The Clare Echo 05/04/2018

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Nine same sex marriages ELAINE TUBRIDY

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New beginnings, Scoil Chriost Rí Chairperson Cecil McDonagh being handed keys to the new school. Pictured l-r Shane Mulqueen ABM Construction Site Manager, Pat O’Neill, Director ABM Construction, Gearoid Roughan Principal Scoil Chriost Rí, Cecil McDonagh Chairperson Board of Management, Pat Kelly Department of Education, Fr Tom Hogan Ennis Parish, Dudley Filan, Site Manager, Eric Woodlock KSN Project Management

Photo by Julie Tillett

5 Apr 2018

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INE same sex couples exchanged wedding vows in Co Clare last year, according to new figures released by the Central Statistics Office.

Five male couples and four female couples celebrated their big day in the Banner county in 2017.

Of the nine same sex couples that married in Clare, only two of them will live in the county.

A total of 617 opposite sex marriages were registered in Co Clare last year, with 67 per cent of couples opting for Catholic ceremonies.

While over a quarter of opposite sex Clare grooms were in their early thirties, there were 11 grooms over the age of 60 who tied the knot last year.

Four women over 60 married opposite sex partners in the Banner County last year, while three women under 20 got married.

Thirty Clare women had previously been married, while 42 grooms had previously tied the knot.

Of the opposite sex marriages in Clare last year, four partners lived outside of Ireland before they got married.

FOR FULL STORY TURN TO: PAGE 6 Clare Echo

FARMING THE

SEE OUR: Farming In Clare feature

8-PAGE FEATURE INSIDE

In Clare

MEET THE CLARE FARMER HOS WEANLING TING SALE FOR RWANDA N GENOCIDE FAMILIES

BREXIT QUE

STION; WHA T NEXT FOR

BEEF FARM

ERS?TO

P 5 FARM

ING APPS

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

Index NEW CHAMBER CHAIR

4

BLUEWAY OPENS

8

ENTERTAINMENT

11

AOBHÍN INTERVIEW

15

FARMING GUIDE

17-24

COMMUNITY

26-27 35

GOLFING TIPS CLASSIFIEDS

36-37

GET IN TOUCH

Inside The Clare Echo FEATURE: PAGE 17-24

Farming in the Banner

NEWS: PAGE 15

Aoibhín on pregnancy

Aoibhín Garrihy speaks to Karen Hillery about love, life, career and pregnancy. The Ennis-based actress is due to give birth to her first child in May

This week we have a special guide on the farming in Clare. We look at the current fodder crisis and the implications of Brexit on Clare beef farmers. We also meet

the Clare farmer Clare Echo who is G FARMIN setting up a weinling sale to help families in Uganda.

THE

In Clare

MEET THE CLARE FARMER HOSTING WEANLING SALE FOR RWANDAN GENOCIDE FAMILIES BREXIT QUESTION;

WHAT NEXT FOR

P 5 FARMING APPS

BEEF FARMERS?TO

SPORT: PAGE 34-35

Ready for Club Clare golfing In sport this week we have golfing tips from golf pro Padraig McGrath while we also announce details of this year’s Club Clare Golf Classic, which is accepting teams of four and will take place at Woodstock early next month.

RECEPTION

The Square, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: monica@clareecho.ie

EDITOR Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: editor@clareecho.ie

NEWSDESK Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: news@clareecho.ie

NOTES Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

SALES Telephone: 065 671 9021

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

PLACE AN

l EASTER FAMILY FUN: Lauren O’Donoghue, Old Cratloe Road , Limerick enjoying herself with “The Mad Hatter” and “Alice” at the Easter Adventure at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on Bank Holiday Monday

Photo by Eamon Ward

25 jobs as Lidl plan second Ennis store ELAINE TUBRIDY news@clareecho.ie

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

P TO 25 new jobs are expected to be created in Clare when LIDL open their second Ennis store .

LIDL have confirmed that plans are about to be lodged with Clare County Council for a new store on the Limerick road in Ennis, between Ennis and Clarecastle.

Additional commercial units will also be developed at the site, including a creche.

Speaking on Clare FM, LIDL’s Head

of Communications Aoife Clarke said Lidl are planning what she described as a ‘concept store’.

Ms Clarke said: “Ennis is a great town and we saw great potential with the site.

“It’s a great opportunity to build one of our new concept stores as well so we’re quite excited about this project and we’re looking forward to seeing what the reaction is.

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

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4

NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

Chamber elects new president

STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

A

T ITS recent AGM, Ennis Chamber of Commerce elected Diarmuid McMahon, Managing Director, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon, as president and Gwen Culligan, co-owner County Boutique as vice-president, both of whom will serve a one-year term.

Diarmuid succeeds outgoing Chamber president William Cahir, of Cahir & Co. Solicitors, whom he congratulated for energising the Chamber during his term.

A qualified chartered accountant, Diarmuid is the fourth generation of McMahon’s to manage his family business, which has been trading in Ennis since 1900. He also follows in the footsteps of his father, in the context of Ennis Chamber, with his father Dermot having served three years in the role from 1975.

Diarmuid's business was the first firm of auctioneers in Ireland to sign up to the Sherry FitzGerald franchise model almost 20 years ago, to become Sherry FitzGerald McMahon. His ambition is to imbue Ennis Chamber with that sense of innovation, during his tenure as president.

He commented, “Ennis has en-

l FRESH FACES: Gwen Culligan, current Chair of the Chamber’s Retail Committee has been elected Vice President, while Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry FitzGerald McMahon has been elected President

dured a decade of recession and for many businesses recovery is a recent sensation. That said, I am cognisant that some sectors continue to face serious challenges ahead, not least our retail sector.

I believe Ennis Chamber can play a strong hand in encouraging and supporting growth of the town.

He reflected, “If we are to see

the town flourish, construction needs to be at the heart of its recovery. We have already laid down a marker within Ennis Chamber this year to support not just home builders but also construction related professional services, towards obtaining clarity around key development issues, in order to address the housing

deficit in the town. This is especially important if Ennis Municipal District is to meet stated objectives for growth to a population of 50,000 by 2040.”

Diarmuid is also keenly aware of infrastructure issues within the town. “There is a parking deficit in Ennis, and while promises were made two years ago by the

local authority to address this issue, no additional parking spaces have since been created. In fact, we have lost more parking spaces since then.

This is an issue our retail members have strong views on and as President of the Chamber I would like to assure them that we will lobby on this issue on their behalf.”

New Ennis Chamber vice president, Gwen Culligan, is already chair of Ennis Chamber’s Retail Committee and while her new role will see her work across all sectors, she is particularly focussed on growing and supporting the retail sector within the Chamber.

“The retailers in Ennis now more than ever need to adopt a team approach to promote the benefits of shopping and spending in Ennis.

Whether your business is beauty, healthcare, clothes, shoes or grocery, a united front is required to attract people into our town. Once we secure footfall we can then compete with one another for the business. As business people, we know that competition is healthy. It’s what keeps shoppers coming back to town.”

On the tourism and hospitality front, Ennis Chamber looks forward to unveiling a new digital strategy for the town over the coming weeks.

For more information, contact Margaret O’Brien on 086 6009045.

l FUN RUN: People taking part in the Eamon Moloney 10k Run last weekend Photo by Katie McNeill

Tragedy at Woodstock ELAINE TUBRIDY

news@clareecho.ie

KILMALEY GAA club has paid tribute to the two young men who lost their lives as a result of a road traffic accident in Ennis on Sunday morning.

Oisin Cahill and Darragh Killeen were both on the panel for Sunday’s U21 hurling final against Inagh Kilnamona.

“It was with great sadness that us as a club and community woke up yesterday morning to hear there was a road traffic accident in Woodstock involving three young men in the early hours of Sunday morning,” a statement from Kilmaley GAA Club reads.

“To Oisin’s parents John and Angela, and his sisters Rebecca, Eilis, Caoimhe and Caoilinn, we offer our sincere condolences and our

thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time,” the statement continues.

Kilmaley GAA Club released another statement following the announcement of Darragh’s passing on Tuesday.

“Thomas and Hilda, Darragh’s parents, brother Senan and sister Aoife words are not going to be enough but we offer our sincere condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time."

Enda Hickey (22) is still in a critical condition after the crash at Woodstock, Ennis at approximately 4.20am on Sunday morning.

Oisin was pronounced dead at the scene and his cousin Darragh passed away in hospital on Tuesday. Oisin was laid to rest in Kilmaley this morning. Darragh will repose at Inch Church on Friday, April 6 from 5pm with prayers at 8pm. His Funeral Mass will take place in Inch Church at 1pm on Saturday, April 7.

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

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6

NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

l JOB WELL DONE: Runners make it past the finish line outside Rice College in the Eamon Moloney 10k on Saturday Photo by Katie McNeill

Nine same sex marriages in Co Clare ELAINE TUBRIDY

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news@clareecho.ie

CLARE CULTURAL COMPANIONS An Age & Opportunity Initiative

CULTURAL COMPANIONS is an Age & Opportunity initiative designed to link older people interested in arts and culture through a network so they can attend events together as a group

CONCERTS

EVENTS I N C LU D E

Ennis visitor restrictions are lifted

FILMS THEATRE/PLAYS MUSICALS

ELAINE TUBRIDY

HISTORICAL TALKS

news@clareecho.ie

ART EXHIBITIONS BECOME A MEMBER

If this sounds like something you might like to join then please contact Karen Fennessy in Clare Co. Council:

Tel: 065 6846489 or Email: kfennessy@clarecoco.ie

INE same sex couples exchanged wedding vows in Co Clare last year, according to new figures released by the Central Statistics Office.

Five male couples and four female couples celebrated their big day in the Banner county in 2017.

Of the nine same sex couples that married in Clare, only two of them will live in the county.

Three marriages were civil ceremonies, while there were two humanist ceremonies, two Spiritualist Union of Ireland ceremonies and two “other religious denomination” ceremonies.

A total of 617 opposite sex marriages were registered in Co Clare last year, with 67 per cent of couples opting for Catholic ceremonies. Humanist ceremonies were the next most popular option, with 71 couples choosing this route. There were 41 opposite sex civil ceremonies in Clare last year.

The average age of Clare grooms in 2017 was 36.2 years old. While over a quarter of opposite sex Clare grooms were in their early 30s, there were 11 grooms over the age of 60 who tied the knot last year.

Four women over 60 married opposite sex partners in the Banner County last year, while three women under 20 got married.

Thirty Clare women had previously been married, while 42 grooms had previously tied the knot.

Of the opposite sex marriages in Clare last year, four partners lived outside of Ireland before they got married.

Friday was the most popular day to get married in Ireland last year, while most couples got married in August.

“What I wanted to get from Cultural Companions was to meet new people and get out more. It’s that simple for me.”

Cultural Companions Member

THE visitor ban at the Burren Ward in Ennis General Hospital has been lifted, though restrictions are still in place.

HSE representatives are currently requesting that visitors to the Burren Ward are restricted to one visitor per patient only and between visiting hours of 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm.

The visitor ban was put in place last Friday following an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug, also known as Norovirus.

Other parts of the hospital, including the Injury Unit, are operating as normal.

Meanwhile, visitor restrictions are still in place at University Hospital Limerick.

Restrictions were initially put in place in late December following an increase in

seasonal influenza.

“The restrictions remain in force as a precaution as the hospital manages a small number of norovirus and other notifiable cases.

“Until further notice, it is necessary to restrict visitors to one person per patient only at UHL and to remind members of the public that visiting hours are from 2pm to 4pm and from 6pm to 9pm only and are to be strictly adhered to.

“This applies to adult and paediatric patients alike and parents visiting children are advised not to bring siblings on visits.

“We regret any inconvenience caused to patients and relatives by these necessary measures, which are being taken in the interests of patient care,” a spokesperson for UHL said.

HomeGallery-Mahogany-ENNIS208.qxp_Layout 1 THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

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FEATURE

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

Lough Derg Blueway to open with fun-filled events

STUART HOLLY

A

editor@clareecho.ie

SERIES of free events will take place on Friday around Lough Derg to mark the recent opening of the Lough Derg Blueway.

The events are being coordinated by the Lough Derg Marketing Group in conjunction with members of the tourism trade around the Lough Derg Blueway.

Events taking place include Kayaking in Terryglass; Ceramics Workshop in Dromineer; Try Sailing or SUP in Two-Mile-Gate; guided walks in Ballycuggaran and Scarriff; historical and leisure boat trips on Lough Derg from Scarriff; bike tours of Portumna Forest Park, karting in Portumna, and chocolate workshops in Tuamgraney.

Speaking in advance of the planned open day, Leonard Cleary, Director of Rural Development with Clare County Council, is encourag-

l WATER YOU WAITING FOR: JPaddle boarding in Killaloe which is part of the Lough Derg Blueway Photo by Patrick Bolger

ing locals to get out and explore the Lough Derg Blueway for themselves.

“The Lough Derg Blueway Open Day presents a series of free events for family and friends around Lough Derg to experience the essence of what a Blueway is,” said Mr. Cleary.

“You can get on the water in a kayak, Try Sailing or SUP, or alternatively you can go for a hike or guided walk.

There will be bike tours, art exhibitions, chocolate making workshops and the offering is just a sample of what can be enjoyed around Lough Derg. Booking is essential and we expect places to be booked up quickly as the Open Day coincides with the Easter holidays for schools.”

