The Clare Echo 25/01/2018

065 671 9021

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editor@clareecho.ie

Kilkee kicks the bottle...

ELAINE TUBRIDY

P

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

LASTIC packaging could soon be a thing of the past in Kilkee as the West Clare town is set to become a national leader in environmental protection, thanks to a new Plastic Free Town initiative created by their Chamber of Commerce.

The project sees Kilkee businesses moving from plastic disposable containers to more environmentally friendly packaging.

Kilkee Chamber of Commerce Project Manager Cillian Murphy said every single business that has

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25 Jan 2018

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been approached about the idea has come on board with the project and was more than happy to do so.

“I think we are the first town in Ireland to do this at the scale we are talking about,” Mr Murphy added.

Businesses have agreed to switch to biodegradable coffee cups, straws, pizza boxes and take away containers among others.

“All the bars we approached will switch over to compostable straws. It’s not a big thing, but it’s a pretty big thing if you’re a fish with a straw stuck in your neck,” Mr Murphy said.

SEE FULL STORY PAGE 7

Ally Downes, Daire Downes, John McPhilips and Alan Downes at the FAI Junior Cup Shannon Town V Oliver Bond Celtic (Dublin) played in Frank Healy Park, Doora on Sunday Photo by Martin Connolly

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

Index

FEATURE: PAGE 8

The doctor’s just getting going

6

VARADKAR VISITS

8-9

DR HARTY THE SCENE

Inside The Clare Echo

10-11

Dr Harty reflects on his first two years in office and insists the Government must pull up their socks when it comes to the hospital trolley crisis

15

RUN CLARE DETAILS SPORT

16-17

PROPERTY

22-23

MOTORING

24-28

CLASSIFIEDS

29

GET IN TOUCH

SPORT: PAGE 16

Banner set for league action

NEWS: PAGE 6

Varadkar visits Clare

THE pre-season preparations have effectively come to an end for Clare as the national football and hurling leagues get underway this weekend. We take a look at how Clare will set up along with a list of fixtures

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was in Clare at the weekend where he met numerous local groups and discussed the issues facing the Banner County

RECEPTION

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NOTES

l NEW CHAPTER: An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar with Jean O’ Keeffe and young people from Clare Youth Service with the new Youth Identity Toolkit personal development programme at the weekend

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Good news for carers

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STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

T

HERE will be significant improvements to pension outcomes for homemakers and carers in Clare who were affected by rate band changes in 2012, according to Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market & Data Protection Pat Breen.

The new Total Contributions Approach (TCA) will calculate pensions based on all contributions made over a working career. There will also be provision for a new Home Caring Credit of up to 20 years to assist workers who took time out to raise families.

The new system will be implemented from March 30, and payments to eligible pensioners will be backdated to this time.

Minister Breen said, “I have had

representations to my constituency office expressing concerns about the pension rates, which were affected by band changes in 2012.

“This has been an issue that has caused a great deal of concern to many women and men in Clare, many who had taken some time out from the paid workplace to raise a family or care for a loved one for example.

I have been in constant communication with the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty on this issue, and am satisfied that we are now moving toward a resolution on the matter.”

Pensioners do not need to contact the Department or do anything else until written to by the Department nearer the end of the year. The first payments will be made from early 2019, with payment backdated to March 30, 2018.

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THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

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4 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

New chapter for Ennis festival

Full programme for 2018 Ennis Book Festival announced at launch STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

T

HE full programme for the 12th Ennis Book Club Festival was announced. Readers travel from all over the country and further afield to gather at this, the only book club festival in the country.

But whether you are a member of a book club or not, all lovers of books are invited to gather in Ennis this March.

Over three days readers gather to enjoy the festival’s unique mix of readings, discussion, comedy and chat, to immerse themselves in the world of books, meet authors and other book lovers, discuss and debate. This year’s programme includes many free events and an expanded programme for younger readers.

The festival will run from 2-4 March and features a plethora of events. A

small selection of these include - A tribute to Sebastian Barry: Sebastian Barry, with Special Guests Mia Gallagher & Claire Kilroy.

- The inaugural Beyond Borders Book Club led by members of the Ennis community who come from different parts of the world discussing their book choices from Argentina, Egypt, Poland, and Nigeria.

- 10 Books You Should Read with Jane Urquhart & Carlo Gébler - An increased children and family programme, which includes a children’s and baby book club as well as events for younger readers with Sarah Webb, Steve McCarthy, E.R. Murray, Caroline Busher and events for teens with Donal Ryan, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Sarah Maria Griffin, John Connolly and Nessa

Mam Peggy proud of Marty’s dance moves on DWTS

STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

MARTY Morrissey’s supporters spread far and wide but there’s nobody who watches more closely than his mother Peggy.

Viewers of RTE show Dancing With The Stars saw Marty progress to the next round last Sunday after a high energy performance to James Brown’s ‘I Feel Good’ despite some criticism from the judges. And in an interview with the Irish Daily Mirror , Marty’s mam Peggy said that she found it difficult seeing the judges comments.

“I felt sorry for him. I thought I could see the tension from him, he didn’t want to be knocked out too fast,” she said.

“He called me the day before he went on and he said he didn’t feel he was as good at this particular dance so I’d say he had an opinion of himself.

“It’s very hard on anybody to stand up and to be turned down and these kind of things said to you all in public, it’s alright if that was private, you wouldn’t want to be

over-sensitive.”

Quilty man Marty has been hot favourite from the start of the show as viewers continue to vote for the popular GAA commentator in their droves.

Peggy also praised Marty - who is returning this Friday with dance partner Ksenia Zsikhotska to make a presentation to the Kilmurry Ibrickane footballers - as a very good son.

She explained: “He’s a very good son and he’s very good to me.”

She added: “I was up in Dublin to watch Marty for the first week and now everybody keeps on asking me am I going up the following week.

“But there’d be no point because I’d hardly get a word with Marty, he’d be grabbed with everybody.

“The only time I can get a hold of him is when he comes down here to me and I have a few jobs lined up for him and that I want him for.”

For the full story, go to www.irishmirror.ie.

l WHAT’S THE STORY: Launching Ennis Book Festival is Ballyvaughan writer Karen McDonnell, Ennis Mayor Paul Murphy, Festival Director Paul Perry and Helen Walsh, Clare County Librarian Photo by Arthur Ellis

O’Mahony.

- A screening of It’s Not Yet Dark.

- In association with glór gallery, Modern Ruins and Other Stories: Kenneth O’Halloran Exhibition showcasing a snapshot of life in rural Clare, poignantly documenting key events in the cycle of life.

Speaking at the launch this week Artistic Director Paul Perry said that he’s ‘very excited for the festival in 2018.

More children’s and families events, and The Beyond Borders Book Club means we are reaching more readers, and will welcome many more new guests to the festival, as well as ex-

tending our customary warm welcome to returning festival-goers. It’s going to be a great year!’

The 2018 Ennis Book Club Festival will officially open on Friday 2 March at 6pm with the opening of Clare photographer Kenneth O’Halloran’s new photographic exhibition, Modern Ruins and Other Stories at glór gallery.

For a full programme of events details at: www.ennisbookclubfestival.com Booking via Glór Box Office, tel: 065 684 3103 / www.glor.ie.

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

NEWS 5

Fresh hope for residents of Bru na Sionna, Shannon ELAINE TUBRIDY elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

T

HERE was hope for the residents of the Bru na Sionna development in Shannon yesterday as the Oireachtas Committee published a new report recommending aid for those affected by poorly constructed homes.

The residents of Bru na Sionna were ordered to pay €2 million to fix their homes after engineers discovered fire safety issues and other defects.

Clare’s fire officer got involved in November and it is expected that the repairs will begin in the next couple of months.

The development was built by Paddy Burke builders in 2007, but the company has since folded.

The Oireachtas report recognised that the property crash revealed some developments were sub-standard.

“The aftermath of the property boom

revealed a significant level of non-compliance, negligence and incompetence, with devastating consequences on many people’s lives,” the report reads.

Chairman of the Clare County Council Housing Committee Gerry Flynn said the new report is good news for the Bru na Sionna homeowners.

“Through no fault of their own they end up with a situation where the actual condition of their place of residence is not up to scratch and now they’re being asked to carry the can,” he added.

The Oireachtas report suggested setting up a Building Standards and Consumer Protection body that would act in a similar way to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland or the Environmental Protection Agency.

Cllr Flynn revealed that he has been thanked by the residents of Bru na Sionna for his efforts in lobbying the government on their behalf.

“I certainly will be putting a small bit of pressure on minister for state Pat Breen to actually assist these people,” he said.

The report also suggested allowing home owners to write off the cost of repairs against tax, or an interest free loan.

lDEVELOPMENT: Bru na Sionna, where residents were ordered to pay €2 million to fix their homes after engineers discovered fire safety issues and other defects

6

NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

Taoiseach: Nobody can defend UHL trolley crisis ELAINE TUBRIDY

T

news@clareecho.ie

AOISEACH Leo Varadkar has expressed his disappointment at the overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick.

During his visit to Clare last weekend, where he was invited to a Shannon Chamber lunch at Dromoland Castle, the Taoiseach said he could not defend the trolley situation.

“I don’t think anybody can stand over or defend the overcrowding we have in our hospitals. It is particularly disappointing that this is the case in Limerick,” he said in an interview with Clare FM. “As you know there’s a new emergency department, a really good piece of infrastructure.

“The Leben building is now open with additional beds there and indeed overcrowding has not improved. Some people would say it’s worse,” he added.

There was good news on the beds

l LEADING THE WAY: An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Rose Hynes, Chairman Shannon Group, enjoy a picture capturing Donald Trump’s infamous visit to Shannon Photo by Arthur Ellis

Varadkar briefed on Shannon’s worth as economic driver STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

HOME to the largest cluster of mobile investment outside Dublin, Shannon’s importance as an economic engine at regional and national levels was outlined to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during his visit on Saturday.

The Taoiseach was keynote speaker at a Shannon Chamber lunch in Dromoland Castle Hotel.

Welcoming An Taoiseach to Shannon, Chamber director Kevin Thompstone said he was visiting in a week when Jaguar Land Rover announced its decision to locate a new software engineering centre in Shannon, creating 150 jobs, which was an endorsement of Shannon’s attractiveness to foreign direct investment.

