The Clare Echo 20/09

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20 Sep 2018

LIT plans expansion in Clare STUART HOLLY

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editor@clareecho.ie

lUP FUR THE MATCH: Marguerite Nolan from Cree brought her Bichon Frise to

Kilrush on Sunday to bark on Cooraclare in Round 3 of the Clare Senior Football Championship

Photo by Martin Connolly

IT’s plans to expand its presence in Ennis and develop an engineering focused campus in Coonagh is good news for Education and Industry in Clare.

Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market & Data Protection Pat Breen has described the Government’s €11.9 billion investment in education under Project Ireland 2040 as an investment in the future of Ireland, the Mid West and County Clare.

The Clare Minister of State said the knock on effect of such investment will allow higher education institutes expand beyond their current reach and welcomed Limerick Institute of Technology’s plans to meet demand for higher education in Ennis by expanding its footprint in the county town.

In a statement sent to The Clare Echo, Minister Breen said, “The allocation of

l Artist impression of Coonagh campus

€11.6 million to Limerick Institute of Technology for the fit out of its new engineering focused Coonagh campus will provide the skill set necessary to further proof and grow industry in the Shannon region,” he said.

“In Ennis, LIT’s outreach programmes, including its two CAO courses in Early Child Care and Social Care is at capacity, and the third level institute is in talks with the local authority about expanding its footprint in Ennis to meet the growing demand for further higher education in the county town.”

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

Index 5

ARMADA TABLE

SAVE RURAL CLARE 10-11 ENTERTAINMENT

16-17

COMMUNITY

18-19

BUSINESS

22-23

MOTORING

24-27

STYCAMORE DRIVE

30

GOLF CLASSIC

34

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

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

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

l RIBBON CEREMONY: Titan Solutions, a Shannon-based company supported by Local Enterprise Office Clare, has entered into a new strategic partnership with AVTECH Software, which has resulted in the American computer hardware and software developer and manufacturer, opening a new global distribution facility in Shannon. Pictured at the announcement is Erin Perkins and Richard Phelan, Titan Solutions, Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise, LEO Clare, Richard Grundy, President, AvTech Software Inc., Anne Sigourney, CFO, AvTech Software Inc., Paul Collins, MD, Titan Solutions, Katherine Therieau, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, Michael Sigourney, CEO, AvTech Software Inc., Helen Downes, Chief Executive, Shannon Chamber, Liam Conneally, Director of Economic Development, Clare County Council

Four years for Blake’s Corner PÁRAIC McMAHON

editor@clareecho.ie

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LARE County Council aim to complete a “detailed design” of the project in early 2019, subject to approval from Transport Infrastructure Ireland. They hope to put works to tender later that year to be awarded in the summer of 2020. The construction phase is expected to last up to 18 months.

Current works ongoing at the traffic blackspot include; the procurement and carrying out of baseline surveys, engagement with affected landowners plus the acquiring of consultants for CPO. Later this year, CPO drawings and schedules will be completed; this will be followed by submission to the TII and later An Bord Pleanála.

“Please be assured that where time can be shortened and made up, we will make every effort to do so in order to deliver this much needed infrastructure at the earliest juncture for the people of Ennistymon and the wider communities who live or visit the area of North Clare. Additionally, further consideration will be given to any measure that might improve traffic flow in the area”, Director of Physical Development, Carmel Kirby told elected representatives.

West Clare councillors, Gabriel Keating, Richard Nagle and Bill Slattery sought a progress report and a timeline for the pro-

vision of the bridge crossing at Blake’s Corner at the September meeting of the local authority. The trio were frustrated by “the serious gridlock that it is causing for the people of our county and the many thousands of visitors that visit”.

Cllr Bill Slattery said “I’m disappointed it’s going to take four years”. He criticised the Council for failing to meet affected landowners, adding “nobody has called to any of these”.

According to Cllr Richard Nagle, “there have been four accidents at Blake’s Corner over the past few weeks and we’re not in the busy part of the season”. He questioned the length of time involved with the project; “The timeframe seems exceptionally long, people are sceptical that this timeframe will be adhered to. Why it is now going to take a further four years to have the bridge operational”.

Both Slattery and Nagle queried why the Council would be going back to An Bord Pleanála. Carmel Kirby told them that this must happen as part of the CPO process.

Regarding Cllr Slattery’s comments on the landowners, she stated “Engagement with landowners is critical, we have written to affected landowners”. She continued, “We have had robust conversation with consultants being appointed and will ensure this is delivered by end of 2021. We really do hope to stick to that”.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

Clare gives vote to Casey PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

E

LECTED members of Clare County Council have voted for Peter Casey’s name to appear on the ballot paper for the Presidential election.

At the September meeting of the local authority on Monday, seven councillors voted to put forward the businessman to contest the Presidential election.

Independent councillor Ann Norton proposed the nomination Mr Casey and she was seconded by fellow Independent Gerry Flynn. “I think it is fair that each candidate is given the opportunity and I would like to see Clare County Council nominate Peter Casey”, she outlined.

Cllr Flynn explained “I’m trying to facilitate the democratic process. The public will have options to select their own choice, councillors are constantly having their hours taken off, here we have an opportunity and a function and any power that I’ve left I’ll exercise it”.

Eighteen elected representatives of the local authority abstained from voting, these included all eight Fine Gael councillors, seven Fianna Fáil members, two Independents and Sinn Féin’s sole councillor Mike McKee. Nine Presidential nominees who contacted Clare County Council were invited to address the Council Chamber earlier this month. However four of these, Gavin Duffy, John Groake, Marie Goretti Moylan and Candidate X did not attend on the day of pitches.

Clare councillors were ad-

dressed by Peter Casey, Gemma O’Doherty, Sarah Louise Mulligan, Joan Freeman, Kevin Sharkey and Sean Gallagher two weeks ago.

Sixty year old, Casey was the first to address members of Clare County Council a fortnight ago and spoke of his desire to build a greater Irish diaspora, asking “why be a small country when we can be a big nation”.

As well as the Clare nomination, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary Councils ensured Casey will appear on the ballot paper alongside Sean Gallagher, Joan Freeman, Gavin Duffy, Sinn Féin’s Liadh Ní Riada and current President Michael D. Higgins.

There was no mention of Higgins who was schooled at Ballycar N.S. and St Flannan’s College and still has family living in Newmarket-on-Fergus by members of the Council at Monday’s meeting.

l DANGEROUS CONDITIONS: Storm damage is visible in Shannon yesterday after high winds ripped the roof off a house

High winds HIGH winds of up to 125kmh ripped across Co Clare yesterday with multiple incidents reported.

A status orange warning had been in operation for Clare however extremely strong gusts caught many off guard. Traffic was affected in a

number of areas with trees coming down and blocking roads at multiple locations in Clare, including Ennis, Broadford, and areas in West Clare.

A house in Shannon, meanwhile, was left roofless following the stormy conditions.

Ní Ríada is 'Clare choice', insists SF GENERAL Election Candidate Cllr Mike McKee commenting on the announcement that Ireland South MEP Liadh Ní Riada will be the Sinn Féin choice for the Presidential election. Said that Liadh Ní Riada, will be a popular choice in Clare because of her family connections, and because of her work on behalf of local community and voluntary groups in the European Parliament.

General Election Candidate Cllr Mike McKee said: "Liadh Ni Riada, has been announced today (Sunday) as the Sinn Féin candidate after a comprehensive internal selection process. Clare Sinn Féin, had the privilege of nominating Liadh for President, in recognition of her professionalism and the assistance given to local groups throughout Clare."

"I wish to congratulate my party colleague, Ireland South MEP Liadh Ni Riada, on her selection as the Sinn Féin candidate to contest the Presidential election. Liadh Ni Riada, will be a popular choice for President in Clare, because of her family connections, and because of her work on behalf of local community and voluntary groups in the European Parliament."

"I have had the privilege of accompanying Liadh on many of her interactions with local Clare groups and have always been impressed with the commitment she has given to Clare."

"In the European Parliament, Liadh Ni Riada has consistently called for a social approach to be taken towards the EU Budget and has condemned the EU move towards militarization including the Parliament's increase in military spending.”

“Liadh has been consistent and persistent in her demands for a "fairer deal" for Irish fishermen and is critical of the (CFP) believing the Irish fisheries industry have not received their fair share of the fishing quota."

A native Irish speaker, Liadh is a member of the EU committee on Culture and Education, and has highlighted what she called the "language discrimination" in the EU” Cllr Mike McKee concluded; "I will have the personal honour of welcoming Liadh Ni Riada to Clare, on Friday 21st September as part of her first set of public engagements

Eoin Neylon

POLITICAL COMMENTARY ON P21

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

Clare set to lose part of its history 430-year-old Armada table for sale PÁRAIC McMAHON

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news@clareecho.ie

LARE is losing part of its culture and history as a 430 year old table made from wood of the Spanish Armada is to go on sale at an auction.

In the autumn of 1588 as many as 27 Spanish Armada ships were lost off the Irish coast, two of them on the shores of West Clare. After their sinking the timber from the ships started to come ashore.

The high sheriff of Clare recovered some of the decorative carvings from the galleon which were then made into a 3m table. The table was at Dromoland Castle, home of the O’Brien clan for over 300 years until it was moved to Bunratty Castle in the 1960s.

Lord Inchiquin, Conor O’Brien has cited financial reasons for selling but it caused “great personal sadness”. Recently the table was removed from Bunratty by crane.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, John Burke who is Managing Director of the Armada Hotel and also an active member of the Spanish Point community, highlighted his disappointment with the decision to auction the historic table.

“It’s his table to do as he chooses with to a certain d e gree.

Ultimately it’s a big part of Clare history, it would be very disappointing if it left Clare let

alone the potential of it leaving the country.

The Armada was such a defining period for places like Spanish Point, Doonbeg and the countywide,” said Mr Burke.

“When you think of the loss of life associated with the Armada, there was over 400 people on board each of these galleons that foundered off the shores here and the table is without a doubt the most significant artefact connecting us with these people and those lives in that period of time, the potential of that disappearing and leaving the county is very sad and it’s sad that we can’t remember that time and the people that died and stay connected with them in some way”.

He is still holding out hope that certain groups or organisations can do something to keep the table in Co Clare. “It can be retained in the county in some way, I’m sure something will come of it. There’s a lot of agencies with cultural and historical mandates that can do something about this and hopefully by publicity of articles that it might trigger the necessary alarm bells at the right level that somebody shouts stop and gets involved in some way”.

No contact has been made by representatives of the Spanish Point Community Group or Mr Burke with Lord Inchiquin but the hotelier is quick to point out that its most recent home of Bunratty Castle was the ideal location to house the table.

“We don’t want this table in Spanish Point because we don’t have the appropriate home for it, maybe at some stage we will and there will be a Spanish Armada visitor centre but at the minute we don’t have the right home for this table. Bunratty Castle was the perfect place for it, it was representative of the O’Brien clan who would have received it as a gift from the people who salvaged it in the area and that’s important.”

Cllr’s food for thought

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T TAKES three months for a used pizza box to break down, fifty years for a tin can of a fizzy drink and 450 years for a plastic bottle according to Cllr Cathal Crowe.

At the September meeting of Clare County Council, Crowe put forward a motion for the local authority to “devise an incentive scheme to encourage fast food outlets to switch to biodegradable packaging.” He outlined the amount of time it takes for the packaging to break down in the environment and feels local fast food outlets need to start looking at alternative wrapping for their products.

“There was a time when fast food was a treat and now it’s a regular feast”, the Fianna Fáil councillor said. He said that big franchises have switched to biodegradable packaging but didn’t want to same them as “larger outlets can market themselves”. Crowe encouraged the Council to put forward a scheme which would allow local fast food businesses to make the move to more environmentally friendly packaging.

Clare County Council Cathaoirelach, Cllr Michael Begley supported the motion. “The amount of litter at any weekend, probably fifty percent of it comes from fast food”, he claimed.

In her response, Director of Physical Development, Carmel Kirby outlined that the local authority “does not have a specific incentive scheme to encourage fast food outlets to switch to biodegradable or compostable packaging”. She noted that “other supports are available”, such as the Green Business Programme. “A specific incentive scheme to encourage fast food outlets to switch to biodegradable or compostable packaging, is not currently available.

Community led projects can apply for funding under EPA Local Authority Prevention Network DCCAE Anti Litter grant, the Waste Prevention Grant Scheme and Local Agenda 21.

It is open to Fast Food Outlets to link in with such projects”.

Kirby added, “In 2018 €25,820 (€18,000 required under Southern Region Waste Management Plan) is provided under the Environmental Education and Awareness Programme in the form of a Waste Prevention Grant Scheme. The scheme accepts applications on an annual basis. A further €25,300 is being provided through the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership fund, 50% of which is funded by Clare County Council and 50% by the DCCAE”.

NEWS 5

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NEWS

Peter's the star of Men's Health PÁRAIC McMahon

news@clareecho.ie

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HANNON’S Peter Barron has become the first Clare person to appear on the front cover of Men’s Health Middle East magazine.

Twenty eight year old, Peter has lived in Dubai for the past three years working as a personal instructor. Appearing on the cover of a publication for the world’s largest men's magazine brand is “a dream come through” for the co-owner of UYP Lifestyle. Since moving to the Middle East, he has developed a strong online presence with over 100,000 followers on Instagram.

A remark passed following an operation in 2010 proved to be a motivation for Barron to grace the cover of a magazine.

“When I was 20 I had surgery

done, one day after the wound was still large and fresh and I asked if that was how it was going to heal or would the scarring be small. The surgeon made a joke which stuck with me. She said, ‘it will heal just fine but let’s just say you will never be a cover model on a magazine’. She was a really nice woman and meant nothing negative. We laughed about it and I left the hospital thinking how do I prove her wrong.

“Now eight years later that goal has become a reality. No matter what you want to do in life, if you believe strong enough and work hard, anything is possible”, he said.

He was first recognised by the publishing giant having done a collaboration with Samsung. "I had done a campaign for Samsung and that was featured in the magazine at the end of last year and then the editor contacted me two months ago and asked me if the cover was something I’d be

interested in”.

Peter's article in the magazine can be obtained by downloading the Men’s Health Middle East app.

Peter on the cover of Men's Health

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

Independent living seminar set for Ennis STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

THE Clare Leader Forum in partnership with the Clare Citizens Information Center and the Center for Independent Living will host a seminar on the future of Personal Assistance Services (PAS) next Friday, September 28.

The seminar Independent Living: A Right Not a Privilege, will focus on the Direct Payments Model and draw on a host of speakers including individuals with the lived experience of directing their own services.

The Clare Leader Forum will welcome Senator Martin Conway and a senior HSE representative, who will also provide a national picture on the current status of PAS.

Dermot Hayes of the Clare Leader Forum said, “The days of gratefully receiving any Personal Assistance Service hours that we could should be long in the past. We should have a right to the very services that allow us to live our lives. Sadly for some of us our service provider dictates the minuscule details of our daily lives, increasing our dependence and moving us further away from the freedom to live in the manner in which we choose.”

The free event is open to all disabled people and those with an interest in Independent Living. Registration will take place from 9.30am with the seminar starting at 10am in the Temple Gate Hotel.

l LAUNCH NIGHT: At the Mental Health Week launch were Martin Rogan, Mental Health Ireland, Maria Molloy, E MHA, Michael Begley, Mayor of Clare, Clare Colleran Molloy, Mayor of Ennis and Sean Conlan, EMHA

Mental Health Week

ENNIS Mental Health Association this week launched its free programme of events for Mental Health Week which this year takes place from 8-12 October.

