065 671 9021
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Magic Millie ELAINE TUBRIDY
M
news@clareecho.ie
ILLIE the golden retriever defied all odds to make it home to Corofin after being missing for a month, in spite of suffering a horrific injury to her back leg. “I’m absolutely over the moon. The little pet, she is so full of courage and determination and spirit. It’s unbelievable to have her home,” Millie’s owner Brenda Reilly said. Brenda never gave up hope that Millie would come back, searching everywhere for her and calling her name. In spite of being in desperately bad shape, Millie
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15 Mar 2018
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scrambled over the wall and collapsed in the garden. Her leg was completely broken and the skin had been eaten away, leaving the bone exposed. It was so badly damaged, it had to be amputated. “The vets reckon that that injury occurred early on after she left. So this was about three weeks long that she suffered and still managed to get herself home,” Brenda added. Millie received incredible care from the vets at Summerhill Veterinary Hospital and is now recovering at home. The “Find Millie” Facebook page received almost 10,000 shares and post likes, with the public posting possible sightings and messages of support.
SEE OUR: Spring Gardening In Clare feature
8-PAGE FEATURE INSIDE
lBRAVE: Golden retriever Millie made her way home after being missing for a month
Twins Bonnie and Sophie Clarke and friends from local primary schools St. Senan’s NS and Gaelsoil Ui Choimin planting their trees as part of the “One Tree per Child” initiative at Active Kilrush Sports Project. Kilrush Tidy Towns, in partnership with local schools and Clare County Council, have embarked on an initiative to ensure every child will plant a tree of their own As part of National Tree Week. Photo by Eamon Ward
2 NEWS
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
Index MILLIE’S JOURNEY
4
KILKEE FIRE STATION
6
POSITIVE JOBS FRONT
7
ST PATRICK’S DAY
8
Inside The Clare Echo FEATURE: PAGE 17-24
Clare ready to Spring into life This week we have a special guide on Spring Gardening In Clare, where we bring you handy tips and the latest technology in the world of horticulture
SPRING GARDENING 17-24 COMMUNITY
28-29
SPORT
32-35
CLASSIFIEDS
36-37
GET IN TOUCH
NEWS: PAGE 4
FEATURE: PAGE 8
What’s going on this Paddy’s day
She’s one in a Million...
St Patrick’s Day falls this Saturday so we’ve included details of parades taking place across the county as well as information on the main show taking place in Ennis this weekend
A huge social media campaign couldn’t bring beloved family pet Millie home - but it was her own courage that saved the day for her relieved owners in Corofin
RECEPTION
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l ALL SMILES: Paul Casey and Ollie O’Rourke attending the Clare v Roscommon football game at Cusack Park last weekend Photo by Martin Connolly
Plans for new cinema STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie
S
HANNON Chamber has welcomed the announcement that planning permission is being sought to deliver a new cinema in SkyCourt Shopping Centre. It comes as Skycourt management have lodged planning to develop a fourscreen cinema in the old foodcourt, to include one large 210-seater auditorium along with three smaller auditoriums ranging from 90- to 50-seaters. “Shannon has a population of almost 10,000 people with a further 10,000 people coming into the town every day to work at the airport, in the Free Zone and Smithstown and in the many retail and services businesses spread throughout the town,” said Helen Downes, CEO, Shannon Chamber. “The dearth of leisure amenities and
a vibrant heart to the town has been well documented. A development such as this, fitted out to the highest quality and operated to stringent standards, would be a step in the right direction to bring activity to the town outside business and normal retail opening hours. “It would add a new dimension to Shannon for residents and visitors alike, and might encourage a percentage of the 10,000 people travelling into the town each day to stay beyond their working day and enjoy what Shannon has to offer. It would also be an attractive leisure-time offering for residents from surrounding communities. “Having a cinema in Shannon would therefore be most beneficial and another first for the town. We look forward to watching its progression,” added Ms Downes, CEO, Shannon Chamber.
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4
NEWS
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
Family pet Millie showed 'courage and determination'
ELAINE TUBRIDY
news@clareecho.ie
M
ILLIE the golden retriever has been reunited with her owners after a month of wandering around injured. She went missing from her home in Corofin on February 6 and her owner Brenda Reilly took to Facebook to try and bring her poor pup home. The 'Find Millie' Facebook page received almost 10,000 shares and post likes, with the public posting possible sightings and messages of support. There was no need for the campaign in the end though as Millie found her way home all alone, a month after going missing. “I’m absolutely over the moon. The little pet she is so full of courage and determination and spirit. It’s unbelievable to have her home,” Brenda said. Brenda never gave up hope
l SURVIVOR: Millie managed to get herself home despite being injured for three weeks and (inset) being reunited with her owner Paul Reilly after her episode Photo by Brenda Reilly
that Millie would come back. In spite of being in desperately bad shape, Millie scrambled over the wall and collapsed in the garden. She was starving and had lost a lot of weight. Her back left leg suffered a terrible injury and has since been amputated. The leg was completely broken and the skin had been eaten away, leaving the bone exposed. “The vets reckon the injury occurred early on after she left so this was about three weeks long that she suffered and still managed to get herself home." Millie received incredible care from the vets at Summerhill Veterinary Hospital and is now at home, adjusting to life without her leg. Brenda is grateful for the support she received while Millie was missing on the page, which was set up by a friend. “I was so lonely for her and the good wishes and the support just helped so much. It really was amazing. So it was well worth putting up that amazing Facebook campaign."
Increase grades with Kilmartin this Easter STUDENTS of the Mid-West are making the most of their Easter holidays by attending the ever popular Intensive Easter Revision Courses in Kilmartin Educational Services, Limerick & Ennis. The courses are designed for Junior & Leaving Certificate students who want to maximize their grades. There will also be several courses on offer for 5th year students who are due to sit their Leaving Certificate in June 2019. All courses are taught by experienced teachers, many of whom are state examiners. Class sizes are limited and many subjects are divided over two or three days so that many key topics can be covered. According to Principal Julie Kilmartin, “it is clear that young people today want to maximize their examination grades in the hope of securing third level education. "Aiming for maximum points in order to l INTENSIVE: Revision course in Kilmartin's Ennis facility
keep the door open to a variety of career options takes a lot of work on the part of any student! However, additional tuition over the holiday period can make a difference to the final examination grade.” These Intensive Revision Courses are priced competitively and are now better value than ever! Book our 5 Day Course Package for only €300. Students who simply wish to avail of daytime supervised study will also be catered for over one or two week long blocks. Week One runs from Mon 26th-Fri 30th March and Week Two from Tue 3rd to Sat 7th April. Book our 5 Day Package for only €60. Attendance is strictly monitored and parents are fully updated with any absenteeism. Many Revision courses are approaching capacity. To book a place on any course, call Kilmartin Educational Services on 061-444989.
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THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
EASTER Revision Courses
and SUPERVISED STUDY FOR JUNIOR & LEAVING CERT
2018
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NEWS
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
New Kilkee Fire Station in the pipeline for next Spring
ELAINE TUBRIDY
C
news@clareecho.ie
LARE County Council have signed contracts for the delivery of a €661,000 upgrade and extension of Kilkee Fire Station. The project involves the construction of an extension to the rear of the existing building including a new drying room and BA Servicing Room, and the provision of a lecture room and kitchenette on a new first floor, new Mezzanine floor for storage, female shower and toilet facilities with disabled access, two roller shutter doors and various other upgrade to services. The contract is being funded by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government which is providing €661,000 for all costs. Kilkee Fire Station is being relocated to
l WHERE'S THE FIRE: Kilkee Fire Brigade Station Officer John Garvery, Tomás McKenna of McKenna Consulting Engineers, Councillor Michael Hillery, Pat Dowling (CEO of Clare County Council) and Councillor Tom McNamara (Mayor of Clare) Photo by Eamon Ward
NLN will support your career dreams DO YOU need extra support to get a qualification and get and keep a job? If you need support to continue with further training one of National Learning Network’s (NLN) 50 training centres around the country could be the answer. NLN, the training and education division of Rehab Group, has over 50 years of experience in assisting people to learn the skills they need to build lasting careers in jobs that reflect their interests and abilities. NLN are experts at supporting students to reach their educational potential. NLN in Clare runs courses in Introductory Skills Training and Employer Based Training, while in neighbouring Limerick there are courses in Catering Support, IT with Office Skills, PC Maintenance and l OPPORTUNITY: Students at National Learning during class
Networking and Employment Skills. “At NLN 90pc of people who complete our programmes progress to employment or further education and training. We support students on every step of their journey,” said Rehab’s Head of Learning, Cormac Woods. In addition to a wide range of centre-based courses, students can also avail of employer-based training with host companies, or distance learning courses that have enabled people, particularly those with disabilities and mobility difficulties, to boost their job prospects by studying at home. If you would like to know more, go to ww.nln.ie or call 065 6864560
Dough to facilitate construction work which will commence in the coming weeks and is expected to be completed in early 2019. Mayor of Clare Tom McNamara, said, “The signing of this contract represents a very positive development for Clare County Fire & Rescue Service and the people who live in, work in and visit Kilkee and surrounding areas. I also wish to say a special thanks to our Fire & Rescue Service personnel who provide a professional service 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.” John Garvey, Kilkee Station Officer, said, “The fire fighting capability of Kilkee Fire Brigade will be further enhanced through the provision of a modern, fit for purpose fire station in Kilkee.” Kilkee Fire Station is currently made up of 1 Station Officer, 1 Sub Station Officer, 1 Driver Mechanic and 6 Retained Firefighters. The Kilkee Fire Station service fleet comprises two vehicles, namely a Class B Fire Appliance and a Four-Wheel Drive.
Need training to get a job? If you need extra support, if you have had an accident, illness or injury or have a disability then NLN can help. National Learning Network in Clare and Limerick have a range of free vocational training courses to give you the skills you need to get and keep a job. Our courses combine classroom-based learning and on-the-job training and offer you the personalised support you need to gain a QQI qualification. • Introductory Skills Training (Ennis and Limerick) • Employer Based Training (Ennis and Limerick) • IT with Office Skills (Limerick) • Catering Assistant (Limerick) • PC Maintenance & Networking (Limerick) Find out more at NLN Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare: 065 686 4560 | clare@nln.ie 061 229 777 | limerick@nln.ie nln.ie facebook.com/NLNIreland
These courses are funded by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. Eligibility criteria apply. Course skill sampling is available, ask about it today.
Free Training Enrolling Now
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
NEWS 7
Since 2012, nearly 5,000 back making a living in Co Clare STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie
T
HE number of people signing on the Live Register in Clare has dropped by 15 per cent in the last year. Minister Pat Breen said, “It is very positive to see that the number of people signing on the Live Register in Clare has reduced by 15 per cent in the last year. I am not surprised by this significant drop however given the increased number of job announcements in the region in the last 12 months. “In Clare alone companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, Element Six Shannon and Bechman Coulter Lismeehan announced they would be significantly growing their workforce. A further 28 new jobs were created following the merger of the UJet Group and STS Component Solutions and the creation of their European Hub in Shannon. Meanwhile 149 new jobs
were delivered in 2017 by small businesses in Co Clare that have been supported by Local Enterprise Office Clare. “Clare recorded it’s highest ever level of IDA site visits in 2017. As many as 22 visits were made to the county by potential investors last year, up from just five in 2013. There is a renewed focus on attracting industry to Clare and my priority is to continue to build on this strong job creation performance this year,” added the Clare minister of state. “Job Creation at Enterprise Ireland Companies in Clare was up 4% in 2017, with a total of 3,709 people now employed by EI supported companies in this county.” “Since Fine Gael’s Action Plan for Jobs was launched in February 2012, the Clare Live Register has decreased locally by 45%. This is 4,678 people who are back making a living, to the benefit of themselves, their families and the local communities in which they live. “We can see clearly that the Action Plan for Jobs is continuing to work. Recent jobs data indicates that there are 48,100 more people at work since this time last year. Our enterprise-based economy is now creating over 900 jobs a week,” said Minister Breen.
l BACK TO HIS ROOTS: Ger Dollard honoured at the Old Ground by three voluntary groups; Clare Roots Society, Ennis Tidy Towns and Clarecastle Community Group, to honour his work with community groups during his time in Clare Co Co Eamon Ward “Unemployment has fallen steadily from a peak of 16% in 2012 to 6% in February 2018. Ireland is a stable, competitive, secure economy that is open for business. Jobs are also growing in rural Ireland, with 9 out of every 10 jobs created in the past year outside of Dublin. And these are not just in the commuter belt, with 7 out of every
10 jobs created outside of Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow,” added the minister of state. “We are moving towards full employment and we will ensure that all parts of Ireland can share in our prosperity and economic growth, including here in Clare,” added the Minister.
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NEWS
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
Clare celebrates Paddy's Day
ELAINE TUBRIDY
T
news@clareecho.ie
HE centre piece of 2018 St Patrick's day festivities in Clare will be the annual Ennis parade, the theme of which is ‘Ennis – Ireland’s Friendliest Place’, which celebrates the town’s recently acquired status awarded by Retail Excellence Ireland. The Parade will commence from Clare County Council’s Headquarters building at Áras Contae an Chláir from 11am on Saturday, March 17 and will proceed down New Road before crossing over the Club Bridge and passing through Abbey Street, O’Connell Square and O’Connell Street. The Parade will finish at The Holy Family National School at approx 12.45pm. The Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Paul Murphy and Grand Marshall John Burke will lead the parade in a horse-drawn carriage, which will be followed by 40 groups representing the many aspects of life in Clare.
2018
l THUMBS UP: Ennis Grand Marshall John Burke pictured with Mayor of Ennis Paul Murphy and (inset) details of where the parade begins and ends Photo courtesy of Clare County Council
This year’s parade will feature a music group from the German town of Langenfeld, which is twinned with Ennis. There also will be a range of artistic, cultural and sporting groups participating
together with schools, boy scouts and various community groups. St Patrick’s Day flags promoting Ennis as Ireland’s Friendliest Place will be distributed throughout the gathered crowd while members of
Céilí with Star of Munster
THE Star of Munster Céilí Band get the Bank Holiday weekend festivities off to a flying start here at Cois na hAbhna. We are delighted to have one of the most popular local bands here in Cois na hAbhna on the eve of St. Patrick's Day. They have been together for some time now, play an excellent selection of reels, jigs, polkas and hornpipes. The line-up of Sean Murphy on Accordion, Ralph Morgan on Banjo, Fintan McMahon on Keyboard and Dave Culligan on Drums ensures that there will be plenty of lively music guaranteed to get all set dancers raring to go! From 9pm to midnight. Admission €10. Bígí linn ag Cois na hAbhna!