He thanked the Taoiseach for his foresight, as Minister for Tourism, to give Shannon its independence, which has enabled the airport to grow passenger numbers from 1.2m to 1.7m.

Mr Thompstone said that the completion of the M17/M18 mo-

torway will put Shannon Airport in the centre of the west of Ireland’s motorways and will help enhance the airport’s growth.

Stating that Shannon had no history of international trading manufacturing when it first opened in the early 1960s, Mr Thompstone pointed out that it was only after early foreign direct investment arrived that a family tree of Irish owned start-ups emerged, many of whom, like Ei Electronics and Mincon, have grown to become significant employers producing products for world markets.

These companies sit alongside the cluster of blue chip international companies that operate from Shannon, which now includes Jaguar Land Rover.

“Shannon is now a key aviation and enterprise trailblazer with regional and national economic impact with a diverse and vibrant sectoral spread of industry leaders, who are not ready to sit on their laurels,” he said.

front, as Dr Varadkar confirmed that 96 beds will be added to the capital plan for UHL, but only if the hospital changes its operating systems.

“The last thing I want to do is to ask taxpayers in Clare and Limerick to pay more for additional services that doesn’t actually make things better for patients,” he explained.

The Taoiseach also discussed issues affecting rural Ireland, particularly drink driving.

He said most road traffic accidents occur in rural areas and intoxication is a factor in this.

He confirmed plans to extend the local bus services to help alleviate the problem.

“We are in such difficulties because we have had such problems getting that [broadband] contract concluded and I can assure you that Minister [for Communications, Denis] Naughten and I are tearing our hair out about that particular contract but I’m very confident it will be signed this year,” he said.

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

lDELIGHTED: Tom Clair has expressed his delight that the European Petitions Commission will write to the Department of Agriculture to settle an issue that has been going on for nearly 20 years, and (inset) the quadruplet calves born to his farm in Ennistymon last February

Tom takes his case to Europe Photos: RTE

ELAINE TUBRIDY elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

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ORTH CLARE farmer Tom Clair has expressed his delight that the European Petitions Commission will write to the Department of Agriculture to settle an issue that has been going on for nearly 20 years.

A set of cattle tags were accidentally burned in 2001, which eventually resulted in Tom and his wife Mary being left with severe financial losses when the Department of Agriculture failed to replace the tags.

“I’m delighted with the result, it’s a great day for Irish farmers,” Mr Clair said.

MEP Sean Kelly presented Tom’s case to the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament, who agreed to write to the Department of Agriculture and ask it to deal with the matter.

“The case was strong and it was well put, and I hope now that Tom and Mary can get the justice I feel they are entitled to,” Mr Kelly said.

Mr Kelly took on the case when Tom came to him for help a number of years ago.

Mr Kelly said the issue was a case of “over-rigorous administration” and felt it didn’t take human error into consideration.

“I’m very happy because that’s what we’re there for, to help people, especially those who might otherwise be forgotten about,” Mr Kelly added.

The Committee can also pass the case to the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee for consideration.

Mr Clair’s unregistered cattle had to be put into alternative holdings at the time because he “couldn’t put them in a bed and breakfast”.

Tom Clair is also the proud owner of four identical quadruplet calves, a one in a billion shot born to his farm in Ennistymon last February. “’Twas a mighty year all round, the quads came with luck that has followed them,” Tom said.

New ‘Plastic Free Town’ initiative for Kilkee

by ELAINE TUBRIDY

KILKEE is set to become a national leader in environmental protection, thanks to a new Plastic Free Town initiative created by their Chamber of Commerce.

The project sees businesses in Kilkee switching from plastic disposable containers to more environmentally friendly packaging.

Kilkee Chamber of Commerce Project Manager Cillian Murphy said every single business that has been approached about the idea has agreed to come on board.

“I think we are the first

town in Ireland to do this at the scale we are talking about,” Mr Murphy added.

Businesses have agreed to switch to biodegradable coffee cups, straws, pizza boxes and take away containers among others.

“All the bars we approached will switch over to compostable straws. It’s not a big thing, but it’s a pretty big thing if you’re a fish with a straw stuck in your neck,” Mr Murphy said.

The Chamber have gone into partnership with Down2Earth, an award winning compostable packaging company based in Cork.

The company have provid-

ed Kilkee businesses with a discount and while the new materials are still a little more expensive, it hasn’t deterred them from taking part in the initiative.

They have also consulted with the Love Your Cup scheme, which started in Ennistymon.

Mr Murphy believes this initiative is one that could be readily adopted by all of Co Clare’s coastal towns.

Kilkee Chamber of Commerce have developed a template for other towns to follow, including a charter of changes and a set of contacts that would help get the ball rolling.

NEWS 7

8 FEATURE

The quiet

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

After two years in the Dáil, Dr Harty says the Govt hasn't delivered on rural doctors ELAINE TUBRIDY

A

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

l UNDERSTATED APPROACH: Dr Harty says that while there is 'grandstanding' in the Dáil, he prefers to go about his business quietly in trying to achieve his goals

LMOST two years ago, Dr Michael Harty threw his hat into the political ring as an independent and blindsided his fellow candidates on General Election weekend by walking out of the Falls Hotel with a seat in Dáil Eireann.

'No Doctor No Village' was the nationwide campaign, born in Clare and led by rural patients and GPs, which soon became synonymous with the name Harty. Having touched a nerve with the local electorate, the Kilmihil doctor was looking for a replacement for his own surgery as he turned his attentions to life as a TD. “I didn’t really know what to expect," Dr Harty told The Clare Echo.

"There is a process and there is a system up there which you have to learn and manoeuvre your way through and that is a steep learning curve on how you

actually manage the bureaucracy. Some of it makes sense. A lot of it doesn’t make sense. So it’s a challenge.”

Even though Dr Harty is making progress, he finds the pace of the change frustrating. By way of example; the trolley crisis hit record levels a couple of weeks ago, but Dr Harty believes the problem is solvable with the delivery of 4,000 more beds to deal with the growing population, a two tier health system and having more services in the community.

“All the solutions are well known on how to fix the crisis, what’s lacking is the will to implement the solutions that will do that,” he added.

Having been approached by both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael since being elected, the popular West Clare doc has stuck to his guns and says being an Independent has its advantages such as being free of inter- or intra-party rivalry, which can apparently be a big distraction.

Dr Harty has an understated approach to politics, and the sports enthusiast goes about his business quietly.

“There is a little bit of grandstanding - a lot of grandstanding and I don’t find

Dr Harty proposes rural relocation plan to Taoiseach STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S Independent TD has told An Taoiseach that a new rural relocation scheme, designed for modern needs can make a positive contribution to our housing problem and help to reinvent our towns and villages.

At a meeting with Mr. Varadkar, Dr Michael Harty TD said that, under his proposal, people who are on endless housing lists would be offered the opportunity to relocate to a regional town or village where there is an excess of housing.

“The Taoiseach said the idea was worth developing as a pilot and I responded by telling him that the best place to carry out a pilot is in Co Clare. Having discussed the idea of a new rural relocation programme on several occasions with CEO Patrick Dowling, I also told the Taoiseach that Clare Co Council would look very favourably on such a project,” said Dr Harty.

“A new rural rejuvenation programme, would involve the

Department of Housing, the Department of Rural and Community Affairs, the local authority and the local community which would buy in to the concept of supporting families who would relocate. In rural Ireland, we can offer new people an enhanced quality of life and an opportunity to interact with and complement the local community,” he continued.

Dr Harty said we must address the issue of rural depopulation and decline in villages and towns; we need to tackle homelessness and housing shortage in high pressure areas; we must utilize the availability of vacant housing in rural towns and villages; most importantly we must encourage communities to take an active part in finding solutions to local depopulation, while helping to address the serious national housing crisis.

“Clare could be a pilot county for such a scheme prior to rolling it out nationally,” he added.

man of Clare politics FEATURE

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

shouting and heckling and abusing across the floor of the Dáil is of benefit to anybody, other than it may appeal to constituents.

“I think you achieve more by going about things quietly and talking to people and putting a reasonable case and many politicians will listen to a reasonable case.”

Before being thrown into the political spotlight, Dr Harty lived a relatively peaceful life. He is still finding it strange that people recognise him and have no problem bringing that fact to his attention.

But the fact that he was well known in West Clare as a GP and had a network of

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‘‘

The fabric of rural society is beginning to unravel with the loss of Garda stations, post offices, decline in population consequently a decline in activity within local shops and local pubs and restaurants

‘‘

l WHAT’S UP DOC: Dr Harty pictured at his surgery in Kilmihil last week during his meeting with our reporter Elaine Tubridy

local GPs campaigning for him was a huge advantage when it came to being elected.

“I didn’t have a party system but I did have an infrastructure right throughout the county that was willing to support me and supported what I stood for, which was yes, rural general practice, but it was also for the issues that each rural community feels they’re losing.

“The fabric of the rural society is beginning to unravel with the loss of Garda stations, post offices, decline in population, so consequently a decline in activity within local shops and local pubs and local restaurants,” he added.

ShannonDoc has also been scaled back in recent years and it’s no secret that Dr Harty believes GPs need to be given more of an incentive to work in rural areas.

“Feakle lost their GP. There will never be a doctor in Feakle again. The only way you can preserve general practice is to maintain the GPs that you have.

“Yes you can encourage more GPs to come, but they will probably come into existing practices, so that requires a new GP contract and the Government has been at it for two years and they haven’t delivered it yet,” he said, Taking a seat in the Dáil also means Dr Harty has faced difficulties in keeping his own practice up and running in Kilmihil.

There have been six doctors in his practice between June and December and he’s trying to fill the gaps himself.

“I did come from a ‘No Doctor No Village’ campaign so I can’t allow the practice to disappear. I don’t want to see this practice fold up because I’ve gone to the Dáil,” Dr Harty added.

The challenge hasn’t thrown him off however as he plans to run in the next election, even though he has reached retirement age.

The fact that Co Clare has a doctor in a Dáil seat is kind of apt, considering the intensification of the debate on the eighth amendment.

He confirmed that he will vote to repeal the eighth, as he believes the Government have to recognise the fact that women are travelling abroad for abortions.

He can see why people might struggle with the idea of termination without restriction as to reason up to 12 weeks, but he will be voting to repeal the eighth under medical grounds.