Speaking at the launch at SONAS in Chapel Lane Cllr Michael Begley, Mayor of Clare congratulated EMHA on the exciting and diverse programme on offer. Referring to mental health as a major concern for our communities he encouraged everyone to become involved in the activities and talks planned for Mental Health Week. The programme brochure will, he noted, be widely available in the coming weeks.

Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy, Mayor of Ennis called on the public to support the work of EMHA and commended the tutors who were giving their expertise free of charge. It was a chance, she said, to experience new opportunities and activities which could bring about a genuine improvement in the quality of life and health of participants. The Mental Health Week programme commences on Monday 8 October with Mindful Gentle Flow Yoga with Seema Daly.

The brochure of events gives full details of all the free programmes and will be widely available in shops and outlets in Ennis and surrounding villages in the coming weeks. It can also be accessed on the EMHA Facebook page.

Supreme Roofing & Guttering Munster We do what others promise Roofing Guttering UPVC Fascia & Sofit Emergency services Roof Repairs & Re-roofing All Moss cleaned from Roofs New Roof Specialists & Old Roof Repairs All Our Work is Guaranteed FULL INSURANCE AND SAFE PASS CERTS PROVIDED ON QUOTATION

James on 085-1932901 or 061 579 335 or 091 423 712 www.supremeroofingandguttering.com

8

NEWS

Clare’s keepin’ her LIT...

STUART HOLLY

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editor@clareecho.ie

IT’s plans to Expand it’s Presence in Ennis & Develop an Engineering Focused Campus in Coonagh is good news for Education and Industry in Clare - Minister Pat Breen.

Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market & Data Protection Pat Breen has described the Government’s €11.9 billion investment in education under Project Ireland 2040 as an investment in the future of Ireland, the Mid West and County Clare.

The Clare Minister of State said the knock on effect of such investment will allow higher education institutes expand beyond their current reach and welcomed Limerick Institute of Technology’s plans to meet demand for higher education in Ennis by expanding its footprint in the county town.

“The €11.9 billion investment in education and training over the period 2018 to 2027 under Project Ireland 2040 will provide for a strong, future-proofed economy, balanced across all the regions and a fairer society. This will be achieved by delivering proper education facilities and school buildings for all children, as well as providing the future skill needs of our economy,” said Minister Breen.

“While the investment of €8.4 billion in

l LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES: A view of how the new campus in Coonagh will look

school buildings over the lifetime of Project Ireland will benefit school communities all over county Clare, the close to trebling of the Higher Education sector capital budget compared to the past decade, will have huge affects on both education and industry in the county.

“The allocation of €11.6 million to Limerick Institute of Technology for the fit out of its new engineering focused Coonagh

campus will provide the skill set necessary to further proof and grow industry in the Shannon region,” he said.

“In Ennis, LIT’s outreach programmes, including its two CAO courses in Early Child Care and Social Care is at capacity, and the third level institute is in talks with the local authority about expanding its footprint in Ennis to meet the growing demand for further higher education in the county town.”

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

Grants are not enough - Dr Harty

THERE is good news for five Clare communities in the details of the Outdoor Rural Infrastructure Scheme announced by Tourism Minister Michael Ring.

However, Dr. Michael Harty TD said that overall he is disappointed that out of a nationwide budget of €1.8 million for 128 for recreational projects, Clare only received just over €58,000 for five projects.

“I am delighted that funding is allocated to maintain walks and trails in Lissycasey, Inagh Kilnamona, Loop Head, Ogonnelloe and Tulla so that people in these areas and visitors can continue to experience Clare’s natural beauty. Recreational tourism is booming as more and more people want to get out onto greenways and trails,” said Dr. Harty.

Grants have been announced for five groups: Lissycasey Cascades – trail maintenance €7,285; Inagh Kilnamona walkway extension €15,068; West Clare Trailways Loop Head €14,516; Ogonnelloe Community footpath maintenance project €15,900; Tulla Heritage Walks €5,600.

“These grants represent a fraction of the effort and investment made by local communities to establish and maintain brilliant amenities which also boost the local economy. As we battle for the retention of Post Offices local schools and Garda stations, we must also fight for the development of amenities,” Dr. Harty added.

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

President guest of honour for Clarecare event

EAST CLARE TOUR OF ST. FLANNAN’S CATHEDRAL Royal Parade, Killaloe MOUNTSHANNON COMMUNITY CONCERT Catholic Church, Mountshannon DUOLOGUES#1 – MATTHEW NOONE & CATHERINE SIKORA Old School House, Killanena

Charity celebrates 50th anniversary STUART HOLLY

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editor@clareecho.ie

RESIDENT of Ireland Michael D. Higgins to be guest of honour as Clarecare celebrates 50 years of serving the people of Clare.

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins is to be guest of honour as the not for profit organisation Clarecare celebrates 50 years of serving the people of Clare. The president has accepted an invitation to address the gathering at an evening event in Glór, Ennis on the 27th September, designed to mark the enormous contribution made by Clarecare over the past five decades. The invited audience will be made up of past and present staff members, volunteers, service users and representatives of partner agencies.

Clarecare General Manager, Fiacre Hensey, spoke of the organisation’s delight that President Higgins had accepted the invitation to mark the anniversary, “Given the President’s strong Clare connections and his long-standing commitment to social justice, we are very honoured that President Higgins will join us for this significant milestone. Clarecare is a unique organisation. It is the largest Clare based, not for profit agency providing a broad range of support services for people in Clare. Many thousands of Clare people have been supported by Clarecare down through the years and it is very important

to acknowledge that contribution and to nurture a vision for the future.”

The history of Clarecare goes back to a time when, by comparison with today, there were relatively few social services in Ireland. Clarecare, originally Clare Social Services Council, was set up in 1968, when Joe Boland, then County Manager, and the late Bishop Michael Harty recognised the need for a body to co-ordinate the activities of voluntary organisations.

The initial focus of Clarecare was on services for the elderly but this soon extended to cover the family in its broadest sense and saw the development of a range of support services including child protection, fostering and adoption placement, pre-school playgroups as well as holiday schemes for families and the elderly. Counselling services have also been provided for many years, including a dedicated residential service for those overcoming addictions.

All Clarecare services are based in Clare, primarily serving the people of Clare.

Clarecare offices are in Ennis, Bushypark, Kilrush, Killaloe, Shannon, and Ennistymon. This is to optimise the delivery of services to such a diverse population. The services are based on the philosophy of working in a supportive role with people to assist them in finding solutions to their problems.

If anyone wishes to avail of Clarecare supports they can contact 065 682 8178 or visit www.clarecare.ie

MIDNIGHT RUN IN CONCERT Gleeson’s Bar, Sixmilebridge TULLA COMHALTAS CULTURE CONCERT & SESSION Windswept Inn, Tulla IMAGES IN OUR LANDSCAPE Health and Wellness Centre, Carrigoran House, Newmarket on Fergus

ENNIS

SEISIÚN Cois na hAbhna, Gort Rd.

HARVESTING THE WORLD

DIFFERENT FOLKS Lucas’ Bar, 74 Parnell St.

POETS ANCIENT AND MODERN OPENING OF NOCTURNE: AN EXHIBITION OF NEW WORK BY ADAM POMEROY THE BRAD PITT LIGHT ORCHESTRA glór, Causeway Link ART EXHIBITION

BY EASI ARTISTS EASI Studios, Tracklands, Tobartoascáin GUIDED TOUR OF OPW 13TH CENTURY ENNIS FRIARY OPW Ennis Friary, Abbey St. CHARACTER AND CULTURE EXHIBITION Café on the Green, Lifford THE BOOK THAT MADE ME A READER De Valera Library 3D TETRIS EXHIBITION VISIT THE COUNTY MUSEUM County Museum ENNIS GOSPEL CHOIR STREET SING Merchants Square, linking Parnell St. & The Market A NIGHT OF READINGS Rowan Tree Café Bar CULTURE NIGHT ÉIRE @ THE RB The Record Break Arts/ Vinyl Café, Lwr Market St. SOME ENCHANTED EVENING St. Columba’s Church, Bindon St.

l NEED FOR SPEED: On September 22/23 Ennis man James Toft will attempt the UK sand speed record on his Suzuki Hayabusa. He aims to hit 170mph over a mile and a half should conditions allow.

Photo by John O' Neill

AN INTIMATE EVENING OF MUSIC WITH SUSAN O’NEILL Scéal Eile Books, 16 Lwr Market St.

WEST CLARE THE MODERN BLACKSMITH Kilkee Forge, Kilferagh, Kilkee

NORTH CLARE

STORY TELLING CEOL SA CHLANN – MUSIC IN THE FAMILY Oidhreacht an Chláir, Miltown Malbay

ENNISTYMON SCHOOL OF ART OPEN EVENING Ennistymon School of Art, Main St., Ennistymon

OICHE CEOIL GAA Community Room, Lissycasey

ENNISTYMON ART TRAIL Various venues in Ennistymon BOOK LAUNCH & TALK

BY MARIE CONNOLE THE SILVER BRANCH FILM SCREENING SIMON O’REILLY IN CONCERT The Courthouse Gallery & Studios, Ennistymon

LUKA BLOOM IN CONCERT Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee INIS CATHAIGH SEISIÚN Teach Ceoil, Kilrush

MUSIC IN THE GALLERY: THE BIG SING Foust Gallery, Main St., Ennistymon INIS DIOMÁIN COMHALTAS OPEN AIR SEISIÚN The Square, Ennistymon VOICE TO VIDEO REBIRTHING THE WHITETHORN Burren College of Art, Ballyvaughan BURREN SUB CULTURE PHOTO EXHIBITION 5 FILMS & A PLAY Doolin Cave, Doolin MULKERE, MUSIC AND MUSINGS Kilshanny House RICHES OF CLARE CONCERT Teach Ceoil, Corofin

For full details/times see events.culturenight.ie/clare In association with Clare Arts Office

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE

9

Save Rural Clare

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lFRUSTRATION: Cllr Gabriel Keating

CARRIGAHOLT IRISH COLLEGE NOT INCLUDED

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OLÁISTE Eoghain Uí Chomhraidhe’s exclusion from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund has been with anger and disappointment from elected members of Clare County Council.

Cllr Gabriel Keating stated he “was very sad” that the Irish college in Carrigaholt was not included in the Council’s list of projects. “The Coláiste is unique in many ways”, the Fine Gael councillor emphasised.

He said it has tourism potential and could create dozens of jobs if upgraded. “It has residential facility to cater for 100 people. I would like to see it included as a matter of urgency because it’s ready to go in many ways. If it happens that the college closes, it would never open and that would be too bad for the people of the peninsula. There is unlimited potential there if it was upgraded.”

His views were reiterated by Fianna Fáil’s PJ Kelly. “We’re about to miss one of the jewels of the county”, he lamented. He spoke of the growing interest from parents to see their children travel to Irish colleges and encouraged the local authority to “go a bit beyond the limit to ensure it is on the list”. Cllr Kelly recalled his time at the college as a student and a múinteoir, “I would be most disappointed if it is not on the list”.

Council CEO, Pat Dowling revealed that he has held numerous meetings with principal Domhnall Ó Loingsigh regarding its funding going forward. He confirmed that the facility is not ready for capital funding at present. He added, “There is nothing preventing the college itself in coming forward, we will have discussions with them to see if we can include it”. Dowling confirmed that he wants to see it included in 12 months’ time. “It is a jewel in West Clare if it got necessary funding, there may be funding left over but it does not qualify because it’s not a recognised Gaeltacht anymore”.

Dowling’s reply filled Cllr Mary Howard with “hope”. She praised the passion of her Fine Gael colleague, Gabriel Keating for supporting the college. Cllr Richard Nagle was equally happy with the statement of Pat Dowling, “Cllr Keating has been championing this for some time”.

T IS the Minister for Communications’ responsibility to govern for all communities, not just the strongest or luckiest ones.

That is the view of Clare’s Independent TD Dr Michael Harty. Speaking in the Dáil last night on the Sinn Féin private members’ motion on the future of the post office network, Dr Harty said it is only the strongest and the luckiest that are retaining their post office services.

“Those which are neither strong or lucky are losing theirs. It is the Government’s responsibility to ensure Ireland is not just an economy and to consider the fundamental societal issues this raises. It is not an issue which can be resolved through industrial relations and the retirement of postmasters and postmistresses.

“That is a very unfair way to deliver the Minister’s plan.

While 159 have opted to go and 231 have not, all 339 were encouraged to go and will continue to be encouraged to go until they are all gone. There is no guarantee that the 690 post offices which are being offered new contracts will take them up.

It is a very unfair way to deliver a post office service.”

He continued: “A Programme for a Partnership Government committed to the exact opposite course to the one the Government is taking. There is no reference in that programme to the closure of 390 post offices. There was a commitment, rather, to support the post office network, provide it with extra services and develop com-

lMORE TO COME: Dr Harty in Dublin with Doonbeg locals protesting post office closures

‘Pressure will mount on Clare Postmasters’ munity banking. However, the Government has gone in the opposite direction and against A Programme for a Partnership Government.”

Dr Harty also asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there is a stated long-term commitment in relation to the delivery of the social welfare contract via the post offices. The Department makes

approximately 80 million social welfare payments per annum of which nearly 42% are by cash via the post office network.

The Minister said the term of the contract is renewed on an annual basis up to the end of 2019. The Department is required by law to go to public tender for the provision of cash services from 1 January 2020.

Twitter talk... #SAVERURALCLARE Cillian Murphy @Tri2bResponsibl

My God...@eircare ye

should be ashamed to

call yourselves a telecom company today with the service levels back here @LoopHeadTourism

RURAL PROJECTS PUT FORWARD FOR FUNDS PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

T

HIRTY three projects across Clare have been put forward for development under the Rural Regeneration Fund.

It comes as part of Project Ireland 2040 where the Government has committed to providing an additional €1bn for a new Rural Regeneration and Development Fund from 2019 to 2027. Initial funding of €315m is being allocated for the years 2019 to 2022.

July of this year saw the first call for proposals and they are divided into two categories. The first are ‘ready to go proposals’ where work can commence in 2019, planning has been agreed, are at an advanced stage of design, satisfy value for money in accordance with the Public Spending Code and are procurement ready.

Category one projects in Clare include;

the addition of a cruise/maritime training centre at Cahercon House, management plans at Scattery Island, extension of GWS to the site at the Loop Head Visitor Experience; a public park, astro turf and sports building at Kilmihil People’s Park, a redevelopment of Lahinch Seaworld, development of the Ennistymon multi-service centre, the construction of a public park at Bane’s field and Tobbermuragh, the renewal of Craggaunowen visitor facilities, the provision of a digital hot desk at the Ennis Digital and the purchase of a vehicle and walking/cycling routes for an electric bus service at Loop Head.

Projects eligible for category two are proposals with clear potential and quantifiable objectives but require further development to enable them to be included in category one in subsequent funding calls.

23 Clare facilities fit the criteria of the second category. Works under consideration include; development of sewerage facilities at Loop Head Visitor Experience.

Lands at Ennistymon set aside for redevelopment, the provision of a walking/cycling

route along at the Lough Derg Blueway.