LOCAL PARADE DETAILS DOOLIN Saturday, March 17 at 1.30pm DOONBEG Sunday, March 18 at 3.30pm ENNIS Saturday, March 17 at 11am ENNISTYMON Saturday, March 17 at 1.30pm GORT Saturday, March 17 at 12.30pm KILKEE Saturday, March 17 at 12 noon
KILLALOE Saturday, March 17 at 1pm KILRUSH Saturday, March 17 at 2pm LISDOONVARNA Sunday, March 18 at 1pm SHANNON Saturday, March 17 at 1.30pm TUAMGRANEY Saturday, March 17 at 3.30pm TULLA Saturday, March 17 at 4.30pm
the public will have an opportunity to have their photograph taken for free along the route with all photographs being made available on the Council’s Facebook page on Saturday evening (facebook.
com/clarecountycouncil). Clare County Council will host Spring Fest, a celebration of local food produce, in the Ennis Market Building from 10am to 3pm. Meanwhile, Áras Contae an Chláir will be illuminated in green light in the run-up to St Patrick’s Day as part of Tourism Ireland’s annual ‘global greening’ initiative. Speaking ahead of the parade, Mayor Murphy stated: “With free parking being provided throughout the day in the town’s public carparks and on-street spaces, the St. Patrick’s Day activities across the town are sure to provide a wonderful day out for families and friends from throughout Clare and further afield." The designated Disabled parking areas are located at Ennis Courthouse and at Friars Walk. Special traffic management arrangements will be in place from 8am. The roads being closed on a rolling basis include Steele’s Terrace / Newbridge Rd, New Rd, College Rd (local access only), Mill Rd, Harmony Row, Abbey St, Francis St, O’Connell Sq, and O’Connell St.
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
NEWS 9
Living in provision centre ‘feels very much like mental torture’ ELAINE TUBRIDY news@clareecho.ie
K
NOCKLISHEEN Direct Provision Centre resident Donna Vuma has said that while she is very grateful to be living in Ireland, her safety should not be granted at the cost of her freedom. Ms Vuma gave a briefing on what it’s like to live in the centre to the members of Clare County Council today. “We do the same things every day. It feels very much like mental torture,” Ms Vuma added. Ms Vuma has been living in the direct provision centre with her three children for the last four years. She has only had her case heard twice in this time and she doesn’t know when the next hearing might be. Ms Vuma told stories of how her children suffer due their circumstances. “The impact of this on the children is heart breaking,” Ms Vuma said. She constantly has to explain her kids’ financial situation to their school and her teenage daughter has become very withdrawn. The direct provision residents are only allowed one roll of toilet tissue per week
and Ms Vuma had to ask for permission to get another one. “That was a very embarrassing moment for me,” Ms Vuma said. She hopes that the current direct provision system will be changed so that applications are processed faster and asylum seekers will have the right to work. “People are sitting there with skills that are just wasting away,” Ms Vuma added. Clare Soroptimists hosted the briefing before today’s Council meeting. Clare Soroptimist President Pamela Clancy said: “We are great at promoting tourism, but we seem to think it’s appropriate to pack these people away”. West Clare Councillor Richard Nagle commented that the direct provision centre in Lisdoonvarna “will be no different” and that the current direct provision system is “not acceptable”. “We are creating a situation where we are institutionalising people and paying companies millions in the process,” Mayor of Clare Tom McNamara added. Meanwhile, 30 residents moved in to the new Direct Provision Centre at the King Thomond Hotel in Lisdoonvarna on Monday. It’s the first of 115 residents who will live at the centre over the course of a year long contract. Many Lisdoonvarna locals have expressed strong concerns over the volume of asylum seekers expected to move in to
l STORY TO TELL: Donnah Vuma with members of the Soroptimists at Council HQ this week where Donnah, a resident of the Direct Provision Centre, spoke to councillors the direct provision centre. Independent TD Dr Michael Harty recently commented that he does not believe the people of Lisdoonvarna are opposed to accepting asylum seekers in principle. “It is the lack of consultation and the
disproportionality of the numbers that is causing concern. “If you are going to make a fundamental change to a small community there must be extensive consultation before such a process is agreed,” he added.
10 NEWS
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2017
Scariff Community College Hall 15th - 24th March 2018 UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE A.D.C.I.
Thursday, 15th March by Jim O’Brien followed by:
Nenagh Players Co. Tipperary in
DUET FOR ONE by TOM KEMPINSKI
Saturday, 17th March
Friday, 16th March
Coolgreany Drama Group Co. Wexford in
by ARIEL DORFMAN
Co. Mayo
in
in
by HAROLD PINTER
Tuesday, 20th March Sliabh Aughty
Monday, 19th March Bradán Players Co. Kildare in
CONSERVATORY by MICHAEL WEST
Wednesday, 21st March
Drama Group
Ennis Players
Co. Clare
Co. Clare
in
in
MOONGLOW
“STOLEN CHILD”
by KIM CARNEY
by YVONNE QUINN
& BAIRBRE NÍ CHAOIMH
Friday, 23rd March
Corofin Dramatic Society
Kilmeen Drama Group
Co. Clare
Co. Cork
in
in
by JOHN B KEANE
THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN by MARTIN MCDONAGH
The play is not suitable for children.
“BIG MAGGIE”
Clann Machua
Co. Cork
NO MAN’S LAND
DEATH AND THE MAIDEN
Thursday, 22nd March
Schull Drama Group
Sunday, 18th March
Saturday, 24th March Skibbereen Theatre Society
“THE SHAUGHRAUN”
Co. Cork
by DION BOUCICAULT
“ABIGAIL’S PARTY”
in
by MIKE LEIGH Contact: 087-268 67 64 email: info@claredrama.com No advanced booking necessary Mountshannon Design + Print 061 - 921475 info@cybergate.ie
Doors open: 7.15 pm - Curtain nightly: 8.00 pm Doors open final night: 7.00 pm Curtain final night: 7.30 pm ADMISSION: Adults: €10.00 Seniors: €8.00 Students & Children: €5.00 - Season Ticket: €70.00
ADJUDICATOR: JOHN P. KELLY ADA.
Followed by
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
Magestic Saoirse dies of bird flu ELAINE TUBRIDY
news@clareecho.ie
T
HE Mountshannon Eagles have suffered another devastating blow following the death of Saoirse, their adult female eagle. Saoirse was found dead last Tuesday after being missing for a few weeks. It has been confirmed that Saoirse died from Avian Influenza, the same cause of death that took her chick Shannon recently. Golden Eagle Trust’s Dr Allan Mee said that while he hopes no other birds will be affected, there is now a health risk to Caimin, the adult male eagle. “There is a real risk because he would have been in very close proximity to her. The fact that he’s in good health is good because we reckon she has been dead a few weeks,” Dr Mee added. A buzzard was also found dead on the north end of Lough Derg recently and was found to have died from bird flu. According to Dr Mee, Avian Influenza only appears in the winter because it’s carried to the region by migratory fowl. As the spring progresses, the risk of Avian Influenza decreases as the migratory birds leave the region. “There have been a number of cases in Europe but we always thought it wouldn’t be a real risk to us so it’s a real eye open-
l MAGESTIC: Saoirse the white-tailed sea eagle was found dead last week on Lough Derg’s banks Photo by Kevin Daly er,” Dr Mee said. Dr Mee advised anyone who comes across a dead bird in that area to avoid handling it and to contact the Department of Agriculture Avian Influenza hotline on 076 106 4403 or 1850 200 456. Dr Mee pointed out that the deaths of the two eagles is a tragic loss for the people of Mountshannon, who have worked really hard to develop the project. Saoirse and her partner Caimin arrived in East Clare in autumn 2011 and in 2013 successfully fledged two chicks - the first time in over 100 years that White Tailed Sea Eagle chicks fledged from a nest in the wild in Ireland. Dr Mee hopes that Caimin will find a new partner in time and will continue to live in the Mountshannon area. “Lough Derg is on the Shannon so it’s a little bit of a motorway for eagles, they like to fly up and down water bodies so the hope is that it won’t be too long before he pairs up again,” Dr Mee added.
NEWS 11
Clare’s first indoor tennis courts on way STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie
CLARE Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has said that almost €240,000 in funding will greatly benefit sports clubs in the county. He was speaking after the groups behind four Clare sports projects were successful in their appeals under this year’s Sports Capital Grant scheme. The biggest allocation went to Clare County Council who will receive an increased allocation of €109,400 for the Active Kilrush Sports complex. Killaloe Ballina Tennis Club was allocated €63,000 for the development of two indoor tennis courts. Scariff Rugby Club will receive €40,600 for an indoor astro turf pitch while the Newmarket Celtic Development Committee will get €26,300 for their all-weather pitch. Deputy Carey said: “I am delighted to see this much needed funding going to the places it will really make a big difference, our local sports clubs. “This funding is in addition to the funding already announced last year. Active engagement in sports not only helps keep young people healthy, but also builds confidence, independence and promotes team building. “While some clubs will have been notified that their appeal has been unsuccessful, they will be pleased to learn that a new round of the Sports Capital Programme will open in the near future. “In this regard, it has been agreed that these organisations can simply submit corrected documentation to make the 2017 application valid. There will be no requirement to submit a full new application and all other aspects of the original application will stand,” he explained. “The Sports Capital Programme was re-instated by the last Fine Gael government in 2012, after it had been cut by Fianna Fáil in the wake of the economic crash. It represents an excellent value for money investment. It is crucial we invest in sport and the health of our population, particularly with obesity on the rise,” said Carey.
Ennis could turn River Fergus green ELAINE TUBRIDY
news@clareecho.ie
ENNIS could be following in the footsteps of Chicago next year by turning the river Fergus green for St Patrick’s Day. Officials have been dying the Chicago River green annually since 1962. Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard raised the possibility at Tuesday’s Ennis Municipal District meeting and council officials agreed to look into the possibility. “We need to continue to up our game, to look at different ideas and novel ideas to keep Ennis and Clare out there in people’s hearts and heads,” Cllr Howard said. Cllr Howard referred to buildings in Ennis going green for St Patrick’s Day and the viral photos they produced. She believes dying the River Fergus could have a similar effect and assures that environmentally safe dye would be used. “These dyes are biodegradable, they’re not harmful to vegetation or to wildlife around the river,” Cllr Howard added.
12 COLUMNIST
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
HAPPENINGS ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE, ENNIS Celebrating this year’s recent accolade, the theme of this year’s parade is “Ennis- Ireland’s Friendliest Place” which is sure to put a smile on everybody’s face. Whether you’re taking part or spectating, Ennis is the place to be this Paddy’s Day! 57TH WEST CLARE DRAMA FESTIVAL, DOONBEG, MARCH 10-19 Enjoy and array of plays by Irish and international writers performed by amateur groups from around the country, as well as local groups, who are seeking nomination to the Open and Confined All-Ireland Finals. Doors at 7pm each night. See westclaredramafestivaldoonbeg.com for more. SPANISH POINT BEACH CLEAN UP If you’ve taken a coastal walk recently you’ll notice the vast amount of plastic flooding our shores in Clare. Join the beach clean up this Bank Holiday (19th March) at 2pm and help make a difference. Complimentary refreshments after.
Aoibhín Garrihy
LOVE CLARE THE NOTEBOOK
A
S I write this week’s column, the sun is shining and it’s amazing what a little glimpse of spring can do to lift the mood. The beast from the east hit with a bang but it was so lovely to see so many get out and enjoy the snow. In our own estate in Ennis, families were out in force building snowmen, sleighing and having snow ball fights and it was a joy to watch! After a few days though I was suffering from cabin fever and a work trip to Portugal was just what the doctor ordered!
lIT MUTT BE LOVE: The pups and I had a great time in the snow
I was joined by my mom Clare, her sister Ann and my sister Ailbhe and we had a lovely girly getaway to the newly refurbished Irish-run Magnolia Hotel in Quinta Do Lago, which I would totally recommend. We tried our hand at paddle tennis and loved it. It’s huge in Portugal and I’m just waiting for it to catch on here in Ireland before I decide to go pro! I was delighted to be nominated this week for a VIP Style Award amongst some of Ireland’s biggest fashionistas! You can vote for your favourite at pmvipstyleawards.ie This weekend I’m really looking forward to attending the Ennis Parade in support of himself in his role of this year’s Grand Marshal. Go John! Happy St Patrick’s Day!
Top 5 ways to be the ultimate tourist in Clare this weekend 1 CLIFFS OF MOHER CRUISE
Hop on board a ferry from Doolin Pier and admire the glory of Clare’s most famous landmark from the ocean. Spot the birds nesting and the famous O’Briens Tower from a new angle. Take in lung fulls of fresh Atlantic air and appreciate why so many flock to our spectacular coastline each year. Finish the day off with a bowl of hearty Chowder with the fine company of Stephen and Patsy in Mcdermots pub.
2
VISIT LOOP HEAD
Renowned for its unspoilt views and now awarded a European destination of excellence...but have you been? If not, it’s a must and epitomises the original draw of tourists to Clare. Think quiet roads, cliff views, abundant seafood and plenty of activities, all with a responsible tourism ethos.
BUNRATTY FOLK PARK
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Celebrate our Irishness in Bunratty folk park, where young and old alike can savour the sights, sounds and tastes of times gone by. Take a walk around the castle, and to the top of the watchtowers where the rolling plains of Clare reveal themselves. Make sure to say hello to the Maebh and Saoirse the newly named Irish Wolfhounds. Enjoy a warm cup of tea by the fire in Durty Nellies.
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AILLWEE CAVES
Take a trip through the burren, before the seaons traffic picks up and revist the Ailwee caves perhaps rekindling the memories of school tour of times gone by. Make sure to take in the Birds of Prey centre and the flying displays at either 12pm or 3pm that will wow young and old alike.
TAKE A NATURE WALK IN EAST CLARE
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Get out and enjoy one of the many walks, overlooking the lakes, and surrounded by wonderful nature. Why not try the Cahermurphy loop walk from the forest car park...a 9km loop that will give you an appreciation of the wonderful nature and wildlife of the banner county.
lCOUPLE’S NIGHT OUT: John and I will be attending the VIP Style Awards this year after I found out this week that I’ve been nominated for an award
COLUMNIST 13
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
COVET IN CLARE
SWOON Everything about Irish Designer Niamh O’Neill’s stunning new collection (above) has me drooling. Looking for something wow this SS18 for that special occasion...look no further than the County Boutique.
ALMOST LOVE From the ground-breaking, bestselling author of ASKING FOR IT and ONLY EVER YOURS comes the newest and highly anticipated Louise O’Neill novel about how dangerous, painful and addictive love can be. Available at all good book shops.
Ennis Outlet Store
Debs dresses and formal wear now in store
SOS Change of season affecting your skin? This very gentle calming serum acts as a rescue serum, specially formulated to calm and soothe fragile or irritated skin from Trilogy Skincare. Available at The Health Connection, Ennis. TOP OF THE MORNING I couldn’t resist this! Penney’s newest St Patrick’s Day Collection will have your little ones celebrating the festivities in style and for only €4 each! .