“Everyone has to make up their own mind and I’m not going to dictate to the people what they should and shouldn’t do, because that’s the purpose of a referendum. So I’m not going to be campaigning on one side or the other,” he said.

9

10 COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

The scene Magic in Miltown... twitter.com/ClareEcho

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THE people of Miltown Malbay truly embraced the party atmosphere at the Melting Pot fundraiser last Friday.

The group raised over €1,000 to help bring 88 asylum seekers on holiday to Clare.

“Everybody has come out in support and it’s just been brilliant, a really, really good day,” organiser Fiona Whyte said.

The Melting Pot formed when a local book club decided to help people living in Knocklisheen.

As they got to know people in the centre, they decided to organise a holiday for them.

“As the months went by we kept saying we really should do something and we all acknowledged that we live in a very privileged part of the world

here in West Clare we’re on the beach, it’s beautiful,” The Melting Pot’s Lorna Cahill said.

The group plan to bring 80 mammies, daddies and kids to West Clare at the end of February.

“We are going to lay on a lot of activities; for instance Quilty Holiday Cottages have given us a lovely two bedroom house for the weekend, but they have also given us free use of their swimming pool all weekend with life guards.”

Glynns coaches have offered to transport families while the Cliffs of Moher have donated free parking and access. The Melting Pot are still looking for people to transport families to and from activities on the weekend of the holida.

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l LOCAL PRIDE: Members of the Kilmurry Ibrickane team with staff at Londis, Miltown Malbay

Photo by Julie Tillett

Shannon raises €72k for charities

SHANNON Group has divided a handsome €72,000 cheque between two local charities after staff took to the bicycle, ran on roads and the airport runway, sold raffle tickets and even baked cakes for their fund-raising programme in 2017.

The two entities - Cahercalla Community Hospital & Hospice, Ennis and Home Share Clare, a service developed by the Brothers of Charity, which provides respite breaks for children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities and a wide range of medical and other mental health conditions – are set to benefit significantly from the largesse of the Shannon Group employees’ initiatives.

Participating staff from Shannon Airport, Shannon Commercial Properties, Shannon Heritage and the International Aviation Services Centre (IASC) embarked on a range of activities that Shannon Group Staff Charity Committee Chairperson Pamela Brooks said was beneficial to not just the charities but those who took part.

“A lot of work goes into the staff charity programme but we get a great return from it because we know the money will go towards charities in the region that do fantastic work,” she said.

The biggest single fund-raiser from 2017 was the Bank of Ireland Runway Night Run in June led by Everest Mountaineer John Burke.

l DONATION: Members of Shannon Group with a cheque for €72,000 which is being split between Cahercalla and Home Share Clare

Photos by Arthur Ellis

COMMUNITY 11

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

GOOD CAUSE: Members of the Melting Pot Group, pictured at Jones’s Supervalu, who raised more than €1,000 in Miltown Malbay to put towards a holiday for asylum seekers

Photo by Julie TIllett

l ALL SMILES: (top) Mairead Galvin having her shopping packed by Eileen Ryan; (above) Kayleigh O’Meara aged 7 at the fun day in Jones’s Supervalu, Miltown Malbay; (below) Niamh, Martha & mother Mary O’Loughlin from Miltown, pointing out Martha’s entry to the colouring competition; In total, more than €1,000 was raised by Miltown Malbay locals in both Jones’s Supervalu and Hynes Londis last Friday afternoon

Photos by Julie Tillett

SUPPORT: Dermot Coughlan, Paudie Murrihy, Morris Donnellan & Niall Hickey, Kilmurray team, at Londis on Friday Photo by Julie Tillett

12 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Author spreading the word of positivity LOVE: Don’t worry about what people think of you. Love you and then you will be able to love others

DON’T SEND IT: Never send a letter, card, email or text message when you’re mad. If you want to write an angry message do it. Just don’t send it

51 years of a life journey so far T HIS week I celebrate my 51st birthday and also 25 years working and volunteering in the Developing world.

That’s right, the Big Five-One. I feel so blessed and thrilled right now to be given the gift of turning 51. I am filled with joy, positivity, thanksgiving and wonder. I must say, it’s been a pretty interesting life journey of ups and downs and ins and outs so far. These past 51 years have given me a roller-coaster of a life journey. I have accrued my fair share of cuts, bruises, scars, age spots, wrinkles, grey hairs actually many white hairs too and the odd added inches around my waist at times over these 51 years. I realise how each year, phase, stage, success, loss, stumble, lesson, triumph and heartache has had a significant impact on where I am right now as I meander my way through this ongoing life journey. And despite the sorrowful moments, there have been many joyful moments and I must say I have loved nearly all of it thank God. The thought that I am just over half a century old and maybe I now have fewer days in front of me than behind me is quite mellowing and humbling. But now after some prayerful reflection on my life as I enter further into my 50’s I have stormed my brain these last few days to think of my top 51 life lessons that I have learned so far that have helped me get to this day and time. On this week of celebrating another blessing of the start of another year, I share these lessons, signposts or thoughts with you and hope you find in them inspiration as I have and please always remember what a good friend always keeps saying to me, “that in life there are no mistakes but as the song goes ‘just lessons to be learned!’”

TOP 51 LIFE LESSONS LEARNED SO FAR...

1. Life can be so unfair and heartbreaking at times. But life can be good and joyful too.

2. Time and experience heals pain.

3. Friends come and go, the real ones stay around or are part of your

Ronan Scully tells us what he has learned during his time on this earth

life when you really need them.

4. Be the first to say you’re sorry when and where you can.

5. Kindness matters a lot. Being kind is more important than being right at times.

6. My parents were right! Everything does seem worse at night. Our isolation and insignificance seem so much greater when everyone else is asleep. Try to rest and take comfort in the approaching sunrise and where possible never let the sun set on your anger.

7. Find ways of doing service and charity to others in need. It’s some of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have.

8. “For better, or for worse”, means just that. Let those that you love know it often and enthusiastically.

9. Forgiving yourself is far harder than forgiving someone else. Forgive quickly and often.

10. When the chips are down and I mean really down, family and good close friends are who will come through for you.

11. Our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

12. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

13. Be grateful for everything.

14. Stop worrying and start loving and living!

15. Choose life, love and happiness when you can. Walk cheerfully. Celebrate the journey. It’s not all about the destination.

16. Let go of resentment. Holding a grudge is letting someone live rentfree in your head.

17. You don’t need everyone to like you.

18. Addiction is no respecter of people no matter who or what you are. It will seek to destroy anyone who gets caught in its web.

19. Life is all about expectations.

Stop expecting impossible perfection, in yourself and others.

20. No one gets through this life without some trials or tribulations.

21. Don’t worry about what people think of you. Love you and then you will be able to love others.

22. Debit and debts ruins lives. Try to avoid them at all cost!

23. Never send a letter, card, email or text message when you’re mad. If you want to write an angry message, do it. Just don’t send it.

24. You can’t change people. You can only change yourself, but only if you truly want too.

25. Learn to embrace change, even when it arrives with its companions, fear and uncertainty.

26. Giving is better than receiving.

If you continually give, you will continually have.

27. Being thankful and grateful are the best ways to find contentment.

28. Learn the art of empathy and practice it.

29. Love and care for your children with all your heart and soul and always try to be a good example of love and care for them.

30. Everyone yearns for success, love, honours, security, enjoyment and a better future. Yes of course have big beautiful dreams and goals.

Chase them with as much passion as you can afford. But, also hold on to them ever so lightly.

31. Live in the now. Don’t let yesterday use up today.

32. Live your life by good example.

33. You can’t buy happiness.

34. You can’t please everyone!

35. Mistakes are how we learn and as my friend always says, “there are no mistakes, but there are lessons to be learned as we journey through our life.”

36. Say “Yes!” to everything that strengthens you and builds you up.

Say “No!”, to anything that doesn’t

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK 13

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

 FRIENDSHIP: Friends come and go, the real ones stay around or are part of your life when you really need them

excite you or knocks you down or deflates you. Time is one of our most precious commodities that we can never get back.

37. No matter how lonely you might feel, there is always someone who can relate to you. There are lots of great charities, church groups and people out there that are good at listening! Be not afraid.

38. Nature, flowers and gardening are medicine for the heart, mind and soul.

39. Sometimes we outgrow friendships. It doesn’t mean they’re bad or you’re bad. It just means you’re on different paths. Hold them in your heart, but when they start to hurt or hold you back, it’s time to give space or let go.

40. Relationships are messy at times because life is challenging. A conflict doesn’t mean the relationship has to come to an end.

41. No one is in charge of your

happiness except you.

42. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay close.

43. However bad a situation is, you will get through it, one way or another.

44. Trust your gut instinct.

45. Sometimes all you can do is Breathe!

46. Mistakes are only lessons to be learned.

47. The best is yet to come.

48. Experience is the greatest teacher of all. Thank God for your blessings and ask for strength for the journey. Say Thank you often.

49. This wise prayer which I love and need to say daily is one that always keeps me going in the right direction,” God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

50. Tell your loved ones you love them every time you get the chance and love them with everything you have.

51. Find your passion. Discovering something you love to do has an amazing effect on your entire life.

TO CELEBRATE 51 YEARS

One of my big plans this year is to over a week, “Walk 280 KM’s from Dingle Bay to Galway Bay via County Clare - An Irish Camino “Bay to Bay charity walk” - walking to give people and children life!”

In thanksgiving and prayerfulness for reaching my 51st year and for also reaching my 25th year of working in the developing world with the poorest of the poor and to raise much needed funds for the following 3 charities that are close to my heart, Gorta Self Help Africa, The Rape Crisis Centre and Rosabel’s Rooms (in-conjunction with the Irish Hospice Foundation).

If anyone would like to walk with me for any amount of distance along the route and/or raise funds for these charities or to make a donation to the charities or organise a fundraising event as we walk through these areas and for further information please contact me at ronan.scully@selfhelpafrica.org.

Thank you always for all of your help and support over the years it is greatly appreciated.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

WATCH YOUR PENNIES: Debit and debts ruins lives. Try to avoid them at all cost!

As your thought for the week, look at your life’s experiences over the years and see what lessons you have learned and see what you are doing about them and as the saying goes, go after your dreams, for happy are those that dream dreams but even more happier are those who try to achieve them.

Go achieve them.

Life is short!