The Lough Derg Blueway is a multi-activity recreational trail on and alongside Lough Derg, with easy access to canoe and bike hire, maps and trail information. The trails are family and group friendly whether it’s for a weekend away or a daily walk. Packages and activities can be found on www.BluewaysIreland.org.

For more information on events taking place on the day visit www.bluewaysireland.org.

Ennis Tennis Club hosts Open Nights EVER thought about playing tennis but never got around to it? Looking for a healthy way to get fit and active for the summer and meet new people? Or have you played tennis previously and want to get back into it?

Then these open nights are for you. All details on the poster (left) - just turn up!

There will be tea, coffee and chats afterwards and all are welcome.

Ennis Tennis Club has five all weather floodlit courts and ample free parking for members with regular social events.

There are tennis ladders, internal com-

petitions and opportunities to represent the Ennis Tennis Club in external competitions.

There are two national recognised coaches with a vast amount of experience.

Whether you are a beginner, haven’t played or you are a competitive player the club will cater to your needs.

Tennis is very affordable, healthy and a fun sport; there will be discounted rates available for a limited period for all new members of €130 {A discount of 40%}.

Details about joining will be available on any of the open nights which take place on April 12, 19, 26 and May 3.

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

Almost €33k to translate Development Plan

Maz & Bricks is coming to glór

A SHOW described by the Sunday Independent as “almost perfect and unmissable piece of deeply moving drama” is coming to Ennis.

On Friday, April 13, Maz & Bricks, written by Clare’s own Eva O’Connor will show in glór Theatre.

Maz is attending a ‘Repeal the 8th’ demonstration, while Bricks is going to meet the mother of his young daughter. As the day unfolds, the two become unlikely friends, changing each other in ways they never thought possible.

Written by Eva O’Connor the production is directed

by Jim Culleton with a cast of Eva O’Connor and Stephen Jones. Set design is by Maree Kearns, lighting design by Sinead McKenna, sound design by Carl Kennedy and produced by Eva Scanlan.

More details at www.glor.ie or call the box office on 065 6843103. Tickets €16/€14 Conc.

NEWS 9

ELAINE TUBRIDY

news@clareecho.ie

l GREAT SHOW: Stephen Jones and Eva O’Connor in Fishamble’s MAZ & BRICKS by Eva O’Connor

C

LARE County Council have spent almost €33,000 translating the County Development Plan into Irish.

The Council is required by law under the Official Irish Language Acts 2003 to translate all official documents into Gaeilge.

When asked if they felt the money could be better spent elsewhere, the Council refused to comment stating that it’s not the Council executive’s place to comment on legislation.

“The work was carried out following a tender process which demanded three separate translators to complete the project within a limited timeframe,” a spokesperson for the Council added.

The final cost of contracting three translators to interpret all 267,871 words of the project came in at €32,790.55.

Europus translating services charged the Council €16,526.53 to translate the “Vol 1 Written Statement”.

Established in 1996, Europus is a Dublin based translation company specialising in Irish language consultancy, translation and subtitling.

It cost the Council €8,493 to have two sections of the 2017-2023 County Development plan translated by Tadhg O’Loingsigh.

Tadhg is a Kerry based translator who has previously translated documents for Clare County Council.

Feileastram Teo translated the Shannon and Killaloe Municipal Municipal District written statements for €7,771.02.

Feileastram Teo are based in Kerry and offer residential courses in Irish language and general Irish studies for adults.

Cresent gets behind Great Limerick Run THE Bon Secours Hospital Great Limerick Run are delighted to announce that the Crescent Shopping Centre have partnered with this iconic event as the Official Event Partner for the Volunteer Program.

The event which is now entering its ninth year will take place on Sunday May 6. With over 12,000 runners and between 25,000 – 35,000 spectators, a team of over 600 volunteers will help to deliver the event.

“We are delighted to partner with this great event in Limerick and especially delighted to be able to partner with the volunteer program. This event has showcased all that is great about Limerick to a local, regional and national audience consistently over the last 9 years and we are very proud to be part of this great local community story” said John Davitt General Manger of the Crescent Shopping Centre.

The event is the centrepiece of a weekend of celebrations in Limerick this May Bank Holiday weekend. The event is estimated to be worth €4.5 million to the local economy.

10 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

BUSINESS PROFILE

Go West...

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

Westgate businessmen Brian Pyne and Michael Sullivan discuss trading conditions ELAINE TUBRIDY

generally bring their brand new tiles home with them that day.

Westgate Business Park has ample free news@clareecho.ie parking, and easy access via the by-pass, so HE Celtic Tiger crash and subse- customers have all the time in the world to quent property market collapse choose the perfect products.

“Being outside of the town a little bit helps left a lot of home improvement in the sense that people find that when they businesses reeling.

Although not unscathed, two come out here they can take their time,” Briretailers in the Westgate Business Park, Kil- an said. rian caters for all stages of the rush Road, Ennis, survived the recession home improvement process, inand are fighting back. cluding a free of charge design and Brian Pyne of BP Tiles and Michael Sulmeasuring service. livan of M&M Sullivan Carpets both conBrian pointed out that his busifirmed that business has started to pick up ness would not be where it is today if it again after a rough couple of years.

“It’s changing again now, picking up. Ini- wasn’t for consumers choosing to shop local.

“Only this morning a man came in and tially we would have had the downturn, which was difficult. Staff would have been bought stuff and he said he likes to shop higher that time and we had cuts to make local. I think people have been good to us here. It isn’t even so much the price now. and we had to streamline.

“If you can give the service to people I “We got through it. It’s now showing signs of recovery. 2017 was a good recovery and think people will pay that little bit more. If 2018 is showing good signs again,” Brian you can give the service as a local independent I think people like that,” Brian added. said.

M&M O’Sullivan carpets have been operClare house prices have already risen ating in the Westgate Business Park for over by one percent this year and supply is low, 30 years. which means people are willing to take on “If people came back and shopped local it bigger revamp projects. would be great for everybody because People also have a little more mona lot of people, they can’t buy carey in their pockets, so they have pet online, but they can buy started to make improvements everything else online.

CONTACT to their own homes.

“It would be fantastic if INFORMATION “A huge amount of peopeople shopped local and ple are maybe in houses 20 Westgate Business Park is gave people in the town located on the Kilrush Road, years and the mortgage is the business,” Michael paid and they’re thinking Ennis, across from O’Sullivan & Sullivan said.

Hansbury Motors. maybe an extension or Michael acknowlContact BP Tiles on making bathrooms more edged that consumers (065) 689 2488. accessible. had to look after other Contact M&M Sullivan “They would have been priorities during the reCarpets on designed maybe 15 years ago cession before they thought (065) 682 8877. and now with the advent of wet about purchasing a new carrooms and stuff, people would probpet, but he confirmed that ably be getting a more suitable bathroom,” business has started to pick up over the last Brian added. couple of years.

BP Tiles stock the latest styles and trends “We have seen the good days and the bad in bathrooms and tiles, including stunning days. They’re not too bad at the moment large format tiles, which are becoming more now, a slight improvement on the last year and more popular. or so, but 2009- up to 2015 were very hard Grey kitchens are also bang on trend, as on business,” Michael added.

Brian pointed out that home improvement M&M Sullivan only stock the highest looks tend to be cyclical. quality carpets and timber flooring and MiTheir 3,000 square foot showroom allows chael pointed out that he doesn’t stock the customers to browse countless styles and “cheaper end of the market”. their adjoined stock room means they can They will also offer a special discount to

T

B

lFAMILY-RUN: Michael Sullivan of M&M Sullivan Carpets

customers who purchase flooring for the whole house.

M&M Sullivan is a family run business and they aim to provide the best consumer experience, offering a fitting service for their customers.

Photo by Katie McNeill

“It’s an open market, people can go where they want to, but we do stock the best quality carpets in town at the best price. People shop around because they want good service and we will give it to them,” Michael added.

TOP OF THE RANGE: Some wonderful shots of the showroom at BP Tiles in Westgate Photos by Katie McNeill Business Park on the Kilrush Road

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS 11

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

Entertainment

lPOPULAR: A bus will pick up Daniel fans in Gort, Ennis, Clarecastle and Newmarket

DANIEL GIG PACKAGES

G

AUG 18 @ INEC KILLARNEY

ALVIA Event Management Are Giving Daniel O’Donnell fans a chance to see Daniel in his summer concert at The INEC Killarney on Saturday August 18 with an all inclusive Travel Package from Gort.

The Trip Includes Coach Travel With Glynns Coaches From Gort, With Pick-up

In Ennis, Clarecastle and Newmarket On Fergus, Over Night In The 4* Plaza Hotel, Pre-Show Dinner And Concert Ticket. For Further Information Contact John At Galvia Event Management on091-635743And 087-2519489 Or E-mail: galeventman@eircom.net. Places Are Limited So Early Booking Is Essential. Credit Card Booking Is Available.

SEED & GARDEN SHARE

lEXCITING: Launching Clare Garden Festival were Festival Manager Carmen Cronin, Designer Manus McGee of Gairdin Glas, Siobhan Gallagher of Colourful Creations Garden Centre, Frank Nash of Clare Topsoil, Agricultural Show society Chairman Joseph Lillis, David Lewis of Clonroad Garden Centre and Mayor Paul Murphy AHEAD of the big Clare Garden Festival on April 29, organisers are offering a Community Event called a Seed & Garden Share on Sunday, April 8 also at Ennis Showgrounds.

All gardeners from novices to old hands are invited to join this free afternoon from 3-6pm where Sharing & Bartering is at the forefront.

Anything garden-y goes – Share your Seed or Seedlings, Barter your Garden Books or Trade your Garden Tools. All donations received will go to Irish Seed Savers, who are joining the afternoon with a stall and a Seed Expert.

Gearing up for April 29, organisers are in the final preparations now with over 70 Garden & Food Stalls booked and Expert talks, Show Garden and Entertainment for the day confirmed.

The theme at Clare Garden Festival is ‘Gardening for Mental Wellbeing’. Festival manager and founder Carmen Cronin said: “Gardening both in your own back garden and with others, grounds us and gives us the opportunity to slow down from our hectic lives and to connect with nature. In Gardening, a gentle but so very enriching experience can be found that has been proven to help those with mental health issues and that calms us down on a daily basis supporting and improving our overall wellbeing.”

The Mental Wellbeing theme will be reflected in the Expert Garden Talks and the Highlight Fringe Event at glór the evening prior to the festival day. For further details visit www.claregardenfestival.com or find them on Facebook.

12 COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

The scene

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The Perfect 10...

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PICS THE Run Clare Eamon Moloney 10k attracted a record-breaking number of runners in its sixth year.

Fun and fitness was the order of the day as more than 1,200 participants had signed up for the popular race, which is organised by Jason Moloney and Lorraine O’Connor.

As it often does, the sun was shining for the annual 10k run which goes from outside Rice College in Ennis. This year’s races lived up to its wonderful setting with runners, walkers, parents with prams, children and even dogs all taking part.

First to cross the finish line was Colm Turner of Limerick AC in a time of 33m27s. He finished

first in the men’s section, followed very closely by Rory Sexton of Gotri and Owen Byrne.

In the ladies section, Grace Lynch of Iveragh AC won with an impressive time of 36.16, followed again by Dymphna Ryan (Dundrum AC) and Marian Lilly in third place with a time of 39.27.

The Run Clare series concludes this month in Tuamgraney on April 15 with the Tuamgraney 10 Mile Run, known as the Lakeside Run. The Run Clare Series is sold out but there is availability for single race entries. Early booking is advised.

For details go to runclare.com or follow us on Facebook.

l WE DID IT: Members of the Kilnaboy AC who competed in the Eamon Moloney Run including (L-R) Orla McCarthy, Francis McMahon, Luighseach Long and Mary Morgan

Photo by Katie McNeill

l ALL SMILES: Martina Acton, Cathy Byrne, and Emer O’Byrne

Photo by Katie McNeill

l CREST OF A WAVE: Eugene Withero gives a wave and a smile as he reaches the finish line and Claire-Ann Lyons (right) Photo by Katie McNeill

COMMUNITY 13

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

SUPERSTARS: The Met Army from O’Callaghan’s Mills (L-R) Lilly O’Dea, Heather McArthur, Veronica Moroney and Yvonne Moroney Photo by Julie Tillett

l EMBRACE: Carin O’Rourke with Martin O’Rourke with their medals and (below) Fiona O’Sullivan and a friend enjoy a cuddle after the finish line of the race

Photo Katie McNeill

WATCH ME GO: Desmond Quin, Jackie Malone and Tricia Cosgrove pass the Clare Echo flags to the finish line

Photo by Julie Tillett

l CHEEKY: Dermot O’Sullivan smiles for our photographer outside the Ennis Courthouse Photo Katie McNeill

14 INTERACTIVE

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

A new era of

INTERACTION twitter.com/ ClareEcho

facebook.com/ clareecho

instagram.com/ theclareecho

Facebook comment of the week

‘‘

Michael O’Connell This vandalism was done with the intention of annoying as many people as possible. This looks like it was organised and time taken to carry it out... Really really sad Michael O’Connell

in reaction to our story about graffiti vandalism in Kilkee last weekend

www.clareecho.ie

Tweet of the week PETER CROUCH @petercrouch

There is only a few of us who can do that In reaction to Cristiano Ronaldo’s bicycle kick against Juventus in the Champions League

STORY REACHED 10,000 PEOPLE ON FACEBOOK

County Council commended for quick response to Kilkee graffiti

KILKEE Chamber of Commerce have thanked Clare County Council for their quick response to a graffiti incident in the town.