A visitor centre and exhibition area is intended for Holy Island, car parking and an upgrade of existing trails for the Twelve O’Clock Hills, an upgrade of the entire coastal trail at the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk, waste-water infrastructure projects for Doolin, Carrigaholt, Cooraclare and Broadford. A multi-service centre in Kilrush, a tourism centre for Doolin Pier, developments are to be deliberated on at Frances St, Kilrush and the Vandeleur Walled Gardens. A boutique hotel and tourist point at Mars Cinema in Kilrush, the feasibility of providing a cycleway/walking route from Kilrush to Moyasta and then Kilkee. The tourist facility at the Michéal Cusack Centre in Carron will be redeveloped as will Killaloe Courthouse. Works are also planned for the Shannon Bunratty Greenway, Parteen village, Shannon Leisure Centre, a tourism hub in Tuamgraney, Scariff village, Lisdoonvarna as well as Blake’s and Linnane’s buildings.

New projects will be considered for submission in early 2019.

Save Rural Clare

Locals instructed to move payments ‘Government has failed Doonbeg’ STUART HOLLY

P

editor@clareecho.ie

EOPLE of Doonbeg have been officially informed to move their social welfare payments or lose them.

According to West Clare Sinn Féin respresentative, Violet-Anne Wynne, the evidence is pointing to Doonbeg as an area of West Clare that is struggling to stay afloat.

She said the reality is that sucessive governments have failed rural Clare and the issue of closing post offices is “exposing the smoke and mirrors hypocrisy of TDs”.

Ms Violet-Anne Wynne said in a statement to The Clare Echo; “People of Doonbeg have been officially informed to move their social welfare payments or lose them. Doonbeg has received a closure date of the 28th of September, which is a date even before the appeals process is due to begin.”

“Why are the four Clare TDs silent? Why, as Doonbeg struggles to stay afloat are the four Clare TDs absent?”

“It is because of the reality that sucessive governments have failed rural Clare and the issue of closing post offices is exposing the smoke and mirrors hypocrisy of Clare TDs.” Violet-Anne Wynne, in her verbal assault on Clare’s representa-

tives, continued; “The announced closure of 159 post offices by the current Fine Gael Government on the back of 732 previous closures between 2000–2011 by Fianna Fáil, show their lack of concern for West Clare.

“For years, rural communities have been left isolated, ignored, and failed by successive Goverments, who have also failed to treat people equally.”

Violet-Anne Wynne concluded that rural communities are finally fighting back after years of being ignored.

“As Doonbeg struggles to stay afloat, the campaign against post office closures are signs of communities fighting back against the abandonment of West Clare.”

lIMPORTANT SERVICE: 95 and a half year old Sarah Ryan (95) collects her pension at Quilty. Quilty was one of 14 Clare post offices earmarked for closure, but Postmistress Bríd O’Riordan, who has worked at Dwyer XL shop since 2000, she says she will stay as long as she can.

Photo courtesy of Brid O’Riordan

Rural officers to empower villages PÁRAIC McMAHON

F

news@clareecho.ie

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OUR rural and community development officers will be engaging with towns and villages all over Clare to empower the entire county.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Rural Development SPC, Director of Rural Development, Leonard Cleary introduced the quartet that have been employed by Clare County Council since the summer.

Although they will not have any funding, the four development officers will be signposting to various groups and organisations where funding can be obtained for different projects.

Each Municipal District in the county has been assigned a rural/community development officer; they are namely, Margaret Cotter (West Clare), Jennifer O’Brien (Shannon), David Bennett (Killaloe) and Niamh Moynihan (Ennis).

Michael Neylon of the Rural Development Directorate within the local authority maintained “there is an onerous challenge facing the people in this role”.

He feels Clare is well ahead of any other

local authority by employing the four officials.

“I envisage that the people in these jobs will be out of jobs in four years if they do their job,” said Mr Neylon.

Senior Executive Officer, Monica Meehan outlined, “These people are not project managers, they are to bring communities to drive their areas and make them vibrant places to live and work”.

lMOVE: Clare County Council Director of Rural Development Leonard Cleary

12 INTERACTIVE

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

A new era of

INTERACTION twitter.com/ ClareEcho

facebook.com/ clareecho

Tweet of the week

instagram.com/ theclareecho

www.clareecho.ie

THIS PHOTO REACHED 5,545 PEOPLE ON FACEBOOK

EIELECTRONICS @EiElectronics Great piece posted in the @ClareEcho on our upcoming Open Day!

‘‘

Facebook comment of the week

Bureaucratic shite still keeping this social pioneer down. When regulations and endless paperwork stifle efforts at ending rural depopulation it’s a damning indictment on local politics.

John Burns in response to story ‘‘Rural Clare in need of more survivors’

Massive congratulations to Ella Doherty, a student at Coláiste Muire Ennis, who got the highest possible marks in her Junior Cert. Well done Ella!

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

Health&Living

Specsavers launch facial recognition technology

S

PECSAVERS has launched a new facial recognition technology to give specs wearers the confidence to find the right style for them. The unique in-store software, known as Frame Styler, was designed exclusively by Specsavers.

The locally-owned Specsavers at the Market, Ennis, is one of the participating stores where the virtual try-on technology allows customers to see how they look wearing glasses from every angle. Working with in-store frame advisors, Frame Styler is used to take a scan of the customer’s face, analysing their face shape, examining their purchase history and marrying the results with the latest trends.

To celebrate the launch of the new technology, Specsavers teamed up with pop star and style icon, Louise Redknapp to

encourage specs wearers to have confidence in their looks and in their style. Speaking about her partnership with Specsavers Louise says: “It’s no surprise that people suffer with low self-confidence with the rise of Instagram, Twitter and selfies, it’s easy to doubt yourself or compare yourself to other people. But for me beauty and confidence come from you being you in so many different ways – be bold and positive and always shine bright.’

Speaking about Specsavers unique Frame Styler technology, Louise adds: “For me, Frame Styler represents the future of shopping. I’m a mum-of-two – I don’t have time to spend hours trying things on! Frame Styler meant I had all the options right in front of me and could quickly create a shortlist of the frames I liked the most. It also meant I tried on styles and colours I pre-

viously would have never gone near in a million years – and guess what? I loved them all!”

Chairman of Specsavers Ireland, Kerril Hickey comments: “We know from speaking to people every day that they want to branch out with their style choices but confusion over what

suits them, and lack of confidence is holding them back.”

For further information on the Frame Styler technology available at Specsavers, please visit: www.specsavers.ie/glasses/ buyers-guide/frame-styler.

NEWS 13

Samaritans recruiting SAMARITANS in Ennis are launching a major volunteer recruitment campaign to encourage people to get involved with the charity to give something back to the local community and help change people’s lives.

An information night to explain what is involved in becoming a Samaritan Volunteer will be held this evening, September 20 in the Clare Education Centre, Kilrush Road at 7pm. To find out more about becoming a volunteer with Samaritans Ennis, contact the recruitment team at samaritansrecruitmentennis@gmail.com or phone 085 1763491.

Samaritans are best known for the vital support given to callers on its 24-hour telephone service, but volunteers are also on hand to offer support by SMS, email, face-to-face in communities, through written correspondence and in prisons. Listeners of all ages and walks of life are among those who dedicate three hours a week to those most in need. Some overnight shifts are also required.

Claire Cremin Director of Samaritans in Ennis said: “Everyone can become a Samaritan volunteer. Samaritans are ordinary people who give up their time to listen to people who are going through a crisis in their lives.

“Samaritans touch another person’s life when it really matters, either by giving them the time and space to talk through how they are feeling or by helping to keep the charity’s branches running so the service can continue to offer a listening ear at any hour; day or night.”

Claire Cremin added: “We are appealing to members of the local Community with a few hours spare a week to consider volunteering with us here in Ennis.”

How to support your thyroid function Open Sesame to host information night; while here Sally Smith from the Ennis and Gort health food store reveals tips to deal with underactive thyroid

A

T OPEN Sesame one of the most common medications we hear of people taking is the thyroid hormone supplement, Eltroxin. With an estimated 15 in 1000 women and 1 in 1000 men suffering from under active thyroid, hypothyroidism, in Ireland this comes as no surprize.

The thyroid is a gland located in the neck, and hormones produced by the thyroid control how quickly the body uses energy and how sensitive the body can be to other hormones.

While hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid condition we see, other thyroid conditions include hyperthyroidism (overactive), goitre and thyroid nodule (lump within the thyroid gland).

As the hormones produced by the thyroid affect so many of the bodies systems there are a wide variety of symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, including weight gain, hair loss and fatigue. There is a blood test your GP can carry out to measure the level of thyroid hormones in the blood, allowing for the detection of thyroid disorders.

While you may have to go on or even already be on thyroid medication there are dietary and lifestyle changes, and food supplements that you can make to support your thyroid function.

At Open Sesame we offer a range of products that can help support thyroid function.

We have specific combinations that are aimed at thyroid support and contain such nutrients as Iodine and Tyrosine, which make up the thyroid hormone, and Selenium, which converts the thyroid hormone into its active form. Ask one of our in-store experts for recommendations, especially if you are on thyroid medication.

On Thursday 27th of September from 7pm to 8.30pm we will have Nutritional Therapist Olivia Beck (Dip NT) mNTOI in Open Sesame Ennis to discuss Supporting Your Thyroid Through Nutrition.

Since 2014 Olivia has had great success specialising in supporting clients with thyroid conditions in her private practice based in Limerick.

Tickets only €10, call (065) 6821480 to book now.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

EMA CELEBRATE FIRST BIRTHDAY

T

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Hardly surprising.

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A range of competitive finance options allows you to affordably drive your new pre-owned Volkswagen for a lot less than you might think. Call into us today and see our full range of quality pre-owned cars you can trust.

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Terms and conditions apply. See www.volkswagen.ie for details.

HIS week we spoke to Dr Emma Kearney and Tricia Russell RGN, co-founders of Ennis Medical Aesthetics who celebrated one year in business this month.

CE: So ladies, congratulations on a very successful year. Remind us again where the idea for opening the clinic came from.

TR: Before I started working as a practice nurse, I managed one of the first laser clinics that opened in Dublin, and gained crucial experience in using dermal fillers. After I got married, I moved to Clare and began working as a practice nurse, first in Limerick and then in Clare. I have to say that I loved my job as a practice nurse but always maintained a very keen interest in aesthetics and when Emma joined the GP practice in 2015 we then discovered that we shared this mutual interest. Ennis Medical Aesthetics just grew from there!

EK: I have always had an interest in dermatology and I was very fortunate that our GP training scheme had excellent dermatology tutoring. Working as a GP, I found and still find that there is a definite need for medical grade aesthetic treatment for conditions such as acne, scarring, pigmentation, rosacea, etc.

There are so many skin care products and treatments out there that mightn’t necessarily achieve the results that they claim to and we feel very strongly at Ennis Medical Aesthetics about guiding people towards medical-grade products and treatments that will provide visible results.

TR: An Aesthetics Clinic managed by a professional medical duo just makes sense on so many levels, for instance, with regards to the use of Botox and dermal fillers it is critical to have an in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and to get the best possible training available. In addition to our existing profes-

sional training, we regularly attend advanced training courses and conferences, both here and in the UK. Maintaining our knowledge and skills at the highest level possible is our utmost priority.

CE: What would each of your favourite treatment/ procedures be?

EK: For me I’d have to say that it would be very hard to choose between Botox and dermal fillers. Botox is a fantastic treatment for fine lines and wrinkles and when done well, it can be quite natural looking, just giving a real freshness to the face.

TR: I love all our treatments at Ennis Medical Aesthetics because of the unique results each of them can offer. If I had to choose one treatment, Medical Microneedling would have to be my favourite because of the superior results that can be achieved for clients with specific skin concerns such as acne scarring or pigmentation.

CE: So what have you learned from your first year in business?

EK: I have learned at lot in this past year but possibly the biggest lesson has been that you can’t underestimate the value of a good business partnership. Tricia and I work very well together and I’ve no doubt that if that weren’t the case we wouldn’t have had the success that we’ve had.

TR: Starting a business with someone who shares your excitement for it, is half the battle. Emma and myself work so well together, both in terms of our respective medical experience and our ambition to deliver the best professional service at Ennis Medical Aesthetics. We give 110% every day to this shared business dream and because of that, it is the most rewarding work experience that I have ever entered in to. We have built up a large and a loyal client base over the past year. I am truly honoured and thankful that our passion and enthusiasm for our work is being recognised in this way.

COLUMNIST 15

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

Jodie Finlay

JODIE'S HOUSE OF BEAUTY

SPRAY TANS VERSUS SUNBEDS

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FTER our surprisingly warm summer this year many of us may not need extra tan just yet but as we begin to fade its important to know the pros and cons of sun beds vs spray tans before deciding which tanning method is for you. A 10-15 minute spray tan or an even quicker snooze under LED light? As a sunbed virgin and a spray tan lover I will be talking mostly about spray tans here.

SUNBEDS

No skin preparation is needed. Some people use an accelerator cream beforehand, however this is not essential.

Exposure to UV light results in our bodies producing more Vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium in our bodies.

Sunbeds are priced at approximately €1 per minute. The customer can vary the number of minutes spent on the sunbed to suit the amount of time/money they are willing to spend on their tan. Sunbeds have been known to improve many skin conditions such as psoriasis.

This tan will fade exactly like a holiday tan would.

Sunbeds, however, are linked with skin cancer. The sun ages our skin. Sunbed users are more likely to age faster than spray tanners. Age spots/rashes/blisters are all risks of using sunbeds. Moles need to be closely monitored while using sunbeds also.

Eyes need to be carefully protected to ensure risk of cataracts and corneas are reduced. Goggles should be worn.

SPRAY TANS

Spray tan formulas contain ingredients which nourish the skin.

The treatment only takes 5 to 15 minutes. You can not be spray tanned over sun burned skin. It might sound like a great idea to attempt to correct the colour of your lobster like skin (we have all been there). However, once the sunburn starts to peel your tan will look terribly patchy.

Not the look to go for!

A patch test may be required which means you won’t be able to go ahead with your treatment for at least 24 hours after your patch test.

A spray tan will last about one week give or take. Remember to exfoliate your skin beforehand to lift any dead skin cells and to prevent tan from wearing away fast.

Moisturise daily to prolong the life of the tan. Pat dry after a shower as opposed to rubbing the towel off your skin.

Spray tans can’t be removed fully with one body scrub. For this reason, make sure to have somebody experienced apply your tan before a special occasion. Tans will fade with the skins natural regeneration along with the help of exfoliation and moisturising.

DO I NEED TO USE SUN PROTECTION AFTER SPRAY TANNING?

Absolutely! Most spray tan formulas will not include SPF and even if they did it would wear off after a couple of hours just like your typical SPF, therefore it is vital to keep topped up with SPF on top of your spray tan. Make sure your skin is free of SPF and all other potions, lotions, and perfumes before your spray tan appointment to ensure your tan is as even as possible.

STRIPPING OFF

The part we all hate is stripping off. ‘Oh take no notice of my belly I’ve just eaten a takeaway and I’m all swollen!’ or ‘Excuse my cellulite’. I assure you as a spray tanner we take no notice of your shape and size we just keep concentrating on making sure your tan is being applied evenly. The horrible vulnerable feeling you get will be so worth it when your tan develops and you instantly feel thinner and more toned!

Your therapist should offer you a cap to protect your hair and disposable underwear to save you from getting tan on your own and to ensure tan lines are kept to a minimum.

WHY DID MY TAN FADE SO FAST?

Swimming, harsh exfoliators, forgetting to moisturise daily, the steam room, a sauna, and long frequent showers are all common culprits of tans not lasting as well as they should.

CAN I ADD MORE TAN TO MY SPRAY TAN?