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

Your guide to this weekend’s Run Clare event in Barefield

It’s the first event in the Run Clare series this Saturday and we bring you all you need to know

T

HE RUN CLARE series is almost here and The Clare Echo can’t wait to get their stride on for the first event this Saturday.

The organisers have some info for participants to help the first event run smoothly.

It takes part in Barefield, County Clare.

Barefield is a very small village and they ask that you carpool as much as possible and park either in Hassett’s bar or along the road at the same side of the road as the bar.

DO NOT park on the side of the road where the church, finish line and start line is as this is the race route and you will impede your own, and other’s race.

There will also be parking along the hard shoulder as you approach Barefield. Please do not block residents’ driveways, they ask you to re-

spect the neighbours’ right of access to their own homes.

Race number collection will take place in Hassett’s bar, Barefield on Friday, Janury 26 from 6-8pm sharp and on Saturday morning from 9-10.30am sharp.

They will not wait for late comers.

You MUST wear your race number on your front on race day and keep it for subsequent races as you will have to ‘check in’ at each event so organisers know you have participated in order to be eligible for the finishers medal in Tuamgraney in April.

The race is run on open roads.

Please follow the stewards’ instructions and be careful.

There will be water and fruit at the finish line so please use the bins provided to discard all rubbish.

Look out for The Clare Echo and be sure to say hello.

Clare Echo is proud THE

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NEWS 15

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

WHERE TO PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY OF THE CLARE ECHO

WEST CLARE Centra, Kildysart, The Square, Kildysart Declan Casey, Labasheeda Declan Meaney’s Shop, Cree Doohans Foodstore, Main Street, Kildysart Fitzpatrick‘s Costcutter, Kilmihil Hayes Shop, Doonbeg Johnstons Centra, Kilmihil Jones’ SuperValu, Miltown Malbay Keanes Bar & Grocery Shop, Carrigaholt Kelly Bros, Ballynacally Leonard Vaughan, Service Station, Miltown Malbay Mace, O'Connell St, Dough, Kilkee McGrath’s Food Store, Connolly McInerney's Shop, Mountrivers, Doonbeg Morrissey’s Post Office & Shop, Kilmurry McMahon Neylon’s, Texaco, Kilmurry McMahon Nolans Deli, 49 O' Curry Street, Kilkee O’Brien’s Country Store, Kilmaley O’Dwyer’s Shop & Post Office, Quilty Post Office, Carrigaholt Queally's SuperValu, Frances Street, Kilrush Sheedy’s Londis – Top Shop, Darragh T. Powers Shop/Fuel Station, Knockera Talty’s Store, Lissycasey Tesco Supermarket, Ennis Rd, Kilrush The Corner Shop, Henry Street, Kilrush The Irish Shop, O'Curry Street, Kilkee The Leisure Centre, Frances Street, Kilrush Topaz Filling Station, Quilty Vaughan’s Filling Station, Cooraclare Whelan’s Mace Shop, Ennis Road, Kilrush Whelan’s Shop, Main St, Doonbeg

SOUTH EAST CLARE Bonner’s Bar, O’Briensbridge Bourke’s Newsagents & Grocery, Mountshannon Canny’s Bar, Shop & Filling Station, Killanena Centra Clarecastle, Creggaunnahilla, Clarecastle Centra Scarriff, Main Street, The Square, Scarriff Corbett‘s, Main Street, Quin Crowe’s Grocers, Ministers Cross, Sixmilebridge Crowe‘s Supermarket, 1 Clós Na, Quin Daybreak, Crusheen Dunnes Stores, Shannon EUROSPAR, Ennis Rd, Newmarket Gala Clarecastle, Kildysart Rd, Clarecastle Great Gas - Stritch's, Filling Station, Killaloe Iceland, Shannon MACE Shannon, Shannon MACE, Ardnacrusha (Barry’s), Parkroe, Ardnacrusha Maxol Service Station, Clareabbey, Clarecastle McDermott's Xpress Stop, Lakyle, Whitegate Moloney Thos, Fairgreen, Broadford Moloney‘s Store – Day –Today, Gurrane, Feakle Nyland’s Gala Topaz Filling Station, Tuamgraney O'Flynn‘s Centra, Sixmilebridge O'Halloran's, Church Road, Tulla Smith’s’ General Store, Feakle SPAR, Newmarket SuperValu Killaloe – Queally, Convent Hill, Shantraud, Killaloe SuperValu Tulla - Lyons/Donlon's, Main St, Tulla TEXACO Express, Skycourt Shopping Centre, Shannon The Country Store, Main Street, Broadford The Forge General Store, 1 Convent Hill, Shantraud, Killaloe Tim Crowe’s –Gala, The Green, Sixmilebridge Topaz, Tullyvaraga, Shannon Tracy’s Foodstore, Whitegate Ward’s Shop, Patrick St, Clare Commons WH Smith Book Store, Shannon Airport Whelan's Food Store and Newsagent, Church Street, Killaloe

NORTH CLARE ALDI, Ennistymon Centra Corofin, Main Street, Corofin Centra Lahinch, Lahinch Hassett’s Daybreak, Main St, Lahinch Hogan’s Shop, Corofin Howley’s Supermarkets, Main Street, Kilfenora Lakefield Service Station, Ennis Road, Corofin Liscannor Service Station, Liscannor MACE, Church Street, Rathbaun, Lisdoonvarna MACE, Inagh Mooney's Filling Station, Ballyvaughan O’Gorman’s Express Stop, Kilfenora O'Callaghan’s Daybreak, Main Street, Corofin Rynne’s Shop, Inagh Spar, Ballyvaughan Spar, Main St, Ennistymon Spar, The Square, Rathbaun, Lisdoonvarna SuperValu - Fitzpatrick's, Ennistymon ENNIS Applegreen, Limerick Road Coots Xpress Stop Shop, Kilrush Road, Ennis Costcutter/Tierneys, Knockanoura, Ennis Donnellan’s Centra, Loughville, Ennis Dunnes Stores, Ennis Town Centre Eason, 2 Bank Pl, Clonroad Beg, Ennis Elmo Spar, Limerick Road, Ennis Fitzpatrick’s (O'Brien’s), Knockanoura, Tulla Road, Ennis Heaslip’s, 34 O'Connell Street, Ennis Hogan‘s, Exl Shop, Gort Road, Ennis Hogan’s Foodstore, Inver Service Station, Gort Road, Ennis Hogan’s Mace, Lahinch Road, Ennis Kelly's Corner Shop, Lifford, Ennis Liddy’s Costcutter , Roslevan Shopping Centre, Ennis Liddy’s Costcutter, Mill Rd, Cloughleigh, Ennis Lynch's Centra, Gort Road, Lifford MACE (O’Sullivan & Hansbury), Kilrush Rd, Cahircalla Beg, Ennis Mary Kelly, Hallmark, 28 O'Connell Street, Ennis Moloney's Shop, O'Connell Street, Ennis O'Brien’s Gala, Drumbiggle, Ennis O'Brien’s Shop, Clancy Park, Ennis O'Connor’s Newsagent, 19 Lower Market St, Ennis O'Dowd's Convenient Store, 68 Turnpike Rd, Clonroad Beg, Ennis O'Keefe's Inver Service Station, Tulla Road, Ennis Paper Chase, 4 Ennis Town Centre, Ennis RE Store, Limerick Road, Ennis Rory Kenny, Showgrounds, Ennis Ryan’s Centra Ennis, Clonroadmore, Ennis Spar, Lifford Tesco Superstore, Francis Street, Ennis The Abbey News Agency, Abbey St, Lifford Western Service Station – Daybreak, Quinn Road, Ennis GORT Coughlin's Centra, George’s Street, Gort Minihan's SuperValu, Church Street, Gort News & Views, Bridge street, Gort P.J. Hawkins, George’s Street, Gort Spar, Cloone, Gort

16 SPORT

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

Division 2 survival in hands of new bloods GAA analysis

MARTIN DALY Breckan’s. These young men have all shown a great attitude while adding youth, pace and firepower up front.

Not only are these new faces - these are guys who are breaking into the team already. When you have that fight for places, there’s a pep in everybody’s step. Colm can sit back now and just watch these guys fight it out with each other, which keeps the whole team on their toes. Instead of saying, ‘God we were here last l PRE-SEASON BATTLE: Clare’s Keelan Sexton in action in the McGrath Cup final against Cork’s Conor Dorman

Credit: Martin Connolly

‘‘

There are a couple of teams in Division 2 going well and Cavan are not one of them. They have an understrength side coming down to Clare

‘‘

N

EW season, same objective - fresh faces.

That is the crucial factor for Clare’s intercounty outfit this year. Lying in wait for the arrival of Cavan will be a new-look Clare team, and believe it or not the first match of this Division 2 campaign could be our most vital. It simply is a must-win.

The first objective for Clare’s footballers this year is to remain in Division 2 – and Colm Collins’ men know they must do it without some key names. The notable absentee list from last year’s campaign when Clare scraped survival is significant enough to warrant anxiety.

At the moment they’re missing their goalie and fullback line, just to start with, from what started last year. If newly-blooded players don’t step up to the mark early, Division 2 will be a struggle.

Dean Ryan is in Australia for the coming year. Fullback Kevin Hartnett, who they’ll hope to get back for the championship, is out for the league campaign with injury.

Joe Hayes has retired and it looks like veteran Marty McMahon hasn’t yet committed to 2018 after years of the physical toll of intercounty football.

David Tubridy had a knee operation before Christmas and seemingly the recovery hasn’t gone as well as he would have liked so he may miss a couple of games early in the league campaign too.

That’s why Clare’s destiny has fallen into the hands of the new bloods, and how well they can be integrated into a squad that’s in its fifth year under the same management.

In fairness to Collins, he injects freshness into the set-up every year, whether it’s altering the coaching bill or tinkering with physical preparations. His hand will be forced this year when it comes to the team sheet, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Aaron Fitzgerald (Éire Óg), in centre back for the two McGrath Cup games, has done extremely well in preseason. His clubmate Eimhin Courtney is a livewire and has shown very well, as has Conor Finnucane of Lisseycasey and Alan Sweeney of

year and now we’ve to do it all again’, now their focus is on making the First 15.

To help the new players seamlessly transition, you’re still going to have to put a lot of weight on the shoulders of the likes of Gordon Kelly and Gary Brennan. My big hope is that this leadership group will be

bolstered by Cathal O’Connor – he was outstanding seemingly in the second half against Cork in the McGrath Cup final. He had no Gary by his side and took over at midfield and dictated the game.