Debs Competition Fancy being a model to represent your school for a day?
GO GREEN Add a splash of patriotism all year round with this divine green sparks chair from Meadows and Byrne in Bunratty. €99 (also available in blue)
Nominate one girl from your school to participate in our Debs dress launch photo shoot taking place on St.Patrick’s Day in Ennis Outlet Store at 2pm All ladies present at the photo shoot will have their names put into a hat to win the 2 x €200 prize draw WIN WIN contact us on Facebook for more details 2 0 x 0 2 €200 € x 2 VO R Facebook: Ennis Outlet Store VOUCHE ur towards yo s Debs dres e instor
11 Abbey Street, Ennis
UCHER towards yo ur Debs dres s instore
14 COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
The scene ‘Get the shifts’ wins twitter.com/ClareEcho
facebook.com/clareecho
CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE
A HOSPITALITY staffing web-platform business from Shannon has won the County Enterprise Award for 2018. The top prize of €5,000 plus a PR and Digital Marketing mentoring package went to Hannah Wrixon of Get the Shifts Ltd. in Shannon, who will now represent Local Enterprise Office Clare at the National Enterprise Awards, which celebrates its 20th anniversary on 24 May, 2018. Get the Shifts Ltd. is an online staffing solutions business which matches temporary hospitality workers with relevant employers across Ireland using an on demand web and mobile platform. The company currently employs four people, with plans to employ three more before the end of the year. Speaking after the Awards as part of Local Enterprise Week, Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Clare said: “Get the Shifts Ltd. has already become a success story and the judges were particularly impressed by the grasp the Entrepreneur had of their business model and where the opportunities lay for the future growth of the business. As Local Enterprise Offices celebrate twenty years of the National Enterprise Awards in 2018, Clare are proud to be represented by Get the Shifts Ltd. in this extra special year.”
Speaking at the Awards, Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen, T.D., said “I would like to congratulate Hannah Wrixon of Get the Shifts Ltd. on winning this year’s Clare County Enterprise Award. While there can be only one outright winner, I am extremely heartened by the quality of all the entries and of the strong level of enterprise that clearly exits in the county. I am confident that many of the businesses here will develop and grow and will expand into global markets. As we have seen from previous Clare County Enterprise Award winners like Callan Technology and ABC Nutrition, this competition can be a springboard to great success and I wish our winners, Get the Shifts Ltd., and all the finalists all the best in their enterprise future. They can be assured that their Local Enterprise Office here in Clare will always be there to support their ambition.” Other winners at the awards ceremony, held at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis on Friday night (9th March) included Fintan Ward & Conor Galvin, Golf Voyager and Adam Coleman of HR Locker. Judging is taking place in April and Get the Shifts Ltd. will be competing against 30 other finalists from every local authority area for a share of the €40,000 prize fund.
DELIGHT: Overall Winners ‘The Well Being Fairy’ Sarah Barry, Ali Meehan, Fiachra McInerney,Karolina Mostowa, Zoe Merriman and Cliona Donnellan of St Caimins with Mayor McNamara and Padraic McElwee of LEO Clare during Photo by Arthur Ellis
instagram.com/theclareecho
l WE DID IT: Pictured at the ceremony in The Old Ground Hotel are Minister Pat Breen TD, Hannah Wrixon “Get The Shifts”, Mayor Cllr Tom McNamara and Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise Local Enterprise Office Clare Photo by Arthur Ellis
The Mansion House in Dublin is the venue for awards ceremony in May and categories this year include ‘Best Export Business,’ ‘Best Start Up Business’ and ‘Innovation,’ in addition to eight regional awards. 10 other local businesses were also shortlisted this year, and they were Cre-
ative Clay, Shannon; Glynn Technical Diamonds Ltd, Kilrush; Rathú, Ennis; Indigo Signs, Shannon; AIP Thermoform, Newmarket-on-Fergus; Castle Blinds, Ennis; Galanta Jewellery, Cratloe; Assuré Medical, Quin; Fintech.ie, Shannon and Céile, Lahinch.
Clare students secure spot at National Enterprise Finals 11 budding teenage entrepreneurs have been selected to represent Clare at the Student Enterprise Programme National Finals in Croke Park. The young entrepreneurs will represent their Local Enterprise Office and county at the Student Enterprise Programme showpiece on May 2. Every September, entrepreneurial secondary school students begin their business journey as they are encouraged to create and run their own businesses. Over 900 students took part in the Local Enterprise Office Clare Student Enterprise Programme 2017 / 2018 which started in September 2017. The County final of the Student Enterprise Programme took place over two days March 7th and March 8th. Almost 160 teams with over 500 students took part in the County Final with projects across the retails, craft, Technology/manufacturing and food sectors. In the Junior Category, the students representing County Clare at the National Finals are: Kate Houlihan and Emily Hanrahan from “EK Bookmarks” at Scoil Mhuire, Ennistymon. In the Intermediate Category, Emma Ryan, Hannah Minogue, Ciara Healy and Ashling O’Brien from “Fancy A Cuppa” at Scariff Community Collegewill be representing the county in Croke Park.
In the Senior Category, County Clare will be represented on 2nd May by Sarah Barry, Ali Meehan, Fiachra Mc Inernry, Karolina Mostowa and Cliona Donnellan from “The Well Being Fairy” at St. Caimin’s Community School, Shannon. Winners in each category received beautiful trophies designed for the Student Enterprise Programme County Clare Final by Conor Murray of Kilkee Forge. Co-ordinated by the Local Enterprise Offices in every Local Authority area, the competition is the most successful student enterprise programme of its kind in the country. Padraic McElwee, Head of Local Enterprise Office Clare was quick to praise this year’s entrants. “This year we had the biggest number of participants the competition has had before and we are rpud of it. Keep looking at your businesses and keep working! We are looking forward to seeing you starting your own businesses in nearest future!” He congratulated all the winners and encouraged all young entrepreneurs to feel proud of what has been achieved this year. Further information around the Student Enterprise Programme is available from www.studententerprise.ie and by searching #studententerprise on social media.
EVENTS / ADVICE 15
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
Health issues with
Claire Connellan Fureys ready for Easter Extravaganza in Ennis The Fureys band was formed in 1978 and in January the band launched their new album ‘The Fureys 40 Years On … to be continued’ and have recently returned from a successful UK tour where that Band has sold out 21 venues. The band brings their new tour to Treacys West County Hotel, Ennis on Easter Sunday night April 1. The Fureys will be followed on stage by one of Ireland’s most successful super-groups – Bagatelle, who are returning to Ennis and will also celebrate their 40th anniversary year. Bono, Larry Mullen and Edge have acknowledged Bagatelle as one of the notable influences on their early years as U2 with Larry referring to the band as “Baga-money”. In 2013, the band’s most successful hit Summer in Dublin re-entered the charts, 35 years after its original released. This was followed by hits Trump Card, Leeson Street Lady and Second Violin. Liam Reilly is the inimitable vocalist and as a solo artist he achieved a second place finish with his song Somewhere in Europe in the Eurovision of 1990 in Zagreb. Liam has penned many classics and his song The Streets of New York, while his song the Flight of Earls was voted one of the Top 10 best ever immigration songs. Bagatelle
has shared the stage with musical luminaries Bob Marley, Thin Lizzy, the Boomtown Rats to name a few. Like Bagatelle, the Fureys have a very impressive discography and have played to presidents, prime ministers and even to Pope John Paul II. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair named their hit The Green Fields of France as his favourite anti-war song of all time. The Furey Brothers Eddie, George, Finbar and Paul (deceased) were joined by Davey Arthur and in 1981 the band released their most successful single When you were Sweet Sixteen which reached No 1 in Ireland and No14 in the UK. This success was followed by The Green Fields of France, which spent 28 weeks in the Charts including reaching No 1 in the Irish charts. The upcoming Easter Sunday concert at Treacys West County Hotel will see The Fureys and Bagatelle share the stage on the same night. It is but one of the headline events in a year of celebration at Treacys West County Hotel. On 28th April the hotel will mark the 50th anniversary of its official opening which was performed by the Minister for Trade Dr. Paddy Hillery, T.D. Tickets €28 plus booking and are available at www.treacyswestcounty.com.
Easter Camp at Lees Road HappY Out
Easter Woodland Camp 5 ‐ 10 Year Olds Mon 26th ‐ Fri 30th March
10am ‐ 2pm
John O'Sullivan Park, Lees Road, Ennis Cost €100 (2nd child €90) "Happy Out Forest School is a fantastic opportunity for children to have some fun outdoors; to explore, be creative and experience the 'magic of the forest' in a different way." (Clarecare Springboard Project)
Contact Veronica 083 8270075 vronlmcg@g�ail.com happy out forest school
HAPPY Out Forest School will run a 5-day Easter Camp in the woodland of John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road, Ennis. This camp welcomes children aged between 5 and 10 years for an exciting week of den-building, bush craft, nature art ,campfire stories and song, Easter activities hunting, climbing, swinging, hiding, seeking, free play and a few surprises. Veronica McGuire and Gráinne Vaughan have developed a programme of exciting activities for children who will get to know one another as well as developing a connection with the animals and plants of the woodland. With a low child to adult ratio the children are supported in expanding their range of experience thus developing confidence and self-esteem. Children always want to return to Happy out Forest School so don’t delay. Book early to avoid disappointment. For information on other events and programmes, go to our Facebook page.
Bsc Licentiate Acupuncturist and Therapist
Insomnia, one of the dreaded concerns
C
annot fall asleep and cannot stay asleep! This condition is very difficult for all ages. Whether it’s anxiety, depression or stress, having little sleep affects our mood, memory, concentration and energy. Sleep deprived children and adults perform as badly as intoxicated people and a serious lack of sleep can lead to diabetes or high blood pressure. Whether it’s a long-term or short-term condition one needs to receive professional attention. Sometimes insomnia is caused by an underlying medical condition such as Arthritis, Asthma or Thyroid disorder. Reminders that you aren’t receiving enough sleep would be slowed thinking, trouble paying attention, headaches, migraines, heavy eyelids, feeling irritable, or lack of vitality - dozing off while reading or sitting for a short period of time. What can I do? Try going to bed at a regular time each night, avoid napping or eating greasy heavy foods, exercise daily, avoid caffeine late at night, stop watching TV one hour before down time, learn to associate your bedroom with sleep not work. If you have a problem with waking during the night I would recommend that you move to another room and try reading or meditation until you feel restful and then go back to bed.
Create an environment that is conducive to sleeping - soft bedding and a warm environment. Darkness triggers the release of melatonin Our bodies secrete a hormone called melatonin that helps regulate our body’s circadian rhythm, or internal 24-hour ‘clock’, which plays a crucial role in our sleep cycle. Darkness
‘‘
If you have a problem with waking during the night I would recommend that you move to another room and try reading or meditation until you feel restful
”
triggers the release of melatonin, while light can have the opposite effect. “Light resets your clock and tells your body that it’s time to wake up”. While I would not recommend napping frequently, it can be effective, if it is for the right length of time. If somebody sleeps longer than 90 minutes, they’re going to be tired. Why? Because they develop what’s called REM inertia. REM inertia occurs when someone wakes up during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep cycle. It normally takes 80 to 90 minutes for someone to enter into a deep sleep, so I would suggest napping for no longer than 30 to 40 minutes during the day if you are too exhausted to keep going . You’ll wake up feeling more rested because you’re only in stages one or two. Sleep: We (should) spend almost a third of our lives doing it – and for good reason. Quality shut-eye boasts a variety of physical and mental health benefits; “Typically, Adults need seven to eight hours, and children 9 to 10 hours sleep.
For further information and a free consultation this week with Claire please contact her on 086 1550442 to book an appointment in one of her centres throughout Co Clare. More info available at thenaturalhealthcentre.ie.
16
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
Ronan Scully
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity
Tomorrow will be too late I ‘1 in 7 children in Ireland are lost to homelessness, to poverty and to neglect’
WAS very lucky and blessed to be at the parish mass in the place where I reside recently where the parish celebrated over the hundred of children that had been baptized in our parish over the past year. It was a beautiful moving ceremony celebrated by our wonderful prayerful and thoughtful priest. It was so beautiful and prayerful to see all the happy parents, families and their beautiful children approaching the altar and lighting their baptism candles of light and hope. It also made me pray at that mass for and think about the parents and families of the children, our children of Ireland who featured in the latest figures that have recently come out about child poverty and homelessness in our country. 1 in 7 children in Ireland are lost to homelessness, to poverty and to neglect. The fact that in our capital city the number of homeless children has exceeded more than 2,000 children and many more if you take in our whole country is real evidence that our beautiful country has become more deeply unequal. Listening and watching the various news programmes and reading the reports of what is happening to our young children and our youth in our beautiful country makes me wonder what life is really all about? The sadness that has happened to the children mentioned and shown in the various news reports is unbearable for me and for so many parents and I am sure for everybody who have read the reports about child and youth poverty will be equally horrified.
URGENCY NEEDED
I have written before and I will write it now again that urgent action needs to happen now in our beautiful country to address child and youth poverty. Our children have only one future and the future must happen for them now or we will have lost many of them before tomorrow even comes. I feel unless the issue is addressed straight away, child poverty will further entrench the existing two-tier society where the rich are getting richer and the
SHOCKING: In our capital city the number of homeless children has exceeded more than 2,000
poor are getting so much poorer and it will continue to blight and destroy children’s’ lives well into the future. The number of children experiencing poverty and social exclusion in Ireland is appalling and it is a damning reflection of poor policy choices and decisions. Child poverty is not inevitable; it is often a result of an agenda that protects and favors the wealthiest to the detriment of the most vulnerable in society and those who have the least to give. It is simply unacceptable that children now represent almost 40% of all people in consistent poverty in our country of Ireland – this equates to close on 150,000 children. Too many children are growing up in hotel rooms; going to bed hungry and living in households struggling on inadequate incomes. In effect too many children are being denied a childhood. Children growing up in poverty tend to experience the same fate as adults and that is why it is imperative that we tackle child poverty now to prevent the further entrenchment of
a two-tier society where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. By the way there is nothing wrong with the rich getting richer but there is something seriously wrong in our country and our world when the poor are getting poorer and are becoming more visible and more vulnerable in our societies and communities. We have and especially the people in power have an opportunity to move away from the austere, punitive and regressive policies that were the hallmarks of people in authority and in power in the past and implement a more progressive approach that will make real inroads into child poverty and social exclusion. We need to hold people to account for the loss of even one child’s life let alone the thousands of children that are been affected and in some cases left out to die so to speak on a daily basis in our beautiful country.
