagen Golf 1.2TSI (27K) Volkswagen Golf 1.4 5DR Volkswagen Jetta 1.2TSI Volkswagen Jetta 1.2TSI VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG RANGE VW Touareg VW Touareg AUTOMATIC CARS RANGE Volkswagen Golf 2.0GTD 184BHP Volkswagen Golf 1.6TDI 3 DR HL Volkswagen Golf 1.6TDI 5 Dr Volkswagen Golf 1.6TDI 5DR CL Volkswagen Golf 1.6TDI 5DR CL Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI Sport 140HP 4x4 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0TDI HL Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI HL Volkswagen Passat 1.6TDI HL ( Leather ) Volkswagen Passat 2.0TDI HL BUSES RANGE Volkswagen Shuttle 2.0TDI 9 Seater Volkswagen Shuttle 2.0TDI 8 Seater Volkswagen Shuttle 2.0TDI 140HP 9 Seater A/T Ford Transit 17 Seater Volkswagen Shuttle 9 Seater Mercedes Vito DSL 9 seater

CONTACT

AL DAMIEN DEREK NIALL

086 2449645 087 2368841 086 8119141 087 6385033

ALAN RONAN MARTIN

PRICE €9,950 €12,500 €10,500 €9,800 €9,500 €7,950 €8,950 €6,750 €4,950 €4,000 €3,000 €12,950 €14,500 €11,500 €12,950 €11,950 €10,950 €6,000 €29,500 €7,500 €29,950 €28,500 €21,950 €17,950 €18,950 €13,500 €27,500 €25,500 €26,500 incl VAT €16,500 incl VAT €14,950 incl VAT €13,500 incl VAT €17,500 no VAT €12,500 no VAT €9,500 no VAT €9,500 incl VAT €8,500 no VAT €7,500 no VAT €6,500 no VAT €4,950 no VAT €6,500 no VAT €35,055 incl VAT €33,500 incl VAT €15,950 incl VAT €22,500 incl VAT €14,500 incl VAT €13,500 incl VAT €33,500 €23,500 €17,500 €7,500 €12,500 €14,500 €55,500 + VAT €37,000 + VAT €23,500 €20,950 €21,000 €19,500 €17,500 €21,000 €21,500 €22,500 €19,500 €16,500 €39,500 €31,000 €30,000 €18,500 €15,000 €6,500

087 4153872 087 9031373 086 2056597

30 MOTORING

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

Ford uses fighter-jet tech to fight glare

T

ECHNOLOGY that was first developed for fighter jets is helping to improve the driving experience for the all-new Focus – that offers Ford’s first Head-up display for Europe.

The display will make it easier for drivers to keep their eyes on the road as they monitor information including speed, navigation and road signs on a display that is projected to overlay the view ahead.

For some existing systems there can be a drawback – that for those wearing polarised sunglasses, which counteract glare, the display can be rendered almost invisible. Ford’s Head-up display also emits the kind of light that polarised sunglasses are designed to eliminate from view. But a carefully tuned filter “bounces back” polarised light to the driver and effectively

solves the problem. “Wearing polarised glasses can make a massive difference to visibility for drivers affected by glare, such as when stretches of water, snow or even tarmac reflect sunlight. The Head-up display we are introducing for the all-new Focus offers one of the brightest screens, has among the largest fields of view, and will be clearly visible to all our customers,” said Glen Goold, Ford’s chief program engineer for Focus Summer evenings pose the problem of peak driving times coinciding with the sun being low on the horizon; and in the UK, for example, the sun has been identified as the cause of almost twice as many accidents as snow, rain and fog put together.

Ford’s Head-up ensures drivers will not need to glance down and refocus to see the information and notifications that they can

select. While traditional head-up displays utilise light waves vibrating parallel to the road, the Focus Head‑up display boosts light waves vibrating perpendicular to the road, so the image can be clearly seen through polarised sunglasses. The polycarbonate screen has a multilayer reflection coating that enables engineers to control the polarisation, colour, transmission and reflection of light, and tailor it to the system’s needs.

The all-new Focus has been developed from the ground up to provide the most confidence-inspiring, intuitive, and rewarding driving and occupant experience of any mid-size family car in Europe.

The widest range of advanced features and technologies on any Ford vehicle enhance protection, driving and parking, and are designed to make the driving experience more comfortable, less demanding and safer.

Citroen launches new Berlingo van TWO WHEELBASES ON OFFER, AS WELL AS SOME OFF-ROAD ABILITY

W

ITH the new Berlingo passenger car arriving in dealerships later this year, the Citroen brand is unveiling today the third-generation LCV version of Berlingo intended for professionals, New Berlingo Van. A commercial vehicle market in which Citroen achieved 9.7 per cent market share in 2017 in Europe and is positioned in third place on the podium, with almost 73 000 units. The brand’s legitimacy in small vans is underpinned by its pioneering past in the segment, having launched the legendary 2CV, C15 and Berlingo, as well as having introduced the first diesel, the first model with integrated load cell, and the first model with three front seats. Building on this strong heritage, New Berlingo Van marks the renewal of a best-selling vehicle.