He’s been around a number of years and the Clare management will need the likes of him, and up front, the recovering Eoin Cleary, to show that leadership this season.

As for the Cavan game.

There are a couple of teams in Division 2 going well in preseason and Cavan are not one of them. They have an understrength side coming down to Clare.

Factoring in home advantage – and the experience of a great battle against Cork last week – Clare’s new players should have the confidence to overcome Cavan.

And it’s imperative, especially with Tipperary in a few weeks at home – they’re going extremely well – and away matches in Down, Cork and Meath. All very hard games. So the first advantage is to win your home games and I would be picking Cavan as one of those we must beat.

This is a crucial game, early as it may be.

If we beat Cavan and the new-bloods progress, I’d be confident we’ll remain in Division 2. A defeat, however, and we’ll be drawn into an early dogfight for survival.

Clare’s National Football League 2018 fixture list Round 1: Jan 27 Cusack Park, Ennis 14:00 An Clár v An Cabhán Round 2: Feb 3 Páirc Tailteann, Navan 14:00 An Mhí v An Clár Round 3: Feb 11 Cusack Park, Ennis 14:00 An Clár v Tiobraid Árann Round 4: Feb 25 Páirc Esler, Newry 14:00 An Dún v An Clár Round 5: March 4 Cusack Park, Ennis 14:00 An Clár v Ros Comáin Round 6: March 17 Páirc Uí Rinn, Cork 19:00 Corcaigh v An Clár Round 7: March 25 Cusack Park, Ennis 15:00 An Clár v An Lú

SPORT 17

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

Positions up for grabs as Clare look to down Tipp JAMES MULVIHILL

Hurling analysis: Division 1A preview

T

HE 2018 hurling season is just around the corner and every team will be determined to get off to a winning start.

The Banner men host arch rivals Tipperary in the opening round. The management team of Gerry O’Connor and Donal Moloney will have been targeting this game since the fixtures were announced back in October. Fringe players were given an opportunity to impress in the Munster Senior League and Clare supporters will be hopeful that they can make the step up and play to their potential.

The Banner men need to hit the ground running from the very start due to the fact that they have only two home matches in this campaign and a victory in both games will give the team huge confidence going forward. We need to tear into Tipperary from the very start and play with a positive attitude. Expect a great atmosphere in Ennis as Clare will be underdogs.

The Banner men are looking to get their campaign off to a winning start against Tipperary this weekend. Clare need to set the tempo from the start and not let the Premier men settle into the game. Tipperary have players that can hurt any defence on their day with the likes of John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer, the McGrath brothers Noel and John, Jason Forde, Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher and Niall O’Meara. Clare need to have a solid defence to nullify the influence of the Tipperary attack. All-Star Full Forward Seamus Callanan will not feature for the Premier men as he continues to recover from injury. The midfield battle is going to be a key aspect of this contest with Brendan Maher and Michael Breen likely to fill those positions and if they are allowed to control the game it could be a long day for Clare.

The Clare Attack must run at the Tipperary defence any time they get possession. The Maher brothers Padraic and Ronan are brilliant in terms of catching balls from the sky

and setting up attacks but if you take them on and run at them they are vulnerable. We will need to get goals to stand any chance of winning this contest.

Tipperary are under pressure to deliver this year after a disappointing end to the 2017 season. It promises to be a fascinating game with both teams looking to get a victory which could be the start of a successful campaign.

In terms of how Clare line up, there are still positions up for grabs and great competition. Andrew Fahy, Pa Kelly and Donal Tuohy will be contesting the goal-keeping position. Conor Cleary is likely to fill the Full-Back slot with Jack Browne, Patrick O’Connor, Rory Hayes, and Eoin Quirke in contention for corner back roles with Oisin O’Brien struggling with injury. David McInerney is likely to be at centre back with David Fitzgerald, Jason McCarthy, Seadna Morey and Michael O’Malley battling for positions in the half-back Line. Diarmuid Ryan is unlikely to feature this weekend as he will be lining out for Ard Scoil Ris in the Harty Cup Semi Final on Saturday.

There is healthy competition in the middle third with the likes of Ryan Taylor, Colm Galvin, David Reidy and Tony Kelly. Ian Galvin, Niall Deasy, Colin Guilfoyle, John Conlon, Cathal Malone,

Bobby Duggan and Mikey O’Neill hoping for game time. Shane O’Donnell, Cathal ‘Tots’ O’Connell, Conor McGrath, Podge Collins, Gary Cooney, Billy Connors and Peter Duggan are in contention for starting positions in the full-forward line. Cathal McInerney, Shane Golden and Jamie Shanahan are all missing as they continue to work toward full fitness.

Clare’s National Hurling League 2018 fixture list Round 1: Clare v Tipperary, Cusack Park, @ 2pm Round 2: Kilkenny v Clare, Nowlan Park, @ 2pm Round 3: Clare v Cork, Cusack Park, @ 2pm Round 4: Wexford v Clare, Wexford Park, @ 2pm Round 5: Waterford v Clare, Walsh Park, @ 2.30pm.

Shannon Town go through after seven goal thriller

Shannon Town 4 Oliver Bond 3 FAI Junior Cup last 32

SHANNON Town have progressed to the last 16 of the FAI Junior Cup after defeating Dublin’s Oliver Bond FC in a seven goal thriller at Shannon’s home ground.

Shannon went in front in the 6th min when Gary O’Connell scored with a low shot from the edge of the area.

They increased their lead in 10th min when a corner from the right by Chris Lake was dropped by keeper Jake Carey, the ball fell to Darren Griffen and he tapped it in to net from 6 yds.

Oliver Bond got back into game in the 20th min when James McGrath headed a cross from the right to the net.

However Shannon restored the two goal lead in the 35th min, when Jake Carey failed to hold a cross by Kieran Hackett from the right, the ball ran loose and Colin Scanlon was able to knock it into the net.

But just before the break Oliver

Bonds Michael Malone made a run into the Shannon area and Scored from 12 yds.

At half time Shannon led by 3 goals to 2. Early in the 2nd half Shannon keeper Darren Whelan made a good save to keep out a shot by James McGrath, while at the other end Jake Carey pushed a shot by Gary O’Connell around the post for a corner, that was cleared.

In the 75th min the game was level when a cross from Michael Malone was headed to the net by James McGrath. With the game in injury time Shannon grabbed the winner when Dave Cove headed a corner from the right past Carey, and earn Shannon a place in last 16 for the first time.

Clare have 2 teams in the last 16 of the F.A.I Junior Cup, with Newmarket playing Gratten Utd (Cork) on Sun 4th Feb, while Shannon Town play Evergreen (Kilkenny) on Sun 11th Feb.

l SAFE HANDS: Shannon Town’s Darren Whelan in control of the ball

Photo by Martin Connolly

18 COLUMNISTS

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

Eoin Neylon

EDITOR’S OPINION

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Stuart Holly

Small ball or Higgins’ promise to glitterball, Marty’s serve one term crucial still the man I

M

ARTY Morrissey, our own little national treasure.

Clare doesn’t have many of them. A true national treasure, somebody who’s more than a cult hero; loved by everybody. Clare’s Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh. Holy Moses and all that. The country can’t get enough of our man.

I’ll admit it, I didn’t manage to watch all of Dancing With The Stars Ireland at the weekend but when I switched over and saw Marty swinging his hips to James Brown’s ‘I Feel Good’, there was no way I was turning it off. Not a chance.

Marty said before entering the show: “I

hanging on his every word.

The man who sets the narrative as teams do battle for the Liam McCarthy trophy has his eyes set on the glitter ball trophy, and to be honest, nobody really cares about the glitter ball trophy. But we just want to see more of Marty strutting his stuff, and we want to see him doing well. Everybody does.

But what is it about the man?

Two weeks after the first edition of The Clare Echo was published in October, I attended the senior county football final between Clondegad and Marty’s beloved Kilmurry Ibrickane. After the final whistle blew, myself and reporter Lauren Guilfoyle

Lauren interviewing Marty in October Photo by Martin Connolly

think I’m half-cracked to be perfectly honest but we’ll do it for the fun. We’ll do it for, I suppose, a bit of entertainment.” And he’s brought it to the table.

So when I discovered the judges absolutely berating our man, I thought to myself ‘I mean, how dare they?’

So the judges had their little moment, criticised Marty who took it on the chin like the saint that he is. And as Marty and his dancing partner jogged over to the stairs it became very clear who was in charge here - the whole studio was chanting “Marty, Marty, Marty, Marty” in a first for the show.

Them judges can say what they want about Marty, he is the show. The 59-year-old West Clare man is to Dancing With The Stars what Conor McGregor is to the UFC. Their star man; the charismatic ratings-magnet; there are of course a few differences - Marty is the man we all love to love. Des Cahill did it well last year (especially in his Austin Powers outfit) and Marty’s taken it to another level.

Marty’s stock is higher than it’s ever been.

Once upon a time it was Cha Fitzpatrick, but for now it’s the cha-cha and we’re still

made our way down to the pitch and sought out players for post-match interviews including Keelan Sexton and Enda Coughlan.

Looking around, amongst the wild celebrations, it was hard not to be drawn to Marty who coolly mingled with the crowd.

And while juggling his own media duties, we approached him for a few comments about the game and he was duly obliging. After telling Lauren that the Guilfoyle family were his friends and he’d be delighted to spare a few minutes for her, he spoke passionately about his native parish’s love for the big ball and what it meant to see them winning county titles year after year.

As soon as the interview was over, the camera was turned off, microphones too, but his warm charm remained as he gave us his full attention and congratulated us on the establishment of our newspaper.

So while he may not have the same natural ability for dancing as Clare’s representative last year, The Clare Echo’s Aoibhín Garrihy, he’s still the bookies favourite. He’s everyone’s favourite - so let the Marty party continue.

N THE past two weeks’ columns we’ve looked to what the parties might want from 2018. In doing so, we’ve spoken about a possible General Election that could happen at any time but doesn’t have to occur before 2021. The only definite election that is on the horizon is the 2019 Local and European elections which now look set for 23rd May 2019. However, in the interim, there may be a Presidential Election in November this year. This depends though on a couple of factors namely; whether incumbent Michael D. Higgins wishes to contest a second term and if so, will anyone stand against him. President Higgins, born in Newmarket-on-Fergus and educated at St. Flannan’s College, is the third President with a Clare connection. Dr. Patrick Hillery from Spanish Point and Eamon De Valera, Clare MP then TD from 1917 to 1959, being the others. But what way is the lay of the land for a potential 2018 poll?