HOPE
I remember eleven years ago today being in Ethiopia adopting our first little girl and angel and also returning from parts of Africa this
last year and the tragedy, sadness and suffering I saw in some parts of that continent was so sad and so upsetting, a poverty that some of us in Ireland could never imagine or conceive. The people, especially the children in these countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Niger, Malawi, South Sudan, Nigeria, Yemen, Burkina Faso and now from what I can read and see our own country of Ireland need plenty of our help, support, love and prayers. Lets not forget the many children that have died needlessly in our own country of Ireland in state care in the last number of years. Also spare a thought for the other nine million little children who die globally each year in often horrendous circumstances, just because it is not on the News doesn’t mean its not a reality. We all should be ashamed. To live without hope is the most crushing of all burdens. The cry of those who are so weak and helpless that you can not even contemplate or imagine. The cry of those who are at the “bottom of the heap” and
live under constant oppression. The cry of those who feel they are not worthy to live. It’s the worst sound for its the real cry of the poor. Poverty in the world is a scandal, it is a real cry for help and support. Still, we tend to think about it only when we want to think about it. Most of us don’t see the poor on a regular basis. We rarely come face-to-face with seriously sick children, severely abused and abandoned children, people with grave depression or mental illness, the chronic homeless, the lonely elderly, the abandoned and the real poor living in our midst. It’s easy to live without thinking about those less fortunate. But now and then, God seizes our attention. The impoverished and those with little hope cry out for justice. In unexpected moments, we hear their cry. A clear mark of solidarity with the poor is the practice of hearing the cry of the poor and making their cries for dignity, love, justice, equality, fair play, acknowledgement, hope, care, a bed, a room and freedom our own.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
I said on radio programme recently, “Do we want to live in a Economy where only money matters and is everything or do we want to live in a Community where every man, woman and child matter and really are everything.” If we believe in the goodness of one another and in the true sense of community and care and genuine love for another then we will do whatever we can to help, care, support and love everyone in as much as we humanly can for there are a lot of people and especially children in need in our county, our country and our world and for a lot of them tomorrow will be too late!! My poor heart that is torn cries out in pain in memory of the children I have seen dying in Africa and Asia and now I see at times happening and will happen more if we don’t so something about it here in Ireland!
Clare Echo THE
Spring GARDENING In Clare KNOW YOUR SOILROBOTIC LAWNMOWERSLANDSCAPING TRENDS
Experts for Whether it’s landscaping services or a mower you need, it’s all on our doorstep here in Clare EVERY possible gardening need you could ever have can be catered for right here in the Banner County. From garden centres and landscaping to machinery and conservatories, you are sure to find the right expert for you. GARDEN CENTRES Vaughan’s Garden Centre This garden centre in the Gort Road Business Park in Ennis stock a huge range of Plants including; trees, heathers, roses, herbs, vegetables, climbers, hedging, fruit trees, fruit bushes and seeds. They also have a wide variety of house plants and garden care products. Give them a call on (065) 689 3408. Clonroad Gardening Centre Based in the Clon Road Business Park, they carry a large
stock of high quality shrubs and perrenials, not to mention their amazing display of seasonal bedding. They have a wide selection of seeds including Unwins and Suttons. Contact: (065) 684 4333. LANDSCAPING Elm Landscaping Drawing on over a decade of experience, Elm Landscaping Services strive to provide customers with a professional, competent and high quality experience.They take pride in their ability to provide a complete end-to-end solution, from concept stages through to after care and maintenance. 087 279 8611. Gairdin Glas Gairdin Glas is a well-established and professionally run landscaping and ground maintenance company based in Labasheeda.
Since 2003, Gairdin Glas has provided a comprehensive range of landscaping services to both residential and commercial. 065 683 0474. An Garrai Ard Maintenance, Landscaping and Design At An Garrai Ard Garden Design, Landscape & Maintenance, their aim is to help you design and maintain your garden and make the process easy and enjoyable They are a full-service design/landscape & maintenance provider. 087-7808004. STONEMASONRY AND TARMACADAM DG Construction Stonemasons David Galvin takes great pride in creating top quality stone masonry and can cater for all of your landscaping needs. Based in Ballycoree,
DG Construction Stonemasons
Front Walls Restorations New Builds Fireplaces Patios Garden Designs 087 - 9817456 davidgalvin888@gmail.com Ballycoree, Barefield, Ennis, Co. Clare
your garden Ennis, David is sure to make your stone work dreams come true. 087 981 7456. Cummins Tarmacadam Cummins was established in 1991 by Declan Cummins. The business has expanded over the years and carries out all aspects of minor civil works including drainage, concrete works, kerbing, roads, car parks and domestic dwellings. Contact 086 843 1111. O’Gorman Building and Tarmacadam O’Gormans have 35 years’ experience and take great pride in the high level of customer care while maintaining acceptable prices. They work with the highest quality tarmacadam and asphalt products, a professional and experienced team and state of the art machinery. Call (065) 682 4627. GARDEN MACHINERY US Wholesales US Wholesales are distributors of Craftsman, EGO, Weibang, DeWALT and Hitachi. Find them in the Quin Road Business Park in Ennis. They aim to give our customer the best quality machinery at the lowest possible price. Call (065) 684 4790. Maloney Garden Machinery Maloneys are your main Husqvarna dealer in Clare. They sell, service and repair all leading brands of landscape and garden machinery. They also stock
a large range of Berg go-karts and quality power-tools such as DeWalt and Hitachi. 061-634300. Hogan Garden Machinery Located just behind Hogans Grocery Store, Hogans offer a vast array of products and services to suit any potential need you will have with your garden. With over 40 years’ experience and knowledge in this sector, they will provide the solution to any of your gardening needs. Contact: (065) 682 1020. Harrys Ennis Mowers and Cycles Based in the Gort Road Business Park, Harrys will cater to all of your gardening machinery needs. From log splitters to ride on mowers and accessories, they have you covered. They also stock top of the range bicycles. Call them on 065 6842300. CONSERVATORIES Cview Conservatories and Sunrooms Cview Conservatories and Sunrooms will help you find the perfect spot for viewing your beautiful new garden. Based in Inagh, they are THE experts in creating your dream conservatory, garage or extension. Contact 087 207 7728 for more information.
CONTINUED PAGE 18
Robotic lawnmower a cut above Husqvarna mower can be controlled from your phone anywhere in the world
HUSQVARNA — the world leader in robotic mowers since 1995 — has unveiled a new connected robotic mower for complex lawns of up to 1600m2 and slopes up to 40 per cent. With connectivity enabled straight out-ofthe-box, the new robotic mower can be controlled and tracked from anywhere in the world, via cellular networks, with the Automower Connect app. With the new Husqvarna Automower 315X robotic mower, users can always have a great looking lawn with minimal input or assistance. The 315X is equipped with Automower Connect, a solution that gives users the option to control, configure and secure their robotic mower — from a smartphone. Extra security and full control Enhanced mower security comes in the form of GPS tracking, which tracks the mowers position in real-time to prevent theft. Users can set up a Geofence around their garden, which acts as a ‘virtual fence’ that will alert owners the moment the mower leaves the set area. The control function allows users to see their mower’s
current status within the smartphone app, and can send ‘start’, ‘stop’, or ‘park’ commands to the mower from anywhere in the world. Configure mode lets users view and change mower settings without being on-site, such as mowing schedules. Smart features as standard Smart features come standard on the new 315X, such as: • The GPS-assisted navigation allows the mower to navigate even the most complex or hard to reach areas. • Automatic passage handling guides 315X through narrow passages down to 60 cm width • A rain, sun and growth sensor automatically adjusts the mower’s cutting habits to adapt to the actual growth rate of the lawn — so more cutting occurs when the weather is warm and wet, with less cutting during dry or cool periods. • Slope control means improved traction on steep slopes • Imbalance control means the system automatically detects imbalance in the cutting system, for trouble-free
l GREEN MACHINE: You can control the robotic lawnmower from your mobile phone
use. Premium X-line design The new 315X has a new design, with orange painted wheel caps, and a matte surface. Energy-efficient LED headlights on the mower means increased visibility
in the dark, while a new rubber bumper makes the machine more robust. Availability The Husqvarna Automower 315X robotic mower is available from Maloney Garden Machinery in Smithstown, Shannon.
Watch your SPECIAL OFFERS flowers grow HUSQVARNA TC 239T
Top 10 things to remember when caring for your flowers
Make sure they have enough light What’s the sunniest spot in the garden? Give it to your flowers and they will love you for it. Make sure they have enough water, but not too much A water logged plant is not a happy plant, especially if they are traditionally grown in dry conditions. Keep an eye on the pot size. As a plant grows, it will need a bigger space for its roots. So check them every so often and switch up the pot if necessary. As well as pot size, the type of pot you choose is very important. Make sure the pot has a hole in the bottom for proper drainage and that it is sturdy enough not to
crack easily. Check for pests The last thing you want is your flowers eaten by bugs after putting so much effort into growing them. But be mindful of the type of insecticide you use. Deadhead your flowers Removing the dead heads and foliage on your plants will help them to grow and live longer. Consider using some fertilizer If the plants don’t have the right nutrients, they won’t grow. So check out the right fertilizer for your plant babies. Don’t crowd your flowers. Although it may look really pretty to have the pot overflowing with blossoms, it will ultimately strangle your plants. Weed often Again, unwelcome invaders will take over the pot if you don’t keep an eye on them. And make sure you pull them out by the roots. Mind the Irish weather Unfortunately we are not lucky to live in the tropics. So if the dodgy Irish weather looks like it’s going to get rough, bring your pots inside to protect them from the elements.
Rear collection tractor offering durability, comfort and manoeuvrability for occasional use in mid-sized to large gardens. Powerful Twin cylinder Husqvarna Endurance Series engines with chokeless start ensure easy starting and operation, while electric blade engagement, reinforced cutting deck and robust collection system with steel backplate and latching mechanism ensure simple operation and great cutting results every time.
Hydrostatic, V-Twin, 38" Cutting Width
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€3,800
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€2,900
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HUSQVARNA 430X Equipped with GPS navigation for efficient mowing of the most various, demanding grass areas. Suitable for larger areas up to 3200 m² and can handle steep slopes with an incline of as much as 45%. Smart technology adapts the amount of mowing to the lawn’s growth rate, enables spot mowing of a limited area of longer grass and guides the mower through narrow passages.
3200m2, Max incline 45%, GPS Assisted Nav
HUSQVARNA LC 253S Self-propelled and easy-to-use, high-quality lawnmower suitable for medium-sized gardens. Durable, corrosionresistant composite chassis and aluminium wheels for reduce weight, powerful, reliable engine and rubber tyres for increased performance and control. Ergonomic and easy foldable handle bar, convenient bail removal and easy adjust cutting height makes every mow simpler.
Briggs 650EXI, 53cm Deck, Self Propelled
MALONEY GARDEN MACHINERY Smithstown, Shannon, Co. Clare PH: 061 364 300
Gardening tips for beginners Be realistic about your skillset FIRST thing’s first; you need to be realistic about the garden you would like to create. Should you go with the picture perfect garden or something a little more low maintenance? If you don’t have time to wash the car at the weekend, you’re not going to have time to cut the grass or tend to your perfectly manicured rose bushes. Y o u also need to be realistic about your skill set. Do have a reputation as a plant killer? Maybe start with some hardy plants and work your way up. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. It goes without saying, but as these are tips for beginners, we’ll point out the obvious. Make sure you
have the right soil before attempting to grow something. Rushing in to trying to create the Chelsea Flower Show on rocky ground is only going to end in disaster. Consider making your own compost. You will be using waste food to create something beautiful and you will know exactly what’s in it. It’s a win win. Invest in some decent quality soil and make sure your flower beds have drainage and plenty of light. Finally, if you are unsure about something, just bite the bullet and ask. There are so many green fingered gardening experts throughout Co Clare, you are sure to find all the help you need. They are trained in their field (par- don the pun) and they have acres (sorry) of experience. From garden centres to lawn mower suppliers, they have all the inside information and they will be more than happy to help you on your quest to creating your own little slice of heaven in the back yard.
Battery mower: It’s the relaxed way of gardening INTRODUCING the New RMA Battery Lawn Mowers from STIHL - the new, relaxed way of gardening. Light and manoeuvrable on rough terrain, the New STIHL RMA battery lawn mowers are easy to transport and also easy to store. And best of all: the re-
placement batteries are also compatible with many other cordless powered machines from the STIHL range. The New STIHL RMA battery lawn mower range consists of six models and are available from your local STIHL VIKING servicing dealer.
m ore th an j u s
Gardening Tools
GREAT SAVINGS RMA 448 TC // battery lawn mower
€
799
€
was €899 includes AP 300 battery & AL 300 charger
save
100
MT 5112 Z” // ride-on mower
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Tool up; garden season has begun Are you fully prepared for the garden? Here’s the essentials to get started
TROWEL: This is your new best friend. It’s important to get one that’s the right size and weight for your hands, because you will be using this a lot. It’s useful for planting bulbs, weeding, mixing and potting. WHEELBARROW: Particularly useful for those lucky enough to have a sizeable garden. Not just for carrying cut grass or distributing soil, it’s also handy for carrying your tools around. Invest in a plastic one with a hard wheel to avoid rust and punctures. SPADE: More subtle and refined than the humble shovel, the spade is ideal not only for digging holes, but also for creating square edges and lifting soil. Again, you will need a good quality one as the last thing you want is for it to break in your hands. SECATEURS: Also known as a pruning shears, pruners or clippers, this tool is your go to for shaping plants
and removing dead growth. A good secateurs will set you back a good bit, but they will last forever and will be able to handle bigger tasks.
HOE: Every self-respecting gardener should have one of these. It’s essential for weeding, cultivating the soil, edging the lawn and countless other jobs. There are lots of varieties so ask the advice of the shop assistant to find the best one for you. GARDENING GLOVES: There is NOTHING worse than getting a thorn stuck under your nail. The very thought of it gives us shivers. Protect your hands by wearing a pair of gloves. This will prevent callouses and will save you scrubbing your fingers clean. FORK: A fork is one of the most hardworking tools in a gardener’s arsenal. Use it for removing stones, breaking up clumps of soil, creating holes for seeds and mixing in fertilizer.
l FAIL TO PREPARE...: Having the right tools is the first step to succesful gardening
COLUMNISTS 25
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
Eoin Neylon
EDITOR’S OPINION Stuart Holly
Is Lahinch in the frame? Of course
P
AUL McGinley holds the cards when it comes to deciding a location for the 2019 Irish Open and Lahinch is his ace of hearts. And if rumour is to be believed, it’s all but a done deal. And there is substance to the rumour, something I will dogleg back to later. The Irish Open is big business - the prize pot of €7m only highlights this. A few, now seemingly distant, years ago the competition struggled to attract the top names but today, thanks in part to the stewardship of Rory McIlroy, it’s as vibrant a tournament as you’re going to find on the European Tour. In 2017, there was a slight dip in numbers attending in Portstewart, some 80,000! However with attendances bouncing between 80,000 and 115,000 over the last five years, there is no fear of it losing its label as the top regular tour event on the European Tour when it comes to the numbers who pass through the gates. Any tournament of that stature has to be run to the highest standards. Which is why the iconic Lahinch course along with Clare’s legendary ability to outdo itself when running an international event, is the perfect recipe.