A benchmark in “practical sense” for professionals, Citroen Berlingo is a key player in its segment that has successfully innovated over the years. Since launch, it has been produced in over 1.5 million units worldwide, over 1.3 million of which in Europe and over 470,000 in France.

An essential model, Berlingo enjoyed a record year in 2017 in France with over 27,000 registrations, up 4 per cent on 2016.

Today still, with already over 8,000 registrations, up 25 per cent in first-quarter 2018, Berlingo alone accounts for 40 per cent of Citroen’s LCV registrations and stands as the Brand’s top-selling LCV. Full of ambition, New Berlingo Van intends to continue

its success story in its third-generation version, set for launch at the end of 2018.

As with the passenger-car version, New Citroen Berlingo Van is available in two sizes, an M version measuring 4.40 m long with a 2.78 m wheelbase and an XL version measuring 4.75 m long with a 2.97 m wheelbase.

The XL model is well proportioned in terms of wheelbase and rear overhang.

Designed for professionals working as a team and who need

to travel together, the Extenso® Cab offers three seats. It can transport three passengers in the front (row 1) with its broader central seat, which can be transformed into a mobile office with a pivoting writing table.

The impressively modular ‘Extenso’ Cab adapts to all situations and also features a folding side passenger seat providing optimal load length and increasing useful load volume 3,3 to 3,8 m3 in Size M and 3,9 to 4,4 m3 in Size XL. It is also equipped with a range of

storage spaces located around the cabin for keeping documents and tools within handy reach.

The modular Crew Cab version of New Berlingo Van is intended for professionals who need to accommodate up to 5 persons and to carry large volumes.

It is available in an XL version and requires no specific conversion since it is already available directly from the manufacturer.

This version of New Berlingo Van gains extra modularity and versatility. According to use, it

offers a unique comfort with knee room in row 2 -equivalent to that on the passenger-car version. It is also perfect for transporting long loads, equipped with a folding passenger seat and retractable row 2 and a mobile mesh bulkhead with a flap.

The “Worker” version targets professionals who transport equipment and workers. At ease on all work sites, this Berlingo model has three front seats, raised ground clearance (+30 mm), a protective plate under the engine and enhanced traction thanks to Grip Control with Hill Assist Descent. The robust model stands apart with its large wheels (690mm) with Mud & Snow tyres, a plastic-covered floor, extra payload of up to 1,000 kg and a loading Pack including enhanced lighting in the load area, 12V power socket and midheight load securing rings.

The “Driver” version was specially designed for companies and their employees who need to make long trips or numerous deliveries in urban areas. For day-to-day efficiency, this version stands out through its ride comfort, meticulous acoustics and driver assistance systems.

It is available with: an acoustic pack, dual zone air conditioning, seats with lumbar adjustment, a rain and light sensor, a cruise control/speed limiter system, electric parking brake, connected radio with an 8” screen, and the original Surround Rear Vision system.

MOTORING 31

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

NEW FORD FOCUS CLAIMS TO BE MOST DYNAMIC FORD EVER

T

HE All-New Ford Focus delivers more style, space and advanced driving technologies for mid-size family car customers than ever before, says Ford.

Ford engineers collaborated closely with car-buyers to develop all-new Focus five-door hatchback and even more practical Focus wagon models in distinctive versions, each with their own personality – including the stylish Focus Titanium, sporty Focus STLine and upscale Focus Vignale.

The all-new Focus Active crossover model, arriving in Ireland early 2019, features rugged sports utility vehicle-inspired styling that includes raised ride-height, roof bars and additional cladding.

The all-new Focus also introduces a comprehensive range of

advanced driving technologies that can help drivers make light work of stop-start traffic; see more clearly when driving in the dark; park simply by holding down a button; and avoid accidents.

Advanced driver assistance technologies make driving a Ford Focus on motorways, in stopstart traffic and in town easier than ever before; and they are designed to make the driving

experience more comfortable, less demanding and safer.

Adaptive Cruise Control, which helps the vehicle maintain a comfortable driving distance from vehicles ahead, is enhanced with: Stop & Go, which enables the Focus to come to a complete halt in stop-start traffic. The car will automatically pull away if the stopped for less than 3 seconds, or the driver can push a steering wheel button or the accelerator to pull away after more than 3 seconds; Speed Sign Recognition, which can adjust the vehicle speed to within legal limits by monitoring speed signs and information from the onboard navigation system; and Lane-Centring, which helps reduce stress during long road trips by helping keep the vehicle centred in its

Seat sets new sales record for 2018

S

EAT has concluded the first half of 2018 with the brand’s highest ever sales result, the company has announced.