As the days go on and your spray tan begins to fade or wear off you can of course add false tans to your spray tan to even it out again. I would personally only do this if I had reason to do so. My preference would be to exfoliate the spray tan until it is 100% removed and then start on a perfectly good base rather then a patchy one!

l SUN PROTECTION: It is vital to keep topped up with SPF on top of your spray tan

Entertainment

BROTHERS IN ARMS TOUR COMES TO CLARE THE DON BAKER AND ROB STRONG BAND BROTHERS IN ARMS TOUR 28TH OCTOBER | GLÓR THEATRE, ENNIS Tel: 065 684 3103 | www.glor.ie

P

AT EGAN Management is proud to announce a major Irish Tour featuring Don Baker and Rob Strong commencing at The Olympia Theatre on 6th of October.

Don and Rob are celebrating 50 years on the road and are currently recording a new album, a feast of Blues and Soul, entitled “Brothers In Arms” to accompany the tour.

Don is a prolific singer/songwriter whose songs have been recorded by Sinead O’Connor, Declan O’Rourke, Finbar Furey, Liam Ó’Maonlaí while Bono has described him as “the best harmonica player in the world”.

Don has also released a total of 15 albums during his career while an actor Don is best known for his roles in ‘In the Name of the Father’ alongside Daniel Day Lewis and as gangster Thomas Flynn in ‘Fair City’. He has published several books on how to play the harmonica which have been translated into many different languages including Japanese.

Derry-born Rob Strong, performing on

lCREATIVE DUO: Baker and Strong

lead vocals and bass guitar, is another of Ireland’s living legends. Rob has been performing for five decades with a unique and sensational voice that saw him pull in huge crowds with one of the top showbands in the 60’s The Plattermen, and with his own band The Rockets in the 70’s.

Rob was even once offered the opportunity to join the world famous rockers Deep Purple and also performs with his son Andrew Strong, lead singer of “The Commitments”, touring in Germany, Denmark and Sweden.

The Don Baker and Rob Strong Band features one of Italy’s best keyboard players, Salvatore Urbano from Naples.

Sal’ has recorded with Damien Dempsey, Brian Kennedy, Sinead O’ Connor and Eleanor McEvoy and is widely regarded as amongst the best in the business.

He fuses the band’s Blues and Rock genres with creative flair while Hugh O’ Neill, one of Ireland’s finest drummers, keeps up a driving rhythm.

All in all Don, Rob and the boys guarantee a great night of Rock n’ Roll.

Clare hosts 43 free Culture Night events

Dave Flynn’s musical voyage

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G

LARE’S cultural community will come together next Friday (21 September) to showcase the very best the county has to

offer.

Culture Night Clare 2018 will see 43 free, family-friendly cultural events being held throughout Clare over a 10hour period from 1.00pm to 11.00pm.

This year’s programme, which is organised by the Clare Arts Office and funded by Clare County Council and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is filled with free events across the county from Ennis to Ennistymon, and Killanena to Kilkee.

Arts and cultural bodies throughout Clare will throw open their doors offering members of the public a chance to enjoy unique performances and catch a glimpse inside some of the most beautiful buildings and cultural institutions in their area. Highlights of events taking place in Clare include Luka Bloom in Culturlann Sweeney, Kilkee, The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra in glor, Ennis, Simon O’Reilly in The Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon, and Matthew Noone and Catherine Sikora in The Old School House, Killanena.

Minister for Culture, Heritage & the

Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD, said: “we are lucky to have a rich and varied culture in Ireland. Culture Night once again provides people across the country with the perfect opportunity to get out and immerse themselves in it for one evening. Visit a venue you might never have thought of visiting before or surprise yourself and explore a new cultural genre.”

“With a huge choice of venues open from museums, galleries, theatres and studios to libraries, parks and historic buildings, and even more events programmed, I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy an evening of cultural discovery. Whether it’s a one off performance or getting a glimpse behind the doors of our beautiful, historic buildings, I hope people across Ireland will take a little time between now and September 21st to explore the programme and plan your own Culture Night,” she added. n Details of the full Culture Night programme for County Clare can be seen at www.culturenight.ie/clare. For updates, follow Clare Culture Night on Facebook.

OUTSIDE THE BOX: DAVE FLYNN’S IRISH MEMORY ORCHESTRA WITH MÁIRTÍN O’CONNOR GLÓR | FRIDAY 5 OCTOBER | 8PM | €22/€20 CONC. AND AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 MINUTES: SOLO PERFORMANCE WITH ASSOCIATE ARTIST DAVE FLYNN GLÓR | THURSDAY 4 OCTOBER | 8.30PM | €14/€12 CONC.

LÓR presents two outstanding concerts to kick off their autumn programme of events. On Thursday 5 October, glór’s Associate Artist Dave Flynn will perform an intimate solo concert in glór’s studio - Around the World in 80 Minutes with Dave Flynn, (solo guitar).

Award-winning guitarist/composer Dave Flynn brings audiences on a fantastical musical voyage across the globe. Well known to Clare audiences for his Irish Memory Orchestra, Flynn has toured solo around Japan, New Zealand and Europe.

His cosmopolitan spirit and masterful guitar skills combine for an intoxicating musical cocktail.

Brazilian Bossa Nova and Spanish Flamenco dance alongside inventive imitations of Indian Sitar, African Kora and Japanese Koto music.

This, his first solo show in Clare, includes selections from his albums Draíocht and Contemporary Traditional Irish Guitar. New music composed espe-

cially for his 2018 glór Artist Association rounds off this adventurous journey around the world of guitar music.

The following night, Friday 5 October sees Flynn take to the stage in another guise, with his Irish Memory Orchestra and special guest Mairtín O’Connor in a concert entitled Outside the Box. Flynn’s Irish Memory Orchestra is the only orchestra in the western world to perform exclusively from memory.

Ireland’s living music tradition soars into the 21st Century with this outstanding ensemble where ancient Celtic horns mix with strings, winds, pipes, concertina, voices and a swinging rhythm section.

Led by multi-award winning composer Dave Flynn and conducted by Bjorn Bantock, The Irish Memory Orchestra regularly collaborates with some of the most renowned traditional Irish musicians including Martin Hayes, Dennis Cahill & Máirtín O’Connor.

ENTERTAINMENT 17

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

KARAN CASEY KILKEE BOUND

K

ARAN CASEY has long been one of the most innovative, provocative and imitated voices in Irish traditional and folk music. Her career has spanned twenty five years from the early days as a jazz performer in George’s Bistro in Dublin to her heady days in New York with the band Solas to her now established solo career and she has sold over half a million albums. She released her first album with the group Solas, which quickly became the most celebrated Irish band in the U.S., and her four years with the group were pivotal. Since embarking on her solo career Karan has released 6 solo albums, a duo album (with John Doyle), an album for children and numerous contributions to other artists’ projects.

She has toured extensively throughout North America, Europe and Japan, performing solo, with her own band and with many other diverse artists. n Karan Casey and Band playing in Cultúrlann Sweeney Kilkee on the 20th Oct 2018 @8pm.

Tickets are €17/€15.

TOWER STREET MUSIC COMES TO ENNISTYMON TOWER STREET MUSIC, 6 ACTS, 1 NIGHT, POT DUGGANS, NEW ROAD, ENNISTYMON DOORS: 4:20PM - LATE SEPTEMBER 18TH 2018 Live Performances from Sara Ryan, The Burma, Eve Clague, The Big Lovin’, Just Charlie and The Davies Brothers.

Tower St. Music was set up with the goal of transforming the Irish music industry by creating an online platform dedicated to supporting the abundance of quality original music produced in Ireland.

By creating a strong online community of music fans we can directly connect artists with a wider audience and reinvigorate local support for original acts.

Since our launch in February 2018 we have been building the community that is Tower St. Music. Through a series of live gigs, interviews and our online web videos we have been promoting artists across the country.

We want you to be a part of this community and are delighted to invite you to what will be our biggest project to date. On Tuesday the 18th of September we are bringing you six of the freshest upcoming young artists in the country to The Barn @ Pot Duggans, Ennistymon, Co. Clare.

Tickets will sell fast but don’t worry if you can’t make this one, follow us on social media where you can see all our event updates, live videos and help raise the platform for upcoming artists nationwide.

LISDOONVARNA MATCHMAKING FESTIVAL 21st/22nd/23rd September

“HYDRO HOTEL” Teddy & Cathal Barry, Moynihan Brothers, John & Leslie Dunne, Michael Sexton and Lisdoonvarna Showband ******

Q-DANCE CLUB + ROOF DJ FRIDAY & SATURDAY Starts at 11pm – Late! Over 18’s Only!

******

BUCK TAYLOR SATURDAY, Starts at 11pm Till Late!

“IMPERIAL HOTEL” Pat Dowling, Outa Diesel, Damien & the Shakes, Blue Ridge Country and Jarleth ******

MEG MAGUIRE PUB With DJ PAT FRIDAY Starts @ 8pm / SATURDAY Starts @ 4pm Over 18’s Only!

MIDWEEK DANCING ALL SEPTEMBER AT THE HYDRO & IMPERIAL HOTELS! MUSIC & DANCING IN ALL PUBS IN TOWN!! www.matchmakerireland.com

18 COMMUNITY

Community EAST CLARE CULTURE IN MOUNTHANNON Culture Night 2018 takes place on Friday 21st September with Mountshannon Arts Festival Committee in conjunction with Cuirt Inis Cealtra, inviting you to an evening of music, dance, poetry and drama, in the Catholic church at 8pm.

Culture night is now in it’s 12th year, and is an all Ireland annual event, that aims to celebrate, culture, creativity, and the arts.

All events are Free.

In Mountshannon, we are able to put on an exciting and eclectic programme, which will include, the internationally acclaimed fiddle player Manus McGuire, who will be launching his latest CD, ‘The Copperplate Sessions’ at the event.

We are also really happy that both local schools will be taking part, as it is vital to immerse our young people in culture and art from an early age.

Also taking part are a local Trad group put together by Cliodhna Ni Domhnallain, Sliabh Aughty Drama Group, and local poet Nicki Griffin.

Baile Ui Beolain Trad: Musicians, Eithne Ni Dhonaile, Brendan Bugler, and Cliodhna Ni Domhnalláin, will be joined by dancer Stephanie Keane.

QUIZ WINNERS Congratulations to the Sixmilebridge Kilmurry Macra club members who won the county round of a highly entertaining Question Time Quiz in Lucas’s bar Sunday night. The team will represent Clare Macra at the National Finals in Dublin at the end of the month.

NORTH/WEST CLARE PITCH & PUTT TOURNO Ennistymon Choral Society is having its first ever Pitch & Putt Tournament on Sunday, Sep 23 Sep at 11am at Sandfield Pitch & Putt, Liscannor. Trophy for winning team and €100 Beauty Products from Holland & Barrett for Best Lady on the Day. Register your team at ennistymonchoralsociety@gmail.com or just come on the day. All support appreciated! Find us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

CBS ENNISTYMON The Monastery Boys of the CBS Ennistymon will present ‘Ireland and Us’ on Friday 21st September at 12 Noon in the Courthouse Gallery Ennistymon as part of Culture Night 2018. The boys will represent through drama,

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

dance, music and poetry how they are influenced by the culture that surrounds them. All support appreciated.

ORGANZA IN WEST CLARE The West Clare Resource Centre, Ballard Rd, Miltown Malbay is pleased to announce a workshop on making Organza Flowers to be held at the centre on Satuurday 29th September 2018 as part of LCETB’s Community education Programme. The workshop is free but there is a charge of €5 for materials. Places are limited so please phone Cora O’Grady on 087 1354 912 to secure a place.

ALL SHOOK UP IN KILLIMER Killimer Parish are holding a fundraiser for West Clare Cancer Care Centre on November 17 with Patrick Johnson, a world class Elvis tribute artist.

Now based in the US, Patrick is returning in November for The Homecoming Concert and an Elvis Tribute Band from Belfast will back him. Any help you could give us for this worthy fundraiser would be greatly appreciated.

KILRUSH TIDY TOWNS Kilrush Tidy Towns would sincerely like to thank everyone for their fantastic support throughout the year. The town has never looked better thanks to all the businesses and property owners who painted their buildings, everyone who put out and tended to the lovely flower displays and those who swept and tidied around their premises. Thank you also to all the businesses and people of the town who so generously donated via sponsorship and the recent church gate collection.

The National Tidy Towns results will be announced on Monday 24th September but no matter what the outcome we have a community to be proud of.

Ní neart go cur le chéile.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Kilrush and District Historical Society’s 2018/2019 monthly lecture series, held on the last Tuesday of each month, commences at the Teach Ceoil on Grace Street at 8 p.m. on Tuesday 25 September with a talk on The West Clare Photographs in the Lawrence Collection by Elizabeth Kirwan of the National Library of Ireland (NLI). also the Conservation Section.

To date, Elizabeth has organised more than 20 high profile NLI exhibitions, and is a well known speaker on the NLI collections.

She is an expert on the Lawrence Collection.KDHS lectures are free to members, EUR5 for non-members. New members are welcome.

l IN THEIR ELEMENT: Grainne Loonam, Paddy O’Dwyer and Cailean Cox took part in the Element Six Shannon Charity Cycle on Tuesday to raise funds for Limerick Suicide Watch. The 50km Route went from Element Six, Shannon via Bunratty, Sixmilebridge, Quin, Newmarket on Fergus back to Shannon. €1,500 was raised by employees which will be matched by the company Photo by Arthur Ellis

ENNIS FORMER NASH PUPILS The 50th reunion of Ennis Old Boys National School 6th&7th class of 1968/1969/1970 takes place at Old Ground Hotel Ennis on Saturday Oct 6 at Maguire Suite at 7.30pm.

Over 45 former pupils will attend and also former teachers. Any townies who were in the National In 1968-1970 are welcome.

Please call William Crowley on 087 390 8664 or email crowleyhardwoods@gmail.com.

INTERNATIONAL CULTURE Clare Immigrant Support Centre, the Inisowiacy Polish Folk Group, the Egbe omo Yoruba in Clare, members of the Egyptian community and others invite everyone to come join them for a fun intercultural Culture Night event in Glor on 21st September from 16.15 to 17.45.

“Harvesting the World” will have a focus on dancing, singing and customs to do with harvesting from around the world and will create an opportunity to learn a new dance, sing a new song to do with the time honoured practice and traditions related to the harvesting of food. Craft making for children also.

COMMUNITY 19

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

lGREAT CAUSE: (back) Maureen Mangan, Mary Stafford, Claire Colleran Molloy, Kay Mangan, Helen Hanrahan; (front) Emer Casey, Eileen Maughlon and Helen O Leary

Photo by John Mangan

lCHEERS: Larry Brennan with Mayor Clare Colleran Molloy and her husband Tony Molloy

Photos by John Mangan

lFIT FOR ‘QUEENS: Denise and Niamh Mulqueen enjoy the Mayor’s coffee morning

Photos by John Mangan

MAYOR Clare Colleran Molloy hosted a successful coffee morning for Sláinte An Chláir last Wednesday at Éire Óg Clubhouse in Ennis with over €800 raised for the cancer charity, more than was anticipated.