However some observers in recent weeks have thrown a cold water hazard on the prospect; What about parking? What about accomodation?? WHAT ABOUT BLAKE’S CORNER??? Well, here’s the insider’s update - with some logical reasoning thrown in for good measure. Paul McGinley was in Lahinch on Tuesday with an entourage of European dignitaries. They weren’t here to golf - they were in Clare on serious business. And no, I don’t think they stopped to inspect Blake’s Corner. What would have been brought to their attention, however, would have been the international class golf course which dons a regular spot on the world’s top 100 courses. They also would have noted the motorway network which connects Clare to every corner of the country. Let’s not forget that we have an international airport on our doorstep. Logistically, this is no major leap of faith for someone looking in from the outside. I for one, see myself in the queue for the 19th come July, 2019. Sure, which was the county that it was believed would struggle to host 400,000 people in a week for traditional music’s biggest showcase? Job done, lads. Bring on the next one.
BIG HITTER: McGinley holds considerable sway when it comes to deciding Irish Open venue paulmcginley.com
An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum
Fianna Fáil’s local inactivity in Clare is perplexing
W
ITH Fine Gael and Sinn Féin relatively set in Clare for the next General Election, it’s now the time for the Fianna Fáil faithful in the county to go about selecting their candidates for the upcoming election. Fine Gael are likely to add one of either Mary Howard or Martin Conway to their ticket and as such, it’s expected that Fianna Fáil members will only be selecting two candidates at their convention. Party headquarters may yet add a third, depending on other factors. However, the organisation in Clare would seem far from ready for an election should one be called sooner rather than later. This Friday sees the first Fianna Fáil constituency meeting since an AGM held back in December 2016. As such, this will be the first time the sitting chair, chairs a meeting and the current secretary takes minutes from the members since they took up their respective roles. This does not auger well for a once unstoppable political machine in what was affectionate known as ‘Dev Country’. Outside of the 1917 East Clare by-election commemoration, organised by a separate committee, there has been very little Fianna Fáil action in Clare over the past 15 months. Only the Shannon electoral area has seen regular meetings held in that time. All this has led to considerable disquiet and anger among members in the county. The Ennis Comhairle Ceantair (local electoral area unit of the party) met in Clarecastle recently for the first time in many months at which members were vocal as to the poor state of affairs in Fianna Fáil in Clare. The disquiet was not confined to this meeting, however. At a recent funeral of a prominent party stalwart, many members were openly heard questioning one another outside as to why meetings were not being held and expressed a disbelief that the organisation had degraded
to such an extent locally. Membership is not the reason for a lack of activity. Numbers released by Fianna Fáil HQ show that membership levels in the county have remained steady. Some formerly prominent officers of the party though have refused to pay their annual membership this year in protest at the ongoing inactivity. Friday night’s meeting has been called on foot of party HQ sending out nomination papers to all members in Clare to begin the selection process for the next General Election. If Fianna Fáil are serious about returning to Government and presenting a credible alternative to Fine Gael, then they at least need to win a second seat in places like Clare. The party hierarchy will be impressing on 2016 poll-topper Timmy Dooley on his need to bring in a running mate especially after the party wasted a sizeable poll lead over Fine Gael on first preference votes last time out. This makes the party’s inactivity locally all the more perplexing. t’s widely known that the CDC (constituency organisation) chair, Michael Enright and the TD are close. His election as chairman at the AGM in December 2016 was achieved with the support of many of Dooley loyal delegates. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. Why nothing has happened since then though is a mystery that only the chair, secretary and deputy
I
‘‘
At a funeral of a prominent party stalwart, many members were openly heard questioning one another outside
know the answer to. In most other constituencies, if there have not been meetings held with adequate frequency, the local Oireachtas member or members usually impress upon the CDC executive to call one. This appears not to have happened in Clare over the last 15 months though. This Friday’s meeting is sure to be contentious and will no doubt see much of the frustration of members, who feel like they’re not being listened to, boil over at times. It will also be a first opportunity for the prospective candidates to address members and impress upon them as to why they should be trusted with a place on the Fianna Fáil ticket. ooley will of course go before the membership again and it’s been confirmed that Cllr Cathal Crowe, unsuccessful 2011 candidate Dr John Hillery and CDC secretary Rita McInerney will also be looking for the party nomination. Rumours surrounding Michael ‘Malty’ McDonagh looking for another shot at the Dáil seem to have been just that for the moment but don’t be surprised if he turns his attention to winning a council seat in West Clare in 2019 instead. No matter who wins through on convention day one thing is certainly for sure; if Fianna Fáil are to unseat Dr Michael Harty TD or either of the Fine Gael deputies, whilst also fending off the challenge of an emboldened Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil need to get its own house in order in the Banner county. The previously well-oiled electoral machine in Clare has been allowed get very rusty. It’s in dire need of an adrenaline boost to wake it up from a deep, long slumber and an impending selection convention might be just the thing to do so. If not, the party will have to resign itself to the one seat in Clare for yet another electoral cycle. That’s a costly price the ‘Soldiers of Destiny’, and especially their leader Míchéal Martin TD, cannot afford.
D
26 COMMUNITY
Community
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
CONTACT NEWSDESK
065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie
EAST CLARE
l HOT TICKET: The opening night of last year’s festival in Scariff Photo by Eoin O’Hagan
CLARE DRAMA FESTIVAL CLICKS INTO GEAR
The 71st Clare Drama Festival runs from today, Thursday March 15, to Saturday March 24 in Scariff Community College Hall. From its humble beginnings in 1947, in an age of paraffin lamps, dry batteries and simple sets, Clare Drama Festival has developed into one of the foremost showpieces of the amateur drama movement in Ireland. It is one of the oldest festivals in the country. The only break was 2001 which was the ‘Foot and Mouth’ year. Helped by the Catholic Church who banned dancing during lent but allowed ‘drama’ the fledgling event established itself firmly in the East Clare community. A night at the ‘Drama’ was an acceptable night out during the ‘dark days’ of Lent. While the actors and producers are amateurs, all strive to give performances to rival the professionals. There have been many excellent moments of theatre on the Scariff stage over the decades. The 50s were the glory years in Scariff. Crowds thronged to the Astor Cinema each night, and patrons were regularly turned away. There were a number of local drama groups who were very active and there was intense rivalry between them. Local support was always guaranteed. In 1959 a new play presented by Listowel Drama Group would make theatrical history. That was ‘Sive’ written by John B Keane. Adjudicator Michael O hAodha began his adjudication by stating “I doubt if we have ever seen plays of this nature played with such surging irony and blistering style. The writer has a supreme gift of dialogue”. John B said “Scariff was our finest hour - that’s where Sive took off.” Clare Drama Festival gave the ‘nomination’ to ‘Sive’ enabling Listowel Drama Group to get to Athlone and to win the newly awarded Esso Trophy. The 60s were a difficult time for the Clare Festival as with other festivals. With the advent of television crowds fell away and it was not unusual to have a visiting group playing to a handful of people. The 70s and 80s were also challenging but Clare Drama Festival worked at attracting some of the big drama groups from all over Ireland to perform in Scariff. The status of the Clare Drama Festival and the pride taken in it by its committee was manifest in a note written for the 1974 souvenir programme: “With our spacious stage, modern lighting and experienced stage staff we can now meet the demands of the most exacting group in any type of play.” 1974 saw the emergence of the newly formed Scariff Drama Group with ‘Lovers’ by Brian Friel, which helped ‘enthuse’ local audiences. In 1977 they won the All Ireland Rural Finals in Loughrea with ‘A Man for All Seasons’. In 1979 their production of ‘Equus’ saw 600 people packed into the Astor Cinema with at least 200 more patrons turned away. In 1986 the festival moved home to Scariff Community College Hall where it still resides. The venue has a capacity of 500 and the festival regularly fills it. The elusive and coveted Esso Trophy came to Scariff in 1993 with Scariff Drama Group’s production of ‘Blithe Spirit’. The festival continues to have a loyal following, who are all ‘adjudicators’, from the local community and beyond.
For full details on this year’s festival, go to page 10.
l GOOD CAUSE: (Back) Deirdre Duff (Tulla Parade Committee), Sharon Donnellan (Tulla Scouts 12th Clare), Henry Murphy (Parade Committee). (Middle) Sean Collins, David Duff, Sorcha Murphy & Aideen Slattery. (Front) Murdock Gleeson (Parade Committee), Cathal Culloo, Daniel Humphries, Caitlin Conway and Jim O Sullivan (Parade Committee). Photo by Roger Duff
EAST CLARE TULLA GAA CLUB RACE NIGHT Tulla GAA Club Race Night takes place on Sunday March 18 at 8.30pm in the Powerhouse, Tulla. A great night is guaranteed with spot prizes, complimentary finger food, best dressed male and female. All support greatly appreciated.. TULLA MINDFULNESS COURSE Tulla Camogie and GAA clubs were delighted to host Monica Coady from youth mental health charity Elevate in delivering a six week mindfulness course to our juvenile players (pictured below). Eleven players took part in the .b mindfulness programme which intends to equip participants with skills to enable mindful practice at any given time in the future. These skills can help young people perceive situations positively and to respond wisely to stressful events instead of reacting to them, invaluable skills to have, both on and off the field of play. TULLA ST PATRICK’S DAY FUNDRAISER Some Tulla cub scouts recently organised a fundraiser to raise money for the St Patricks Day Parade in Tulla. They raised €430 which will go towards the cost of insurance
and prizes on the day. The eleven cubs have taken on this challenge as part of their community badge for the chief scout award which they do in their final year in cubs before moving into scouts. They will also be assisting with the clean up of Tulla after the parade.
WEST/NORTH CLARE SPANSIH POINT WORKSHOP Mr Eamon O Cuiv TD will give a workshop to senior History students on the Treaty Negotiations (1921-1922), and on his grandfather Eamon DeValera’s role in same in St Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point on Thursday 15th March at 2:20pm. Further information available from Mary Crawford 0861729781. SPECIAL SCREENING IN LISDOON On Good Friday the 30th of March, a special screening of Martin Dwan’s Revolution in Colour will take place at the Burren Storehouse Lisdoonvarna. This film takes newsreel footage from the opening years of the 20th century to tell the story of the struggle for Independence in Ireland. And it goes one step further by presenting these moments from history in colour. A painstaking process of colourisation was used to bring a fresh perspective to the footage of titans like Michael Collins and Patrick Pearse, and powerful moments of action and scenes of everyday life. The effect is to remove that sense of distance which can be created by older archive footage, making it feel like a mere step away from today. This fascinating documentary of the early decades of the 20th century in Ireland showcases a piece of living history, and demands to be seen on the big screen. Revolution in Colour premieres in Clare at the Burren Storehouse Lisdoonvarna on Good Friday starting at 8pm sharp. Dr. Tomás Mac Conmara will be the guest speaker on the night and will set the context in Clare at this time before the screening. Tickets €5 available on the door. All welcome to attend. “
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
Community
COMMUNITY 27 CONTACT NEWSDESK
065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie
l RUNNING AMUCK: Pictured after capturing the Schools Cross Country Championshops with their super coach Pat Hogan are athletes from St Flannan’s College, Ennis Image courtesy of Maureen Casey
WEST CLARE DOONBEG FOOTBALLERS CLASSIC Doonbeg Football Club launched their Pat Cotter Memorial Golf Classic this week. This year’s classic will take place on the 29th March in Trump International Golf Links and Hotel. This event is open to everybody with a GUI handicap. There will be a 3 course meal and entertainment provided following the golf in Trump International. There is a package deal for people wishing to stay the night in the hotel at a rate of €90 per person sharing. This offers a package of tremendous value to all participants on the day. If you are interested in hearing more details about the event, phone 086 3953637 or 087 9029740, email: pro.doonbeg.clare@gaa.ie or check our Doonbeg Football Club Facebook Page for all details.
ENNIS CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ Irish language conversation groups getting together in Ennis for St Patrick’s weekend will meet this evening (Thursday) in Temple Gate at 8:00PM; Friday in Peckish at 11:00AM; Saturday in Bia agus Caife, also at 11:00AM. The usual session in Zest is deferred this Monday due to renovations. For information on meet-ups contact caintaguscomhra@eircom.net SPRING EQUINOX Happy Out Forest School invites you to mark the Spring Equinox with a short ceremony. Join us among the trees at John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road, Ennis on Monday 19th from 11:00 to 12:00. This is a free event
Pictured at the launch of the Pat Cotter Memorial Golf Classic are Clare and Doonbeg Footballer David Tubridy, Chairman John Smith, Treasurer Michael Neenan and Clare and Doonbeg Footballer Eamon Tubridy.
and all are welcome. Meet in the second small car park on the left for an 11 o’clock start. For further information call Gráinne Vaughan 087 332 3344
SHANNON APPRENTICESHIP EVENING Shannon Chamber is extending its events calendar into local schools by
hosting its first-ever apprenticeship evening in St Patrick’s Comprehensive School in Shannon where six companies will outline the types of apprenticeships available and what students need to do to enrol. The event, which takes place next Wednesday, 14 March, was the brainchild of the teachers in St Patrick’s Comprehensive who felt that many students would prefer to
take this route to employment rather than going straight to College. Once approached with the idea, Shannon Chamber acted swiftly and engaged with local companies to assess their interest in participating. Advance booking for this apprenticeship evening is essential. This can be done via Shannon Chamber’s website www.shannonchamber.ie. This is a free event and open to all.