Firstly, despite sometimes popular belief, the role of the President is much more than that of a figure head. They are the guardians of the constitution, ensuring the Oireachtas doesn’t enact laws that contravene Bunreacht na hÉireann.

Look at Romania last year and their Government’s attempt to centralise power. But for their President, in a system very similar to ours, there would have been no roadblock to an unprecedented power grab in modern European politics.

The President also has the crucial power of dissolving the Dáil on the Taoiseach’s advice or refusing to do so, in favour of inviting the opposition to form a Government.

This power has been called into action on a couple of occasions in Ireland in the past. Given the turbulent nature of the political scene in the country, it may well do so again soon. It’s true to say that the role of the President is a vital one in the mechanisms of the state. It is so much more than that as well. The President is also the supreme representative of the people and is directly responsible to them as per Article 12.1 of Bunreacht na hÉireann.

As such, Presidents past and present have travelled the

World as our representatives, building bridges, and in the case of Mary McAleese, playing a vital role in the peace process in Northern Ireland.

Michael D. Higgins has a choice to make; does he go for a second term, or does he hold himself to the campaign promise he made in 2011 to serve only one term as Uachtarán? Although his Presidency hasn’t been blemish free, he still remains a very popular head of state.

Waxing lyrical about Castro after the Cuban dictator’s death and controversies over staffing at Áras an Uachtaráin at the beginning of his term drew criticism. Those aside, his term will be remembered fondly overall. At 70, he was already the third oldest ever President when he took office in 2011, behind Douglas Hyde and Eamon de Valera.

If he were to see out another term, he would be 84 leaving office. That isn’t an issue.

Age is no measure of ability.

Consequently, the youngest President ever was Higgin’s immediate predecessor McAleese who was 46 years and 5 months taking office, beating Mary Robinson by just two months. For many though, Higgins’ promise to serve just one term is crucial.

It’s easy to be cynical about politics these days and seeing people held in high regard breaking campaign promises only feeds into that. There is also a school of thought, however, that the country could do without the expense of an avoidable election.

If he does decide to step down, then there will be an election. Fine Gael will hope to win the Presidency for the first time ever. Names being touted in FG circles include MEP’s Sean Kelly, the former GAA President from Kerry, and Máiréad McGuinness, the European Parliament Vice-President from Louth.

Other names mentioned are former Taoiseach Enda Kenny and former Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, should the latter be cleared of any wrongdoing in the ongoing Disclosures Tribunal. Fianna Fáil have won the Presidency on five occasions, supporting two further cross-party candidates as well. As such the party is aware of what it takes to win such an election. Early

contenders for the Fianna Fáil nomination are Senator and disability campaigner Mark Daly from Kerry; Galway TD, and Eamon de Valera’s grandson, Éamon Ó Cúiv; broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan, sister of party Justice Spokesperson Jim O’Callaghan, and; former newscaster Anne Doyle.

Higgins was a Labour nominee in 2011 giving that party its second even win. The first being Mary Robinson in 1990. If he doesn’t re-nominate himself, the party will be looking for another candidate. Possible contenders are former Labour leader and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore and children’s rights campaigner Fergus Finlay, who missed out on the Labour nomination to Higgins at the last occasion.

Sinn Féin’s candidate at the last election was the late Martin McGuinness. If there is to be a contest, the party will be sure to field a candidate. With party leader Gerry Adams set to step down next month, the stage would seem set for him to be the party’s nominee.

Outside of these parties, none of the other parties have the required 20 members in the Oireachtas, nor control of 4 councils to nominate a candidate. They would have to pull together to nominate an agreed candidate. That’s the hope of Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell who has pledged to force an election regardless of whether Higgins runs again or not.

This poses a conundrum for the parties though. Should Craughwell secure a nomination and Higgins elect to run again, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin would have to decide whether to take on the incumbent or leave others to fight the election and garner all the publicity it would entail.

Fianna Fáil is particularly under pressure in this scenario having sat out the 2011 Presidential Election. Party members would be keen not to sit out two in a row. At the end of the day, it all depends on what President Higgins decides to do. The potential contenders will be listening intently to every utterance from now until Autumn from him in order to figure out whether or not to shine their canvassing shoes.

COLUMNIST 19

Caroline Bourke

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

lBLUSHING BRIDE: For a blushing bride look that doesn't disappear and fizzle out during the ceremony, use a powder based blush because they will usually last longer than cream blushes

MAKE-UP AND STYLE

I share some of my top tips to ensure that the day you get hitched, goes off without a hitch

R

ECENTLY engaged or getting married this year? Follow my top tips to make sure you skin and makeup looks perfect for the big day!

Remember to make sure you have a trial a few months before your wedding day.

SKIN

lYour skin is the basis for your wedding day makeup as this is where it all begins. Make sure you drink plenty of water and stay out of the sun in the weeks leading up to the wedding. lIf you don't already use lip balm and moisturiser, now is the time to start. These items will keep your skin refreshed. Lip balm will moisturise your lips which is helpful because colour fades unevenly on dry lips. lFor brides with oily skin, be sure to avoid any harsh skin treatments as these can actually increase the amount of oil in your skin. A better alternative is to begin a skin care routine with cleansers and balancers made specifically for your skin type. lDon't be afraid to experiment with make-up in the months leading up to the wedding.

You should aim to have your make-up choices made at least a month before the wedding so that you can be sure you do not have nasty reactions to new products. lGet your last regular facial a week before the wedding. If you rarely have facials, don't get one within a month of the wedding. lUse a handkerchief tucked in the bouquet to wipe lipstick from your groom's mouth after the kiss.

l FLAWLESS COMPLEXION: It's all about a good base

BASE

Now that your skin is looking fantastic, you'll want a flawless complexion: lIt is a good idea to apply some moisturiser about twenty minutes before you start to apply your makeup. This will help to reduce slide. lUse some concealer underneath your eyes. If you anticipate that you'll be doing some crying, look for an oil based concealer. lIf your usual foundation wears away easily, try to find a formula with a little oil in it as this will help. lComplete your foundation with face powder.

CHEEKS

For a blushing bride look that doesn't disappear and fizzle out during the ceremony, use a powder based blush because they will usually last longer than cream blushes.

EYES

Keep your eyes looking fantastic on your wedding

day with the tips below: lDon't ever pluck or wax brows the day of the wedding. There's always the chance overdoing it and you could develop red rashes. lA good effect is to use eye shadow primer before putting on the eye colour and apply a neutral shadow over the eye.

This will give you a softer more natural look. Prep your eyelids with an eye shadow base or a little face powder. Use an off white liner pencil inside the lower rims of the eyes to brighten them. lApply two coats of waterproof mascara. Let each coat dry for

a few seconds before applying the next layer. If you think you'll cry a lot, leave your lower lashes clean and you will reduce the smudging. lAnother idea you might like to try is an eyelash perm or semi-permanent lashes as you see on my bride here.

LIPS

lIf there's one thing you can bank on, it's that you will be doing a lot of kissing on your wedding day! This means you'll need a lip colour that will last.

For a long lasting, kissable look, try the hints below.

lBe sure to use a colour that looks good with your hair and eye colour and use lip liner in the same colour family. First outline your lips, and then fill them in for an extra layer of colour. Use a matte or long wearing lipstick because you don't want to be constantly reapplying your makeup during the day. lLayer lip products, such as primer, balm, to help to make the lipstick stay on. lApply your lipstick with a lip brush. First one layer of lipstick, blot with a tissue, and apply the second layer.

20 COMMUNITY

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

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

Further information caintaguscomhra@eircom. net GOLD FOR ENNIS TRACK The National Combined Events produced double gold for Ennis Track.

William Bello in his first All-Ireland multi-event earned Gold after a very strong finish in the 800m at the end of a long day of events. Ava Rochford continued her successful career to also win Gold just shy of a championship best performance. Well Done to both athletes and long may their winning ways continue into the rest of the indoor track season.

In the Masters Martin Curley came 3rd for Ennis Track SAMARATINS VOLUNTEER DRIVE 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. We will be holding information evenings on Tues 30th & Wed 31st Jan from 7.30 p.m. - 10.00 p.m. in the Samaritan Centre, Sunville, Kilrush Rd., Ennis.

There are more than 1,800 active volunteers in Ireland spread out over 20 branches who offer emotional support to people in crisis. Samaritans are best known for the vital support given to callers on its 24hour 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 has it in them to be a Samaritan volunteer. Samaritans are just 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 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 of the day or night.

It is very worthwhile to work together to support those struggling to cope.

Our branch is a rewarding place to spend your time, not only do we offer expert training but there are plenty of social activities too.”

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

John, a beekeeper, has been a volunteer with Samaritans for over 30 years.

He said: “I’ve got far more from it than I’ve ever given.

Listening, which seemingly is nothing, means so much to so many.

Brigid, an ex-nurse, is five years volunteering with Samaritans.

She said: “I’m continuously overawed by the honesty, openness and courage of the callers. I found the training excellent and by adhering to the guidelines it becomes easier to take calls and not to give advice but to LISTEN. The importance and power of listening can never be underestimated.”

As well as supporting people emotionally, Samaritans volunteers undertake outreach in the community, fundraise, and take on administrative roles, all of which are vital to ensure that the service remains available round

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

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

WEST/NORTH CLARE

Ava Rochford and William Bello of Ennis Track

the clock, every day of the year. Trained listeners also give face to face support in branches, as well as festivals and events.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer with Samaritans Ennis contact the Branch at 085 176 3491 or come along to one of the Information Sessions on either the 30th or 31st Jan. FERN CELTIC Fern Celtic registration

takes place at Ballyea Community Centre on Monday 29th from 7-9pm for both boys and girls under 6 upto under 16.

ENNIS TOASTMASTERS The next Toastmasters meeting of 2018 will be on Tuesday 30th January from 8.00 pm at the Temple Gate Hotel. Visitors will be most welcome.

ROSE SHARES HER STORY TO MARK WEST CLARE MINI MARATHON In November 2014, after finding a lump the size of a Euro coin, Rose Keane was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Rose had a mammogram, a biopsy and a lumpectomy within three weeks of attending the breast clinic in Limerick.