The Ennis Mayor was joined by a large crowd who enjoyed treats provided by Zest, Ennis and Meere’s of Quin, which were all provided free of cost. A fun raffle was held at the event with a section of blanket from the world record blanket given away, along with a voucher for Patrick Bourke Menswear.

lTEA-RIFFIC TIME: Treas Molloy, Brenda Fitzgibbon, Peggy Molloy, Mary O’Halloran, Helena McNamara and Marie O Halloran

Photo by John Mangan

lCATCHING UP: Clare Echo Editor Stuart Holly with Mayor Colleran Molloy, Tony Killeen and Des Neylon at the coffee morning in Éire Óg Photo by John Mangan

lCUTENESS: Baby Lily stuck with the milk while Denise McMahon enjoyed a well-deserved coffee

Photo by John Mangan

20 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

Encourage yourself and one another

W

HEN people experience hard times, it can sometimes seem that they’re never going to end. The dictionary defines adversity as “a serious or continued difficulty.”

Although some people going through adversity are more likely to define it as hell. It is the long drawn-out nature of adversity, rather than brief spells of misfortune, that can crush the human spirit and cause related illnesses such as stress, anxiety and depression. However, it’s also at such times that people can discover their inner resilience and optimism, while having strong faith that the difficult times will come to an end. Adversity visits us all from time to time, some more than others and in many different ways. It can come disguised as marriage trouble, sickness, financial calamity and debts, hardship from personal attacks, or even difficulty in the workplace or even the loss of one’s job, or death of a loved one. Adversity is no respecter of persons. All of us will face it at sometime or other. The question is how we will respond to it. Try if you can muster up the energy to “Encourage Yourself ”!! For me through my prayer life encouragement is one of my most powerful antidote’s against adversity.

Have you ever heard a car engine knock or splutter because it was low on oil? Then after oil was added the engine hummed along smoothly? Our lives are the same.

Many times we get so busy with the cares and worries of this world and just getting by, that we run low on oil and get knocked and spluttered around. We stop putting the encouragement, prayers, care and love into our hearts and souls and that only lends to putting our lives in jeopardy. Learning how to overcome adversity should be always a major part of our character that we all must continually try to develop. Even though these situations can be devastating, life still goes on and we must do what is necessary to get through these difficult circumstances. As usual a story may help to explain.

POTATOES, EGGS AND COFFEE

“Once upon a time, a daughter complained to her father that her life was miserable and that she didn’t know how she was going to make it through. She

thing new. “Which are you?” he asked his daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a potato, an egg, or a coffee bean?”

DON’T THROW IN THE TOWEL!!

HELPING HAND: Encourage others

was tired of fighting and struggling all the time. It seemed just as one problem was solved, another one soon followed. Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Once the three pots began to boil, he placed potatoes in one pot, eggs in the second pot, and ground coffee beans in the third pot. He then let them sit and boil, without saying a word to his daughter. The daughter moaned and impatiently waited, wondering what he was doing. After twenty minutes, he turned off the burners. He took the potatoes out of the pot and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. He then ladled the coffee out and placed it in a cup.

Turning to her, he asked, “Daughter, what do you see?” “Potatoes, eggs, and coffee,” she hastily replied. “Look closer,” he said, “and touch the potatoes.” She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hardboiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. It’s rich aroma brought a smile to her face. “Father, what does this mean?” she asked. He then explained that the potatoes, the eggs, and coffee beans had each faced the same adversity, the boiling water.

However, each one reacted differently. The potato went in strong, hard and unrelenting, but in boiling water it became soft and weak. The egg was fragile with the thin outer shell protecting its liquid interior until it was put in the boiling water. Then the inside of the egg became hard. However, the ground coffee beans were unique. After they were exposed to the boiling water, they changed the water and created some-

I don’t know about you but there have been times in my life where I just wanted to throw in the towel. I am sure we have all been down on our luck at some point.

Personally, I have had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows through my journey through life so far. I have been depressed, discouraged, hurt, sad, worried, anxious and even terrified. I have even done some things I am sure no one could be proud of.

But let’s make one thing clear, Life is a continuous succession of both small and large problems or joyful and sorrowful mysteries as I would like to call them. They never end. No sooner do you get control of one situation when you are hit by another. Life is a process of “two steps forward and one step back.” No matter how smart and clever and careful you are, you’ll face life struggles, challenges, difficulties, and sometimes heartbreaking adversities every day, week and month of your life. And in someway thank heaven for that! You couldn’t possibly have become the person you are today if you had not had to contend with adversity. Perhaps your chief aim in life is to develop a noble character, to become an excellent human being, to become everything you are capable of becoming.

Only by contending with hard times that seem to be beyond your strength to handle at the moment can you grow more surely toward your goal. The starting point for me in dealing with any difficulty or worry is simply to relax and pray and to ask God to help me and guide me safely through it. Clear your mind. Get yourself into a state where you’re calm and cool and in full control of your emotions and senses.

Step back and look at the problem with a certain amount of detachment, as if it were happening to someone else. When you can analyze your adversities clearly, you sometimes see opportunities to turn them to your best advantage. And for me I always turn to God in prayer and light a candle for help, direction and guidance so that hopefully no matter how hard it is I make the right choice or decision. In dealing

with adversity effectively, your ability to ask questions and to seek help and support and guidance is essential. As long as you are asking questions, you are expanding the range of options and possibilities that are open to you. As long as you are asking questions, you are keeping your mind calm and cool and objective and my prayers help me do that. It’s important to not be be afraid to admit that you’re in a bind. If you made a mistake, or dropped the ball and found yourself in a difficult situation, don’t be afraid to go to someone that you trust and admit that you need help. You’ll be amazed at the valuable advice that you can get from someone who has already experienced the difficulty that you’re going through or that you know when you share your worries they will be received and listened to with love and genuine care.

In dealing with adversity, perhaps one of the most important positive affirmations that I know that was given to me by my good friend David and hopefully you can remember it too at times if you are like me and suffer from anxiety and depression is this: “This, too, shall pass.” Whatever it is, however difficult it may appear, say to yourself, “This, too, shall pass.”

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, always remember that one of your main jobs in life is to become an expert in dealing with adversity, to triumph over difficulty, to rise above the challenges of day-to-day life.

Keep your thoughts on where you’re going, not on where you’ve been. Keep your eyes on your goals, and keep your chin tilted upward towards the heavens. Resolve in advance that you will meet and overcome every difficulty, and then, no matter what happens, don’t give up until you do. Remember In life, things happen around us and things happen to us, but the only thing that truly matters is what happens within us. Sometimes when we’re heartbroken, our heart is broken open and we’re able to give and receive more love. As long as we choose not to shut down around the pain but stay with the feelings and trust that we can survive them, heartbreak can be an opportunity to experience more love for ourselves, for a sick loved one or really for anyone in our lives.

ADVICE/ OPINION 21

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

Darach Honan

Trusted independent financial advisor with IPS Financial Advice

Worked in the UK? Make the most of your pension benifits

S

OME 400,000 people living in Ireland have worked in the UK. Despite this large number, only a small percentage of these people are optimizing the pension benefits available to them. This can be for several reasons, but most commonly, people do not understand or are not aware of the options available to them. Due to worries about Brexit and some changes to legislation in the UK, it is important to get a handle on you UK pension entitlement sooner rather than later.

Most people will have contributed to an occupational pension scheme during their time in the UK. However, did you know that by working in the UK, even if it was just for one year, you have an entitlement to the UK state pension. The UK state pension is a great opportunity for people to plan for their retirement. I will re-visit this later on but first I would like to deal with the options available to people who have private pensions in the UK. PRIVATE PENSIONS If you have contributed to a pension in the UK, you will either have a defined benefit or defined contribution pension scheme. The main difference between a defined benefit scheme and a defined contribution scheme is that the former promises a specific income and the latter depends on factors such as the amount you pay into the pension and the fund’s investment performance.

To weigh up your options and make the decision that is right for you the first thing you will need to do with regards to your private pension is to request a transfer value. This will tell you exactly what your pension is currently worth. This can be arranged by a good financial planner.

The advantages of transferring your UK private pension to Ireland are: You will have more autonomy over where your pension will be invested.

Often, pension scheme administrators will neglect members who have left the scheme.

It can be more beneficial in terms of inheritance and forming your estate for your family. Some occupational pension schemes in the UK will die with the scheme member. In these cases, if you were to transfer your pension to Ireland, your pension would become an inheritable asset.

You would not have to file a tax return in the UK every year when you draw down your pension. This can become quite a chore as you become older.

There is uncertainty around how pensions will be treated post Brexit, there may be benefits to having your pension in Ireland when this happens.

We already know that if a ‘no deal’ Brexit occurs, some pension companies in the UK will not be able to pay pension into

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3 4

remaining EU countries. This will leave some people who are living outside of the UK without the benefits of the pension they paid in to.

On the other hand, there can be advantages to leaving the pension where it is.

The scheme you are a member of may have benefits that suit you. There may be guaranteed benefits to the scheme you are in that you are comfortable with.

The most important thing here is that you consider both options and the benefits and disadvantages of both. Only then can you be sure that you are making the best decision for you. This should be done in conjunction with a financial planner who has experience of the UK system.

UK STATE PENSION The state pension system in the UK is a little different to the system that we have in Ireland. Those who qualify for the full pension will receive £8,575.78 per annum or £164.35 per week.

To receive the full value of the UK state pension you must have paid national insurance for 35 years. Each year that you have will give you benefit on a pro rata basis. For instance, if I have 13 years, I would receive 13/35ths of the full pension.

However, to receive any benefit, you must build up your contributions to a minimum of 10 years.

The good news is, even if you have left the UK, you can continue to contribute to and build up your UK state pension. This is especially important if you have less then 10 years contributions as otherwise, you would lose your benefit.

Each additional year that you purchase would add £237 onto your annual pension benefit. The standard rate of purchasing one year is £741. However, for those who are very familiar with the system, it is possible to get this at a cheaper rate.

For anyone interested in knowing more, I am here to answer all your questions.

If there is something I can help you with, please get in touch.

Darach@ipsfa.ie 087-1277155

Where an opinion is expressed, it is the personal opinion of the author only and not of the paper.

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Shinners may regret presidential gamble

C

LARE County Councillors threw a curve ball into the Presidential race on Monday. Granted, out of 28 councillors, it took the votes of just seven to do so, most of them abstaining. Many pundits had thought the announcement of Sinn Féin’s Liadh Ní Riada would be the fifth and final candidate to make it to the ballot paper before this week’s deadline. However, Peter Casey’s nomination by Clare County Council put him half way to reaching the four-council nomination target with nine councils left to decide.

With Donegal also looking like they’ll nominate him, he should pick up at least one more from the remaining eight councils to make it to next month’s election.

That said, two opinion polls at the weekend from RedC and Ireland Thinks both confirmed what many of us knew; incumbent Michael D Higgins has a massive lead six weeks ahead of polling. That doesn’t mean anything can be taken for granted. David Norris and Sean Gallagher were early favourites last time out. Adi Roche was an early leader in the 1997 race along with Mary Banotti, however, Mary McAleese ended up comfortably winning. The shadow boxing can end after the nomination deadline has passed and, with the official launch of President Higgins’ campaign this week, the campaign will begin in earnest.

Sinn Féin’s nomination of Ní Riada was a well flagged one. The official selection was supposedly only made at an Ard Comhairle meeting last Sunday; however, her campaign Twitter page and website had been set up several days previously and that afternoon, an official campaign launch was done with a plethora of printed campaign materials and t-shirts.

There was even a campaign video prepared. So, not the

democratic decision of the party’s Ard Comhairle after all, it would appear. It does beg the question though, even with the change of leadership in SF, just who is calling the shots behind the scenes? And why are decisions being laid in front of the party’s executive for mere rubber stamp. Ní Riada herself is an interesting choice. Her cultural credentials for the job are not in question given her work on behalf of the national language and her time in TG4, not to mention being the daughter of one of the most notable Irish composers of the last century. Nevertheless, she is not without controversy. She said in previous interviews that she refused to give consent to have her daughters vaccinated, citing disproven reports as justification.

She has since rowed back on those claims. She also refused to call the Provisional IRA a terrorist group in an interview with Hot Press, drawing a ferocious backlash from the victims of IRA violence.

At the end of the day though, Sinn Féin would privately concede that they have not a hope in hell of winning this election.

That’s not what this is about for them. What is important is that they’re the only party who have officially run a candidate.

All other nominees will be classed as Independent candidates. Initially SF saw this as a great opportunity for publicity. I think they made an error of judgement on this one because Irish people have moved on from party politics for party politics’ sake. The role of President has evolved to much more than a political prize. As such, SF now look caught in the past, fighting an election against a very popular incumbent for the sake of it. The realisation of their error was etched in the faces of all their members who appeared at their official launch, each photographed looking

glummer than the last.

The real fear now is that a poor performance by Ní Riada could cause Sinn Féin more damage that its worth. With a win in this election not seen as credible, SF are using it to give a profile boost to their least know MEP just months ahead of the European elections. She is one of the MEPs representing Clare, yet her nomination last weekend saw plenty of friends and family contact me to find out just who she was. Contrast this to Matt Carty and Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin’s two other MEPs, who are well known for strong media performances since their election, alongside Ní Riada in 2014.

Sinn Féin may have made a huge miscalculation by jumping the gun to announce their intention to run a candidate at a time they thought it may have been a two-horse race. With the entrance of Gallagher, Duffy, Freeman and now Casey to the fray, Ní Riada may simply fade into the background and, in doing so, make SF look weak. On the other hand, all other political parties are now free to concentrate on preparing for Local and European elections next May as well as any snap General Election that may occur. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are free to examine constituencies like Clare and make appropriate additions to their ticket.

SF are looking at Clare as a location to make a breakthrough in the next General Election. For the next six weeks though, they will be talking to the Clare electorate about Ní Riada in a race she cannot win instead of talking up their General Election candidates here. Anything below 12% for Ní Riada would spell crisis for SF. They’ve unnecessarily backed themselves into a corner and will have to come out fighting to save face. This is an effort they could have done without!

22 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

BUSINESS

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

Free advice for new Clare businesses

l KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Minister Breen

DO YOU own or manage a small business? Are you thinking of starting a new business? Then this event is for you! Register now at www. takingcareofbusiness.ie for the free half-day event in the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Ennis Road, Limerick, on Tuesday, September 25, 2018.

Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen, will give the keynote address at the event for existing and potential entrepreneurs called ‘Taking Care of Business’.

The one-stop-shop event is targeted at people thinking of starting a business as well as existing small

business owners to help them: understand the main regulations that affect them so that they can focus on the main task of running their business; Meet experts from a broad range of public bodies in an informal setting; and find out about advice and supports that are available from the public sector.

The free half-day event will open for registration at 8.15am and conclude at 1.30pm. There will be two separate strands running at the same time, with presentations from State bodies in one area and information stands with reps from State bodies in a separate area.

Experts will be available at the information stands to speak direct-

ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR YOUR

ly to attendees.

This free ‘Taking Care of Business’ event is an initiative of the Government of Ireland, run by the Department of Business in conjunction with the HSA and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, will bring together nearly 30 State and public-sector bodies, agencies and services in one location. This will also give attendees the chance to communicate with public bodies about their business concerns.

Speaking at the launch for the event, Minister Breen said: “Taking Care of Business events allow small-business owners, entrepreneurs and start-ups to get advice, on one day, in one place from a

variety of agencies, on topics as diverse as access to finance and health and safety, for instance. I am particularly pleased to see the event return to the Mid-West, a region with a long and proud tradition of innovation.”

Early booking is advised. You may register free at takingcareofbusiness.ie. This event is also supported by the Small Firms Association, Chambers Ireland, Shannon Chamber, Limerick Chamber, Ennis Chamber, Tipperary Chamber, ISME, RGDATA, ACCA, IBEC, IDA, the Construction Industry Federation, the Hardware Association of Ireland, the Linkage-Partnership and Innovate Limerick.