Property
Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM
EXCEPTIONAL FINISH
5 DROMARD LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CLARE, €305,000 V95 R9Y7
F
5 BED
4 BATH
RONTING onto the main Ennis/Lahinch road just 150m from the Claureen Roundabout in a small cul de sac of just 6 exclusive detached homes, number 5 is an outstanding opportunity to acquire an excellent home finished to an exceptional standard throughout. Inside, each room is bright and well proportioned with the entrance hall giving way to the first of the bedrooms, main reception and kitchen/ dining. Both kitchen/dining and main reception are connected via a formal dining which further extends to the rear sun lounge, making for a superb open plan living environment with all rooms interconnected via double
doors. Also at the ground floor level is a separate utility and WC. To the first floor, the spacious landing gives access to four further bedrooms (three en-suites) and main bathroom. Outside, to the front is ample off street parking with brick paved drive and to the rear, the extensive patio and landscaped gardens make an ideal space. Shaker kitchen, solid fuel stoves, quality timber flooring and tiling are all worth mentioning. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agent. PSL No. 002295 Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director
Popular location 12 BRUACH HABHAINN, ENNIS, CLARE V95 XOY8
L
3 BED
€159,950
3 BATH
OCATED in the ever popular Bruach na hAbhainn development and within walking distance of Ennis Town Centre, this bright and spacious semi-detached family home is presented for sale in impeccable condition throughout. Offering all the conveniences of modern living, this is an ideal first time buyer or investment home in turnkey condition. Boasting three double bedrooms, spacious reception, open plan kitchen/ dining, separate utility and three WCs. Outside, the front provides for ample off street parking, rear paved patio and lawn. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents. PSL No. 002295
STUNNING COTTAGE
FOSSA COTTAGE, CREGGAUN, KNOCKANEAN, ENNIS, CLARE V95 P78P €349,950
Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director
THIS stunning extended cottage is conveniently located in the popular residential suburb of Knockanean, just 3km from Roslevan, 4.5km from Ennis Town Centre and 3km from the M18. Set on a site of 0.5 acres, the property is one of 7 homes on a cul de sac road with mature trees bounding and looking onto vast countryside farm lands. Apart from the 2-foot-thick walls, there is little evidence of a cottage, with the current owner modernizing and extending to create a
4 BED
2 BATH
bright and spacious family home boasting exceptional finishes throughout. Outside, two detached garages provide ample storage with the second garage currently configured with 5 rooms and a bathroom. 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
PROPERTY 29
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
74 O'Connell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare Phone: (065) 684 0200
O’SULLIVAN HURLEY
LAND FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION
87.27 Acres (Folio CE22033) Shanaway Road Ennis, Co. Clare Price: AMV €450,000 at The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare Friday March 23rd 12pm
Located on the Shanaway Road, one of Ennis’ premiere residential areas, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley are delighted to offer for auction, circa 87.27 acres with vehicular access onto the Shanaway Road. The lands slope gradually from road level to the Inch River, Ennis is 2km, Shannon 22km. PSL No. 002295 Solicitor: Paul O’Brien, McMahon O’Brien Tynan, Mill House, Henry Street, Limerick 061-315100 Agent: Cormac O’ Sullivan cormac@dngosullivanhurley.com
Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS
3 is the magic number BMW proves that family-friendly SUVs can still be fun
lCOMFORT: A few minutes behind the wheel of this new BMW X3 goes to show just why everyone’s so keen to join the premium SUV set
ROAD TEST: BMW X3 20D XDRIVE M SPORT
I
KNOW, I know — here comes another mid-size, premium-badged SUV and good grief, aren’t we all sick of these by now? All driven by yummy mummies and rugby dads, piled up on the pavement outside schools and sports grounds all over the country. A blight on the landscape, that’s what they are. However, as the old saying says, try walking in another man’s shoes (because then if you still don’t like him you’re a mile away and you have his shoes). Joking aside, though, a few minutes behind the wheel of this new BMW X3 goes to show just why everyone’s so keen to join the premium SUV set. Well, actually everyone’s keen to join the SUV set because they’ve been suckered in by the marketing (hint; if you think you want an SUV what you actually probably need is an estate) but the new X3 is proof that that needn’t be a bad thing. The X3 itself is a car with something of a chequered history. First introduced in 2004, the original version was ugly, couldn’t be driven on anything rougher than damp grass (and even then it was apt to get stuck) and while it was enjoyable to drive, it was only so on a bowlinggreen-flat road. The second generation car improved on the styling (a bit), and it certainly became a better all-rounder, but the last time I drove one it was fitted with optional sports suspension so stiff and harsh that I seriously considered abandoning it at the roadside and getting a bus the rest of the way home. So I wasn’t exactly filled with anticipation when it came to driving the new X3. However, a closer look at the spec sheet should have given me some hope. The X3 is now based on the same CLAR chassis that, if you get underneath and poke around with a torch, you’ll find under the current 3 Series and 5 Series and those are two of the best-driving cars on Irish roads right now. The styling is also much, much improved — it’s still recognisably an X3, but it draws on both the (really handsome) X5 and the (mostly handsome) X1 for some inspiration, and as a result is arguably the best-looking X3 yet. Inside, whereas the old X3 had a recycled 3 Series cabin, this one draws more on the 5 Series and that’s very good news indeed.
It means you get a sense of build quality so good that we’re almost up to Lexus levels, and praise comes no higher than that. Combine the quality with the excellent iDrive infotainment system (still the best one around), the rather attractive all-digital main dials, and the excellent front seats and suddenly you have a car that’s maybe starting to exceed the dreary school-run brief. Power comes from — brace yourself — a 2.0-litre diesel. Again, I know — diesel is supposed to be a four-letter word these days, but the fact is that (a) BMW hasn’t been caught with its hands in the emissions test cookie jar, and (b) once you’ve sampled what this engine can do you’ll remember why we all went diesel-nuts in the first place.
Fire it up and it’s a touch noisy and gravelly, but that soon improves as things warm up. With 190hp and 400Nm of torque, it’s exceptionally fleet of foot, but manages to combine that with decent 40mpg real-world fuel economy and affordable motor tax. Diesel may be on the naughty step right now, but the X3’s engine shows why we might need to give it a second chance. Better yet, the X3 drives like a BMW should. Yes, the ride is firm, but the bumpthump that blighted previous versions is gone, and while this one doesn’t exactly glide across the tarmac, it’s way better than things used to be. That’s allied to steering that has lovely weight and sharpness, and just enough feedback and feel to give you some genuine confidence when pressing on along a tricky road. Good as the 3 Series and 5 Series are to drive, the X3 matches them blow-for-blow, and does so with a bigger (550-litre) boot. So, yes, you really should be looking at an estate car really, because SUVs are always going to be more expensive, and never quite as practical as they should be. But the X3 proves that you can’t tar an entire species with the same brush. It’s good to drive, good to look at, and good all-round.
FACTS & FIGURES: Model tested: BMW X3 20d xDrive M Sport Pricing: €62,991 as tested; range starts at €59,163 Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel Transmission: eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Body style: five-door, five-seat SUV CO2 emissions: 132g/km (Band B2, €280 per year) Combined economy: 56.5mpg (5.0 litres/100km) Top speed: 213km/h 0-100km/h: 8.0 seconds Power: 190hp at 4,000rpm Torque: 400Nm at 1,7502,500rpm Boot: 550 litres (rear seats up); 1,600 litres (rear seats folded) EuroNCAP rating: Five-stars; 93 per cent adult; 84 per cent child; 70 per cent pedestrian; 58 per cent safety assist
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
MOTORING 31
Motoring News
Toyota starts to phase out diesel power
T
OYOTA has announced that it will being phasing out diesel-engined variants of all of its passenger cars from this year. The announcement came on the eve of the opening of the Geneva motor show, Europe’s most prestigious such event, and will be seen as a shot straight across the bows of European rivals, especially Volkswagen Group and PSA Peugeot Citroen Opel, which are still reliant on diesel variants of core models. The new Auris, due to be revealed in full at the show, will be the cornerstone of the plan, and it follows on from the decision to launch the C-HR crossover with no diesel option in 2016. The new Auris’ engine lineup will be a 1.2-litre D-4T turbo petrol, carried over from the C-HR, the 1.8-litre hybrid borrowed from the Prius, and a new 2.0-litre petrol, which is claimed to be the most thermally-efficient engine in production. This new ‘Dynamic Force’ engine keeps Toyota’s VVTI variable valve timing system, and adds more efficient combustion. Toyota claims thermal efficiency of 40 per cent for the non-hybrid version, and 41 per cent for the hybrid — impressive figures,
both. The standard engine develops 169hp, while the hybrid gets 180hp. In Ireland, Toyota’s diesel-engined sales have fallen to just 20 per cent of its market mix so far this year, and the company expects hybrid sales to increasingly take up that slack as diesel engined models are dropped. Hybrid sales, for Toyota, are running at around 50 per cent of all its cars sold in Ireland. Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland said, “I am proud to be in the driver’s seat of a company that is willing to make the difficult decision to lead the Irish market out of diesel and help deliver cleaner air quality for our future and that of our
children’s’ children. Today’s announcement is reflective of our ‘Built for a Better World’ brand purpose, and is another proof point of how serious we are to delivering alternative, cleaner mobility solutions. Similar to the Irish Government, Toyota too has a vision for a zero emissions society, which we believe can be a reality by 2050. Toyota’s self-charging hybrid electric cars are in electric mode for up to 55 per cent of the time and have the best technology today to help achieve the move to full electrification.” Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten said, “I welcome Toyota’s leadership on this. As a country we have no option but to move towards a zero emissions vehicle society to help protect our environment, improve our health and to ensure the next generation doesn’t suffer from complacency or inaction now. Climate change requires all of us to make changes and Toyota’s initiative will significantly help lead us on our low-carbon journey.” It doesn’t quite mean that Toyota is going diesel-free. The HiLux, Land Cruiser, and Proace models will continue to be sold
with diesel engines, and existing diesel models will remain on sale for the moment. It also puts a question mark over the continued existence of the Avensis saloon, which still sells well in Ireland, but which is in decline elsewhere, and which is heavily reliant on diesel. Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe commented: “Toyota has been pioneering Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) technology for more than 20 years. For several years, HEV versions have been the dominant powertrain where offered. In our latest new model, the Toyota C-HR, HEVs accounted for 78 per cent of sales last year. As part of our electrified vehicle strategy, we are progressively expanding our HEV offering with a second, more powerful 2.0l engine. Starting with the new generation Auris, this expanded HEV lineup is a natural reaction to our passenger car customers’ demands. Toyota’s HEV mix in passenger cars already equalled our diesel mix in 2015. Since then, HEV sales substantially exceed our diesel sales. In commercial vehicles, where personal & business needs remain, we will continue to offer the latest technology diesels.”
May the road rise to meet you Go n-éirí an bóthar leat St. Patrick’s Festival sponsored by the
Renault CROSSOVER RANGE
HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Gort Road, Ennis, Co Clare Tel 065 6821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie
Book a test drive
32 NEWS
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
WHERE TO PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY OF THE CLARE ECHO
WEST CLARE Centra, Kildysart, The Square, Kildysart Declan Casey, Labasheeda Declan Meaney’s Shop, Cree Doohans Foodstore, Main Street, Kildysart Fitzpatrick‘s Costcutter, Kilmihil Hayes Shop, Doonbeg Johnstons Centra, Kilmihil Jones’ SuperValu, Miltown Malbay Keanes Bar & Grocery Shop, Carrigaholt Kelly Bros, Ballynacally Leonard Vaughan, Service Station, Miltown Malbay Mace, O'Connell St, Dough, Kilkee McGrath’s Food Store, Connolly McInerney's Shop, Mountrivers, Doonbeg Morrissey’s Post Office & Shop, Kilmurry McMahon Neylon’s, Texaco, Kilmurry McMahon Nolans Deli, 49 O' Curry Street, Kilkee O’Brien’s Country Store, Kilmaley O’Dwyer’s Shop & Post Office, Quilty Post Office, Carrigaholt Queally's SuperValu, Frances Street, Kilrush Sheedy’s Londis – Top Shop, Darragh T. Powers Shop/Fuel Station, Knockera Talty’s Store, Lissycasey Tesco Supermarket, Ennis Rd, Kilrush The Corner Shop, Henry Street, Kilrush The Irish Shop, O'Curry Street, Kilkee The Leisure Centre, Frances Street, Kilrush Topaz Filling Station, Quilty Vaughan’s Filling Station, Cooraclare Whelan’s Mace Shop, Ennis Road, Kilrush Whelan’s Shop, Main St, Doonbeg
SOUTH EAST CLARE Bonner’s Bar, O’Briensbridge Bourke’s Newsagents & Grocery, Mountshannon Canny’s Bar, Shop & Filling Station, Killanena Centra Clarecastle, Creggaunnahilla, Clarecastle Centra Scarriff, Main Street, The Square, Scarriff Corbett‘s, Main Street, Quin Crowe’s Grocers, Ministers Cross, Sixmilebridge Crowe‘s Supermarket, 1 Clós Na, Quin Daybreak, Crusheen Dunnes Stores, Shannon EUROSPAR, Ennis Rd, Newmarket Gala Clarecastle, Kildysart Rd, Clarecastle Great Gas - Stritch's, Filling Station, Killaloe Iceland, Shannon MACE Shannon, Shannon MACE, Ardnacrusha (Barry’s), Parkroe, Ardnacrusha Maxol Service Station, Clareabbey, Clarecastle McDermott's Xpress Stop, Lakyle, Whitegate Moloney Thos, Fairgreen, Broadford Moloney‘s Store – Day –Today, Gurrane, Feakle Nyland’s Gala Topaz Filling Station, Tuamgraney O'Flynn‘s Centra, Sixmilebridge O'Halloran's, Church Road, Tulla Smith’s’ General Store, Feakle SPAR, Newmarket SuperValu Killaloe – Queally, Convent Hill, Shantraud, Killaloe SuperValu Tulla - Lyons/Donlon's, Main St, Tulla TEXACO Express, Skycourt Shopping Centre, Shannon The Country Store, Main Street, Broadford The Forge General Store, 1 Convent Hill, Shantraud, Killaloe Tim Crowe’s –Gala, The Green, Sixmilebridge Topaz, Tullyvaraga, Shannon Tracy’s Foodstore, Whitegate Ward’s Shop, Patrick St, Clare Commons WH Smith Book Store, Shannon Airport Whelan's Food Store and Newsagent, Church Street, Killaloe
NORTH CLARE ALDI, Ennistymon Centra Corofin, Main Street, Corofin Centra Lahinch, Lahinch Hassett’s Daybreak, Main St, Lahinch Hogan’s Shop, Corofin Howley’s Supermarkets, Main Street, Kilfenora Lakefield Service Station, Ennis Road, Corofin Liscannor Service Station, Liscannor MACE, Church Street, Rathbaun, Lisdoonvarna MACE, Inagh Mooney's Filling Station, Ballyvaughan O’Gorman’s Express Stop, Kilfenora O'Callaghan’s Daybreak, Main Street, Corofin Rynne’s Shop, Inagh Spar, Ballyvaughan Spar, Main St, Ennistymon Spar, The Square, Rathbaun, Lisdoonvarna SuperValu - Fitzpatrick's, Ennistymon ENNIS Applegreen, Limerick Road Coots Xpress Stop Shop, Kilrush Road, Ennis Costcutter/Tierneys, Knockanoura, Ennis Donnellan’s Centra, Loughville, Ennis Dunnes Stores, Ennis Town Centre Eason, 2 Bank Pl, Clonroad Beg, Ennis Elmo Spar, Limerick Road, Ennis Fitzpatrick’s (O'Brien’s), Knockanoura, Tulla Road, Ennis Heaslip’s, 34 O'Connell Street, Ennis Hogan‘s, Exl Shop, Gort Road, Ennis Hogan’s Foodstore, Inver Service Station, Gort Road, Ennis Hogan’s Mace, Lahinch Road, Ennis Kelly's Corner Shop, Lifford, Ennis Liddy’s Costcutter , Roslevan Shopping Centre, Ennis Liddy’s Costcutter, Mill Rd, Cloughleigh, Ennis Lynch's Centra, Gort Road, Lifford MACE (O’Sullivan & Hansbury), Kilrush Rd, Cahircalla Beg, Ennis Mary Kelly, Hallmark, 28 O'Connell Street, Ennis Moloney's Shop, O'Connell Street, Ennis O'Brien’s Gala, Drumbiggle, Ennis O'Brien’s Shop, Clancy Park, Ennis O'Connor’s Newsagent, 19 Lower Market St, Ennis O'Dowd's Convenient Store, 68 Turnpike Rd, Clonroad Beg, Ennis O'Keefe's Inver Service Station, Tulla Road, Ennis Paper Chase, 4 Ennis Town Centre, Ennis RE Store, Limerick Road, Ennis Rory Kenny, Showgrounds, Ennis Ryan’s Centra Ennis, Clonroadmore, Ennis Spar, Lifford Tesco Superstore, Francis Street, Ennis The Abbey News Agency, Abbey St, Lifford Western Service Station – Daybreak, Quinn Road, Ennis GORT Coughlin's Centra, George’s Street, Gort Minihan's SuperValu, Church Street, Gort News & Views, Bridge street, Gort P.J. Hawkins, George’s Street, Gort Spar, Cloone, Gort
Clare camogie roudup page 34
Hurlers set to face Limerick page 35
Sport l CRUNCH MATCH: Sean O’Donoghue being closely watched by Conor Devaney during Photo by Martin Connolly Clare’s home defeat at the hands of Roscommon
Clare’s fate still in their hands
Footballers need to bounce back from Roscommon defeat, with key fixture this weekend in Cork likely to decide whether they can hang onto Division 2 status
C
LARE’S upcoming St Patrick’s Day fixture has taken on added significance after they were accounted for by Roscommon last weekend at Cusack Park. Colm Collins and his team travel to Pairc Uí Rinn this Saturday to take on the Rebels at 7pm in what will be a decisive fixture - especially if other Division 2 fixtures go against the Banner men. Dispite going down to Roscommon on a scoreline of 2-19 to 2-12, Clare’s fate still rests in their own hands and earlier draws in this campaign against Tipperary - and particularly the high-flying Cavan - are beginning to look like very valuable points.