“We’d like to commend and sincerely thank Clare County Council for their efforts in removing all traces of the graffiti,” Kilkee Chamber of Commerce Chair Elaine Haugh said.

Shocked locals woke up to the phrase “Earth is flat” spray painted all over the beach huts and the brand new roundabout.

“We’re all a bit shocked by it. We got up this morning and to see our beautiful beach and brand new roundabout was kind of a shock to us all.

“Especially this weekend is the start of our season and for someone to actually get a can of spray paint and put it around the town is really kind of startling,” Elaine added.

The incident has been reported to the Gardaí and they are looking through CCTV footage to see if the culprit can be identified.

Kilkee Chamber of Commerce held a beach clean-up last weekend, on March 31.

l DISGRACEFUL: One of the walls which was adorned with graffiti in Kilkee

Photo by Eliza Lillis

15 FEATURE

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

‘It’s my first; I’m not used to the struggles of pregnancy’ Actress Aoibhín Garrihy discusses love, life and business while opening up on pregnancy ahead of her first little arrival

F

Scoil Mhuire, Ennistymon

OLLOWING the launch of BEO, the health & wellness brand, less than a year ago, Ennis-based actress Aoibhín Garrihy admits she can’t believe how popular the events are and how many she’s been apart of over the past few months.

“Theres something about self-care and well-being that women want to know more about,” she begins. “At the moment we’re just going with it but for now Ireland is where it starts and ends.

I can’t see myself, especially with a baby coming in the next few months, bringing it too far further a field”.

Aoibhín (30) mentions that she gets all sorts of messages from woman telling her that BEO really made an impact on there lives and the former Fair City star says it was an event like BEO which triggered her to make a positive change in her own life. “I was in a relationship for two or three years with someone I knew wasn’t right for me and it just took something, like this, just to give me the courage to put myself first and not worry about what my family would think”.

With Aoibhin and her husband John set to welcome a baby in June, I wondered, are there any names in mind yet?

She laughs, “Yeah, we’re still talking about it, we haven’t made any decisions yet. We really struggled even to name our dogs! We’re not good at that type of thing and we’ll take our time.”

Aoibhín also reveals that she doesn’t know if she’s having a boy or a girl yet, “maybe when we meet him or her, we’ll get a brainwave!”. “Its strange. Obviously, it’s my first so I’m not used to the struggles that go with it. It’s mad…

Things that you had in the wardrobe for years, jeans, jackets that you always wear. None of them fit now! It’s not easy, I struggled at the start I can tell you! It’s all part of it however, your whole body transforms!”

Aoibhín has won multiple style award including a Gossie this year for ‘Most Stylish Woman’. So how is she finding maternity style? “There’s definitely a lack of maternity styling and fashionable pieces. It’s very limited, I really had to search. I did struggle a little bit and I’ve mainly stuck

‘‘

I have a lovely presenting job in the pipeline but I can’t say what it is

‘‘

KAREN HILLERY

with the brands I loved and just went up a size,” Aoibhin says. “I just keep things loose. Shift dresses are great!”

When shopping in Clare, Aoibhín says there’s a reason why Ennis is the boutique capital of Ireland. She loves Brass and the County Boutique, and Willow.

“I’ve always said this but even though I’m up in Dublin most of the week, despite most people splurging in Dublin, I do the opposite and splurge in Ennis,” Aoibhin admits. “You can always shop high-end online, but if you’re going to invest and it’s a special occasion and you want to spend that little bit more, Ennis is brilliant!”

‘Dancing with the Stars’ created a lot of

opportunities for Aoibhín and changed her career path. “I feel like it put me in people’s minds as a person rather than a character”, she explains. “I have a lovely presenting job in the pipeline that I’m going to be working on, but I can’t say what it is! But I can say it is a project with RTE and all will be revealed shortly.”

While Aoibhin doesn’t act as much as she used to, she owns a drama school in Ennis that she is proud of. “While I may not be able to express myself, I can do it through my students and tell stories that way.”

John, Aoibhín’s husband of one year, has set up a non-profit organisation, Elevate, that promotes wellness in young people.

With this and the fact that he is the first Clare person to reach the summit of

l LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX: Aoibhín with her hubby John, who was Ennis St Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal, and Ennis Mayor, Paul Murphy; (below) Aoibhín shows off her little bump Main photo by Eamon Ward and (bottom) Aoibhín with her starlet sister Doireann

Mount Everest, John is in the media a lot lately. “He used to be allergic to that stuff! He had two fears when I met him; one was speaking in public and the other was heights!”, Aoibhín laughs. “Well he’s conquered the latter and since then he’s really found his voice”.

“If you have to talk about something that’s really close to your heart, it’s a lot easier, I mean, if you have to talk about something your not as familiar with it can be stressful”.

Aoibhín comes from a very talented background. With her mother coming from a musical household and her father’s side of the family being brilliant storytellers. Aoibhín’s grandfather is the legendary Chris Droney, and her cousin Daithí is an up and coming musician. “In our house, it was always very animated.

We’d put on plays for our parents, Ailbhe has the business head so she’d charge them in at the door and Doireann and I would be in full performance mode! It was always something we were into.”

Aoibhín’s younger sister, Doireann is a star on the rise. Between ‘The Doireann Project’ being a hit, her huge Snapchat following, and her radio show on Spin 1038, she’s one to watch in 2018. “It was definitely nerve wrecking for her as she felt maybe people wouldn’t find it funny or she’d step on people’s toes by doing impressions of them, I was kinda warning her saying, ‘Doireann, it’s a really small industry, you have to be careful!’. She managed to do it in a way where people found it funny rather than mean, which is the nature she intended,” she added.

16 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

SPREAD KINDNESS

A

T THE start of each new day I say a prayer to dedicate that particular new day to kindness and being kind to people and to try and treat people the way I would like to be treated. Another thing I am always mindful at the start of any new day is of what Abraham Lincoln once said: “Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out. It will wear well and be remembered long after the prism of politeness or the complexion of courtesy has faded away.

When I am gone, I hope it can be said of me that I plucked a thistle and planted a flower wherever I thought a flower would grow.” In the quest to create a gentler, more loving world, kindness is the easiest tool we can use. Though it is easy to overlook opportunities to be kind, our lives are full of situations in which we can be helpful, considerate, thoughtful, caring, loving and friendly to loved ones as well as strangers. The touching, selfless acts of kindness that have the most profoundly uplifting effects are often the simplest: a word of praise, a gentle touch, a helping hand, a gesture of courtesy, a listening ear, the act of a charitable endeavour, the lighting of a prayer candle, a hug or a smile.

Kindness starts with caring and being tenderhearted and compassionate toward others. Kindness is humbly giving of ourselves in love and mercy to others who may not be able to give anything back, who sometimes don’t deserve it, and who frequently don’t

thank us for it. Basically kindness means a way of thinking that leads to doing thoughtful deeds for others and doing good to them and for them.

bles too. Giving to others helps us connect with people and meets one of our basic human needs relatedness.

INSPIRE GOODNESS

As the saying goes, “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart. Anger is only one letter short of danger.

If someone betrays once, it is his fault; if he betrays you twice, it is your fault. Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. He who loses money, loses much; he how loses a friend, loses much more; he who loses faith, loses all. Learn from the mistakes of others; you can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.

Friends, you and me. You brought another friend and we started our group, our circle of friends and like a circle there is no beginning or end. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift.”

It is a show of mercy and love to other human beings with no thought of reward. May we all

Helping and being kind to others is not only a good thing to do, it also makes us happier. Giving also connects us to others and helps to build a happier society for everyone. And it’s not all about money, we can also give of our time and energy. So if you want to feel good, do good!

Doing things for others, whether small, unplanned acts or regular volunteering is a powerful way to boost our own happiness as well of those around us. The people we help may be strangers, family, friends, colleagues or neighbors. They can be old or young, nearby or far away. Giving to others can be as simple as a single kind word, smile or a thoughtful gesture.

It can include giving time, care, skills, thought or attention.

Acts of kindness increases life satisfaction provides a sense of meaning, increases feelings of competence, improves our mood and reduced stress. It can help to take our minds off our own trou-

ACT WITH KINDNESS

develop the same type of love and kindness God has for us.

Remember as Scott Adams once said, “There’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” Can you imagine a world where no one gave to each other? Where we all just looked after our own needs and ignored everyone else’s? This would surely be a miserable place to live, for ultimately, whether spontaneous or planned, we cannot be happy without being kind, by giving, loving and caring for each other.

Acts of kindness are essential to our well-being, as they liberate us from self-obsession, selfishness, and isolation. They are the effect of an open and loving nature. True generosity is giving without expectation, with no need to be repaid in any form.

This is the most powerful act of generosity, as it is unconditional, unattached, and free to land wherever it will.

Whether we give to our family, friends, or to strangers, it is the same. We may feel we have little to offer, but whether it is a few pennies or a whole bankroll, a cup of tea or a banquet is irrelevant. It is the act of giving itself that is important. As Mahatma

IMPORTANT: Kindness starts with caring and being tenderhearted and compassionate toward others

Gandhi said, “Almost anything kind we do will seem insignificant, but it is very important that we do it.” Acts of kindness makes us feel good, valuable and alive.

Think about the last time you went out of your way to be kind to someone. Didn’t it make your day too? Many people extend kindness as part of their good nature, but what if we made a more conscious effort to be even kinder by practicing kindness regularly? We will be spreading good feelings and making a difference that has a lasting, ripple effect and undoubtedly changing the world. Practice kindness while expecting nothing in return except the good feelings that these acts provide is life-giving and can also be life-saving.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, make it your goal and habit to be actively looking for opportunities to show kindness to one another and to others when it is possible and needed.

Practice genuine kindness as much as you can in your daily life and ‘plant flowers’ and ‘warm people’s hearts’ wherever you can!

Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind. No act of kindness is ever wasted. And always remember that compassion has no limit and kindness has no enemy.

Be kind and Spread Kindness everywhere!

Clare Echo THE

FARMING

In Clare

MEET THE CLARE FARMER HOSTING WEANLING SALE FOR RWANDAN GENOCIDE FAMILIES BREXIT QUESTION; WHAT NEXT FOR BEEF FARMERS?TOP 5 FARMING APPS

The Brexit question rolls on...

With a year to go to Brexit, Clare farmers fear they are facing a cliff edge drop

W

ITH a year to go to ‘Brexit Day’, March 29 2019, IFA President Joe Healy has warned rapid progress in the withdrawal agreement negotiations is needed to avoid a disastrous no-deal scenario and UK cheap food policy.

Meanwhile Clare IFA Chairman Willie Hanrahan is urging local farmers to stay well informed on the Brexit question.

Joe Healy said, “While the transition period agreed earlier this month gives some certainty, that will only apply if agreement is reached on all other matters by October and approved within the next 12 months.

Otherwise, we reach a cliff edge drop into the unknown that would be disastrous for all sides.”

In the discussions on the future relationship between the EU and the UK, the key area of trade is vital for Irish farmers, Healy said.

“It is clear that the agri-food sector is set to become a major battleground in the negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. The Irish Government

l DISCUSSION: IFA President Joe Healy (right) meets UK farm leaders to discuss implication of Brexit for the agricultural sector in Ireland must prioritise our requirement that the UK maintains full regulatory alignment with the EU’s standards and common external tariff in the area of agriculture and food. Full regulatory alignment is necessary to avoid a hard border in Ireland and deliver the closest possible trading relationship between the EU and the UK, which is an outcome both sides have prioritised.

ABSOLUTELY UNITED Mr Healy last week met with UK farm leaders to discuss shared concerns about the implications of Brexit on the Irish and UK agri-food sectors and to co-ordinate the approach of farm leaders to the negotiations.

He said it is clear that Irish and UK farmers are absolutely united in the desire to avoid a hard border and in their view that

it would be devastating for farmers and very bad for consumers if the UK was to cut its standards and aim for a cheap food policy.

Joe Healy said there is a strong view among all the farm leaders that farming and food issues must be at to the top of the list in Brexit negotiations considerations.

He said that as well as maintaining the closest possible tariff-free trading relationship for agri-food with the UK, it is important that an agreement is reached that maintains the value of the UK market for Irish farmers. “Any outcome that allows the UK to set their own standards and cut tariffs on food imports from third countries would seriously devalue the British market for Irish agri-food exports and in turn destabilise the European food market.

“We need to avoid a scenario where the British market is open to cheaper, inferior food products such as Brazilian beef, hormoned US beef or chlorinated chicken that displace or undermine our high quality Irish food exports produced to the highest EU standards.”

Willie Hanrahan, Clare IFA Chairman, told The Clare Echo: “People should go to the county executive meetings and keep themselves up to date on what’s happening in all these things. It’s a very topical issue at the moment. There will be a lot of talk and a lot of negotiating done before this is all over so we hope that something will happen and we will have a better outcome than predicted. There’s a long way to go in it yet.”