“The first few days of knowing that cancer was in my body and especially my breast terrified me, the unknown fears of what was ahead- or not -was an emotional rollercoaster. “Who to talk to, what to say. I kept it to myself for a week or so not being able to find the words to tell my children or family,” Rose said.

Rose contacted the West Clare Mini Marathon Centre, who helped her on her journey of chemo and radiation.

“I received so much support from weekly counselling sessions, which helped me deal with the vast range of emotions going on, to the practical support of transport to and from chemotherapy and radiation treatment,” Rose added.

Rose decided to share her story to mark the 20th West Clare Mini Marathon, which takes place Sunday, Jan 28.

The event will start from Doonbeg and take participants back to Kilkee. All Walkers in receipt of a sponsorship card are requested to be at the Community Centre in Kilkee for 12pm. They will then be transported by bus to Doonbeg for the official starting time of 1pm.

All Runners in receipt of a sponsorship card are requested to be at the Community Centre in Kilkee for 1:00pm and they too, will be transported to Doonbeg via bus for the official starting time of 2:00pm.

Please note that children under the age of 16 will not be covered by insurance to participate in the event.

For more information, contact the centre on (065) 9060762, or call into the Centre 11am to 2pm, Monday to Friday.

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

Community

COMMUNITY 21 CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

l SHINING LIGHTS: LIT Sports Scholarships were awarded to Clare’s brightest young sporting stars last week at Thomond Park Stadium. Pictured are Clare scholarship recipients, David Reidy, Ian Murray, Petter Duggan, Jack O’Dea and Jimmy Browne, LIT Photo by Alan Place

WEST/NORTH CLARE KILRUSH HISTORICAL LECTURE Kilrush and District Historical Society’s January lecture, entitled “Crofton Moore Vandeleur and the Great Famine in Kilrush”, will be given by Ciarán Ó Murchadha in the Teach Ceoil on Grace Street in Kilrush at 8 p.m. on Tuesday 30 January.

Ciarán Ó Murchadha is an independent scholar and leading historian of Ireland’s Great Famine. He is the author of numerous books, including the internationally acclaimed The Great Famine: Ireland’s Agony 18451852 (2011).

KDHS lectures are free to members, EUR5 for non-members. New members are welcome. The annual membership fee (July-June) is EUR20.

In a change to our advertised calendar, our February lecture on Tuesday 27 February will mark the centenary of one of the first deaths in the run-up to the War of Independence, that of Tomás Ruiséal from Kerry, who was wounded by a thrust from a bayonet of a British soldier in Carrigaholt (where he was a teacher of Irish) on 24 March 1918 and died the following Wednesday in hospital in Kilrush, where a lengthy inquest was subsequently held. The lecture will be given by the victim’s greatnephew Noel Murphy, whose book on the incident and its aftermath is due to be published in March.

EAST/SOUTHEAST CLARE CIÚNAS CENTRE Ciúnas Centre is a registered not for profit charity in operation since 2009. It was founded by three women, all family carers, with personal understanding of what it means to face challenging times and with little specialised local support or respite available to them.

Ciúnas Centre offers a community service, providing

Minister Pat Breen rediscovers his Youth Identity with Cllr Paul Murphy, Jean O’ Keeffe, Cllr Mary Howard, Margaret Kenneally, (Clare Ladies Cycling) who funded the project and Margaret Slattery, Clare Youth Service The Youth Identity Project empowers young women to explore who they are and to reflect on where their sense of identity comes from

low cost hands on therapies and/or counselling to family carers, the elderly, those with disabilities, special needs and long term illness.

Our qualified therepists have special expertise in dealing with fragile, vulnerable, and special needs clients.

Therapy is provided on a one to one basis in our fully accessible community based centre in East Clare,

as well as on an outreach basis (to local nursing homes for example).

We also offer group days with individual treatments combined with group sessions on topics such as stress management, self care etc.

We also integrate with other services including Brothers of Charity, Enable Ireland, and Shine, these services refer and/or bring clients to us for

care and support.

The general public are also welcome to avail of our services at the full rate and, in doing so, you support the ongoing need for fund raising.

If you would like to know more about the services Ciúnas Centre can offer or to make an appointment, please contact us on 061 924 837

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

Property

DANIELLE IS A TOP AGENT

D

ANIELLE KAVANAGH from Sherry FitzGerald McMahon in Ennis recently won the Sherry FitzGerald national “Wow” of the month award for outstanding customer service. Danielle is West and North Clare area manager in Sherry FitzGerald McMahon.

Danielle Kavanagh joined Sherry FitzGerald McMahon after completing her property studies degree in LIT in 2004. She has a wealth of experience in the business and has worked in the commercial, lettings and residential areas of the company.

Danielle is diligent, conscientious, caring and hard working.

She leaves no stone unturned for her clients and her work colleagues. Danielle’s name has consistently been on the short list for consideration by Sherry FitzGerald, which is a testament to her

consistent attitude towards delivering a high level of customer service to every client she meets.

And here are some of the customer comments: ...“secured a great price for the property and provided great client service at every stage” “Dealing with Danielle was very easy. Fully understood our requirements and kept us well informed of movements / new intros to the market place. Thorough in all aspects of our dealings with her.”

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

Bright and spacious OPEN VIEWINGS: WEDNESDAY JAN 24TH: 5PM TO 5.30PM SATURDAY JAN 27TH: 12PM TO 12.30PM WEDNESDAY JAN 31ST: 5PM TO 5.30PM

40 THE HAWTHORNS, LIMERICK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE €169,000 No. 40 THE HAWTHORNS is a bright and spacious 3 bedroom mid-terraced home located in this popular cul de sac development. It is within walking distance of all local amenities and just a five minute drive to both Ennis Town Centre a one minute drive to the M18 motorway.

The property is presented to market in excellent condition.

Accommodation on the ground floor comprises an entrance hall, living room, an open-plan kitchen/dining area, utility roomand a WC. On the first floor there are two double bedrooms, a single bed-

room (all bedrooms have fitted wardrobes) and a bathroom.

Viewing of this fine home is highly recommended.

105.5 sq.m (1,135 sq.ft) BER No. 110593035

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

PROPERTY 23

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

Exceptional location OPEN VIEWING: SAT 27 JAN, 12:00PM - 12:30PM 25 GORT LEAMHAN, ENNIS, CLARE V95EA0P

N

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

To the ground floor, the porcelain tiled entrance hallway leads to the main reception and kitchen/dining via glass panel doors with the main reception boasting solid oak timber flooring, oak surround feature fireplace, recessed lighting and connecting doors to the formal dining.

The open plan kitchen/dining is finished with solid shaker oak wall and base units, integrated appliances, breakfast counter, dresser unit and French doors onto the extensive rear decking.

It is worth mentioning that under the deck is a ready foundation for a family/ sunroom extension. Off the kitchen is a fully equipped and fitted utility room with

€229,000

access to the shared downstairs WC which also acts as an en-suite to the ground floor bedroom.

At first floor level are four further bedrooms three of which are double and 2 featuring full en-suite bathrooms. The main family bathroom rounds off the living accommodation.

Outside, the extensive tarmacadam drive, gated side access, rear lawned area, timber decking and garden shed put the polishing touches to this stunning home.

Additional features in the house include extensive timber flooring and tiling throughout, fitted wardrobes to 4 bedrooms, fully tiled bathrooms and en-suites, integrated smart home system throughout, solar panels and much more.

Viewing is highly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents. PSL No. 00295 Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

TURN-KEY CONDITION OPEN VIEWING: SAT 27 JAN, 11:00AM - 11:30AM

14 FERGUS VIEW, ENNIS, CLARE V95H0F4 THIS bright and spacious semi-detached family home is presented in turnkey condition with 4 bedrooms (3 double) all with built-in wardrobes, spacious reception with solid wood surround fireplace and double connecting glass feature doors to open plan kitchen/dining. Outside, the property fronts onto a green area with side access to the private rear gardens with garden shed. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents.

Entrance Hallway - 5.5m x 2.0m Ceramic tile flooring, telephone point, carpeted polished rail stairs leading to first floor landing incorporating under stairs WC, door to main reception, and door to kitchen/dining Downstairs WC - 2.0m x 0.8m Low level WC, wash hand basin with tile splash back overhead wall mounted mirror unit, and ceramic tile flooring.

Main Reception - 5.1m x 3.55m Semi-solid maple flooring, solid wood surround feature fireplace with cast iron insert and polished marble flag with integrated gas fire unit, TV point, bay window, double connecting glass feature doors to kitchen/dining.

Kitchen/Dining - 5.65m x 4.5m Kitchen area with modern maple style

€149,950

built in wall and base units with ample work surfaces with single drainer sink with mixer tap, integrated fan assisted oven, 5 ring gas hob, space for fridge freezer, space and plumbing for dishwasher, tile splash back surround, extractor hood and fan with integrated lighting, ceramic tile flooring, space for washing machine and dryer with ample surfaces and open plan to dining area.

Dining Area Ceramic tile flooring, TV point, and sliding patio door leading to rear gardens.

Features Double glazed PVC windows, PVC fascia and soffit, tarmacadam front drive, mains gas central heating system, fronting onto large green area, private rear garden with garden shed, spacious reception, open plan kitchen/dining, 4 bedrooms (3 double), built in wardrobes to all four bedrooms, main bathroom, downstairs WC. Presented in very good condition throughout, built in 2004.

BER Details BER: C3 BER No.110591252 Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

FANTASTIC FORD Ford’s family saloon still has what it takes, 25 years on

ROAD TEST: FORD MONDEO ST-LINE

I

T was almost as if by decree. 25 years ago, almost to the day, Ford revealed the first Mondeo to the world and here I was testing its great-great-grandson.

On a purely personal note, it was that original 1993 Mondeo that convinced me to try motoring writing for a living — seeing a supposedly humble family four-door embarrass much more expensive cars when it came to handling dynamics was something fo a moment of inspiration. I wanted to write about such things.

Strange to say, then, that at this point of my career, I’m close to writing the epitaph not for the Mondeo itself, but for the big family four-door in general. When I was a kid, these cars (Mondeo, Vectra, 405, Avensis, Primera, Laguna, Accord, so on, and so on) were an attainable pinnacle. Not for the majority back then the temptations of a BMW or Audi, these mainstream four-doors were the perfect combo of business-class style and family friendliness.