Discipline again came to haunt the Clare men as Ciaran Russell was sent off for the second time in the campaign, having earlier received his marching orders in the brilliant away win against Down, which was played in the Ulster venue. Much like last year’s league campaign, this one looks like it will go down to the wire - however assuming Clare take a final day victory against Louth on March 25, it’s the outcome of the Cork game which will seal their destiny and set the mood heading into the Championship. Clare will have to summon great energy to be in with a shot as limited travelling support is expected if last week’s game is
an indicator, when a meagre 1,643 people turned up to get behind the Claremen on their own doorstep. Cork, for their part, have been fairly consistent this league campaign with three victories and six points to their name however they will want to get something out of this weekend’s game to assure their safety and to get one over on Clare, who have begun to get the measure over the Rebels in recent years.
Clare V Cork Pairc Uí Rinn, Saturday, 7pm,
l SUPPORT: Aidan and Adam Downes attend Photo by Martin Connolly the game in Ennis
34 SPORT
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
Girls defeat Tipperary to retain shield Clare 3-8 Tipperary 0-11
C
U16A Munster Championship Shiled Final @ LIT
LARE U16A panel retained the Munster U16 Shield with a six point victory over Tipperary in LIT, the Clare goals coming at crucial points in the game to nullify any Tipp comeback. Tipperary were first on the scoreboard, when Leah Heffernan pointed from play, Ciara Dwan and Eimear Heffernan both having been involved in the build-up. Becky Foley responded in kind to get Clare on the scoreboard just a minute later. Eimear Heffernan converted a free to edge the Tipp girls ahead and again Clare responded with a like score from Foley. Tipp’s next effort drifted wide of the post, and it was Dervla Heffernan who won the battle in the middle for Shauna Doyles puckout, when she forward to the corner with Roseanna Kiely gathering and slotting between the posts. Clare won the next midfield battle, with Foley going high and sending play down field to Lorna McNamara in the corner. Tipps Ellen Gantley won back possession but McNamara stood her ground and resulting in Gantley conceding a ’45 which Foley converted to level the sides. Again Tipp proved stronger in midfield and drove forward however Eilis Cahill dealt with the threat well and cleared from danger. Kiely followed up with a brace of points to have
Tipp ahead by two points with twenty minutes on the clock. Caoimhe Kelly converted Clare’s next chance from placed ball, before tipp again moved forward only to be denied again by Cahill who was proving to be very strong in the Clare full back position. Aoibhin Ryan was well set up by Lorna McNamara to send her shot between the posts levelling the sides for the fourth time. Kelly set up the next Clare attack when she sent play forward from the middle to Lorna McNamara, with the young Killanena player being fouled as she drove forwards to goal. Foley stood over the free to the right of a Tipp goal that was lined by the Tipp goalie and the six backs. Displaying an intuition beyond her years, Foley struck her shot over their heads and under the crossbar to put Clare ahead for the first time. Tipp went on the attack immediately, Hennessy sending play into the Clare danger area only for Cahill to collect and play out to Zi Yan Spillane who cleared back down the field. Tipp had one last attack which was wide leaving the half time score Clare 1-5 Tipperary 0-5. Jennifer Daly added a point for the Banner girls at the restart, swiftly followed by two quick points in succession from Quirke and Eimear Heffernan. Tipps next attack saw Leah
l ON THE RUN: Sarah Hall comes away with possession closely followed by Ciara Dwan
Heffernan feed forward to Quirke whose strike was blocked by Cahill. Daly added from play for Clare to keep a goal between the sides. With ten minutes played in ethe second half Quirke sent a free forward and Eva O’Dwyer gathered to send over the bar. Hennessy converted a free to make it a one point game. With Ryan being dispossessed by a crowded Tipp defence the Inagh Kilnamona player sent a ground shot to the oncoming Foley who connected perfectly to send the sliothar to the back of the Tipp net. Clare were now in the driving seat and drove forward at every chance, the deployment of a sweeper by the Tipp management did little to
Credit: Caroline O’Keefe
stop the Clare attack. With time almost up, Clare were fouled in possession as they drove forward, Kelly sent her free to Foley who in turn played forward to the corner with Ailise Roche turning to crash her shot to the back of the net for the last score of the game, to see Clare take the win Clare 3-8 Tipperary 0-11. Clare: Shauna Doyle, Bodyke; Sarah Hall Parteen, Eilish Cahill Kilmaley, Tierna Hegarty Inagh Kilnamona; Zi Yan Spillane Killanena-Capt, Caoimhe Kelly Kilkishen 0-1, Claire McNamara Killanena; Hannah Shannon Inagh Kilnamona, Sarah ni Cheallaigh Kilmaley; Becky Foley Truagh Clonlara 2-4, Aoibhin Ryan Inagh Kilnamona 0-1, Jennifer Daly Scariff Ogonnelloe 0-2; Leah Talty The Banner, Ailise Roche Sixmilebridge 1-0, Lorna McNamara Killanena. Subs: Derinn Finnerrty The Banner for ni Cheallaigh, Muireann Daffy Inagh Kilnamona for Talty
Clare ladies power to win over Tyrone Clare 0-10 Tipperary 0-8
Littlewood’s Ireland Camogie League @ Mid Ulster Sports Arena
Mid Ulster Sports arena was the venue for the Clare Premier Junior teams game as they played the host County Tyrone in Round 2 of the Littlewoods league Division 3. On an overcast but dry afternoon Clare were first off the mark when Niamh Mulqueen won possession in mid field, found Sinead Power where the Inagh Kilnamona duly fired over a fine point on the 5th minute. Immediately from the puck out Clare were on the attack again when Orlaith Cotter delivered a pin point ball to Aisling McMahon who quickly released to Alisha Malone to slot Clare’s second. Tyrone stared to press into the game after that score with the return of the Eglish players coming to the fore, Niamh McNulty scoring their first score from a 21metre free. Orlaith Cotter was proving to be a pivotal player for the Clare defence, thwarting the Tyrone attack. St. Josephs Aisling McMahon took Clare’s score to three points with
an opportunistic point but Tyrone replied with Aileen Fox setting up Eglish’s Cathy Jordon to put only a point between the teams. A foul on Aisling Cahill by Tyrones centre back gave Aisling McMahon her second point and Clare’s fourth of the match. The home team then began to dominate getting the next two scores from placed balls. Clare then introduced Corofin’s Louise Browne to mid field who with Niamh Mulqueen drove Clare forward, where Whitegates Niamh Quirke was proving a handful winning a free. McMahon converted leaving the half time score Clare 0-5 Tyrone 0-4 with Edel McNamara making a vital save just before the half time interval. On the resumption of the second half Clare moved three points clear when McMahon again put over two frees. But to Tyrones credit they continued to threaten with their running style of play resulting in two converted frees
bringing the margin back to a one point game. Orlaith Cotter was giving a master class display in defence ably assisted by Rebecca Cahill and Orla Moloney. The game’s best score came when Jane Fitzgerald brought the ball out of defence passing the ball to Broadford’s Mulqueen, who found Power on the 21 with her back to goal shot a vital point over her shoulder. This score soured the Banner girls on to get a further two points. The last two points of the game came from Tyrone’s Niamh McNulty. Best for Clare were Orlaith Cotter, Jane Fitzgerald, Louise Brown, Aine Dinan and Aisling Cahill. Clare scorers: A. McMahon 0.7 (6F), S. Power 0.2, A. Malone 0.1. Clare: Edel McNamara, Orla Moloney, Rebecca Cahill, Orlaith Cotter, Jane Fitzgerald, Aine Dinan, Amy Solon, María Redmond, Niamh Mulqueen, Sinead Power, Aisling Cahill, Aisling McMahon, Aoife Shannon, Niamh Quirke, Alisha Malone, Louise Brown, Siobhain Lane, Corina McMahon, Louise McDonnald, Rachel Minogue.
35 SPORT
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
Clare face Limerick in knockouts after disappointing loss National Hurling League Division 1A Round 5 Waterford 1-23 Clare 1-20 in Walsh Park
Hurling
JAMES MULVIHILL
C
LARE had already qualified for the League quarter-finals, but they clearly wanted to return to winning ways after their loss to Wexford. However, they failed to match the hunger shown by Waterford. Patrick Curran was outstanding scoring 1-13 including nine frees. Waterford will take on Cork in Pairc Ui Chaoimh this weekend in a Relegation play-off knowing that a victory will maintain their top-flight status for 2019. Clare travelled to Walsh Park looking to build momentum heading into the business end of this campaign. Gerry O’Connor and Donal Moloney have started a similar backbone of players throughout this campaign, in what’s most likely a chance for players to familiarise themselves with one another. Clare will now face their Shannonside neighbours Limerick in a quarter-final tie this weekend. The Treaty men secured promoRESULTS BANNER SPRING LEAGUE 2018 SUNDAY 11th MARCH 2018
Horses, 80cms - # C. Liddy’s Salute To Captain (Eliza Liddy); S. Grifins’s Loughville Rolo (Siobhan Griffin). Horses’ 90cms - # C. Liddy’s Salute to Captain (Eliza Liddy). Horses, 1m - # P. McNamara’s Rosie (Patrick McNamara). Horses, 1.10m - # M. McNamara’s Simply Casanova (Chloe McNamara); S. O’Donnell’s Lassban Safirah (Stephanie O’Donnell). Ponies, 128 U8s - # A. Barry’s Rough Rebel (Andrea Barry); E. Tighe’s Pringle Kilmally (Mollie Russell); C. Hannon’s Askamore Lass (Emily-Kate Hannon); E. Dore’s Cill Chan Kenny (Jack Dore). 128cms U10s - # E. Barry’s Mabaroan Splash Mountain (Tomás Barry); A. Hynes’ Gleninagh Bingo (Annie Hynes). 128cms (70cms) - # M. O’Callaghan’s CS Amigo (Kris O’Callaghan); Anne Barry’s Rough Rebel (Andrea Barry); S. Barry’s Lone Ranger (Aoibhinn Barry); K. Kerin’s
tion to Division 1A for the first time since 2010 after coming from eight points down at half-time to beat reigning All-Ireland champions Galway in Pearse Stadium. It was tight in the opening exchanges at Walksh Park. The Banner men scored the opening point of this contest thanks to a placed ball from Peter Duggan. Waterford hit back with a well taken point by Kieran Bennett before Duggan and Patrick Curran exchanged frees to level matters once again. Clare scored the next three points through David Reidy, Cathal Malone and Ian Galvin. Patrick Curran (free) and Conor Gleeson responded for the Deise men to leave the score at 0-05 to 0-04 after 13 minutes. Tony Kelly and Shane O’Donnell added points for Clare to extend the lead to three points. However, Waterford hit back through Stephen Bennett before the Banner men scored the opening goal of this contest thanks to a great pass by Ian Galvin who found Conor McGrath in space and the Cratloe man made no mistake in firing the ball past Ian O’Regan. Seadna Morey extended the lead to six points with a well taken score from an acute angle.
Langans Misty (Sophie Mae Kerin); T. Moloney’s Crossderry Speedy (Tommy Moloney); E. Dore’s Carra Queeny (Kian Dore). 128cms (80cms) E. Tighes Pringle Kilmally (Mollie Russell); A. Clancy’s Ziggy’s Quest (Amy Clancy); T. Moloney’s Crossderry Speedy (Tommy Moloney); M. McNamara’s Tyrrellspass Vicount (Daisy McNamara); E. Barry’s Mabaroan Splash Mountain (Tomás Barry). 128cms (90cms) - # 1. E. Barry’s Mabaroan Splash Mountain (Bláthín Barry); 2. D. Barrett’s Stonehavens Rio (Kian Dore); 3. E. Dore’s Dromore Hill Dolly (Kian Dore). 128cms (1m) - # 1. E. Dore’s Dromore Hill Dolly (Kian Dore); 2. D. Barrett’s Stonehavens Rio (Kian Dore). 138cms (80cms) - # T.J. Carey’s Urlanmore Wallace (Gavin Carey); M. Egan’s Amirrillo (Kate Egan); B. O’Sullivan’s Conor Mara (Sarah O’Sullivan). 138cms (90cms) - # T.J. Carey’s Urlanmore Wallace (Gavin Carey); M. Egan’s Amirrillo (Kate Egan); E. Barry’s Paloma (Eilisha Barry); S. McNulty’s Clonakilla Princess (Ava McNulty).