Big Week on the Farm back on RTE screens

E

ARLY April is one of the busiest times for farmers as the land welcomes new life once again.

From April 9, every evening at 7pm, Ella McSweeney, Aine Lawlor, and celebrity guest presenters Deirdre O’Kane, Alison Spittle, Sean O’Brien and Lee Chin will descend on the O’Sullivan family’s dairy farm amidst the chaos of spring-calving.

This year’s Big Week on the Farm studio will play host to a 150-strong live studio audience, in a field overlooking Dungarvan Bay, Co Waterford where the cattle of Gillian and Neil O’Sullivan graze. Gillian and Neil and their children are the host farmers this year. The family have been farming for generations and Gillian’s father and mother Marianne and Michael Wall are still heavily involved in the farm.

Big Week on the Farm will look at the secret lives of farm animals – including the chance to peer inside the world of the misunderstood crow – one of the cleverest species

of the bird family.

Viewers will also follow the life of the calf from birth to separation from the mother; plus, see what happens when a rooster coop is invaded by a potential competitor.

Featured in this year’s series for the first time will be a look into the secret life of the vet. The cameras will follow a vet as he attempts to deliver a calf by cesarean section – can he preserve the life of both cow and calf? Also, he will take viewers through a seemingly routine hernia removal – but, as with all procedures, potentially fatal danger is never too far away.

Meanwhile, location presenters Darragh McCullough and Helen Carroll will be broadcasting live from 10 different farms across the country – two different farms every night.

Other interesting insights will include: witnessing the makeover of a cow as it is prepared for a live sale at an evening mart; experiencing the difficulties of being the only producer based on an island; meeting the girls school which is

l SHOW: Helen Carroll, Ella McSweeney, John Fagan, Darragh McCullough, Aine Lawlor and Roz Purcell

rearing Aberdeen Angus cattle; plus, the chance to watch a world record attempt to gather the largest collection of Massey Ferguson tractors in one place to name a few.

Big Week on the Farm will also explore new technologies in farming, as researchers from around the world uncover how the farm of the future may be inhabited by a selection of robots and artificial intelligence.

The dangers of soil depletion will also be explored.

Using ground-breaking and

world-leading research here in Ireland, the show will analyse the effect of sensory stimulation and confusion in the production of the ultimate steak.

Following from the huge success of previous year’s sheep shearing Guinness World Record with Ivan Scott, and the world tractor reversing record – currently held by last year’s host farmer Patrick Shalvey -this year, the Big Week on the Farm team will be hoping to break even more records.

Meanwhile, celebrity guests will

aim to beat actor, musician and comedian Pat Shortt’s hand-milking record in ‘Pull the Udder One’ – a feat he claimed during the milking challenge last year.

Each night on Big Week on the Farm, Ella, Aine and celebrity guests will present live studio demos, discussions, dissections, hatchings and births.

Join the team as the drama unfolds every night, April 9-13, from 7pm on RTE One.

Burglary concerns in Clare

C

LARE farmers are ‘worried’ when leaving their property behind, it has been claimed, as the latest CSO statistics show a national increase in burglary and related offences. However Co Clare has bucked the trend with a decline in these type of offenses, which is the area of crime most relevant to rural communities.

Despite this, Clare County Chair of the ICMSA, Broadford farmer Martin McMahon aired his thoughts on Clare FM last week where he claimed that local farmers are still living in fear of crime.

“The feeling is very nervous on the ground,” Mr McMahon said.

“When a farmer is leaving his property behind - whether it’s going to town or to the Mart or whatever - he’s always worried about the machinery and worried about cattle boxes, trailers, jeeps, things like that.

“I did hear somebody’s jeep was stolen some time ago - I don’t know whether they got it back or not - and there’s still that risk and farmers are very nervous,” he added.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) resumed publication of Recorded Crime statistics last week.

The new figures suggest that burglary and related offences rose nationally from 18,478 in the last three months of 2016 to 19,092 for the same period in 2017 – an increase of 614 incidents, or 3.3 per cent.

l STATISTICS: There has been a decrease in burglaries in County Clare Looking at the overall picture for Clare, the figures show that there were 55 burglaries here in the final three months of last year - which is a huge decrease compared to the same period 10 years previously when 129 burglaries were recorded.

Outside of burglary-specific incidents, nationwide theft and related offences saw a

sharp rise – a hike of 4,988 (7.7 per cent).

Robbery, extortion and hijacking offences also recorded a 4.5 per cent rise, while damage to property and to the environment also saw a 4.9 per cent increase in frequency last year.

Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) rural affairs chairman Seamus

Sherlock echoed the sentiment of Mr McMahon, saying that farmers must be as vigilant as ever.

“We’re very disappointed that these crimes seem to be on the increase and we’d be urging rural dwellers, especially farmers, to be ever vigilant as alway,” said Mr Sherlock.

He continued: “Just because we’re coming into the summer doesn’t mean that we can slacken off on being vigilant.

“Prevention is still better than cure, so we’d be urging farmers to take a look at their own farm; take a look at what they could do to improve the security of their farm because, let’s face it, once the weather comes good lads will be out working the land, shaking manure and getting ready for silage.

“We’d urge farmers to be very security conscious around the farm; not to be leaving gates and sheds open.

Sherlock urged farmers to liaise with the local Garda, adding that the ICSA is adamant that every area should have a community policing officer, who would be in the area and know who should – and shouldn’t – be there.

“It’s not easy to come up with ways of stopping these thefts but if every farmer had better quality locks, and maybe CCTV, if at all possible. I know it’s expensive, but if they could have CCTV, it would definitely deter people coming into the farm.”

Our Top five farming apps

A

S TECHNOLOGY increasingly becomes part of farming life, local farmers are always looking for ways to become more dynamic through online methods.

If you’ve recently unwrapped a new smartphone or tablet and are not sure what to do with it - or if you want to explore what you can do technologically - here are our Top five farming apps to help you on your way.

HERDWATCH Way back in 2011, Fabien Peyaud had an idea that changed the ‘smart farming’ scheme for good.

His initial research found that 90 per cent of farmers didn’t use any herd management system and he decided to do something about it. The first version was released in 2014.

It allows farmers to record their compliance requirements on the spot and eliminates tonnes of paperwork. It’s cloud based and

works offline, making it super handy.

It’s now the number one farm management app in Ireland with 6,000 farms on the books, so to speak.

BULLMATCH Dubbed “Tinder for Bulls”, Kilnaboy farmer Brian Kelly’s Bullmatch app received a lot of attention when it was launched at the recent Ploughing Championships.

Bullmatch is aimed at farmers taking part in the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP), which is designed to improve the genetic merit of suckler herds and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Under the scheme, farmers have to retain a four or five star rating for calves born on their farm.

Bullmatch takes the guess work out of breeding for farmers, matching their cows to bulls that will produce higher quality cattle.

MOOCALL The Moocall family is the ulti-

l MATCHMAKER: Bullmatch creator Brian Kelly with his partner Teresa and Minister Pat Breen

mate in farming sensors. The tail mounted calving sensor monitors contractions in cows and heifers and alerts farmers approximately one hour before active calving.

More than 15,000 farms currently use this product worldwide.

They also have a breed manager, which is free for anyone to use, and Moocall Heat, a sensor that detects heat in cows.

HERDINSIGHTS The HerdInsights smart collar reduces health care costs and improves farm breeding program efficiency through early illness detection. It claims to be the most accurate Heat detection product on the market. The collar monitors the cow’s behavioural patterns, sends the data to the data centre, where a multi-metric analysis of

the herd is conducted and sent back to your phone.

NMP-online Developed by Teagasc, NMP is an online system that develops nutrient management plans for regulatory and environment purposes.

It’s available to all agri professionals and provides maps to help increase fertiliser efficiency.

Burning rubber for 16 years

Quin Road Tyres offer numerous tyre services with a big emphasis on agricultural floatation wheels

K

EVIN Moloney started Quin Road Tyres almost 16 years ago and he has since built a very loyal customer base.

His customers trust him not only to offer the best quality tyres, but also to provide all of the additional tyre services.

Kevin covers tyres across the board including car, commercial, industrial and agricultural tyres from the smallest to the biggest.

As well as supplying rims of any size and type, Kevin can arrange to refurbish old rims if they are rusty and weathered.

Kevin gets the rims shot blasted and powder coated, bringing them up like new.

He can also have the rims resized to fit the tyres.

With the ground being very soft at the moment, there’s a big emphasis on agricultural floatation wheels.

The standard wheel is not wide enough for the ground add wider wheels or fit dual wheels on agricultural vehicles.

Quin Road Tyres also supply great quality

second hand wheels for implements and agricultural tractors.

One of Kevin’s main brands is BKT Agri Max tyres, one of the best-selling tyres in Ireland.

Quin Road Tyres are the sole seller in Co Clare of BKT Agri Max tyres, the agricultural radial tyres.

Kevin is also the main agent for Agrigear, which is one of Ireland’s largest agricultural wholesalers.

Quin Road Tyres offer a vulcanisation service for agricultural tyres, which involves adding new raw rubber to a damaged area of a tyre to create a repair suitable for the rest of the tyres road life.

l DEDICATED: Quin Road Tyres has been in business almost 16 years

Contact Kevin and the Quin Road Tyres team at the Doora Industrial Estate on (065)684244.

Quin Road TYRES DOORA INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, QUIN ROAD, ENNIS TEL: 065 68 42444 • • • •

RIM REFURBISHMENT (POWDER COATING) RANGE OF SECOND HAND TYRES FOR MACHINERY & TRACTORS FLOTATION TYRES FOR TRACTORS & MACHINERY TYRE VULCANISATION Sole BKT Agent for County Clare

MILLIONS OF ACRES ACROSS THE GLOBE... WORK UNINTERRUPTED

www.tyresclare.com

Farmer to stage weanling sale for genocide families

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FIRST ever ‘Bóthar Weanling for Heifer’ sale is set to take place at Ennis Mart this autumn when over €15,000 worth of livestock will be put to the hammer to support the agency’s appeal to help Rwandan genocide victims transform their lives through gifts of Irish dairy heifers. The proceeds from the bull sale will go towards purchasing and rearing heifers until they are sent, in-calf, to Rwanda at 18 months old.

Though not a dominant dairying county, the Banner has generated huge support for the Mid-West based livestock aid agency over the years. But this new concept, which is the brainchild of Newmarket on Fergus farmer and Bóthar volunteer John Fitzgerald, will bring that support to a new level.

He said: “There’s a huge affiliation and affection in Clare for Bóthar, going back many, many years, across the farming community but also the general public. I

came up with this idea because even though we have that relationship here with Bóthar, we’re not a big dairying county. I read last year that we have by far the lowest number of dairy cows of any county in Munster.

“I approached [Bóthar] with an idea that we would try and arrange a weanling sale for them in autumn which would allow beef farmers sell weanlings at Ennis mart and we would gather the proceeds together to buy heifers for Bóthar’s programmes.

“I have spoken to a number of farmers and they are on board and ready to donate so it looks like we will get a great response and raise a nice amount for Bóthar to do more good work. That’s a very generous commitment by farmers but at the worst of times you’ll find farmers wanting to help out others; it’s in their DNA. I would think it will be the biggest single sale of weanlings for a charity in Ireland,” he said.

Bóthar CEO Dave Moloney said that the idea is typical of one of

l CAUSE: John Fitzgerald with his daughter Julie and (inset) at Ennis Mart

their most active volunteers. “John has done incredible work over the years for us. He’s given of his time freely to work here on the ground but also to travel abroad for us with airlifts of animals, making sure that everything is prepared for the flight and ok during it. The fact that he’s seen for himself on the ground the difference a gift of an Irish dairy heifer, or indeed a goat or pig, etc. makes has impacted on him also. That has now translated into this ‘Bóthar Weanling for Heifer’ sale where farmers will sell one to send one. I’m sure

it will be a success and something that started in Clare could well be taken by other counties.”

Of his involvement with Bóthar, the beef and sheep farmer said that he was won over from his very engagement. “Another volunteer, Anthony O’Gorman from Limerick, asked me to get involved to give some assistance with loading in the airport and down through time we have loaded pigs, goats, chickens, dairy heifers, onto planes in Shannon and brought them to Africa, Albania, Kosovo, Romania.

I’ve seen huge differences between

Photo by Brian Arthur

all places. For example, Rwanda suffered a huge genocide back in 1994. I’ve seen things there that would be unimaginable. An Irish dairy cow for these people is like winning the lotto. It’s a huge life changer; it’s the difference between living in dire poverty and being able to send children to school.”

He added: “I’ve seen the difference these cows can make to a farmer in Rwanda, where a local cow would give about a litre and an Irish dairy cow would give 20 times that.” For further information, contact John on 0863756591.

‘Fodder crisis is worsening’ ELAINE TUBRIDY

C

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

LARE IFA Chairman Willie Hanrahan has said that the current fodder crisis is getting worse rather than getting better.

“At the moment with the weather the way it is, it’s not looking good, it’s getting worse by the day, but hopefully the weather will turn and we will get a bit of reprieve and a bit of grass growing,” he added.

The recent storms mean that stock are still housed in slatted units, rather than being out in the fields, which puts even more pressure on farmers to provide fodder.