You Are Invited

BUSINESS

Taking Care of Business

Tuesday 25th September 2018 Radisson Blu Hotel Ennis Road, Limerick 8:15am to 1:30pm Factory and Centre of Excellence Tour

@TCOB2018

#supportforbusiness

Archives and Photos from 6 decades

Free Admission To Register www.takingcareofbusiness.ie

Do you own or manage a small business?

Are you thinking of starting a new business?

Then this event is for YOU! By attending this event you will:

Product Display BBQ Refreshments

Entertainment (Clare FM Roadcaster, Live Music) Tented Village Careers Desk Fun for the kids (face painting, balloons, penalty shoot-out) The Management of Ei Electronics invites all employees - past and present, and their families, customers, suppliers, members of the local community, local schools, etc. to join us on Sun 23rd September as we celebrate milestone anniversaries of manufacturing in Shannon.

Come along for a behind scenes view of the largest empolyer in Shannon, with over 700 employees and exports to 30 countries worldwide, an exemplar of successful indigenous Irish industry.

See the technology and meet the people that have made us a world leader in Fire and Gas sensing products over 6 decades.

Meet with representatives from a range of State offices and agencies Get practical information and advice Find out ways to save your business money Learn about supports and tools to assist you in your business An initiative of

“Meet old friends from your time at Ei”

BUSINESS 23

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

lENJOYING THE EVENT: Áine Gleeson of WowWee.ie.

l TALKING BUSINESS: Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon and Michael Byrne of Acton Web.

Photo by Martin Connolly

Photo by Martin Connolly

Judges blown away by Ennis presentation E NNIS left a strong impression on judges from the Bank Of Ireland Enterprise Town panel last Wednesday as members of the community joined forces for a presentation.

Ennis is pitted against dozens of towns around the country to win the prestigious honour and the Clare capital put its best foot forward with The Clare Echo’s Aoibhín Garrihy MCing a ‘couch session’ at St Flannan’s College’s Cannon O’Brien room where speakers included Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, Jean McCabe of Willow, Cormac McCarthy from Ennis Tidy Towns, Allen Flynn of the Old Ground Hotel, Áine Gleeson from Wowwee.ie, Acton Web’s Michael Byrne, John Dillane from Top Part, Gwen Culligan from the County Boutique, Sharon Meaney from the Clare Volunteer Centre, Barry Meehan of Kontour Kitchens and Ciara McGuane of Rathú.

After the ‘Couch Sessions’ the judges got to wander the town centre and witness the quality and unique retail offering in Ennis. All three judges swore to return for a weekend break in Ennis with their other halves.

The journey was then hosted by hurling legend and St Flannan’s teacher Jamsie O’Connor who brought the judges to visit Cup Print, TTM Healthcare and Great National Hotels, with judges commenting on these indigenous Ennis-owned businesses which are operating at an international level. The judges also stopped by Ballyalla Lake to meet Alan Coote of Ballyalla Kayak hire to hear the story of how a community project brought enterprise to Ballyalla Lake with camps running all summer long for kids on the lake.

Finally John Burke joined the judges for lunch to share his Everest Experience & the work in Elevate.

The event was co-organized by Ennis Chamber, Clare Leo, Clare Coco & St. Flannans college.

l FASHION FORWARD: Aoibhín Garrihy who MC’d the event and Gwen Culligan of The County Boutique.

Photo by Martin Connolly

l FUTURE ENTREPRENEUR: St Flannan’s College Transition year student Laura Hayes from Ballyea being interviewed by Kieran McDermott when the BOI Judging Panel visited Ennis on Wednesday.

Photo by Martin Connolly

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS lSUCCESSFUL: Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 180 DSG 4x4

TOP OF THE LINE

ROAD TEST: SKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE

FACTS & FIGURES:

T what point does an amount of money become too much money? Let me be more specific — at what point does Skoda — Skoda which has become amazingly successful in the past decade, and which has long since left its bargain-basement roots behind — become too expensive?

A case in point, possibly the perfect case for this point, is the Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 180 DSG 4x4. That’s a mouthful of a name and an eyeful of equipment. The Sportline models now slot in at the top of Skoda’s range, ahead of the previous top-spec ‘Style’ models and, in terms of equipment, Skoda has basically loaded up the options howitzer and fired; point blank.

A Sportline Kodiaq comes with, in addition to the likes of the eight-inch infotainment screen and keyless go that comes with Ambition spec, 19-inch alloys, leather multifunction steering wheel, lots of (possibly fake — it’s hard to tell these days — carbon fibre trim, a panoramic sunroof, black exterior styling details, gorgeous (and gorgeously comfortable) high-backed sports seats with leather and Alcantara suede trim, LED headlamps, and a sports styling kit.

Oh, and our test car came with the highest possible mechanical spec for a Kodiaq (at least until the range-topping RS model arrives later this year) with the 190hp

Model tested: Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 190 DSG 4x4 Sportline Pricing: €52,716 as tested; Kodiaq starts at €30,950 Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive Body style: five-door, seven-seat SUV CO2 emissions: 151g/km (Band C - €390 per annum) Combined economy: 49.5mpg (5.7 litres/100km) Top speed: 209km/h 0-100km/h: 8.8 seconds Power: 190hp at 3,500-4,000rpm Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-3,250rpm Boot space: 270-630-2,005 litres EuroNCAP rating: Five stars: 92 per cent adult; 77 per cent child; 71 per cent pedestrian; 54 per cent safety assist

A

version of the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, a seven-speed DSG automatic dual-clutch transmission, and four-wheel drive.

But wait, there’s more. Our test car had extra toys — a bigger touchscreen (the 9.2-inch unit), bigger alloy wheels (20inch ‘Vega’ items), a rear view camera, heated seats, and metallic paint. The total

for those extras? €3,641. The total for the whole car? Inclusive of options, you’re looking at €52,716. Woof. That’s a lot of money, in anyone’s terms, never mind a lot of money for a car bearing a Skoda badge.

The thing is that it’s hard to begrudge the Skodiaq (the inevitable nickname for the Kodiaq) simply because it’s so nice.

Nice can be something of a damning-withfaint-praise word, but in this case it’s just the best way of describing Skoda’s biggest SUV. The Sportline kit on the outside does make the Kodiaq look a little more glowering, a fraction more menacing, but even os it’s a friendly-looking thing. The Kodiaq’a styling and sheer, upright, boxiness are both signals that you’ve bought this car for its usability, not for its posing power. Quite right too.

Inside, we’ve previously accused the Kodiaq of having a cabin that’s a little too plain, a touch too upright and sober, but the Sportline model does make some amends in that direction. The big 9.2-inch screen looks great, and is mostly great to use (mostly, because unlike the eight-inch version it lacks a physical volume knob, so is a bit more fiddly), while the carbon-fibre inserts (yeah, like you’re really trying to save weight on a car this size with a handful of carbon panels) do make the whole thing look a little smarter. And those highback bucket seats are. Just. Wonderful.

They are as good and as comfy as anything you’d find in, say, a Bentley. Which does put the price rather into perspective.

Then there’s the sheer practicality. With

the optional seven seats in place, you can easily squeeze five people into the back of the Kodiaq, and those in the rearmost seats don’t even have to be midgets (though it helps). With all the seats up, you still have a vestigial 270-litre boot left, but the news gets better as you start to drop the seatbacks. Lower the two boot seats, and you have a colossal 630-litres to play with, while if you fold all the rear seats flat, you’ve got, effectively, a van with more than 2,000-litres of load-lugging capacity.

To drive, the Kodiaq is… really nice.

Again, that sounds like the faintest of praise, but again it seems appropriate.

Those 20-inch wheels do make the ride a touch too stiff-edged around town, and there’s no detectable steering feel (belying the Sportline tag) but otherwise the Kodiaq rolls along in a hugely pleasing fashion, with decent refinement, solid (if not exceptional — maybe you’d be better off with the 150hp engine) performance, and a sense of solidity and capability that not too many other vehicles can match.

Is it really worth €50k, though? Is any Skoda? It’s a really tough question to ask, and of course in reality all such answers are in the eye of the beholder (or at least the cheque book beholder) but I think the Sportline just squeaks a pass.

Personally? I’d save a bundle and get a cheaper, but still hugely capable, Skodiaq (actually I’d get the Superb Combi estate but that’s a debate for another day…) but the Sportline just about carries itself across the line.

WHATEVER YOU GAMBLE ON, MAKE SURE IT ISN’T A USED CAR. A ŠKODA Approved Used Car goes through a 110-point check so itʹs zero risk. Now available on 0% finance.

Al Hayes ŠKODA, Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Tel: 065 6822400 • www.alhayesskoda.ie * Typical Finance Example: 2014 Fabia 1.2HTP 60hp Monte Carlo. Recommended OTRP €11,995.00. Deposit / Part Exchange €6,995.00. 24 monthly payments of €208.33. Total cost of credit €0.00. Typical APR 0%.

Subject to lending criteria. Prices are subject to change. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. ŠKODA Finance is a trading style of Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland, authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. *Each ŠKODA Approved Used Car receives a minimum warranty of 1 year. Selected ŠKODA models have up to 2 years warranty. For further details please contact your local participating ŠKODA dealer.

26 MOTORING

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

lSTYLE AND SPACE: Latest version of the Ford Focus delivers more style, space and advanced driving technologies for mid-size family car customers than ever before

FORD’S NEW FOCUS ARRIVES IN IRELAND T

HE ALL-NEW Ford Focus has arrived in Ireland. This latest version of the Ford Focus delivers more style, space and advanced driving technologies for mid-size family car customers than ever before.

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

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

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

Launched originally in 1998, the Focus nameplate is celebrating 20 years this year. Very soon after its launch, the car established a reputation as the C-segment leader in terms of both technological excellence and great driving dynamics.

More than 129,000 Focus models have been sold in Ireland since its original launch, making it one of the most popular cars in Ireland.

“Our all-new Ford Focus is the pinnacle of technology and driving appeal in its segment,” said Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland. “In spite of the rise of the SUV over the last number of years, Focus is consistently in the top 10 for car sales in Ireland and we are sure that this high tech new Focus will delight the many fans that the nameplate has won over the last 20 years.”

High-end consumer product design is reflected with polished glass and brushed finishes. Unique features and materials include fine-grain wood-effect finishes and premium leather for Vignale, sporty

carbon fibre-effect finishes and red stitching for the ST-Line, and more rugged, textured materials and surfaces for the Active.

The all-new Focus also provides more space inside for passengers and luggage.

More than five centimetres additional length between the front and rear wheels allows class-leading knee clearance for rear seat passengers, and all occupants benefit from the wider interior – there’s six centimetres more shoulder room in the rear. The impression of spaciousness is enhanced with a rear door design featuring windows that stretch further back for a more open sensation, and an openable panoramic roof that lets light flood into the interior.

Able to accommodate a large dog crate without needing to fold the rear seats, the all-new Focus wagon boot space is easy to access, using a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper to open the Hands-free tailgate. Folding the rear seats is also simplified – they now drop simply by pulling a switch in the boot space.

Customers can choose from engines including: Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine 125hp; further enhanced to deliver from 4.8 l/100km fuel efficiency and 108g/km Co2 and Ford’s new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine 120hp; delivering from 3.6 l/100km fuel efficiency and 94g/km Co2 Customers can also choose from manual six-speed transmissions that are smooth and refined to operate, and a new eight-speed automatic gearbox that adapts to different driving styles to offer the smoothest gear changes at the best possible time.

Prices for a Zetec model with the 125hp Ecoboost engine start from €24,900 and includes 16-inch alloys; LED running lights; 6.5-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay; selectable drive modes; cruise control with lane-keeping aid; and pre-collision assist including detection for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

MOTORING 27

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

DELIGHTFUL DUSTER Irish prices start from €17,390 for the new affordable SUV

D

ACIA IRELAND launched the first-generation Duster in Ireland six years ago in the midst of one of the worst financial crises ever. It arrived in timely fashion and struck a chord with many Irish people who were looking for an affordable new car and didn’t want to go down the second-hand car route. Its robustness and no-nonsense approach appealed to the Irish customer and since its launch in 2012 over 10,000 Dusters are on the road in Ireland.

Building on the success of the first generation, the Duster has been improved and refined in almost every area, but remains as versatile as ever. Duster’s ability to stray off the beaten track is expressed by the latest version’s updated design. In keeping with the model’s DNA, Duster combines robust, muscular styling with a truly assertive personality. A totally revised interior features new technologies never before seen on the Dacia range. Still Ireland’s most affordable new SUV, Duster is priced from €17,390, with deliveries coming in September.

The exterior styling is brand-new and not one body panel is carried over from the previous generation car. New 17-inch wheels with black wing arch trims give the car a more assertive personality with

a more distinctive grille extending to the head lights, making the car look wider.

The dashboard and interior have been totally revised for enhanced comfort and quality. The centre console accommodates a higher-positioned (+74 mm) driver-focused MediaNav multimedia touchscreen display for clear, easy access, with one of the market’s shortest viewing distances.

The seats have been completely redesigned with denser foam for improved comfort and support. The front seat cushions are 20mm longer and the driver’s seat comes with an armrest, lumbar adjustment and a new height-adjustment system which travels through 60 mm (compared with 40 mm previously).

Cabin noise has been halved by increasing the percentage of sound-absorbing surfaces in the cabin and engine compartment from 20 to 50 per cent, reducing noise thanks to improved sealants and plugs and using 0.35mm-thicker glass for the front windows. The car is now fitted with larger-diameter 165 mm bicone speakers for enhanced audio quality.

The Duster also comes with new electric power steering that reduces the effort required to turn the wheel by 35 per cent, which is particularly useful when parking.

On the highest trim level Duster is now available with keyless entry – technology

which has been tried and tested throughout Groupe Renault for several years.

This user-friendly system automatically opens all the doors as the driver gets close to the car and provides remote locking (accompanied by audible confirmation) as they walk away. The driver does not need to take their key out to start the vehicle thanks to the new start/stop button.

Dacia’s ethos is to keep things simple and no-nonsense — so the line-up is no different. There are three trim levels to choose from; Essential, Comfort and Prestige. Core features across the Duster range include LED daytime running lights, height-adjustable front headrests and seat belts, ECO mode and Stop and Start, gearshift indicator, engine immobiliser,

automatic door lock, ABS and Emergency Brake Assist, ESC/ASR (Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control), new full-length curtain airbags and ISOFIX points in the rear.

Essential trim, available from €17,390, adds 16-inch ‘Fidji’ steel wheels, body coloured front and rear bumpers, heat adjustable driver’s seat, DAB radio with steering-column mounted controls and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Duster comes with a choice of one petrol and one diesel engine at launch the SCe 115 and the Blue dCi 115 which both use a manual gearbox. The Blue dCi 115 will be available with 4x4 transmission from early 2019.

All-New Dacia Duster Rugged, robust and better looking

From €149 per month Hogan Motors Ennis Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065 6821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie Model shown is: All-New Dacia Duster Prestige Sce 115, RRP €21,290 (excluding Metallic paint RRP €520). Finance example Duster Essential SCe 115. RRP €17,390. Deposit €5,665. Term 36 monthly payments €149. APR 4.9%. Total cost of credit €1,406 inc doc & completion fee €75 each. Optional final payment €7,617.Excess mileage plus excess wear and tear charges may apply upon return of Vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See Dacia.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made].