Tensions threatened to boil over when Austin Gleeson made a late tackle on Patrick O’Connor. The former Hurler of the year picked up a yellow card and both teams got on with the game. The incident ignited Waterford’s challenge as they went on a scoring spree landing seven points in a nine-minute period. The impressive Patrick Curran (five), Michael Kearney and Kevin Moran edged the Deise men in front for the first time in this contest. David Reidy responded for Clare, however Waterford struck a decisive blow before half-time when Patrick Curran brought his tally to 1-07 as he whipped the ball past Donal Tuohy after Stephen Bennett’s initial shot was hooked by Conor Cleary. Ian Galvin and Austin Gleeson shared the final two points of the half to leave the score at the interval 1-13 to 1-10. Clare started the second half with more intent scoring the opening three points through Tony Kelly (two) and Peter Duggan (free). Waterford were awarded another free which was once again converted by Patrick Curran before Michael Kearney scored his second point of the game to extend the lead to
two points. A brace of points through Peter Duggan and one each from John Conlon and Conor McGrath had Clare well in the game at 1-18 to 1-17 after fifty-five minutes. However Clare’s discipline didn’t improve as Patrick Curran landed another three frees to extend the lead to four points. Clare to their credit didn’t give up and David Reidy scored his third point of this contest before John Conlon closed the gap to two points with a well taken score, however scores by Michael Kearney and Patrick Curran (free) kept the Banner men at bay. Clare were awarded a late free and needed a goal to snatch a draw, however Peter Duggan’s low shot was bril-
liantly saved by Ian O’Regan which proved to be the final play of a gripping contest.
138cms (1m) - # 1. M. O’Callaghan’s Thorndonpark Archer (Ronan O’Callaghan); 2. M. McNamara’s Lachain’s Duchess (Daisy McNamara). 138cms (1.10m) - # 1. M. O’Callaghan’s Thorndonpark Archer (Ronan O’Callaghan). 148cms (80cm) - # K. Carr’s Pass The Star (Leah Carr). 148cms (90cm) - # P. Bolton’s Granite Storm (Kate Bolton). 148cms (1m) - # P. Mahony’s Ti Chip Boy (Roisin Mahony); P. Mahoney’s Wandering Celt (Roisín Mahony); L. Gallagher’s Rosnakil High And Mighty (John Gallagher); L. Coote’s Dara Jane (Robbie Coote); N. Hayes’ Prince Classic (Siobhan Davern Hayes). 148cms (1.10m) - # 1. J. Hegarty’s Parkroe Dundee (Robyn Moran); 2. L. Coote’s Little Miss Burberry (Robbie Coote); 3. J. Gleeson’s Parkview Girl (Alan Gleeson); 4. P. Mahony’s Wandering Celt (Roisin Mahony); 5. A. O’Callaghan’s Glenford Melody (Robyn Moran); 6. P. Mahony’s Ti Chip Boy (Roisin Mahony).
148cms (1.20m) - # 1. J. Hegarty’s Parkroe Dundee (Robyn Moran); 2. L. Coote’s Little Miss Burberry (Robbie Coote); 3. B. Moran’s Joe Schoch (Robyn Moran). Sportsman Tiny Tots - # divided between S. Barry’s Sunny’s Dream (Saoirse Barry); C. Hannon’s Sassy (Hazel Hannon); A. Hynes’ Star (Suzie Hynes); S. Barry’s Nick Nack (Ella-Mae Talty); T. Moloney’s Tara (Tadgh Moloney). Sportsman 40/50cms - # divided between S. Barry’s Maximus (Isabelle Mangan); S. Barry’s Clovers Glory (Michael Barry); S. Barry’s Blacky (Karolina Linnane); S. Barry’s Bobby (Róisín Barry); S. Barry’s Sparkles (Saoirse Forde); M. Carroll’s Sunset Moon (Ellie May Carroll); S. Barry’s Mighty Max (Paul English); S. Barry’s Maxi (Amber Killeen O’Brien); S. Barry’s Black Magic (Ava Hurley); S. Barry’s Mr. N&N (Abbie Minogue); S. Barry’s Heidi (Holly Rynne); S. Barry’s Bear (Eve Rynne); S. Barry’s Ponyta (Leevi Barry); S. Barry’s Nic Nak (Maxine De Dapper). Sportsman 60cms - # 1. E. Tighe’s Prince (Daniel Russell); 2. T. Moloney’s Tara
(Jack Moloney); 3. S. Barry’s Deano (Dean Meaney); 4. S. Barry’s Spirit (Elise Coppinger); 5. S. Barry’s Mighty Max (Paul English); 6. S. Barry’s Cookey (Mya O’Neill); 7. S. Barry’s Mighty M (Sophie Minogue); 8. S. Barry’s Lone Ranger (Aoibhinn Barry); 9. S. Barry’s Casper (Meave Barry). Sportsman 70cms - # 1. T.J. Carey’s Urlanmore Wallace (Gavin Carey); 2. S. Barry’s Dreamer (Angelina Murray); 3. A. Wood’s Saffai (Aimee Wood); 4. S. Barry’s Joey’s Jingles (Joey Lyons); 5. S. Barry’s Lismorris Star (Diarmuid McGuane); 6. E. Haren’s Dubh Black (Emily Haren); 7. S. Barry’s Clover Moon (Niamh Lavender-Duncan); 8. E. Tighes Prince (Daniel Russell); 9. A. Wood’s Trigger (Aimee Wood); 10. G. Barry’s Copper Q (Tómas Barry). Sportsman 80/90cms - # 1. A. Clancy’s Ziggy (Amy Clancy); 2. S. McNulty’s Griffins Magic (Ava McNulty); 3. S. Barry’s Maverick (Amy Collins); 4. S. Barry’s Bawn (Bobby Bane); 5. S. Laverty’s Glenvar Beauty (Abbey Cahir).
l TOP SCORER: Peter Duggan was Clare’s most prolific scorer with five points, four of which came from placed ball Credit: Martin Connolly
Waterford: Ian O’Regan; Shane Fives, Barry Coughlan, Ian Kenny; Tadgh De Burca, Austin Gleeson (0-1), Kieran Bennett (0-1); Mark O’Brien, Conor Gleeson (0-1); Kevin Moran (01), Stephen Bennett (0-2), DJ Foran; Michael Walsh, Michael Kearney (0-4), Patrick Curran (1-13,9fs). Subs: Tommy Ryan for Walsh (50 mins), Tom Devine for Foran (50 mins), Conor Prunty for O’Brien (53 mins), M Shanahan for Moran (60 mins), Philip Mahony for S. Bennett (70 mins). Clare: Donal Tuohy; Patrick O’Connor, Conor Cleary, Jack Browne; Seadna Morey (01), David McInerney, David Fitzgerald; Cathal Malone (0-1), Tony Kelly (0-4); Ian Galvin (02), John Conlon (0-2), David Reidy (0-3); Conor McGrath (1-1), Peter Duggan (0-5,4fs), Shane O’Donnell (0-1). Subs: Michael O’Malley for Morey (51 mins), Jamie Shanahan for O’Connor (60 mins), Cathal McInerney for Malone (67 mins), Ryan Taylor for Galvin (68), Eoin Quirke for Browne (70). Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick).
36 CLASSIFIEDS
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
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THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
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38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
Your Horoscopes March 15 THINGS and people are moving slowly, you included, and it’s not the pace you’re most comfortable with. You’d really prefer to step on the gas and zoom on down the road. Before that can happen, though, there’s some weird energy you’d be wise to take a look at -- and try to convert to positive fuel. Think of it as a renewable resource that’s available for your use if you can just change it up a bit.
Taurus
Gemini
IF your partner seems a bit out of sorts, don’t get angry. Remember that everyone is just as tired as you are after all the festivities -- give them a break and take a day off. The amount of socializing you’ve had to do of late has taken its toll, and staying home with your honey or a close friend may sound like the perfect plan.
IF you’re focused on having some more fun, who are the stars to stand in your way? If anyone has the energy to keep going (and going, and going), it’s got to be you. You can always sleep later, right? Well, just don’t go too full bore. There’s more fun to be had right around the corner, and it’d be a pity to end up with the sniffles because you haven’t gotten enough rest or been eating right.
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
THE time you’ve spent tending to family matters recently has probably been satisfying and maybe even fun, but it’s definitely taken it out of you, too. Even when things go relatively well, there’s an emotional component you just don’t get with friends or at work that can be a bit exhausting. It’s probably left you even more sensitive than usual, with your emotional nerve endings a little frayed. Take some time for personal renewal, doing whatever recharges you best.
IF someone’s giving you a strange vibe right now, you don’t have to let it get to you. It might be a good idea, though, to look beneath the surface to see why this might be the case. It’s possible that it actually has nothing to do with you -- yes, really, even though you are the center of the universe, it is possible. One way to get to the bottom of this might be to just ask them what’s up in a non-confrontational manner.
THE goal you’ve got in mind at the moment may be a worthy one, but is it altogether realistic? While you’re mulling that over, there are probably some more pressing day-to-day matters demanding your attention, and this will just interrupt whatever progress you might be making. Whatever you do, keep communicating -- you’re good at it at the moment, and as long as you’re talking and listening, your thought processes will keep moving forward.
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces
N
I
ed
U
B
21
)
O
R
B
P
A
17
M
18
L
D
T
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14 Taking it easy, wound again (7) 15 Jewish teacher has time for pet (6) 16 Rise while cold and then stop (6) 18 Trim dried fruit (5) 20 A couple rise to follow good cheese (5)
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CROSSWORD ANSWERS
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river (5) 22 An Ottoman governor raised some eyebrows (3)
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2 Allow nettle to grow wild around island (7) 3 Stray in the summer rain (3) 4 Getting thumped, a graduate took off (6) 5 Family gathering is not real (9) 6 In a tree start to sing a song (5) 7 Enriched sand processed to make porcelain (7,5) 8 Havana has rug designed for jazz singer (5,7) 12 Prisoner is useful and is not wasteful (9) 16 Information about catalogue
14 Taking it easy, wound again (7) ars 15 Jewish teacher has time for pet (6) e 16 Rise while cold and then stop (6) ls 18 Trim dried fruit (5) 20 A couple rise to follow good cheese (5)
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cult - just n ideal
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showing sparkle (7) 17 Morning exam is quite unethical (6) 19 Plant poles in Scottish
6) )
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(5) 23 Any nuts? No! (3) 24 Girl in front of garage coming forth (8)
of
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1 Don’t forget about one who’s in the club (8) 6 Stuff initially plain as day (3) 9 Moving wine? Right! (5) 10 Rescue brute that’s left inside (7) 11 Recital represented in magazine feature (7) 13 Faint-hearted chap marginally improved (5) 14 Capital city in which girl meets another coming back (6) 15 No drink brought back for monster (6) 18 Family member doesn’t start to let loose (5) 20 She aims to orchestrate Handel’s work (7) 21 Linger round an old royal house (7) 22 Outlaw getting around to stick
) 5)
2
ACROSS
ive
The Clare Echo Crossword
SET your own priorities now, and stick to them. Someone may be making demands on your time -- whether at work, or socially, or at home -- that you just don’t have the resources, or the patience, or the desire for at the moment. The temptation to just say yes and figure out how to fit it all in may be strong, but don’t be afraid to make a few waves. Being wishy-washy won’t get you where you want to be.
l
YOU’RE ready to tell it like it is, but is your audience ready to hear the real deal? It’s certainly not an unfamiliar crossroads for you to find yourself at, and it’s highly unlikely that you’ll hold back this time. While your straightforwardness makes you a valuable asset, it may not make you incredibly popular right now. If you’re concerned about keeping your fan base, engage your tolerant side before you decide what you’re going to say.
ent
JUST because you’re extra skilled at making extra-excellent decisions at the moment doesn’t mean you should be saddled with every decision there is to be made. Luckily, you’re also good at organizing groups and letting them handle things on their own with just a wee bit of direction. Don’t bite off more than you can possibly chew, and don’t be afraid to delegate, whether it’s in a work situation or a personal one.
THE vibes other people are giving off may affect you to an unusual degree now, so if someone’s emanating crummy energy, give them a wide berth. Your internal state and the bigger picture are closely connected at the moment, so it’s important that you’re in a positive, supportive environment. As for those with the negativity going, well, you can always check back in with them a little bit later -- maybe next year.
(7)
YOU’RE on top of the world, but someone close to you may be less so. Rather than trying to jolly them up, which may just annoy them, convey your concern, empathy, and willingness to help, then leave them alone. This way you can preserve and enjoy your own good mood -- which, by the way, can be very, very good -- and all the positive opportunities it’s bringing your way.
YOU may be tempted to be stingy now -- whether at work or with your own hard-earned dollars -- but nobody likes a cheapskate. There’s a balance that can be struck here between your own self-interest (that is, protecting your bank account or your budget) and being generous to a fault. You’re the expert in finding balance, so look for the alternative that allows everyone in the situation to feel valued.
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QUIZ 39
THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
The Clare Echo Quiz
DO YOU REALLY KNOW COUNTY CLARE 3 1 4 2 5 6 7 8
l BEAUTIFUL: Where in County Clare is the townland Mountrivers?
9 lVILLAGE: Question 10. Name this place?
10
6. Kilkee 7. Whitegate 8. Newmarket-on-Fergus 9. Clooney 10. Broadford
Mutton Island is located near which County Clare village? Quilty, Ballyvaughan, Kilkee The Russell Gallery is in which County Clare village? Sixmilebridge, New Quay, Feakle. Doonagore castle is located near which County Clare village? Kilbaha, Doolin, Tulla The Pollock holes are situated in which County Clare resort? Lahinch, Kilkee, Liscannor. The “Half Barrel” public house is situated in which County Clare village? Kilbaha, Whitegate, Fanore. Where in County Clare is Fenloe Lake? Ruan, Tubber, Newmarket on Fergus Near which County Clare village would you find Hell River? Kilshanny, Clooney, Kilbaha Name this County Clare village (pic left)? Carrigaholt, Quin, Broadford
ANSWERS
OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE
Bridget Wylde tends to her shop on Market Street, Ennis, 1954. By US photographer Dorothea Lange
1. Barefield 2. Doonbeg 3. Quilty 4. New Quay 5. Doolin
Near which County Clare village is Kilraghtis cemetery? Doonbeg, Barefield, Kilkee Where in County Clare is the townland Mountrivers? Liscannor, Cratloe, Doonbeg
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THURSDAY, MAR 15 2018