Farmers are still buying meal, which usually isn’t necessary at this time of the year.

“It is very, very hard on farmers. If you don’t have any silage and your cattle are in the sheds and no place to put them it’s extremely stressful. That’s happened to a lot of farmers.

“Suckling farmers just don’t have income enough to go out there

l DIFFICULTIES: Willie Hanrahan says that things are very stressful for County Clare farmers at the moment and buy extra meals and buy extra stuff,” Mr Hanrahan said.

Farmers were encouraged to stretch their fodder stock until April, but the weather has not yet turned for the better.

The IFA set up an emergency fodder initiative before Christmas, pairing counties experiencing fodder shortages with those

with a more plentiful supply.

Co Clare was paired with Co Laois and while Mr Hanrahan expressed his gratitude to Laois farmers, he pointed out that their stocks are running out.

Mr Hanrahan encouraged struggling farmers to get in touch with local agencies, who are more than willing to help out.

“If you contact Teagasc they will help you, assess your situation and draw up a plan on the best way to go forward. People should not despair, there’s help out there.

“Contact the IFA or contact me directly and we’ll try and put people in touch with each other to try and work out something,” Mr Hanrahan added.

Sales continue to increase in Ennis SALES have continued to increase with farmers and agents all very active buying in anticipation of the improving ground and weather conditions.

Weanling bulls and heifers have eased a little this week with quality also bit more variable all round with heifers affected more so than bulls. Trade was strongest for bull weanlings that were of higher quality.

Suck calves met a strong demand where a nearly total clearance was achieved. Light Friesian bull calves sold from €30 up to €70 with stronger older Friesian bulls selling from €95 up to €200. Shippers more active now for a good calf.

Angus/Hereford cross calves sold from €150 up to €390. Continental cross calves sold from €220 up to €540. In-calf suckler cows and heifers sold from up to €1,900.

Suckler cows with calves at foot sold from €1,250 up to top price of €1900. Freshly calved dairy cows and heifers made from €1,000 up to €1,525. In-calf dairy cows sold from €700 up to €1,380. Sheep numbers increasing with prices still holding firm.

A few spring lambs are now starting to come on the market. A pen of spring lambs weighing 42kg sold for €140. Hogget’s made

to €145 for 60kg. Cull ewes sold to €156 and 3 ewes with 6 lambs sold for €237 each.

BULL WEANLINGS 1 CHX 265kgs - €850 - €3.20/kg 1 HEX 515kgs - €1,150 - €2.23/kg 2 LMX 362kgs - €1,125 - €3.10/kg 4 AAX 260kgs - €600 - €2.37/kg 1 CHX 326kgs - €1,030 - €3.16/kg 2 AAX 385kgs - €900 - €2.33/kg 1 CHX 470kg - €1,345 - €2.86/kg 1 FR 430kgs - €730 - €1.69/kg HEIFER WEANLINGS 1 LMX 260kgs - €835 - €3.21/kg 4 CHX 372kgs - €1,090 - €2.93/kg 2 HEX 335kgs - €770 - €2.30/kg 1 AAX 260kgs - €700 - €2.69/kg 1 CHX 370kgs - €1,040 - €2.81/kg 4 LMX 237kgs - €700 - €2.94/kg 1 CHX 340kgs - €995 - €2.92/kg 3 CHX 325kgs - €910 - €2.68/kg

NEWS BRIEFS/ADVICE 25

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

Sheila Lynch Solicitor Legal Matters

l PURCHASE: The facility in Tobartoscain in Ennis which was purchased by Red Cross

New training centre for Red Cross THE Irish Red Cross, Clare have announced the purchase of a new training and ambulance centre in the Trackland’s Business Park, Torartaoscain, Ennis.

A statement read: “This fulfils a long-held dream of the members of the Irish Red Cross in Clare who had been fundraising for years whilst paying rent on buildings that did not accommodate emergency vehicles. The purchase of this building is a solid foundation for present and future members

of the Irish Red Cross Ennis, & Clare, to store their Community Support Vehicle, three ambulances and rescue equipment and is already in use as a base for first aid training and a home for the members of the Blanket without Borders project.

A seventh ‘Tour of Clare’ Fundraiser has commenced and donations can be made this Friday at Fitzpatrick’s Supervalu Ennistymon and this Saturday in Tesco Shopping Centre, Kilrush.

Injured in a road traffic accident?

Clare tourism boost TWO Clare teenagers scooped prestigious accolades at Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards.

Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year is the highlight of Limerick’s Fresh Film Festival, which is now in its 22nd Year.

Jakub Bajerski from Ennis, Clare won the TG4 Award for the best film in the Irish Language for his film The Baile Mór, in which a girl from the Gaeltacht decides to fulfil her dream of seeing a big city despite knowing no English.

“My experience with Fresh has just been incredible.

I’m so delighted to have won this award,” Jakub said.

Aaron Moloney, aged 19 from Clonlara, won RTÉ 60 Second Award for his film Toast. The film portrays a tired, hungry but determined man tries to make some toast, with one major obstacle blocking his path.

“I just want to thank everyone involved in the Fresh Film Festival, and everyone who was involved in selecting my film for this award,” Aaron said.

Other entries received highly commended honours, including CBS Ennistymon in Clare for Ensemble.

‘United Ireland referendum in 5 years’

CLARE Sinn Féin held it’s annual Easter 1916 Rising Commemoration last Sunday 1st April at Drumcliff Cemetery in Ennis. The guest speaker was Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD for Cork South Central, Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Justice & Equality.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD (pictured with Eimear O’Connor fromBroadford) in his address said: “We have an opportunity to end the union, to end partition and build a new and united Ireland while Britain prepares to leave the European Union. A referendum on Irish unity should take place, four years after Britain leaves the EU.”

F

ORTUNATELY, the majority of road traffic accidents do not result in serious injury, but if you have been the victim of an accident it is important that you are aware of your rights and obligations.

If you have suffered injury it is important that you seek medical assistance. Whilst certain injuries are immediately evident, others such as bruising, or whiplash may not always be so apparent. It is important that once you become aware of an injury you attend your doctor or hospital without delay.

If you have suffered personal injury, losses or incurred expenses, e.g. loss of income, medical bills, etc., you should consult your Solicitor who will advise if you are entitled to compensation.

The Insurers of all vehicles involved in the accident will carry out their own investigations to ascertain who is responsible. Some Insurers will contact injured parties directly and may offer compensation. In those circumstances it is essential that legal advice is obtained to consider if such offer represents fair and proper compensation for the injuries sustained by you.

In Ireland compensation claims are processed by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), an independent government body, which can assess the amount of compensation for injuries. A Personal Injury claim must be filed with the PIAB within 2 years of the date of injury, thereafter it is ‘statute barred’ and you lose your right to pursue a claim.

There are some exceptions, to include if the injured party is under 18 years.

PIAB will only assess a claim where the Respondent or his/her Insurer agrees to an Assessment. A letter of claim notifying the person(s) responsible for the injury must be sent within two months after the accident. An Application Form

with Medical Report and a fee of €45.00 must be filed with the PIAB and in the course of processing the Application, the Board will require the claimant to attend examination by it’s nominated Medical Professional. Information in relation to the claimant’s losses, (e.g. loss of income, medical bills etc.) must also be submitted to the Board.

It is essential that appropriate and sufficient information is submitted to the PIAB for the purposes of assessment of compensation. Once an Assessment of compensation issues from the Board, the claimant has 28 days to decide whether to accept or reject it and the Respondent/Insurer has 21 days to decide similarly.

If both parties accept the Assessment, the Respondent/Insurer makes payment in full and final settlement of the claim.

However, if either party rejects the Assessment, or if for any reason PIAB is not in a position to issue an Assessment (for example in cases of serious ongoing injury or complex loss of income scenarios) then Mediation or Court Proceedings can be pursued and your Solicitor will advise you on your options.

This article does not constitute legal advice. For further information, contact Cashin & Associates Solicitors, 3 Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare. Tel: 065 6840060. Email: slynch@cashinlaw.com

14 COMMUNITY

Community

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

l NEWLYWEDS: All at Open Sesame are delighted to welcome back their Gort store manager Rhys Phillips from his honeymoon after marrying Alison Farmer at St Peter and Paul’s Church, Clarecastle on Friday, March 23

ENNIS CONSAIRTIN 2018 Consairtín 2018, the fourth national concertina convention, will take place in Ennis, on 6, 7 and 8 April. Ennis is an ideal venue for such a festival and the event salutes the instrument’s special place in the musical landscape.

Some principal events of the weekend will include classes for players of all ages and abilities with experienced tutors; instrument maintenance tutorials with Sean Ó Fearghail; EXPO, featuring leading concertina makers; specialist workshops; official opening by Pádraig Rynne and Sonny Murray Memorial Lecture by Harry Bradshaw on the life and music of William Mullaly, the first Irish concertina player to record commercially; sessions, tunes and stories in memory of Dympna O’Sullivan and Tom Carey; spoken Irish class for beginners; Further information at www.consairtin.ie or Facebook: Consairtin.

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT 2018 Darkness into Light Ennis 2018 was launched in Ennis last night at the Sonas Centre on Chapel Lane at 7.30pm Darkness into Light is a movement against suicide. Money raised helps keep Pieta House’s life-saving services free and helps us broaden our services so that we reach those who need us. This year Pieta House opened a new suicide bereavement support counselling service in Ennis.

Up to 3,500 people are expected to participate in the Darkness into Light 5k walk in Ennis again this year.

Darkness into Light was first organised in 2011 with 550 participants and it has grown each year to the extent that Co Clare now has multiple venues – Shannon, Sixmilebridge Killaloe and Doolin.

Cllr Mary Howard is part of the organising committee and she said that, “Pieta House is a suicide and selfharm crisis centre founded by Senator Joan Freeman in 2006, Pieta House provides a face to face therapeutic service that is free of charge for people in the acute stages of distress.”

Pieta House provides bereavement counselling, a suicide bereavement liaison service plus the free 1800 247 247 number that is available 24 hours a day.

Pieta House has opened an outreach centre at Chapel Lane and for those wishing to make an appointment

l DARKNESS INTO LIGHT: L- R Dawn Halpin, Elaine Daniels, Melissa Purcell, Catherine Ryan, Pearl Nugent, Cllr Mary Howard and Tom McEvoy launch the Ennis Darkness Into Light 2018 Photo by Arthur Ellis

ENNIS with our counsellor there the number is 061 306792 Paul Whitmore who is Chairman of the Ennis organizing committee said “that Pieta House’s vision is that suicide, self-harm and stigma is replaced with hope, self-care and acceptance. Over 30,000 people have been through the doors of Pieta House since 2008 and we look forward to welcoming you all on May 12th. The meetings have been had, the posters are up and the registrations have been hopping. Darkness into Light 2017 kicks off at the Courthouse in Ennis at 4.15am on Saturday May the 12th” It is important to stress that there will be no registration available on the night. All registrations will be made online at dil.pieta.ie concluded Cllr Howard.

ENNIS PLAYERS PRESENTS STOLEN CHILD Ennis Players will be presenting ‘Stolen Child ‘ again in Glor on Monday April 16th and Tuesday April 17th next at 8pm. Tickets are available from Glor box office 065 6843103 and online and at the door. This relevant play is written by Bairbre Ni Chaoimh and Yvonne Quinn and directed by Brendan Quinlivan. Our production has just finished a hectic run on the festival circuit, where it has

ENNIS collected awards for Best Actress and Best Actor, along with other nominations. ‘Stolen Child ‘ has an engaging, gripping storyline, (Angela’s search for her birth mother intertwined with the story of the mother Peggy’s eventful life), which has proved thought provoking for audiences, while at the same time entertaining them with its sharp humour. Don’t miss this play.... whether you are a regular or occasional or once in a blue moon theatregoer, it will pull you in as it has all who have seen it to date. See you in Glor.

WILD ATLANTIC POETS Poetry Collective members will read poems from their recently published books. [This event was originally scheduled as part of the Ennis Book Club Festival.]

Everyone invited – no charge. 3.00 pm on Saturday 7th April at the Record Break.

ENNIS TOASTMASTERS The next Toastmasters meeting will take place on Tuesday 10th April from 8.00 pm at the Temple Gate Hotel.

Visitors will be most welcome.

PEACE VIGIL Clare Sinn Féin, will hold a peace vigil at the O’Connell Monument in Ennis on Friday (next) 6th April at 8.30pm.

The peace vigil is to show solidarity in Clare for the people of Palestine and to mark one week since the massacre of 17 and wounding of over 1000 Palestinian civilians by the Isreali army.

Palestinians were taking part in legitimate protests at the Palestinian border when they were fired upon by the Israeli military.

There is a responsibility on the international community and the EU in particular to defend Palestinian human right’s and to challenge brutal Israeli aggression.

The Ennis peace vigil will be to show opposition to Israeli apartheid and oppression and to call on the Irish Government to expel the Israeli ambassador and for Ireland to recognise the state of Palestine.

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

Community

COMMUNITY 27 CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

l EGG-CITING: Alice and Jack Hall from Tulla, Co Clare enjoying themselves with “The Mad Hatter” and “Alice” at the Easter Adventure at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on Bank Holiday Monday Photo by Eamon Ward

WEST / NORTH CLARE A TASTE OF TOLKIEN FOR LISDOONVARNA An annual festival celebrating the life and work of JRR Tolkien and his connection to the Burren will be held in Lisdoonvarna on Saturday, April 7.