From January to June 2018, the carmaker’s global deliveries increased by 17.6 per cent to reach a total volume of 289,900 vehicles (2017: 246,500). This figure represents an increase of more than 43,000 cars compared to the same period in 2017, and breaks the record set in 2000 (278,500).

National results for Ireland also show a substantial rise in car sales during the first six months, with Seat Ireland’s market share up a significant 14.1 per cent when compared to 2017.

The total market was down -4.5 per cent in the first half of 2018, but Seat Ireland’s sales performance increased by 13 per cent giving an impressive 3 per cent market share. This year’s overall brand success is spearheaded

by Seat’s cutting-edge SUV range: the Seat Ateca and the Seat Arona, which account for almost half (48.6 per cent) of total volume sales, year to date.

Ateca sales are up by an impressive 10 per cent in comparison to 2017 and account for over a quarter of sales (26.5 per cent) for the first half of 2018.

The Seat Arona, which arrived to Irish shores in November 2017, continues to be a favoured choice for Irish motorists, accounting for 22 per cent of sales during the six-month period.

Niall Phillips, Brand Director at Seat Ireland commented, “Today’s announcement highlights the continuing tremendous success of the Seat brand in Ireland this year. Our significant increase in market share is testament to our excellent dealer network and product range - the most innovative in the history of the brand, as well as

the exceptional sales performance of our SUV models, the Arona and Ateca, in the Irish market. We are looking forward to an even greater year ahead as we prepare to expand our product offering over the coming months.”

On September 18th, the new large 7-seater Tarraco SUV will be revealed, which will complete Seat’s SUV range.

Tarraco, the Latin name of the city of Tarragona, was chosen by popular vote by over 140,000 enthusiasts who participated in the final phase of the #SeatSeekingName competition. And true to form, Seat’s new SUV will be presented at the Tarraco Arena in the city of Tarragona.

The Tarraco will be joined by the Cupra Ateca, the first new model of the Cupra brand. Cupra, which has always been Seat’s ultimate expression of sportiness, was created to captivate car enthusiasts around the world. An SUV that signals the start of a new era, the Cupra Ateca offers versatility like no other brand.

Unique, sophisticated and powerful, it is the best example of a model which perfects the balance between sportsmanship, fun at the wheel and ease of use in everyday life.

lane. Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System with Predictive curve light and Sign-based light for the first time pre-adjusts headlamp patterns for maximum visibility before reaching a curve, junction or roundabout, using the forward-facing camera to monitor lane markings up to 65 metres ahead and detect roundabout, stop, give way and yield signs. The all-new Focus also offers Glare-free high beam that removes the guilt of accidentally dazzling other drivers and helps users see more of the road ahead at night.

Focus is also the first Ford vehicle in Europe to offer a Headup display (HUD) – one of the brightest and largest available – which helps drivers keep their eyes on the road by projecting

useful information into their field of vision.

Active Park Assist 2 makes parking even easier by controlling forward and reverse gear selection, throttle and braking, as well as steering – and automatically manoeuvring into perpendicular parking spaces and parallel spaces just 1.1 metres longer than the car. The driver can control vehicle motion by simply selecting neutral and holding down a single centre console-mounted button.

All New Focus arrives into Ireland in July and will be priced from €24,900.

The car will initially be available in 4 series in Ireland: Zetec, ST-Line, Titanium and Vignale.

The Active Series will arrive in Ireland in 2019.

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EchoSport l SLOW START: Donal Touhy is beaten by Conor Cooney’s shot for Galway’s goal early in the contest Photo by Martin Connolly

Páraic McMahon GAA

With one minute to go on Saturday, John Conlon and Galway goalie Skehill turned to each other and agreed neither team should lose, writes Páraic McMahon.

Nobody deserved to lose

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HERE were ups and downs a plenty in Clare and Galway’s drawn All-Ireland SHC semi-final, the Tribesmen started the better but it looked like the Banner were rising at the right time and their captain Patrick O’Connor thought they had the game.

Tubber’s O’Connor felt Aron Shanagher’s goal was going to be the turning point in pushing Clare to their ninth ever All-Ireland SHC final appearance. “I thought we had it and John went through then and I was just waiting for the net to bulge but it didn’t. Those are the things that happened and it’s all about reacting.

He added, “We came here to beat Galway and we didn’t, looking back on the game and the spectacle, hurling was the big winner, some outstanding performances from individuals on both sides. Galway are an exceptional team, we’re trying to reach their level, we’ll go back look at it and learn a few things”.