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

BRIGHT AND SPACIOUS

HIGHFIELD, PARK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

H

ELEN GALLERY AUCTIONEERS and Valuers are delighted to bring this property at Highfield Park Road to the market. This home is superbly located within minutes walk of Ennis town centre, Ennis Midwestern Hospital, Ennis Swimming and Leisure Complex, Colaiste Muire Secondary School, Maoin Cheoil an Chlair Music School and all amenities afforded to the town. The property, standing on an elevated site, is approximately 60 years old and was extended to the side and rear adding additional living accommodation to the property.

Highfield Park Road offers bright spa-

cious family accommodation with open plan living/dining/ kitchen to the rear, a large family room to the front, four bedrooms (one ensuite) and bathroom. The property had gas central heating and an oil stove in the living room. There is a fully enclosed, private rear garden which extends to almost half an acre with ample parking to the rear.

Rarely does such a property in this superb location come to the market and viewing is strongly recommended.

Further details from Helen Gallery on 065 682 9481 or 086 250 4671.

Email:info@helengallery.ie.

Country cottage TYREDAGH UPPER, TULLA, CO. CLARE

â‚Ź240,000

B

EAUTIFULLY restored 2 bedroom detached stone cottage with many special features set in a quiet rural location on 11.2 acres of certified organic land.

This property has a full Organic licence saving the purchaser a 2 year conversion period. This allows the purchaser to sell approved produce and products as Organic from day one.

This is an opportunity to purchase a unique property with old world charm and character set on 11.2 acres of organic farmland in a very peaceful and scenic countryside location. The property has been renovated to a high standard whilst taking great care to retain many of the old features, including the original stone fireplace with a solid oak beam over. This is now fitted with a vintage Stanley solid fuel range.

Now fitted with all the modern conveniences, this property is ideal for the indviduals who enjoy the simple pleasures

of living in the countryside.

Beautifully restored 2 bedroomed detached stone cottage under a Killaloe slate roof. The whole ground floor has been relaid incorporating insulation and underfloor heating pipes.

Contact: Pete Wright, Tel: 065 683 5924

PROPERTY 29

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

Popular development Ideal holiday home

38 LISSANISKA, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 T4A8 €169,000

COOSHEEN, CORBALLY, KILKEE, CO CLARE, V15 N225

UMBER 38 Lissaniska is a bright and spacious 3 bedroom mid-terraced home located in this popular cul de sac development.

It is within walking distance of Ennis Town Centre a two minute drive to the N85 Link road that connects with the M18 motorway.

It also has the benefit of being within walking distance of the Lees Road sports facility.

Accommodation on the ground floor comprises an entrance hall, living room and an open-plan kitchen/dining area. On the first floor there are two double bedrooms (one of which has an en-suite), a single bedroom and a bathroom. The property also has the benefit of a fully floored attic with velux window, power-points and a light.

Externally there is a cobble-locked driveway to the front, the back garden is gravelled with block-wall boundaries and mulched shurbbery beds at both

HIS fine 3 bedroom detached property comes to the market in excellent condition throughout.

Located within 2.5kms of Kilkee town, in the quaint little village of Coosheen, the property would make an ideal holiday or family home.

It is also approx only 4kms to Doonbeg village.

It is situated on an elevated site and has both water views and countryside views.

Internally, accommodation is spacious and well proportioned and comprises an open plan kitchen, living and dining room, a bathroom and 3 bedrooms (one of which is ensuite).

Externally, the gardens are mainly in lawn with low maintenance patios and ample seating areas to sit and take in the lovely views on offer.

There is a large steel tech shed in place, ideal for storing garden equipment etc.

The property is being sold with all fixtures and fittings included plus most of the contents.

Viewings come highly recommended.

N

sides. Viewing of this fine home is highly recommended.

87.9 sq.M. (925 sq.Ft.) approx.

BER No. 111351094

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

LISMULBREEDA

T

€185,000

BER E1. BER Number 110827706. BER code 326.97 kWh/m²/yr.

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

AMV’S: LOT 1 €60,000, LOT2 €95,000, LOT 3 €120,000

AUCTION

DARRAGH, ENNIS

For Sale by Public Auction Thur 25th Oct 2pm, Old Ground Hotel, Ennis folio CE26935.

n n n n

Lot 1 - 1.98 ha (4.9 acres). Good quality land and significant road frontage onto the Darragh to Kilmaley Road.

Lot 2 - 4.9 ha (12.3 acres) with two storey derelict dwelling house and outbuildings in need of repair.

Lot 3 - 6.7 ha (16.5 acres) Some outbuildings and good road frontage and access All 3 Lots make up Folio CE15333.

Call Diarmuid McMahon 065 686 7866

LOWER MARKET STREET ENNIS

AMV€80,000

AUCTION

For Sale by Public Auction Thur 18th Oct 2pm, Old Ground Hotel, Ennis n n n

Commercial Unit with excellent profile on which includes other uses two sides n Ideal for many retail uses subject Floor area off 54sqm (581 sq ft) approx. to planning.

Current planning for bookmakers n BER C1 BER No. 800530263

Call Diarmuid McMahon 065 686 7866

PRSA No: 001212

30 PROPERTY

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018 l DYNAMIC DUO: Patrick Keogh Senior and Patrick Keogh.

Photo by Julie Tillett

l TOP TEAM: Cormac O’Sullivan and Pat Keogh

Only one home remaining in Ennis luxury development

C

LARE’S newest development, Sycamore Drive, is turning buyers’ heads with only one home remaining in Phase One of this turnkey offering.

Patrick Keogh of Pat Keogh Construction has revealed that work is now well under way of the luxury 47-home development which was launched last month by sole agents, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley. Sycamore Drive will deliver unrivalled turnkey quality never before seen in County Clare.

Speaking to The Clare Echo from onsite, Patrick reveals that Sycamore Drive’s show house will be ready in January with Phase Two expected to be placed on the market by Christmas due to high demand. The energy efficient family homes are located on a mature site on the Limerick Road in Ennis, previously home to the Halfway Pitch & Putt course.

“Construction is well underway,” says Patrick. “We have foundations in for 10 homes, we have four homes up to first floor level.

It’s going well and we hope to have roofs on the first two homes in two weeks’ time.”

The Ennis developer said the response from the public has been brilliant, however he is anxious to have the show house open to the public.

“I appreciate it’s difficult for people to buy houses off the plans and CGI – although the CGI is [accurate to] what it will be at the finish – but people want to be able to touch it, walk in, visualise the space, feel the size of the room, so it’s important that we get that show house up, which will happen in January.”

The first three phases include three-bedroom semi-detached homes with an option to convert the second floor to a fourth bedroom, while the last phase will offer larger units including three detached homes, which will be 4/5 bedroom.

Patrick, who has been director of Pat Keogh Construction for the last 10 years following his father’s retirement, says he is delighted his company is in a position to offer turnkey homes to suit the “new era of modern sustainable living”.

“My father retired about 10 years ago – since then the recession has come and is hopefully on the way out but predominantly because of the recession there’s been no private work carried out. It’s mostly been public work in terms of schools, housing for the elderly – we did a scheme in Cahercalla for Cuan An Chláir – a few medical centres and in the last four years working on social housing.

“We saw that obviously there is a demand and need for homes, and with the development in Sycamore Drive we wanted to offer a turnkey home that suits the new era of modern sustainable living with particular emphasis on quality and attention to detail,” explainedPatrick.

The overall outline of the planning went in and was approved in 2015 but Patrick adds, “We have stepped ahead of 2015 regulations and said ‘no, we’re going to go for 2018/2019 standards here opposed to sitting with the regulations when planning was approved’.

“The way that construction is now, technologies are changing rapidly and there’s particular emphasis on energy efficient homes. That’s definitely the way it’s going.

We’re trying to do our part in improving energy efficiency.”

Ireland has a national energy efficiency action plan and all Keogh Construction homes will be at an A1 standard by 2022.

Sycamore Drive will meet A-rating through its electric heating system (which utilises heat pumps and offers underfloor heating), energy-efficient features including high levels of insulation and high-performance

windows and doors. That’s before the appeals of luxurious turnkey features such as custom-designed fitted kitchens and luxury tile finishes in the bathrooms are taken into account, along with electric car charging stations. With only two homes left, it’s also worth noting that all Phase One houses have south facing gardens.

Sycamore Drive is the only development of its type in Clare and of the largest scale, certainly since the Celtic Tiger year.

Patrick says that the price tag of €260,000 also allows buyers to cut out all associated costs by walking into a turnkey home.

“We not only wanted to offer a home; we wanted to offer a turnkey finish home where you literally just have to bring your couch and bed in the door. For the first-time buyer, they have struggled long enough to get a deposit together and there isn’t really a whole lot of money in the pot left over to finish out the home so we can offer a very high quality product, with carpet, timber floor, tiling, kitchen, appliances etc, that they can walk in and live in the house straight away.”

Patrick, a family man himself living in Ennis, added, “We’re very excited about it.

It’s a lovely development within walking distance to the centre of town... Ennis has a 2040 plan and we want to do our part – I’m from Ennis, I love Ennis and I want to see Ennis grow and become a busy town in terms of employment ... It’s a fantastic town in terms of its ideal location between Galway and Limerick and 10 minutes from Shannon and then you have the whole amenity side of Lahinch and the coast of Clare, it’s a great town.” nPlease register your interest at www. sycamoredrive.ie or call the sole selling agents DNG O’Sullivan Hurley on 065 6840200 for more information.

l LAUNCH PARTY: Plans were unveiled of this truly stunning luxury development.

Photo by Julie Tillett

l CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY: Sycamore Drive’s show house will be ready in January with Phase Two expected to be placed on the market by Christmas due to high demand

PHASE ONE ON SALE - LAST ONE REMAINING An exclusive development of ‘A’ rated 3 & 4 bedroom luxury family homes

Sycamore Drive is a short stroll from Ennis, a bustling vibrant town, offering all the conveniences of modern family living on your doorstep. The development comprises a mix of three and four bedroom semi-detached and detached family homes, ranging in size from 1,296 sq.ft to 2,000 sq.ft.

Keogh Homes are delighted to present to the market an exceptional development of 47, stylish, energy efficient homes. Finished to the highest standard throughout and designed for modern living using the most sustainable, technologically advanced and energy efficient materials available.

PRICES FROM €260,000 Sized from c. 1,296 sqft to 2,000 sqft.

PSL - 002295

T: 065 6840200

EchoSport Football QF fixtures are set SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP RD 3 ROUND-UP THE Quarter finals of the Clare Senior Football Championship have been decided following the conclusion of Round 3 at the weekend.

The Townies scored the most emphatic victory of the weekend, beating St Breckan’s on a scoreline of 4-24 to 0-9 at Ennistymon. Éire Óg’s attacking barrage was consistent throughout as was reflected on the scoreline with their 36 point-haul split evenly between the first and second half. Gavin Cooney was the standout player with 11 points, astoundingly 10 of which came from play.

It was almost equally as easy for last year’s finalists Clondegad, who defeated Kilmihil 2014 to 0-8. James Murphy and Gary Brennan were imperious in the engine room to allow free scoring from the likes of Tony Kelly (02), Eoghan Donnellan (1-2) and Paudge McMahon (1-4).

The other match in a double header at Captain Tubridy Park in Kilrush saw Cooraclare taste a sweet victory over their rivals Doonbeg on a score of 0-15 to 1-7.

A healthy West Clare crowd witnessed a tense encounter which saw two red cards, and it was a battle-hardened performance from Cooraclare which saw them over the line.

There can be no complaints from the Magpies who didn’t threaten enough up from as the scoreline suggested, with Jack Morrissey and Pearse Lillis’s free-taking proving vital in laying the foundations for the deserved win.

In the shock of the weekend at Gurteen, Corofin will have to repeat their heroics against Lisseycasey (and then some) if they are to stand a chance in their quarter final fixture with champions Kilmurry Ibrickane.

It was a goal that seperated the sides at full time (2-09 to 1-09), however Corofin were already home and hosed with a six point lead before Lisseycasey goaled in injury time from the penalty spot. Jamie Malone outlined his importance to the North Clare men with an impressive 1-3.

Hurling scheduling issues are resolved

THE 2019 Munster Senior Hurling Championship will see the first round begin on week ending May 12, a week earlier than 2018.

The change in scheduling will allow a break weekend for all counties midway through the round-robin series, therefor eliminating the possibility of three weeks in a row. The final round of games will take place on week ending June 16.

Clare will play Waterford in an away Round 1 match on May 12 before a week’s break. On May 26 or weekend June 2 they will welcome Tipp to Cusack Park, before visiting the Gaelic Grounds to take on the All Ireland Champions on June 9 weekend. Round 5 will see Clare welcome fellow Munster finalists Cork to the Park.

The hurling schedule was one of the items ratified at a meeting of the Munster GAA Competitions Control Committee (CCC) held on Thursday September 13 in Áras Mumhan, Limerick.

It was also decided that the 2019 Munster Minor Football Championship will have a new format on a one-year trial basis. Phase 1 will see a round-robin involving Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford with each county getting three games. The top two will then play the Phase 1 Final.

The winner of Phase 1 will join Cork and Kerry in a Phase 2 round-robin, with the top 2 teams qualifying for the Munster Final. The purpose is to ensure that the developing counties get at least three games against teams of a similar standard. The Phase 1 Final winner will have played four games before progressing to meet Cork and Kerry.

l CRUNCH TIES: (above) Clondegad’s Joe Neylon outpaces Kilmihill’s Conor Crowley to break free in their Round 3 match in Kilrush at the weekend; Doonbeg’s Sean Conway aims for the uprights in his side’s defeat to Cooraclare Photos by Martin Connolly

FIXTURES CLARE SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINALS: Clondegad v Miltown Kilmurry IB v Corofin Ennistymon v Éire Óg Cratloe v Cooraclare CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP QF FIXTURES Clooney/Quin v O’Callaghan’s Mills Sat @ 2.45pm, Cusack Park Sixmilebridge v Cratloe Sat @ 4.30pm Cusack Park Éire Óg v Kilmaley Sun @ 1pm, Cusack Park Ballyea v Inagh Kilnamona Sun @ 2.45pm, Cusack Park

SPORT 33

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018 CAMOGIE ROUND-UP Senior Championship Éire Óg 2-9 Newmarket 2-24 A 2-24 to 2-09 win over Éire Óg put Newmarket on Fergus top of group A in the third and final round of this year’s Senior Championship.

The Townies were quick off the mark and an Orla McMahon goal helped them settle but Kate Clancy, on her debut in the championship, put Newmarket ahead when she hit the back of the net. Newmarket really found their groove from here and slotted a series of unanswered points leaving the half time tally at 1-04 to Newmarket’s 1-15.

Newmarket put up four more scores early in the second before Éire Óg’s Ciara Kennedy and Orla Devitt replied with a point each. Éire Óg pushed hard and a well worked goal from Elizabeth Russell gave them a boost, but substitute Tara O’Neill cancelled out that by scoring Newmarket’s second goal. The sides exchanged points twice more before the final whistle. Newmarket will play in the senior A semi-final while Éire Óg will contest the senior B shield final v Sixmilebridge. Both matches are fixed for September 29th.

Newmarket: Aileen Kilmartin; Aoife Griffin, Katie O’Flanagan, Aislinn Keogh; Joanne Walsh, Roisin McMahon, Aimee McInerney; Carol O’Leary,

Aine O’Brien; Rachel Kelleher (0-13, 7F), Niki Kaiser (0-2), Kate Clancy (1-0); Jenny Kelly (0-5), Sharon McMahon (0-1), Aoife Crimmins (0-1).