The free event, ‘A taste of Tolkien’ which takes place in the Burren Storehouse, will also include talks on archaeology, Viking and medieval imagery, herbal tonics, and an introduction to smoking fish. There will also be workshops on healing journeys and an interactive storytelling session for children.

This year’s event is being organised by Sophie Delaney of the ‘Burren Tolkien Society’ and staged by Peter Curtin of the Roadside Tavern/Burren Storehouse, who started the festival in 2013.

“From studying Tolkien’s works and correspondences as well as having spoken with people who knew the man, we believe his most famous work, “The Lord of the Rings,” was inspired, at least in part, by the imagery and imagination of The Burren,” said Mr Curtin.

Tolkien visited the West of Ireland on many occasions and spent considerable time in the Burren when he held the position of external examiner to the English Department of NUI Galway, between 1949 and 1955.

During this period he revised and published “The Lord of the Rings.”

“There is a reference in his novel to a cave found in the area called Poll nag Colm (the hole of Gollum), and the descriptions of the world of Mordor bear a striking resemblance to the landscape of the Burren.”

Among the festival’s participants is local archaeologist Shane Delaney who will talk about the archaeological landscape of the Burren.

The event kicks off at 11am in the Burren Storehouse with a children’s storytelling workshop with Katja Machleidt. For more information on the day’s schedule go to https://www.facebook.com/BurrenTolkien/

CRAZY FOR YOU IN ENNISTYMON Ennistymon Choral Society will present the new musical comedy, Gershwin’s ‘Crazy for You’ from Wednesday 11th – Sunday 15th April in Ennistymon Community Centre at 8.15pm nightly.

The Booking Office will open on Thursday 5th April, 12pm – 4pm daily (weekdays only, Monday 9th & Tuesday 10th 2pm – 4pm) until Saturday 14th – in the Square Ennistymon or ring 085 7838595.

This is a fantastic show for all ages, very family friendly. It’s a toe tapping, wonderfully fun musical with lots of familiar songs – Someone to Watch Over Me, I Got Rhythm, Nice Work if You Can Get It, Embraceable You, Slap That Bass and many more!

This year we celebrate our 45th anniversary. This wouldn’t have been possible with the support of our local sponsors. Special thanks to Fitzpatrick’s Supervalu, 19th Bar Lahinch, Ocean View Lahinch and Brian Fitzgerald Electrical Miltown Malbay.

Further info – ennistymonchoralsociety@gmail.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram.

WALK THE MIDNIGHT MILE IN BALLYNACALLY Community spirit and motivation is very much alive in beautiful Ballynacally. After a joint initiative by Ballynacally Tidy Towns, the local Development Association and Clonde-

Members of the Ennistymon Choral Society prepare for Crazy For You

gad GAA Club the new Micheál O Hehir community walking track has been completed. It forms a 500m circuit around Clondegad GAA pitch – “Páirc Micheál O Hehir” originally named in honour of the well known broadcaster whose father hailed from Paradise in Ballynacally.

This track offers safe walking facilities for all ages and providing lighting and nearby parking facilities. The project was undertaken after securing funding from Clare Co Council.

It is hoped the remaining costs can be raised on the opening night of the track on Friday 6th of April in a novelty event termed “The Midnight Mile”. Even though the event is scheduled for midnight registration will be available at the community

centre from 9pm offering the opportunity to anyone who wishes to walk at anytime during those hours. Local groups will provide refreshments.

Musicians from the area will also provide entertainment and there will be a raffle for some splendid prizes.

It is hoped this event will gather walkers of all ages and what nicer way to spend a while than walking with friends by moonlight in this tranquil rural setting. This project is truly an example of teamwork in a village that scores highly in the Tidy Towns Competition and where the local Clondegad GAA team reached the County Final in 2017. Come join with us and walk “The Midnight Mile”. Go n-éirí an bothar leat!

28 COLUMNIST

Caroline Bourke MAKE-UP AND STYLE

NUTS FOR COCONUT

S

O many beauty products are bought by us each year. We might spot a great new product on TV, read some rave reviews in magazines or on blogs, friends might recommend miracle creams that they have tried all of which spark a curiosity within us, a curiosity to know more about these products. Most of us are curious to try new cosmetics to see if that fab new wonder product can make us feel wonderful as well, and we can rack up quite a bill on our credit cards from all the trial and error. It can be a costly business, beauty.

What a lot of us fail to think about is natural products, products which Mother Nature put there for our beautification long before beauty became big business. One of the best beauty brands is brought to us by the coconut tree. Coconut oil has so many positive benefits for health and beauty.

It can be used for pretty much EVERYTHING. It can get chewing gum out of carpets, it can polish wood and it can do a range of other weird and wonderful things.

Of course, it will still cost you a few euro unless you have a coconut tree growing in the garden, but it's still a hell of a lot cheaper than some of the products on the market that offer only a fraction of the benefits of coconut oil.

Here are the main ways that I use coconut oil in my beauty routine.

DEEP CONDITIONER

Coconut oil can be used as a deep conditioning treatment for dry hair and a dry scalp. Either melt some coconut oil down in hot water and apply it to the lengths of your hair, and scalp if desired, like a VO5 Hot Oil type treatment. Leave it in for 3-5 minutes and rinse.

Or you can apply a dollop of coconut oil to your hair while dry. Massage it through the lengths of your hair, throw your hair up into a bun and leave the oil to work its magic overnight (protect your pillow with a towel). Shampoo it out in the morning and your hair will be shiny, silky and soft.

MAKEUP REMOVER

Coconut oil is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and is great at cleansing the skin. Rub it into the face in circular motions and rinse off the residue with a hot flannel or muslin cloth. Splash the face with cold water when fully cleansed to tone.

It can also be used as an eye makeup remover. Apply one teaspoon of melted

lSO VERSATILE: Coconut oil

coconut oil per cotton pad. Put the cotton pads in the fridge overnight and they make for the perfect cooling and soothing cleansing pads. This will also reduce puffiness around the eyes and will make eyes appear brighter. The eye area will also be more hydrated. Rinse your skin with water when finished.

MOISTURISER

There's a reason why so many popular brands use coconut oil in their moisturisers. It has natural moisturising properties.

Coconut oil can apparently stop dry skin from losing much-needed water supplies and can speed up the healing process. And it's accessible and affordable. There's really no excuse not to use it.

BODY SCRUB

If you're stuck for a scrub, coconut oil can be melted down and mixed with either brown or white sugar to create an effective, exfoliating body scrub. You can add a few drops of your favourite essential oils to this too if you want, to make it smell even nicer. Oh, just another great cost-effective way to pamper yourself with coconut oil!

It can also be used as a tooth whitener and is a great hand cream and cuticle oil.

Oh, and if you're ever running low on highlighter, pop it on all the areas you would usually highlight and voila! Magic, right?

I hope you found this useful and that this helps some of you out with your beauty routine. Skincare is so important! Have you any other natural beauty recommendations? I would love to hear about them.

lTweet me @CarBourke, or message me on Facebook or Instagram.

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

ADVERTISEMENT 29

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

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(That’s the highest circulation of any newspaper in Clare) Delivering to every nook and cranny of the county

Reporting on the brighter side of Clare

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

FUTURE IS HERE

ROAD TEST: LEXUS NX300H

Y

OU know that proposed 2030 ban on the sale of any car that’s not a hybrid? The one that Denis Naughten has been talking up for the past few weeks, and which has everyone looking nervously at the set of diesel car keys in their hands, with a sudden nagging sensation of precipitous depreciation? Actually, Mr Naughten wants to ban anything that’s not a pure battery-electric vehicle, but good luck with that Denis. That’s so far out of step with (a) other countries and (b) reality that it’ll get watered down to hybrids, maybe even mild hybrids as well.

OK, ask yourself which current car maker, without launching a whole slew of new models, could actually keep selling cars were the ban introduced tomorrow?

Answers on a postcard, please to…

Actually, no, I’ll give you the answer.

There are two. Tesla, of course, is one being as it’s the only car maker with an all-electric lineup. The other is Lexus.

Actually, Lexus would have to make some adjustments — it would have to drop the V8-engined LC500 and RC-F coupes, and the GS-F V8-engined super-saloon, which is in any case a special-order only model. With that small bit of pruning, Lexus would stand alone as the only 2030-proof mainsteam car brand on sale.

So, with this Lexus NX300h hybrid crossover, you can quite literally see the future on your driveway today. After all, Lexus cars have a reputation for reliability and continued service that’s so impressive it’s almost legendary, so with merely a dozen years to run (apparently) there’s little doubt that this particular car which we’re testing will still be in use by then. Almost certainly with all its interior switches and electrical systems still working, as is the Lexus norm…

Actually, it is those very same switches and buttons to which Lexus has paid, it says, much attention for this sophomore update of the NX, a car originally introduced in 2015. Unless you habitually

stand outside Lexus’ Miyata factory, near Fukuoka, and pencil sketch every car that emerges, you’re unlikely to notice much of a visual difference on the outside of the car.

Lexus has updated the headlights with new LED units, which not only have reduced energy consumption compared to the old halogen and gas-discharge units, they also come with LED daytime running lights and, on this F-Sport model, cornering fog lights. The big, gaping grille (Lexus calls it a ‘Spindle Grille’) is still perhaps a touch controversial, but it’s far more interesting at which to look than anything coming from any rival product, and it too has been updated and tweaked slightly. Again, unless you’re that factory-gate sketch artist, you’re not going to notice.

On the inside, Lexus says that has made ‘detail changes’ to the switches, dials, and buttons to ‘improve their ergonomic quality.’ Hmmmm.

Yes, again I’m not seeing a massive difference. The once-small infotainment screen has expanded to eight-inches as standard, or ten-inches on our test car and looks lovely (although the laptop-style trackpad controller is a continuing mis-step) and there’s no question of the overall quality or general loveliness of the cabin, but even so it’s starting to look and feel slightly behind the best of the German opposition. Look to the cabins of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 for a premium SUV interior design masterclass.

Oh, and no questioning the quality? Actually we noticed more than a few squeaks and the occasional rattle during our time with the car, so someone at Miyata is going to be in for an earful.

Some of that is doubtless down to the suspension, which on this F-Sport model is a little sportier and stiffer, and which rides on big 18-inch alloy wheels.

Thus set-up, the F-Sport NX does feel a touch too firm at times, especially around town. Where the new BMW X3 is firm, but flexible, the NX is firm, but a bit jittery, which is when you notice those squeaks and sundry other cabin noises. There is an optional adaptive damping system which may help a bit.

Does that stiffness mean that the NX

handles well? Actually, yes, for the most part. Again, it’s not as agile nor as ‘alive’ to drive as the class-leading X3, but with well-weighted steering it’s not bad, although it’s metier is really either trickling around town making the most of the hybrid system, or cruising down the motorway making the most of the cabin comfort.

Actually, although it hasn’t changed from the first-gen NX, that hybrid system remains one of the most impressive aspects of the NX. It uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine, running on the fuel-saving Atkinson cycle, and two electric motors — one to add extra energy to the front wheels, in concert with the engine, and one to power the rear wheel all by its lonesome.

Yes, Lexus sticks with a CVT gearbox which used to be a byword for annoying engine bellowing when accelerating, but the engineers have continuously tweaked the computers controlling the system, and have added extra sound deadening, so that now you only really notice the engine, aurally, when you ask for full-beans acceleration.

The rest of the time it’s smooth, and almost eerily silent, and when you’re in town, you spend a creditable amount of the time running on just the battery and electric motors.

Lexus claims average fuel consumption of 5.2-litres per 100km (53mpg) and we managed 8.1-litres per 100km overall (34mpg) which is close to what we extracted from a conventional, diesel, BMW X3 over the same route and timeframe.

Is that good or bad? Probably somewhere in the middle.

FACTS & FIGURES: Model tested: Lexus NX 300h F Sport Pricing: €61,750 as tested. NX range starts from €47,950 Powertrain: 2.5-litre four-cylinder ‘Atkinson Cycle’ petrol engine with permanent magnet synchronous electric motor Transmission: E-CVT automatic, all-wheel drive Body style: five-door, five-seat SUV CO2 emissions: 121g/km (Band B1, €270 per annum) Combined economy: 54.3mpg (5.2 litres/100km) Top speed: 180km/h 0-100km/h: 9.2 seconds Power: petrol 155hp at 5,700rpm, electric motor 105kW (143hp), maximum system output 197hp Torque: petrol 210Nm at 4,2004,400rpm, electric motor 270Nm, no maximum system output quoted Boot space: 475 litres rear seats up; 1,520 litres rear seats down EuroNCAP rating: Five-stars; 82 per cent adult, 82 per cent child, 69 per cent pedestrian, 71 per cent safety assist

MOTORING 31

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

Motoring News

Renault launches new battery Kangoo

F

OLLOWING the successful launch of the new ZOE Z.E. 40 in summer 2017, the New Kangoo Z.E. 33, which has the longest range of any electric LCV currently on the market, has also arrived at dealerships around the country. New Kangoo Z.E 33 is available from €28,190 after the SEAI grant of €3,800 (battery included).