With 93 minutes of hurling played, Patrick points to Donal Tuohy as an example of the effort put in by all players on the field. “When your goalkeeper goes down with cramp you know it’s been a stressful evening, sore bodies, lads were cramping, it’s just a sign of the conditioning of both teams. Knowing our setup and what the lads have done with us you couldn’t speak highly enough of them to drag so many bodies through ninety minutes of an

All-Ireland semi-final”.

In defence, the presence of Colm Galvin as a sweeper allowed Clare to slowly settle into the game. “Credit again when they knew to bring him out because he played a lot of hurling around the middle as well, it was a balancing act, credit to Colm for the way he played it, he knew what to do and did it exceptionally well, we had ninety minutes to look at each other we’ll know an awful lot about each other and I’m sure next weekend won’t disappoint,” O’Connor said of the Clonlara man’s influence on the game.

Clare’s composure was critical to them staying in the game according to the corner back but he lamented their first halves in both normal and extra time as instances in which their standards dropped.

“The key was composure, there was no panic. We analysed how we would get at Galway but you have to hand it to Galway they started like a train on fire but we came into it, we’re in the last four now and teams in it will have their purple patches and we felt we made our purple patches count and they made theirs count. The one at the start was a disappointment and the first half of extra time, we were wasteful in those two periods”.

Meanwhile, of all the Clare players lining out in Croke Park yesterday, John Conlon has tasted more success there than them all.

Along with Donal Tuohy, he was part of the

side that won the county’s first ever All-Ireland U21 title in 2009. Four years later, he was at wing-forward as Clare secured their fourth senior All-Ireland championship with Tuohy on the sideline. Cian Dillon was in action on both occasions but has yet to significantly feature this year, marking Conlon out as the most successful of the current crop when it comes to playing at GAA HQ. “We never gave up but neither did Galway.

It was fantastic stuff, it was exhilarating even at the end there myself and James Skehill were in around the square with a minute to go and we said no one deserved to lose this and thankfully Jason got that great score at the end and it had similarities to [Domhnall O’Donovan’s score in 2013] and lads working it up the field, it just shows the subs that came on. It was David Fitzgerald who went up the field, just to have that composure and leadership from him to go on and do that with the last puck of the ball meant a lot and hopefully will give us a big push for next week,” John told members of the media after Saturday’s drawn All-Ireland semi-final. lthough they trailed by nine points as the opening quarter concluded, Clare were not overly bothered and Conlon reveals that it was something they touched upon in preparations.

“Things didn’t look good but we had said during the week that it could happen, Galway

A

are that good they blew us off the field for the first 15 or 20 minutes but we said that the mistakes might occur and we were fairly sloppy, maybe we were a bit nervous or anxious about being in Croke Park but we got composed, Tony got moved to midfield and he made a big difference. He drew them out and got a few great scores when we needed them and got us on the scoreboard, things started to tick then and coming into half-time we were only four points down.

“We knew at half-time that we were well in the game and we’d have our purple patch and we drove on when it mattered”.

Prior to the contest there was a lot of interest on the Clonlara man’s duel with Daithí Burke. According to Conlon, “It’s a battle every week, I had Liam Ryan against Wexford and that was a big battle, it was no different with Daithi, he’s a fantastic hurler and a fantastic full back, I relished it because that’s what you want, you want to be up against the best and pushing yourself against the best, he’s a fantastic player and I’m looking forward to it again next week and I’m sure he is too”.

While there were reports of an ankle injury affecting the Turloughmore defender, John didn’t think there was much holding his counterpart back. “I didn’t feel it anyway because he was well up beside me, he’s a tough buck so there’s no fear in him and he’ll be fine for next week and we’ll do battle”.

SPORT 33

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

Moloney always believed Clare would come up with the goods Clare 1-30 Galway 1-30 (AET) All Ireland SF @ Croke Park

PÁRAIC McMAHON & JAMES MULVIHIL news@clareecho.ie

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ALWAY and Clare will have to do it all over again after an enthralling ninety minutes of hurling ended all square at GAA Headquarters on Saturday evening. Clare showed incredible resilience to claw their way back into the game when they were nine points down after the opening quarter.

Galway led Clare 1-07 to a single point.

The opening score came through the irrepressible Joe Canning, and although Clare hit back through a placed ball by Peter Duggan, the Tribesmen then began what looked to be the beginning of a demolition. A Canning free put Galway in front, before they took control and led by 0-06 to 0-01 after 12 minutes with scores through Conor Cooney, Conor Whelan, Johnny Coen and Cathal Mannion. Galway then looked to have put one nail in the coffin when Conor Cooney broke onto a loose ball before dispatching past Donal Tuohy into the Clare net.

Joe Canning landed another point to extend the lead to nine points at the end of the opening quarter.