Subs: Zoey McInerney (0-2) for Niki Kaiser, Brid Enright for Jenny Kelly, Tara O’Neill (1-0) for Aoife Crimmins, Kira O’Flannagan for Aoife Griffin and Mary Enright for Aine O’Brien. Éire Óg: Rae Wall; Aimee Daniels, Laura Brown, Claire McMahon; Leah Ryan, Amy Russell, Sophie Hanna; Sarah Redmond, Ciara Kennedy; Maria Redmond, Aoife O’Neill, Roisin Martin, Elizabeth Russell, Orla McMahon, Orla Devitt Subs: Eva Whyte for Aimee Daniels (27mins inj), Saoirse Warren for Eva Whyte( 45mins inj) Caireann Kennedy for Claire McMahon( 55mins) Referee: Noel Quin

Sixmilebridge 1-5 Truagh Clonlara 4-13 This final round group game was basically a quarter final the winner to proceed to the knock out stages, a semi final appearance in a fortnight’s time. Sixmilebridge were in the position of not having played a match for three weeks due to receiving a walk over in Round 2 which may have given Truagh an advantage, having played out a drawn game two weeks ago with last year’s Champions Inagh-Kilnamona.

And indeed it so transpired, Truagh picked up where they left off at the end of Round 2 with a solid team performance to outperform Sixmilebridge in Meelick on Saturday. Standout scoring across the field was tipified by Eimear Kelly (2-5, 4f).

Truagh: Aideen Hogg; Sinéad Ryan, Aine O’Loughlin, Michelle Powell; Sarah Hastings, Michelle Caulfield, Sarah Sherlock; Hannah Horgan, Niamh Powell (0-1); Ellen Horgan (0-3), Eimear Kelly (2-5, 4f), Laura Foley; Louise Egan, Rebecca Foley (12), Roisín Begley (1-2). Subs: Máire Begley for Hastings (45mins), Sinead Hogg for H Horgan (50 mins) Sixmilebridge: Aine McNamara; Karen Gallagher, Maire McGrath, Kiah Mellet; Mary O’Connor, Rachel Kelly, Emma Kennedy; Olivia Phelan, Slaine Carey; Niamh Corry, Chloe Morey, Rachael O’Halloran; Niamh Lyons, Finia O’Brien, Saoirse Young.

Subs: Sarah Loughnane for Young, Keelin Lyons for O’Halloran. Referee: Johnny Healy

Banner prevail

Fr McNamara Camogie: Clooney Quin 1-8 Scariff Ogonnelloe 1-13 Kilmaley 0-3 Inagh Kilnamona 10-26 Intermediate Feakle/kIllanena 6-16 Clarecastle/ Ballyea 1-6 A six goal heist set Feakle/ Killanena up for a comprehensive victory in this the fourth round of the championship.

Kilkishen/Bodyke 1-16 Whitegate 1-6 Kilkishen/Bodyke finished powerfully with points from Caoimhe Kelly (0-2), Shauna Doyle (0-2) and Siobhan Lenihan (0-2) to make sure of the 1-16 to 1-6 victory.

THE Banner Ladie have defended their status as All-Ireland Club 7s Senior Champions. This year, The Banner were placed in Group 4 with Clare-Galway, Crosserlough, Na Fianna and Shelmalier. As a result of winning all their matches in the group stages, the Banner were through to the semi-final and faced Milltown from Westmeath. The experience of Henchy, O’Dea, Nolan, Cavanagh and O’ Keefe was called into play at vital moments to ensure that a victory was sealed for the Clare side. The result of the semi-final was Banner 6-5 to Milltown 5-7.

Emyvale of Monaghan who won the senior cup in 2009 and in 2015 stood between the Banner and the title. Tara McInerney, goalkeeper, had been outstanding, but in this match her workrate and calmness were vital to winning .

There were some excellent displays of defending by Eva O’Dea and Anne Marie Meenaghan while Henchy and Corbett worked tirelessly to ensure that Nolan and O’Dea found the net. There were some nail-biting moments but in the end, the Banner won out with a score of 7-5 to 5-5.

Banner Ladies: Siobhan McMahon, Niamh O’Dea, Mary Tierney, Tara McInerney, Eva O’Dea, Niamh Cavanagh, Anne Marie Meenaghan, Ciara Corbett, Sinead O’ Keefe, Louise Henchy (Captain), Orlaith Lynch, Grainne Nolan. Backroom: JJ O’Dea, Joe Reidy, Pat Crotty, Cian O’Dea, Martin Nolan

Shannon Chamber set for Dromoland WHILST the annual golf classic has been a constant in Shannon Chamber’s calendar, members savoured an addition to the social events’ schedule last week when they played a mini competition and had their golfing assessed at Dromoland Castle Golf Course.

The event, which was organised by Carr Golf on behalf of Dromoland Castle, saw five teams, each comprising three Chamber members led by a member of the Dromoland team, test their skills

around five holes, putting the tuition they received from Connaught Golf ’s Ian Kearney into practice.

Course superintendent and Ennis native Paul Coleman outlined the work done on the course over the past 12 months: “To assist in keeping the fairways and green surrounds dry throughout the year, we apply approximately 800 tonnes of sand annually to supplement the drainage system. We recently purchased a fleet of new golf buggies as well as two 6-seater guest transfer vehicles. The state-of-the-art buggies are the most modern in Ireland and are all equipped with the latest Visage GPS technology.

“Last year, we invested over €600K into the course. Approximately 7km of tarmacadam pathways were laid right the way around the course and we replaced the course furniture: bins, ball washers, tee markers and yardage markers etc. The golf academy, which was opened in 2006, includes 9 automated driving bays, 2 x 500 sq. meter grass teeing areas, teaching room and a short-game area comprising of 2 x 500 sq. meter greens for putting and chipping. The driving area is lit up at night by a unique lighting system.

It delivers a much less harsh light that faces away from the golfer but allows him/her to CONTACT GERRY FOR MORE INFO: follow their golf ball all the way. We also have a links’ style 065-682-4074 | info@ennisgolfclub.ie pot bunker, modelled on the famous road hole bunker at St. WWW.ENNISGOLFCLUB.IE Andrews Links.”

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ENNIS GOLF CLUB

16pts (7v6)

Wednesday 12th September 18 HOLE S/F

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB Result Club Singles 16/09/18

1st Suzanne Deane (15) 35pts 2nd Ann O’Loughlin (15) 33pts 3rd Della Burns (15) 32pts CSS: 33pts 9 HOLE S/F 1st Attracta Williams (35) 18pts (8v5) 2nd Mary McMahon (20) 18pts 3rd Kathleen Pyne (30)

1. Pat Keane(10) 39pts(BOT) 2. David White(12) 39pts 3. Matthew O’Brien(16)!37pts CSS 36pts (72) Upcoming Fixtures 22 & 23/09/18 Club Championship (W) Ennis Chamber Classic results, turn to page 34

34 SPORT

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

ENNIS CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC, FRIDAY SEP 14 1ST Monitor with 96 points Michael O’Brien (Spanish Point); Tom Dormer; Con Ryan; JK Considine 2nd Eamon Keane & Co., Accountants 93 points; Martin O’Neill; Mike Miniter; Maurice Murphy; Bernie O’Halloran 3rd - Impact also with 93 points. (Eamon Keane & Co. scored better on the 2nd 9) Brian Power; David Phillips; Michael Allen; Pat McKenna 4th The Inn at Dromoland with 92 points

Daniel Quirke; Rodger O’Brien; Alan Markham Neil Slattery 5th The Eye Care Centre with 88 points Gerry Kelly; Barry Keane; Damian Coleman; Jarlath Gallagher 6th -Heineken with 88 points. (The Eye Care Centre scored better on the 2nd 9) Tom O’Donoghue; Kevin Toner; Pat Lynen; Colm Cooney Longest Drive - John Skerritt (Lahinch) Neares to Pin - Mike Miniter

lSWING AND A HIT: (clockwise from above) Karen Galvin of Team Cahill Taxation taking part in the Ennis Chamber Golf Classic at Woodstock; Tom Dormer accepts the winners trophy on behalf of team Monitor from Diarmuid McMahon. Other team members were Michael O’Brien, Jack Considine, and Con Ryan; Team Liam Hogan (Michael Williams, Pat Maguire, Liam Hogan, John Devitt) chat before they tee off; Daniel Quirke of Team Inn at Dromoland; Team EBS, Sean Cleary, Newmarket on Fergus, Vincent Hely, Ennis, John Cleary, Ennis, Michael Cleary, Foynes; Inn at Dromoland team Robert O’Brien, Neil Slattery, Alan Markham, Daniel Quirke Photos by Martin Connolly

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38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

Your Horoscopes Sep 20 WHO can possibly keep up with you? Nobody, apparently -- or at least not as this week begins. On Monday and on into Tuesday morning, you’ll blow away the competition and others will look on admiringly. On the rest of Tuesday and on through Thursday morning, your ambitions will find even broader support. Now is a great time for forming new alliances and building up big, bold plans.

Taurus

Gemini

AS the week begins, you’ll find yourself feeling good and grounded. Your patient, open-minded attitude is paying off and Monday (and Tuesday morning, too) should go just as planned. From Tuesday afternoon through Thursday morning, try to be flexible -- others might try to get a rise out of you, so don’t give them the satisfaction. (Unless, of course, butting heads sounds appealing.)

IT’S a strange spot to find yourself in, but you’ll have a hard time getting your ideas across as the week begins. From Monday through Tuesday morning, you’ll need to work extra hard to eliminate confusion and clarify everyone’s agenda.

From Tuesday afternoon through Thursday morning, expect to be influenced by some persuasive (and possibly downright crazy) ideas. Enjoy the intellectual exercise.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

IF you’re looking to avoid misunderstandings and mishaps, lay low as the week begins. From Monday on through Tuesday morning, you’ll have a hard time making yourself clear to others. From Tuesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon, you’ll have much better luck communicating -- especially if you can appeal to people’s heads rather than their hearts.

YOU know what you want as the week begins, so go ahead and go after it! On Monday and on through Tuesday morning, you should find plenty of opportunities to achieve your goals (and maybe even show off in the process). Expect others to admire your accomplishments, but going into Tuesday afternoon and through Thursday, try to ease back on your own ego. Others might be looking for a chance to butt heads and your pride could lead you into conflict.

YOU’LL find yourself feeling unusually outgoing and optimistic as the week begins -- and you can expect others to notice!

From Monday through Tuesday afternoon, don’t be surprised to find opportunities for creative (and potentially romantic!) ideas and plans. From Tuesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon, you’ll achieve an organizational coup. You might not have thought that you could whip your world into shape any better, but there’s always something new to learn.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Aquarius

Pisces

BREAK past old limits as the week begins. On Monday (and on through Tuesday morning), you might find yourself feeling overly sentimental, but just shuck that maudlin mood and embrace your own inner optimism. From Tuesday afternoon through Thursday, set out to try new things -- and meet new people. The time is right for romantic and intellectual breakthroughs.

Capricorn

AS the week begins, you’re full of energy and ambition. On Monday and on into Tuesday morning, you can expect to get a lot done -- and to get a lot of praise in the process.

From Tuesday afternoon through Thursday, you need to be wary of new plans and untested schemes (and don’t hesitate to share your guidance with others). From Thursday afternoon through Saturday, your creativity should blossom.

Find unexpected solutions and dream up daring ideas.

1/1

Aries

YOU’RE feeling extraordinarily ambitious as the week begins. From Monday through Tuesday afternoon, your willpower and assertiveness will shift into overdrive and it’s a good time for making commitments and signing on the dotted line. From Tuesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon, your work with others could become a lot less harmonious, especially if you’re not open to others’ ideas.

WHAT’S going on? You might find yourself confused by a turn of events on Monday or Tuesday, but don’t fight against the flow. Let things unfold and adapt as necessary. From Tuesday afternoon through Thursday, expect to inspire.

You’re at your confident, charismatic best right now and others will be moved by your brilliance. From Thursday afternoon through Saturday, you need to step back and reassess your situation -- even if that means deciding to put yourself first.

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

1 Unprecedented work of fiction (5) 4 Seat that’s too low?

Not entirely (5) 7 The highest point left in a boat (8) 8 Copper with brass edges for youngsters (4) 9 Sound coming from cottonmouth is sibilant (4) 10 A bone can keep breaking (7) 12 Instruments producing pair of notes (11) 14 Yielding person’s first subject (7) 16 Dressed initially in calico, lace and denim (4) 19 Clothes worn back-tofront for game (4) 20 Disprove false yields (8) 21 Horse crossing north-

THE week starts with a big shift for you. You’re not usually fretting over how to make ends meet, but pesky financial details could come to the forefront on Monday (and on into Tuesday afternoon). Pinch pennies, but do it creatively.

From Tuesday afternoon through Thursday, discover a whole new world of people -- who just happen to have a whole new world of ideas for you.

WANT to lead the way? Or maybe you should just want to connect a group with some much-needed leadership. In any case, you’ll find your managerial skills in demand as the week begins. By Tuesday afternoon and on through Thursday, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed by a flood of new ideas. (See, daydreaming really can be productive!)

Bat them back and forth with friends to separate the truly crazy ones from the merely unrealistic.

ern river in France (5) 22 Fashion line for one on catwalk (5)

ing up with a soothsayer (5) 17 Live comfortably

after heading for disaster (5) 18 Bench in class (4)

DOWN

1 Beastly noise made by broken hinge (5) 2 Redgrave disguised as Evans? (7) 3 Secure bit of hair (4) 4 Animal skin to be treated (8) 5 Formerly outside university when expected (2,3) 6 Doctor slain by Africans (7) 11 In the wood, climbing, all fall down (8) 12 One making progress with fathers? (7) 13 Everything’s bound to go round - that’s agreed (7) 15 Hindu teacher turn-

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, SEP 20 2018

The Clare Echo Quiz is the highest mountain/ 1What point in County Clare?

Moylussa, Mullaghmore, 12 O’Clock Hills

In what year did the first 2 transatlantic flight land at Shannon Airport?

1935, 1945, 1955

in Clare was parts of Star 3Where Wars: The Last Jedi filmed?

Doonbeg, Doolin, Kilkee

6

The Shannon Ferry sails from Tarbert in Co. Kerry to what town in Co. Clare?

Killimer, Shannon, Doolin

8What is Durty Nelly’s?

was the first time the ban9When ner won the All-Ireland title?

1914, 1916, 1918

is the population of Clare where does Spanish Point 10What to the closest ten thousand?

7From get its name?

Wrecking of some ships of the Spanish

ANSWERS

Farmer’s guest house, Pub and Restaurant, Potato storage house

100,000, 110,000, 120,000

Armada off the coast

Which village in Co. Clare is 5 referred to as the Capital of Traditional Irish Music?

l QUESTION 7: From where does Spanish Point get its name?

Armada off the coast, Holiday resort for Spaniards, Twinned with a Spanish location

6. Killimer 7. Wrecking of some ships of the Spanish

Lahinch, Cratloe, Lisdoonvarna

l QUESTION 6: The Shannon Ferry sails from Tarbert in Co. Kerry to what town in Co. Clare?

8. Pub and Restaurant 9. 1914 10. 120,000

4

Where in County Clare is the annual Matchmakers Festival held?

1. Moylussa 2. 1945 3. Loop Head 4. Lisdoonvarna 5. Doolin

The Burren, Cliffs Of Moher, Loop Head

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

O’Connell Street.

Image NLI.ie / Collection: Lawrence Photograph Collection

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