The Kangoo Z.E. 33 has a longer NEDC range of 270km equating to 200km in summer conditions or 120km in winter. This extended range is achieved with an increase in battery capacity from 22 kWh to 33 kWh, which has been achieved by increasing the energy density of the battery’s cells without increasing size or weight – so there is no penalty in terms of load capacity or payload (605-640kg). The winter range can be improved further by specifying the optional heat pump air conditioning (see below), a world first for an LCV.

lINTELLIGENT: Z.E. 33 retains its pre-conditioning system allowing users to heat or cool the vehicle prior to use whilst the vehicle is plugged in

The Kangoo Van Z.E. 33 also benefits from a new energy efficient motor, the R60 (5AQ 60), which is based on the motor that also powers New ZOE Z.E. 40.

The R60 (5AQ 60) motor features an optimised electronic battery management system.

To complement the new battery and new motor, New Kangoo Van Z.E. 33 is also fitted with a new charger that is twice as powerful as the previous one. The single phase 7kW (32A, 230V) AC charger can take the new 33kWh battery to a full charge in

just six hours, with the ability to ‘top-up’ the vehicle by up to 33 km in just one hour.

Kangoo Z.E. 33’s ideal working environment is a regular daily schedule which falls within the van’s generous range, with charging done overnight.

New Kangoo Van Z.E. 33 also comes with an optional heat pump, incorporated into the air conditioning. The heat pump improves range during cold conditions and is the world’s first LCV to be equipped with this feature.

In addition, New Kangoo Van Z.E. 33 retains its pre-conditioning system allowing users to heat or cool the vehicle prior to use whilst the vehicle is plugged in.

New Kangoo Z.E. 33 offers DAB radio, full steel bulkhead (not on crew vans) and height adjustable driver’s seat as standard on the Business trim level.

Offered in both standard panel van and maxi lengths, alongside a crew van version and a crew van cab version that comes with the multi-positional bulkhead as standard.

Options include rear parking sensors, body coloured front bumper and the Renault R-Link infotainment and navigation system.

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HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 0656821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie

Book a test drive

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

HAVEN OF TRANQUILITY A

LOUGH GARR HOUSE, RUAN, ENNIS, CO CLARE, V95 PPK4 €575,000 WONDERFUL opportunity to acquire a two storey residence on some 3.09ha (7.63acres) within close proximity of Dromore Woods and Lake. Mature parkland and trees add to the ambience of this charming property. The residence is privately set along an avenue that initially passes through woodland.

Lough Garr House is a haven of tranquillity with the beauty of Dromore Woods and Lake on your doorstep.

Surrounded by mature trees, this is an extremely private setting. The house was built in 2001 and is an ideal family home due to its spaciousness and light filled rooms.

The two storey residence with an attic conversion for storage, is laid out very well to accommodate family living. The accommodation comprises downstairs of a drawing room, open plan kitchen and breakfast room/ sun room and dining room, bedroom one with ensuite, study. The first floor comprises of four bedrooms which are all ensuite. A stira

stairs to the attic with ample storage.

OUTBUILDINGS A Bradstone building of approximately 150sq.m with plentiful storage, which also has its own separate outside effluent tank with connecting pipe that would facilitate either full or partial conversion to livery stable if required.

There is approximately 3.09ha (7.64acres) of land included in the sale of Lough Garr House of which 1.08Ha (2.67 acres) is Lake, 0.5Ha (1.24 acres) is pasture and the balance of 1.51Ha (3.73 acres) is buildings, lawns, roads and woodlands.

There is an option to purchase an additional 11.1HA (27.42 acres approx) of pasture land if a larger holding is desired.

314 sqm (3,380 sq ft) Approx. BER C2.

BER No. 108825688 Contact: Diarmuid McMahon, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 6867866

Charming hideaway IMPRESSIVE 4-BED CIUNAS, WILLBROOK, COROFIN, CO CLARE, V95 C4A6 €135,000

OPEN VIEWINGS: THURSDAY, 5TH APRIL 11.00AM-11.30AM. SATURDAY, 14TH APRIL 11.30AM-12 NOON SHARP.

T

HIS charming 3 bedroom cottage has been lovingly and respectfully restored by its current owner.

Significant renovations have recent taken place in recent times to fully modernise this lovely hideaway.

The house includes new carpets, flooring and curtains.

The property is situated on a 0.35 acre elevated, private site with stunning country side views. Located approx 2.7 miles from Corofin village and also within easy access of Ennistymon town, this property would would ideally suit a first-time buyer or somebody looking for a holiday home. Internally, the property has been finished to an extremely high standard and is offered for sale in turn key condition. Accommodation comprises 85 sqm approx and includes a kitchen with appli-

2 GORT AN CLOCHAIR, CONVENT DEVELOPMENT, KILKEE, CO CLARE, V15 WP79 €170,000

ances included, bathroom, sitting room (with sold fuel stove) and 3 bedrooms.

There is also a gorgeous roof top terrace which allows the owners to sit and take in the amazing countryside views on offer! Viewings are highly recommended.

BER D1. BER Number 106125545.

BER Code 258.86 kwh/m2/yr.

Contact: Tiernan O’Malley, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866

T

HIS impressive 4 bedroom property is situated in a fine modern, mixed development complex comprising apartments and townhouses. Ideally located right in the heart of Kilkee with the beach only a 2 minute walk from the property. It is presented for sale in immaculate condition throughout.

Internally, accommodation is extremely spacious and comprises a generous sized entrance hallway, a contemporary open plan kitchen, living and dining area, a ground floor shower room, 4 bedrooms (one of which is ensuite) and a bathroom.

Total Area 154 sq.m. (1,567 sq.ft.).

Due to the size and location of the property it would make a fabulous holiday home. BER C3. BER Number 100272764.

BER Code 206.45 kWh/m²/yr.

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

PROPERTY 33

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

Beautiful Quin cottage KNAPPOGUE, QUIN

L

€149,000

OCATED just 3km from Quin Village in popular Knappogue, this 4 bedroom detached family home set on a mature 0.5 acre site makes for an ideal family home.

Approached by a long stone bound gated drive, the property features main reception, kitchen/dining, utility, 4 bedrooms and main bathroom.

Outside, the vast yard features additional stone cottage and a number of outbuildings.

The cottage offers excellent potential to refurbish and generate additional income.

This is a must view and is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents. PSL No. 002295 Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

SEASIDE STUNNER

SOUGHT AFTER SUBURB

22 AN CREAG, LAHINCH

2 DUN GLEANNA, KILDYSART

D

ETACHED well maintained detached home located on the edge of the seaside resort of Lahinch in turn key condition.

The development has a mix of permanent residence and holiday home residence and would be ideal for

€249,000

either. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents. PSL No. 002295 Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

€159,950

L

OCATED in a small cul-de sac development of just seven homes, this is a must view home to fully appreciate the bright spacious and well proportioned living accommodation on offer throughout, accommodation normally reserved for a more substantial detached family home.

The vast open entrance hall gives access to an equally spacious main reception and stunning open plan kitchen/dining featuring solid walnut units, which gives further access to the separate utility and downstairs WC,.

To the first floor are three double bedrooms ( master bedroom featuring En-suite) and main bathroom. Top quality fixtures and fittings, extensive timber flooring, tiling, solid fuel stove are all features worth mentioning.

To the outside the tarmacadam drive provides ample car parking and leads to the gated side access which further leads to the rear gardens which boasts extended countryside views and for additional storage is a garden shed.

There are many reasons why Dun Gleanna is one of the more sought after developments in Kildysart, located immediately opposite Kildysart National School, within walking distance of Kildysart Secondary School and with all amenities just a short stroll, this is a rare opportunity to

acquire a home finished to a high specification conveniently located in a exclusive cul-de sac development.

Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents.

PSL No. 002295

Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

Sports

Clare remain in hunt at Minor

U21A County Final

All Ireland Minor A Championship @ Whitegate Clare 1-11 Waterford 1-8

T

HE journey for Clare Minor A camogie team continues after a well deserved three point victory over Waterford on Saturday, played on home soil in Whitegate.

It was the fifth minute before the opening score came from Clare’s Becky Foley after a superb pass from Linda Daly. After a couple of wides from both sides Waterford responded with three points from Kaeisha Tobin.

Clare’s goalkeeper Rachel Daly excelled and made the first of three fantastic saves in the tenth minute.

Two further frees converted by Clare’s Bridin Dinan put the sides level. Waterford edged in front again after Tobin converted another free.

Clare responded well with a great point from play by Finia

O’Brien but this was quickly answered with a point and a goal, Keely Corbett Barry scoring the first goal of the match. Dinan converted another free just before half time with a half time score of Clare 0-5, Waterford 1-6.

One minute into the second half Shauna Canny scored a vital point from play which was followed by a Dinan 45. Soon afterwards Caoimhe Carmody scored a point from play and the sides were now level.

Midway through the second half Linda Daly found the back of the Waterford net putting the Banner back in the driving seat with a three point lead.

Waterford continued to battle but with four minutes of time remaining Greta Hickey scored a fantastic point from

play coming at a vital time in the match.

This win for Clare sees them through to the All Ireland semi-final where a battle against Cork awaits.

Clare: Rachel Daly Scariff Ogonnelloe; Sinead Ryan Truagh Clonlara, Roisin Minogue Bodyke, Michelle Mescall Inagh Kilnamona; Susan Daly Scariff Ogonnelloe, Laoise Ryan Inagh Kilnamona, Caoimhe Kelly Kilkishen; Caoimhe Carmody Kilmaley 0-1, Robyn Conway Feakle; Aoife Power Scariff Ogonnelloe, Becky Foley Truagh Clonlara 0-1, Lynda Daly Scariff Ogonnelloe 1-0; Fina O’Brien Sixmilebridge 0-1, Shauna Canny Killanena 0-1, Bridin Dinan Tulla 0-6, 5F 1’45) Subs: Holly McGee Scariff Ogonnelloe for Susan Daly, Greta Hickey Whitegate 0-1 for Power, Chloe Neylon Kilmaley for Ryan.

Marc Barry and Sean O’Loughlin challenge for the sliotar as Inagh-Kilnamona were on their way to winning the U21A hurling championship final at Cusack Park.The result was sadly overshadowed by a tragic accident in the early hours of Sunday morning which took the lives of Kilmaley panelists Oisín Cahill and Darragh Killeen.

Feile na nGael round-up Div 1

The Cup Final saw Truagh Clonlara play Inagh Kilnamonma, with the sky blue battling to victory on a score line of 0-5 to 0-0. Following the game, Clare Camogie PRO Brid MacNamara presented the Jim Keane Memorial Cup to Truagh Clonlara captain Aobha Geary, with his grandchildren Millie Keane and Jamie Carragher present also.

Truagh

Clonlara:

Sophie

Cullen, Taylor Morris, Lauren Slater, Hannah Tiernan, Faye Fennessy, Blaithin Larkin, Aoife Dillon, Amy McMahon, Aobha Geary (Captain), Aimee O’Shanahan, Alex Condron, Roisin Hannan, Caoimhe Fenessy, Aine Hannan, Eimear Begley, Aisling Cahill, Niamh Ryan, Fiona O’Connor, Hannah Beck, Mary O’Callaghan, Amy Reilly, Niamh Fennessy, Elvan Dilmac, Tia Dineen

Div 2

Ballyea’s hard fought battle saw them claim the Division 2 Feile title played in Fr McNamara

Park last Friday against Crusheen on a final score of 2-2 to 1-1. After the final whistle, Clare Camogie Fixtures Secretary Marie Louise Kaiser presented the shield to winning captain Molly McMahon.

Ballyea: Jillian Sweeney, Eileen Costelloe, Molly McMahon, Emer Phelan, Anna Whelan, Rebecca Carmody, Orla Hogan, Hannah Mai Neylon, Hannah Morrissey, Leah McMahon, Lily McMa-

l CHAMPS: Ballyea win the U14B D2 Feile na nGael

Photo by Mary Louise Kaiser

Ladies Football Division 2 Clare 3-07 Tipperary 2-12 in Doonbeg

hon, Fiona Breen, Aisling Costelloe, Emma Hogan, Aoife Burke, Laura Curtin, Meabh Griffin, Andrea Moloney, Emma Egan, Alison Hehir, Cara Kileen, Zara O Mahoney.

Div 3

Clarecastle U14 girls were crowned Feile C Champions on Wednesday in Clarecastle when they beat Feakle/Killanena. 1st half goals from Emma O’ Loughlin & Aoife McInerney gave the Magpies the perfect start and they held on for 2-1 to 1-1 win. Afterwards Marie Louise Kaiser presented the Janet Neilan Shield to Captain Emma O’Loughlin.

Clarecastle: Evie Scanlon, Emily Feehan, Brooke Mc Inerney, Megan Healy, Olivia Cullinan, Aoife Murphy, Charlotte O’Brien (1-3), Andrea Sheehan, Emma O’Loughlin (21), Ciara Sexton, Gillian Scanlon, Aoife Mc Inerney (1-0), Roisin Halpin, Ellen Mc Enery, Bronagh Lynch, Keeley Guilfoyle, Laura Meehan, Zoe Ellingstad, Nina Carey, Aoibhinn Cullen & Amiee Barrett.