Despite the gap joint manager Donal Moloney always believed his players would come up with the goods That they did as they forced a draw with the reigning All-Ireland champions and indeed they could have dethroned them. However with time running out it was Galway who were on course for another All-Ireland final appearance only for Jason McCarthy to step up with the equaliser following ninety three minutes of hurling.

Donal expected Galway were going to bring such fire at the beginning of the game. “Galway bring terrific momentum, they did that to Kilkenny in the Leinster Final replay and we had planned for that, executing it is a different thing and Galway went full flow during

that period. We never had any real doubt that we were going to bring this back and we never had any doubt in the boys”.

“It was a magnificent game and I think the hurling public have been served many epic games this year and today followed suit”.

Clare duly responded through David Reidy, Shane O’Donnell and Peter Duggan (free) to close the gap to six points while Tony Kelly scored two inspirational points and Galway’s lead was reduced to four points, which remained the gap at half-time with the scores at 1-10 to 0-09.

Clare left Galway waiting for what seemed like an eternity on the pitch at half time and reemerged to jeering by the Tribesmen fans.

Moloney explained why there was an issue with time keeping.

“To be honest when you go nine points down to Galway you’ve a lot of stuff to fix, the players wanted to discuss things and thrash things out, you only get one shot at this and if we caused anyone any offence we’re sorry but we’ve had it both ways, we’ve been waiting on the field this year and we’ve had other teams waiting for us, to be honest we lost track of time, we were trying to sort a lot of stuff”.

“Your season is riding on this, we have to get it right and the players did to be fair, they were really good at half-time, they got it right and put in a huge second half”.

However the momentum stayed with Clare with four of the next five scores going to the Banner thanks to John Conlon (two), Peter Duggan (free) and Shane O’Donnell.

John Conlon finally put the teams on level terms at 1-16 to 0-19 midway through the second half and a series of dramatic scores - including Peter Duggan scoring the point of the Championship - ensued. With Clare trailing by a point at the death, Tony Kelly won a late free and Peter Duggan

made no mistake to level the sides once again.

Clare’s bench made a huge impact in extra time, with Aron Shanagher, in his first action since returning from a cruciate injury, rifling a stunning goal past James Skehill, and the all-action David Fitzgerald making a number of impacts.

Johnny Coen looked to have won it for Galway with a well taken point however, with the time ticking over, Clare scored the equalising point thanks to great teamwork involving Donal Touhy, Colm Gavin, Seadna Morey, Conor Cleary and David Fitzgerald who delivered the perfect hand pass to find his club mate Jason McCarthy in space and showed great composure to slot over and when James Owens blew up for Full Time at the end of extra time both teams were out on their feet and will have to be satisfied with a draw.

Donal Moloney said McCarthy’s point reminded him of an effort from another Clare hero, Domhnall O’Donovan who famously sent the 2013 All-Ireland final to a replay with a last gasp strike. “There were shades of Domhnall O’Donovan in 2013, they were about the only calm heads in the stadium those four boys at that stage in terms of how they built it one pass out over the head onto the next guy and the next guy and Jason doesn’t miss those”.

Colm Galvin played a key role in limiting the influence of the Galway attack when pushed back as a sweeper while Aron Shanagher’s impact from the bench was applauded by Moloney. “It’s pretty amazing, as cruciate ligament injuries go it’s incredible. That was one of his trademarks, that catch, turn and bang. He’s a very driven young man,” Moloney told reporters following the draw.

On the significance of Shanagher’s goal, he said “Two points up that’s a big momentum shift but Galway are magnificent, Johnny Glynn the leadership he showed bringing them back into the game, Johnny Coen aswell, you’re not going to beat Galway until you’re well down the road, we really respect the way they came back at us”.

Seven wides in the first half of extra time did prove costly for Clare but Donal feels management can take a share of the blame for the poor shooting. “That might have been our fault as well,

l EMOTIONAL STUFF: Joint manager Donal Moloney embraces David Fitzgerald at the final whistle Photo by Martin Connolly we felt the likes of Seadna and Fitzy had scores in them but they were maybe too far out and on the sideline, if they fed a few of them in it might have been a different result. Galway missed scores in the overall scheme of things, when Galway were on top they missed a lot of scores, the swings and roundabouts today”.

The replay will take place in Semple Stadium, Thurles next Sunday at 2pm. It’s a venue that will suit both teams according to the Clare joint manager. “We like Thurles and I’m sure Galway do as well. They were magnificent there, we’ve great memories of Thurles and some great days out there so it will be probably be a bumper attendance I’m sure”.

Clare: Donal Tuohy, Patrick O’Connor, David McInerney, Jack Browne; Seadna Morey, Conor Cleary, Jamie Shanahan; Colm Galvin (0-1), Cathal Malone; Peter Duggan (0-14,11fs), Tony Kelly (0-3,1 side-line), David Reidy (0-1); Podge Collins, John Conlon (0-4), Shane O’Donnell (0-3).

Subs: David Fitzgerald (0-1) for Malone (48 mins), Conor McGrath for Collins (58 mins), Ian Galvin (0-2) for Reidy (60 mins), Aron Shanagher (1-0) for O’Donnell (67 mins), Jason McCarthy (0-1) for Shanahan (80 mins), Shane O’Donnell (80 mins).

Galway: James Skehill; Adrian Tuohy, Daithi Burke, John Hanbury; Padraic Mannion, Gearoid McInerney, Aidan Harte; Johnny Coen (0-2), David Burke (0-3); Joseph Cooney, Joe Canning (0-12,6fs,2 side-lines), Jonathan Glynn (0-1); Conor Whelan (0-3), Conor Cooney (1-1) Cathal Mannion (0-4).

Subs: Niall Burke (0-1) for J. Cooney (52 mins), Paul Killeen for McInerney (injured) (53 mins), Jason Flynn (0-3,1f) for C. Cooney (62 mins), Sean Loftus for Touhy (E/T), Joseph Cooney for David Burke (80 mins), Conor Cooney for Whelan (80 mins), Davy Glennon for Canning (injured) (82 mins).

Referee: James Owens (Wexford).

34 SPORT

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

One of Donoghue’s most challenging games as boss PÁRAIC MCMAHON

I

N THE wake of their 1-30 apiece draw with Clare, Galway manager Mícheál Donoghue admitted that the ninety plus minutes of hurling was one of the most challenging games of his time as manager.

“It was an epic encounter, we started well, we knew coming up Clare were going to be a massive challenge, we got a good start and they came back well into the game and once they came close to parity it took a life of its own and both teams had chances in normal time similar to extra time but I’m really proud of our lads, they worked really hard, anytime they got a setback they came back and got the scores when we needed them and picked up a few knocks and the lads that came off the bench made massive contributions, just draw on our experience and recover and go again next week”, he told members of the media after the game.

He is confident Galway will be able to draw on their experience as All-Ireland champions in the replay and was satisfied to see it on display in Croke Park at the weekend.

“When they got the goal we went down straight away and Jayo got the point that epitomised the character in the team and we said to them in the dressing room there that we’re really proud of them, these are a massive bunch really committed to the cause and want

to be as successful as they can, they’ve massive experience and they’ll draw on it and be ready to go again”.

“Our efficiency is normally very good, today it was a bit down but the encouraging thing for us we’re still taking the shots and we’ll learn from the game and just move on again,” the Clarinbridge man added.

Donoghue expects the replay will live up to its billing following an exciting first encounter. “The way the game went it ebbed and flowed, when we got a foothold on it Clare came right back and you have to give them unbelievable credit, both teams just went at it, both sets of teams done unbelievably well and adapted to the conditions, it’s a game of massive magnitude the

lBATTLE: Micheal Donoghue (left) on the line and (main) Tony Kelly on a trademark solo run Photo by Martin Connolly prize at stake is huge and both teams just went at it and I’ve no doubt next week will be the same again”.

During the week, the Galway camp had to deal with several injuries and some illnesses in the lead up to the game, Mícheál revealed. “We had a few knocks and a few lads sick during the week but nothing got them down and that’s the character that’s shone through for us in the past week and it’s been massive.

We always talk about the collective and the lads that came off the bench made a massive contribution and that will stand us in good stead, hopefully the injuries aren’t too bad”.

When pressed on the state of the injuries sustained by Gearoid McInerney and Joe Canning, the car salesman remained tight lipped. “It’s too early yet,

Minors bow out in quarter final

by PÁRAIC MCMAHON Galway 0-18 Clare 0-11 Venue: O’Connor Park, Tullamore LARE’S minor footballers have bowed out of the All-Ireland series losing to Galway by seven points.

In the GAA and sport there is a cliché about a game of two halves.

This encounter fell into this category with Clare the stronger side in the opening half and Galway the dominators for the decisive second half in this All-Ireland MFC quarter-final.

Maurice Walsh’s side showed no signs of having a knock on effect from their heavy Munster Final defeat to Kerry once the ball was thrown in. They dictated the first twenty five minutes keeping Galway scoreless while also tipping over seven points of their own.

Three late points before the break from the Tribesmen left it 0-08 0-03 at halftime in Clare’s favour.

Galway got into their groove on the restart and limited Clare to just three points in the entire second half while adding fifteen points of their own to secure their place in the semi-finals.

C

I’ve hardly seen them. I haven’t had time but hopefully there’s nothing too bad”.