Clare’s Tara Kelly shrugs off the challenge of Tipperary’s Orla O’Dwyer. The Clare Ladies were beaten by Tipperary 3-07 to 2-12 in the Lidl National Football League Division 2 Round 7 game played in a sunny Doonbeg on Sunday Photo by BurrenEye Photography

SPORT 35

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018 l EVENT: Clare hurlers Tony Kelly, Shane O’Donnell and Patrick O’Connor practicing their swing Photo by Martin Connolly

PGA Golf Professional

#PadraigKnowsGolf

Padraig McGrath

GOLF ANALYSIS

Teams of FOUR! Entry open for Club Clare Golf Classic 2018 CLUB Clare are now accepting entries for the second annual Club Clare Golf classic, which will take place at Woodstock Golf Club on Thursday and Friday of May 3/4.

This year’s event will be run in partnership with The Clare Echo newspaper and DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Auctioneers.

Organisers are welcoming teams of four and the team entry cost includes dinner at Woodstock while there will also be a selection of valuable prizes on offer. You can secure a tee time now (details below).

Established in January 2017, Club Clare Hurling Supporters is managed by a group of committed individuals all of whom work voluntarily to secure necessary funding. The group operate on the basis of accountability and in the best interests of Clare hurling.

With the conclusion of the league recently, focus now switches towards the upcoming Munster Championship for our senior team and our underage teams are working diligently

in their preparation for their championships.

A Club Clare statement reads: “As you can imagine, there is much needed funds required for all our teams to perform at the highest level. One of the main fundraising ventures is a team of four golf classic which is being staged this year.

“We are asking for your support for this event. The cost of entering a team is €300 which includes dinner. There will be a selection of valuable prizes on offer. You can also sponsor a Tee Box for €100. In addition to providing much needed support for the county’s hurling team, the occasion promises to be an enjoyable social event.”

“We sincerely thank you for your support past and present, which is much appreciated by all involved.”

To secure a tee time, please contact one of the following; Mark Kelly 087-9082599; Pat Keogh 087-2569022; Paul Madden 086-3840772.

Email mark@danoconnells.com.

LOCAL GOLF RESULTS ENNIS GOLF CLUB Senior Ladies Scramble Tuesday 27th March 2018 1st: Patricia O’Donnell 53 5/6 Helen Brooks Anna Glynn 2nd: Ann Casey 53 5/6 Jean Moloney Pat Lacey 3rd: Mary Glynn 55 Bernie Brooks Joan Cullinan Coote Ladies S/F Re-entry 21st - 27th March 2018 1st: Elaine Kelly (19) 30 pts

2nd: Patrice Ryan (34) 29 pts 3rd: Peggy Costello (20) 27 pts 4th: Joan Cullinan Coote (31) 26 pts 9 Hole 1st: Mairead Caveney

(35) 17 pts

Lions and Cubs Wednesday 28th March 2018 1st: Mary Mc Mahon, Anne Kehoe, Mary Rowe.

49 1/4 2nd: Suzanne Deane, Nuala Healy, Patricia O’Reilly. 51 1/2 3rd: Anne Dunne, Bernie Brooks, Rita O’Brien.

52 1/2

Getting your set-up right

A

GOLFER’S swing rarely changes much over their lifetime. For instance, when I’m driving in the avenue of my own club Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club, I can recognise a member instantly in the distance once I see them swinging. While we alter it at times, we never lose our unique way of swinging a club. Therefore you should never need to dramatically change your golf swing to improve your game.

A good coach will, in fact, help you to understand your swing and work

with its unique characteristics instead of just comparing you to other golfers’ techniques. A good coach can improve your ball flight by making adjustments to your set-up - and it’s far easier to change your set up, rather than changing natural movements in your swing.

SIMPLE ADJUSTMENTS For instance, I play regularly with a golfer who swings the club with a strong grip. His swing path is severely in-to-out which causes him to hit a big draw. His bad shot is a hook, however I taught him how to hit a fade by simply opening his shoulders up, and aiming them more left compared to his normal set up (He is a right handed golfer therefore it would be the opposite if your left handed). Therefore he can completely change the curvature of his ball flight by simply changing where he aims his shoulders and his feet position rather than trying to change his path through changing his golf swing.

He has even managed to get from a 7 handicap to a 1 handicap in less than

one year which he credits to simply knowing how he can easily change the curvature of his ball flight from a simple set-up alteration.

KEY AREAS When I talk about set-up I’m mainly talking about key areas such as: Ball Position, Clubface Alignment, Shoulder & Feet Alignment. Golfers at the range need to explore more with these key areas and begin to discover how easily you can change the curvature of your ball by simply aiming your shoulders more to the right or left depending on which direction you want to curve the ball.

Ball position will also change your ball flight, mainly its trajectory, however it can also slightly change the curvature. Moving your ball position will also change your shoulder alignment as you can see in the image (left). Next time you’re at the practice ground make sure to alter your shoulder alignment and your ball position and teach yourself how to shape and improve your ball flight without changing your swing. The main thing to remember is you’re changing the alignment of your shoulders - not your clubface.

Your golf swing is unique to you and no matter how much work you do at the range to change it you will always have a tendency to swing your own unique way; therefore I highly recommend you try different set-up positions and have fun learning how you can improve your own natural swing.

Once you find a set-up that produces your most consistent golf shots then practice hard (use alignment sticks to help you) on this new set-up until it becomes natural. Also work on going through a pre-shot routine on the practice ground that you can easily bring to the course. A pre-shot routine will help you to keep your set up consistent and will also help with your rhythm especially when you’re under pressure.

36 CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

Classifieds ACCOUNTANCY

CAR REPAIRS

CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

EDUCATION

ACUPUNCTURE CARPENTRY ENGLISH GRINDS Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate Levels Fully Qualified Teacher Available All Aspects of Exam Papers Covered CALL SINEAD – (087) 7793132

GARDENING

BOOKKEEPING

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CLASSIFIEDS 37

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

Classifieds KITCHENS

SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

Place your Classified here Phone 065 671 9021 STORAGE

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38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

Your Horoscopes April 5 Aries

Taurus

Gemini

LET someone who’s close to you know that you’re totally tired of tiptoeing around their temper, especially when it happens with increasing frequency over basically unimportant matters. It’s hurting your relationship in more ways than you know, and this person needs to find another outlet for these feelings other than rage. You know that life’s too short to waste.

BOLSTER your own self-respect by following through on an intention. It’s so satisfying to see the fruits of your labor rather than sitting on an idea and cursing with frustration when you see someone do something similar -- and do half the job that you know you would have done. So go ahead and live your convictions. Not only will you improve your life, you just may end up helping someone else along the way.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

IS IT time to trade in one way of working or living for another? Take a close look at your lifestyle and see if it really suits your soul’s needs. Be brave and think about even the smallest ways you could make a change to improve your quality of life -- and the quality of life for those around you.

Even making a tiny movement toward change might trigger the universe to fling the doors of opportunity wide open for you. What are you waiting for?

THE stars are throwing a party, and you’re the guest of honor, so make sure you put on a great outfit and are ready to meet and greet with all your adoring fans. You’re in your element when it comes to the spotlight, so go ahead and dive right into all that warm, enveloping attention. Just make sure you thank all the ‘little people’ who helped get you here -- while your star quality is undeniable, you know you needed their help, too!

FEEL like you’re always, but always scrambling to catch up?

Well, that’s because you are! It’s time to take stock of what your procrastination is doing to your life. What’s to gain by always missing deadlines and playing a constant game of catch-up? If the answer is nothing good, then it’s time to stop running so fast just to stay in place, and to figure out ways to get your life running on a more even keel.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

22

F

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21

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of ifficult - just o an ideal

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17

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S

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15

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I M

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2

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E

F

D

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I A

12

V

19

E

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20

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4

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E V

N W

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E V

10

H 3

E

H

16

D

E

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O

M

S 8

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N O

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C R

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18

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V

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11 9

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5

L

S

13

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M E

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I H

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6

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U E

7

S

15 Requiring massage, we hear (7) 16 Books about love seized by Poles (6) 18 Not concealed in Dover terminal (5) 20 European flower — a little tender honeysuckle (5) 21 Merriment entertains a rural deity (4)

25

R

24

23

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cult - just an ideal

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS 25

10

S

9

E

8

I

7

T

6

21 Merriment entertains a rural deity (4)

H

5

er — a little tender honeysuckle (5)

G

4

1 Mass of lymphatic tissue giving don ideas (8) 2 Send clock up? (5) 4 A cut might feel wrong in opera (3,5,5) 5 Organ not pre-recorded? Right! (5) 6 Partly determining final points (7) 7 Fat girl appears on time (4) 8 A wild horse on dry land (6) 13 Split city in Cambridgeshire? Hardly!

(8 15 Requiring massage, we hear (7) 16 Books about love seized by Poles (6) 18 Not concealed in Dover terminal (5) 20 European flow-

I

3

DOWN

N

2

1 Expert covering right amount of land (4) 3 The tales translated for sporty types (8) 9 Man sees crackers all together (2,5) 10 French author in Inverness (5) 11 Surpass alfresco celebration (5) 12 Clever backing in Cincinnati or Dallas (6) 14 Lie down in a den producing home-made drink (9,4) 17 Excused for having caused an explosion (3,3) 19 Five Irish poems (5) 22 Helper traps black bear (5) 23 Free French article about toilets (7) 24 Lingerie near neckwear (8) 25 Refuse to accept study year (4)+

24

1

ACROSS

YOU’RE a fountain of compassion, so of course, your friends and loved ones have come to depend on you for a never-ending stream of support. However, it might be time to ditch the parenting role in order to find a sense of balance and recover some energy you’ve been lacking. You might hear some grumbling from the people close to you, but they’ll have to learn to rely on themselves sooner or later. Make the move.

5)

The Clare Echo Crossword

Pisces

15 Requiring massage, we hear or (7) 16 Books about love seized by Poles (6) 18 Not concealed in Dover n terminal (5) 20 European flower — a little tender honeysuckle (5) 21 Merriment entertains a rural deity (4)

FEELING confused or overwhelmed? It’s so tempting to try to make those feelings go away by taking the quickest, handiest action possible, but what you actually need to do is slow down. It feels counter-intuitive, but it’s the only thing that will give you the clarity to make the best choice. Look carefully at the situation, and examine all sides of it, both positive and negative. Now, aren’t you glad you didn’t toss the baby out with the bathwater?

YOU’RE able to make smart decisions when you give yourself a little wiggle room and stop making every choice seem like life or death. Isn’t it amazing what opportunities appear as soon as you stop being so rigid? Not only do your pent-up emotions flow, releasing tons of stress you didn’t even know you had, but lovely little miracles (or as you might call them, ‘coincidences’) happen when you least expect them. Enjoy!

g

ANXIETY may be the topping on your current emotional sundae, but you can refuse to partake in this dish even when it’s served to you on a platter. Postpone any definitive decisions for a few days, or you could make some rash decisions that you’ll live to regret. Instead, ground yourself with yoga, meditation or physical activity of some kind. Not only will it take the edge off your anxiety, it’ll give you more energy to deal with this situation.

YOU’VE always had high standards, but some overly meticulous celestial influences could have you going from picky to persnickety, especially when it comes to office matters.

While your super diligent efforts are definitely necessary to climb the ladder of success, you might want to keep your observant eye reined in right now, especially if others feel like you’re going overboard.

ra

FORGET what others think. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary.

Be proud of who you are and what you’ve accomplished, and don’t measure yourself by any standards that don’t fit. The main question is, are you happy? Do you get a sense of satisfaction out of your life? Then that’s what really matters. If you can answer in the affirmative to both those questions, you’re way ahead of the game and better off than most.

1/2

WHO dares to try and keep you behind the scenes today?

Well, no one, actually -- no one would try to do such a thing to someone who clearly deserves to be center stage. While this may not normally be your scene, you’ve got exuberance to spare, and you may find yourself actually enjoying the spotlight. All your hard work has gotten you to this point, so let others appreciate you.

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, APR 5 2018

The Clare Echo Quiz

HISTORY BUFF 1 2

In what century was Ennis home to Turkish baths?

16th, 17th, 19th For how many years was mass celebrated in the Little Ark in Kilbaha?

5, 10, 15 What type of buttons were found at Cahercommaun fort?

Bone, wood, bronze

3

Clare’s High Sheriff during 4Name Penal times

William Butler, John Yeats, Charles Wilde In what year did the Rineen ambush take place?

1919, 1920, 1921 Where did Ennis jail open its doors in 1832?

Station Road, Mill Road, Lahinch Road How many Clare homes became uninhabited around the time of the Famine?

13,000, 20,000, 10,000 In what part of Ennis were fairs traditionally held?

Clonroad, Drumbiggle, Tobairteascain What was the name of the shipwrecked vessel in Kilkee in 1850?

Edmond, Edwin, Edward When did the last residents leave Scattery Island?

1978, 1980, 1984

5 6 7

10

6. Station Road 7. 13,000 8. Clonroad 9. Edmond 10. 1978

lEVICTION: Question 7. How many Clare homes became uninhabited around the time of the famine?

ANSWERS

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Boy at Ennis Mart, 1954. By US photographer Dorothea Lange

19th 5 Bone William Butler 1920

9

l SHIPWRECK: Question 9. What was the name of the shipwrecked vessel in Kilkee in 1850?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

8

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