Overcoming sweepers hasn’t hindered Galway in the past but the positioning of Colm Galvin in the role did limit their dominance. The impact of the Clonlara man is something Donoghue is keen to work on for the replay. “He got on a lot of ball and the way they used was very good on their puckouts so we’ll have to look at that”.

“I was just trying to talk to him,” Mícheál said of his interactions with referee James Owens. Donoghue added, “We had chances, we were a point up and it was obvious the way it was going James was going to give them a chance and he did, both teams deserve another crack at it”.

LOCAL GOLF RESULTS ENNIS LADIES JULY MEDAL Wednesday 25th July SILVER 1st Ann Kelly (20) 75 2nd Helen Gallery (19) 76 3rd Shannon Hegarty (5) 77 BRONZE 1st Mary McMahon (22) 66 2nd Ann Dunne (25) 70 3rd Helen Harnett (24) 71 CSS Sunday 73 CSS Wednesday 72 9 HOLE S/FORD 1st Emer McHale (33) 19pts 2nd Una O’Reilly (37) 17pts (bk6: 12v11) 3rd Mary McMahon (22) 17pts Best Improver Noreen Linnane (37) 15pts CSS = 73 Senior Ladies Tuesday 24th July 1st Maura Moloney Kathleen Pyne

Mary Woulfe 46 1/3 2nd Ann O’Loughlin Patrice Ryan Carmel Warner 46 1/2 3rd Ann Marie Darmody Pauline Parks Mary McMahon 46 2/3 4th Eileen Corry Della Burns Mary Leahy 47 WOODSTOCK Result 28/07/18 & 29/07/18 Intermediate Scratch Cup 1. David White(12) 81 2. Tom Malone(14) 83(BOT) Minor Scratch Cup 1. Ian Birchall(20) 89 Club Modified 4BBB 1. Tony Nugent(3) & Martin Nugent(9) 49pts CSS N/A Upcoming Fixtures Weds

01/08/18 Open Singles Stableford (W) Sat/Sun 04/08/18 & 05/08/18 Captain’s Prize(Mr. Bernardo Kelly) Singles Stroke(W) Mon 06/08/18 Open Modified Team of 3(G) Wed 08/08/18 Open Singles Stableford (G)

SPORT 35

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

THREESY DOES IT: James O’Doherty from Clooney, with Jimmy Flynn from Ballinasloe and Rosie Monaghan from Tubber

Photo by Martin Connolly

ENJOYING THE DAY: A well known face in the crowd Photo by Martin Connolly

WE WILL HAVE ANOTHER DAY: Shane O’Donnell shows his relief after the draw Photo by Martin Connolly

l ALL SMILES: Paul and Caroline O’Meara wearing the Clare colours with a hint of Mayo Photo by Martin Connolly

UP THE BANNER: Proud Clare supporter Ger O’Neill from Barefield Photo by Martin Connolly

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38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

Your Horoscopes Aug 2 WITH a morning full of excitement and activity, you get a charge to bust onward like there’s no tomorrow. This positive wave is an excellent feeling, but resist the urge to extend yourself too far. The balance in your energy account is actually running quite low, today’s deposit notwithstanding. Save the rest of your oomph for an upcoming rainy day.

Taurus

Gemini

A PERSON who’s been in your life for a long time has been changing -- and their new, improved identity will be revealed to you today. They may be living far away, or in a situation that’s made it difficult to keep as close to them as you’d like. But they’re reaching out to you in their own way right now, and you’re going to start seeing them in an entirely new light.

THE boasting going on all around you is putting out an energy that could leave you feeling insecure. You need to combat that. So the next time that big-headed character spouts off, call their bluff. Find out if there’s anything behind their elaborate claims by asking what they have to offer. You’re up for anything right now, and even if they take you on a wild ride, you’ll be glad you had the courage to speak up.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

YOU need to deal with whatever you’ve been wondering about and whatever mystery has been plaguing you as soon as possible. Intrigue can be a powerful force, but it can also lead you down an unproductive path. That means you may want to lower your expectations about how much work you can get done today. Upcoming deadlines may not be as firm as you think. Double-check with someone who knows, and do some minor rescheduling if you can.

IF you feel a little lost right now, consult your inner compass. You have a known direction deep inside of you, and you merely have to follow it to move to the next phase of your life. There are lessons ahead -- some tough, some delightful. Which type you choose depends on how strong you feel right now. If you’re ready for a challenge, move in a direction that scares you a little. If you’re eager for peace, keep to yourself and stay where you feel safest.

OVER the years, you’ve developed your own unique flair -you have a certain way of doing things that’s been working well for you so far. Today your knack for getting stuff done in style gets you noticed by many people you want to impress -- either romantically or professionally. Just pretend you don’t know you’re being watched, and keep doing what you do so well. They’ll approach you when the time is right and you’ve got more free time.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

WHO you put your trust in today is very important -- a lot of people are looking for you to be on their side, and you should think long and hard about where you want to put your allegiance. Credibility isn’t something you’re seeing a lot of around you now. But there are definitely people who deserve to be on your list of those you can trust. Wait a while and observe the people in question.

WELL, get a load of you! Today you’re quite the superstar, making people stand up and take notice. You have the world on a string right now -- why don’t you realize that? If you feel held back or limited in any way, it is no one else’s fault -- there’s no point in blaming anyone. You’re in control of your own life, whether you feel like it right now or not.

Get out there and strut your stuff, because you’re one hot rock star today (and every day).

1/1

Aries

YOU may have to call on your sophisticated bluffing techniques to get through today -- but it will be a lot of fun to dazzle everyone. Before you start to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of being at center stage, take heart. Everyone has to stall for time every once in a while, and it’s a wonderful way to learn how to read people. It helps you understand how to motivate them to see things the way you see them.

ONE of the best tools for understanding any situation is perspective. If you look at things from multiple angles, you eventually gain a better idea of how to approach them and move forward (if that’s what you really want). Today you experience a variety of challenges that allow you to apply this philosophy -- some of them fun, some of them not so fun.

Throughout the entire day, keep an open mind, and you’ll easily be able to discern the good from the bad.

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

1 Having investigated, I have to plunge (8) 5 Cheese used by wellfed Americans? (4) 8 One may hear quiet constituent (5) 9 Cancel transformation for Cinders? (7) 11 Former Russian politician revolting in style (7) 12 Flying mammal on a stick (5) 13 Doctor amused scary female (6) 15 Part of the eye may be near it (6) 18 Girl seen in Michigan or Maine (5) 20 Denizen of the deep finding work after 31 days (7) 23 Prince seen in French city after church (7) 24 The sound of a piano is excruciating (5)

CLARITY isn’t something you can create -- it either exists or doesn’t exist. Luckily, after a long period of fogginess, you emerge today into crystal clear blue skies and total recognition of who you are and the relationships you need to focus on. Your action is required today -- after some procrastination, you have no excuse not to make your choice.

The answer is clear.

YOU wake up with an incredible sense of peace this morning -- all your stress stays behind in your dreams, and you don’t even think about any upcoming pressures. You’re able to let it go. Any troubles or trials you experience today will be manageable, and for the first time in a long while, you’ll laugh at a challenge. Your mood will only improve over the next few days, so now is a great time to schedule some get-togethers or plan a party.

25 Start to saw wood for window frame (4) 26 I’d return in order to be a trespasser (8)

DOWN

1 Fast, but cold (5) 2 Under fire, as nuts may be (7) 3 Garment for groom?

(5) 4 Italian city where girl holds on (6) 6 Meaning to go with the tide (5) 7 Celebration with heavenly food brought round for pop star (7) 10 Small island turning black (5) 13 Threats can seem funny (7) 14 Garment left by dramatist (5) 16 Suggested a naugh-

ty child didn’t tell the truth (7) 17 Bit of money entertaining American relative (6) 19 Gathers spare bits?

(5) 21 Singer producing false note? Right! (5) 22 Medical examiner may take this slander (5)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, AUG 2 2018

The Clare Echo Quiz 1

Money Point Power station has

two chimney stacks that are among the highest free standing structures in Ireland. What height are they?

220m, 225m, 218m

Clare has four Senior Hurling 2 Championship titles. Which of these years did they first lift the title?

1914, 1921, 1912

In which of these years was 4 Clare a runner-up in the Senior Hurling Championship?

1999, 2001, 2002

To the nearest square kilome5 tre what is the land area of the Burren?

250 km², 240 km², 245 km²

6

Shannon has the longest runway in Ireland. What is the length of the runway?

3,199m, 3,200m, 3,205m

river is Deer Island to be 7Which found in?

River Fergus, River Shannon, Inagh River

l QUESTION 3: The other Cusack Park (pictured above) Is located in where?

of the 2016 Census, what is 8As Clare’s population?

ANSWERS

120,002, 116,149, 118,627

9

How many SHC titles has Galway won?

4, 6, 5

is the Tau Cross to be 10Where found?

6. 3,199m 7. River Fergus 8. 118,627 9. 5 10. Corofin

Park located?

Westmeath, Laois, Tipperary

l QUESTION 10: The Tau Cross in Co Clare

Ennis, Corofin, Lahinch

1. 218m 2.1914 3. Westmeath 4. 2002 5. 250 km²

Cusack Park in Ennis, Co Clare 3 is not the only Cusack Park in Ireland. Where is the other Cusack

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Co. Clare (between ca. 1860-1883).

Photo from The Stereo Pairs Photograph Collection (National Library of Ireland)

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