Not so today. It’s not so much the impact of premium brand sales (although, heaven knows, that has had a huge impact) but the move to SUVs. We all now want a slice of the rugged lifestyle, however notional, and so four-door saloons are being shunned in favour of 4x4s.

Actually, this Ford Mondeo ST-Line isn’t, technically, a four-door — it’s a five-door liftback, but that’s actually better because

it means it’s got a bigger boot and is more useful for those inevitable runs to a big, blue, Swedish furniture outlet.

It’s called ST-Line not because it’s especially sporty to drive, but because it’s part of Ford’s new ST-Line family which bring sporty-looking bodykits (and some mild tuning of suspension and steering) to pretty much every Ford model north of a Ka+. The subtly bulging bodykit gives the already-handsome Mondeo the appearance of a fitness freak who’s been taking just the right amount of creatine powder, so there’s little to quibble with on the looks front.

Little to quibble with inside, either. Space in the back seats isn’t quite as good as what you get in a Skoda Superb, but it’s not far off and space up front is generous, plus it’s backed up by comfortable and supportive front seats that are unique to ST-Line models. Plus, our test car came with optional heated front seats and steering wheel which only cost an extra €70, and which were enormously welcome as the cold fronts

rolled in off the Atlantic and the sleet and snow started falling.

Speaking of kit, our car also came with optional reversing camera and a panoramic glass roof (which we’d go happily without) but the ST-Line is already well-equipped with gorgeous 18-inch alloys, quickclear heated windscreen, cruise control, lane-keeping steering, and keyless entry and start, plus the SYNC3 infotainment system, which looks a little clunky in its graphics, but which actually works well.

In spite of the lack of height, relative to an SUV, you slide easily into that roomy cabin, and become instantly comfortable.

I find many SUVs leave you sitting too perched up and too high, but the Mondeo feels pleasingly low slung and comfortable.

Thumb the starter button and the 180hp 2.0-litre TDCI diesel engine fires up quite quietly, and becomes more so once it’s warmed through. It also has exceptional punch and performance (and all with a saintly 117g/km Co2 figure, so you’ll pay just €200 a year in motor tax) but to be honest, the more affordable 150hp engine is more or less as good, so it’s probably not worth the extra.

The Mondeo’s driving experience most certainly is, though. Now, that comes with the caveat that this fourth-generation Mondeo is not as sharp to drive as any of its predecessors (it was was designed for the US market first, and then tweaked for Europe, and you can feel the American softly-softly- settings coming through) but it’s a far, far better car to drive than

FACTS & FIGURES:

Model tested: Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 180 ST-Line Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel Transmission: front-wheel drive, six-speed manual Body style: five-door hatchback CO2 emissions: 117g/km (Band A4, €200 per annum) Combined economy: 64.2mpg (4.4 litres/100km) Top speed: 225km/h 0-100km/h: 8.3 seconds Power: 180hp at 3,500rpm Torque: 400Nm at 2,000- to 2,500rpm Boot space: 550-litres (seats up); 1,466-litres (seats folded) EuroNCAP rating: 5-star; 86 per cent adult, 82 per cent child, 66 per cent pedestrian, 66 per cent safety assist

any SUV or 4x4 that doesn’t come with a Porsche badge. If you need a big, practical car (550-litre boot) but still want to enjoy your driving, you’ve come to the right place. The steering feels balanced and well-weighted, the chassis composed and flat through the corners, and it’s refined and exceptionally comfortable when you’re more interested in sitting back and relaxing. The Mondeo may not be the dynamic masterclass that once it was, but it’s still an exceptional car to drive.

Should you buy one over an SUV, though? Yes, absolutely you should. None of us need an SUV, and their ubiquity is fast generating a dulling effect. Everyone’s got a Qashqai now, in the same way that everyone once used to have a Mondeo.

Why not be a bit fashion-forward by looking fashion-backward. The four-door saloon still has some life left in it.

lSPORTS LUXE: It’s called ST-Line not because it’s especially sporty to drive, but because it’s part of Ford’s new ST-Line family which bring sporty-looking bodykits (and some mild tuning of suspension and steering) to pretty much every Ford model north of a Ka+

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THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

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Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol

Liam Cleary Auto World

Kilrush Road, Ennis, Co. Clare | Tel: 065 682 3888 www.liamclearyautoworld.ie

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

MOTORING 26

Motoring News

Renault has biggest Irish year ever

R

In combined car and van sales Renault was the third best-selling brand

ENAULT Group Ireland enjoyed its most successful year so far in 2017, achieving third position in the combined new car and van market with a combined market share of 9.8 per cent and 15,226 units sold.

Renault finished the year with a new car market share of 6.3 per cent, up from 5.7 per cent in 2016, while shockingly affordable Dacia took 2.8 per cent of the passenger car market last year.

One of the Group’s star performers was the ever-popular Renault Captur crossover, maintaining its number one spot at 29.8 per cent share in its segment for 2017. The Renault Scenic range also held number one in the busy C-MPV segment at 17 per cent, while the Renault Kadjar and Dacia Duster’s combined share of 11.6 per cent took the Group to fourth position in the C-SUV

segment. The Renault Mégane range was the best-selling model at 2,300 units. In the competitive B segment, the facelifted Clio and popular Dacia Sandero ensured Renault Group maintained its number one position. Renault Group finished in fourth position overall in the new passenger car market and is the only player in the top five brands to have grown new car share in 2017.

Westmeath was Renault’s best performing county for both passenger cars and LCV, with its market shares taking 14.46 per cent and an impressive 29.97 per cent respectively. Waterford was the top seller for Dacia at 6.27 per cent share.

2017 was another exciting year for Renault, which boasts the youngest model range in the market, with the launch of the All-New Mégane and Scénic ranges, as well as the All-New Renault Koleos and the new 100 per

cent electric Renault Zoe Z.E. 40.

On its award-winning van range, Renault achieved 13.5 per cent share of the LCV market for 2017, remaining firmly on the podium. Trafic finished in second place in the overall van market and was the best-selling medium-sized van, while Master retained its place on the podium as the number two large van last year. Kangoo grew its segment share from 7.3 per cent to 9.9 per cent.

Renault Bank, which celebrates seven years in Ireland this year, was also key to the Group’s success, lending over €200 million to Renault and Dacia customers in 2017. A key driver in this success has been the volume of returning Renault Bank customers. Over 60 per cent of PCP customers have returned to purchase another Renault vehicle, which demonstrates the success and affordability of the Renault PCP product.

It remains the most popular form of payment for purchasing a new Renault or Dacia. A Renault Bank branch is available in all 28 Renault Group dealerships, offering two-hour decision times and approval rates of 80 per cent.

Renault continues its successful sponsorship of The Late Late Show for 2018, Ireland’s biggest chat show, as well as the Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show on TodayFM. Dacia is the proud sponsor of popular show Breakfast Republic on RTÉ 2fm.

Renault Group also has unmissable offers for 181 which give real value to customers, designed at reducing the cost of ownership over three years. Available now across all 28 dealerships, the 181 Renault passenger car offer includes 3 per cent APR PCP finance, 3 years’ servicing included and 3 years’ road tax on all models ordered and registered before 31st January 2018.

Dacia is offering zero deposit and 4.9 per cent APR on PCP with Dacia Bank across the range for 181 including new facelifted Duster, Sandero, Stepway and new Logan MCV Stepway.

Renault Pro+ dealers are offering 3 per cent APR HP over 60 months on all orders taken and registered before 31st January 2018 across the Renault van range.

Patrick Magee, Country Operations Manager, Renault Group Ireland said “2017 has been a fantastic year for Renault Group and our dealer network, with the introduction of both new and refreshed models, and a third-place finish with 9.8 per cent combined market share sets the scene for a promising 2018. We’re looking forward to an exciting year ahead with the newest model range out there.”

ADVERTISEMENT 27

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

USED CAR SALE JANUARY 2018 YEAR

MAKE AND MODEL

COLOUR

MILEAGE

PRICE €

YEAR

MAKE AND MODEL

COLOUR

MILEAGE

PRICE €

2017 172 172 172 171 171 171 171 171 171 171 171

PRIUS HYBRID PLUG IN AVENSIS 1.6 D4D LUNA COROLLA 1.4 D4D TERRA AVENSIS 1.6 D4D LUNA C-HR 1.2T LUNA PETROL COROLLA 1.4 D4D SOL COROLLA 1.4 D4D LUNA COROLLA 1.4 D4D TERRA AURIS 1.4 D4D LUNA AURIS 1.4 D4D TERRA AURIS 1.4 D4D TERRA

Grey Silver Bronze Silver Silver Bronze Grey Silver Bronze Silver Bronze

4000 8500 9000 15500 25500 19810 13500 16500 15000 26500 14000

34,950 25,950 21,950 24,950 22,950 22,950 21,950 19,950 20,950 19,950 19,950

2014 142 142 141 141 141 141 141 141 141 141 141

AURIS 1.4 D4D TERRA AURIS 1.33 LUNA PETROL AVENSIS 2.0 D4D ICON AVENSIS 2.0 D4D AURA COROLLA 1.4 D4D LUNA COROLLA 1.4 D4D LUNA COROLLA 1.4 D4D LUNA COROLLA 1.4 D4D AURA COROLLA 1.4 D4D TERRA AURIS 1.4 D4D TERRA NISSAN QASHQAI 1.2 PETROL

Silver Blue Red Grey Bronze Bronze Grey Bronze Bronze Silver Silver

77000 11000 52800 61000 52800 99800 110000 107000 57200 95100 104000

13,950 14,950 16950 16,950 14,950 13,950 13,950 13,950 13,950 13,950 15,950

2016 161 161 161 161 161 161 161 161 161 161 161 161 161 161

RAV 2.0 D4D LUNA SPORT 2WD RAV 2.0 D4D LUNA 2WD AVENSIS 2.0 D4D LUNA AURIS HYBRID AUTO LUNA ESTATE COROLLA 1.4 D4D LUNA AURIS 1.4 D4D LUNA AURIS 1.2T LUNA PETROL AURIS 1.2T LUNA PETROL YARIS 1.4 D4D LUNA YARIS 1.0 LUNA YARIS 1.0 LUNA YARIS 1.0 TERRA AVENSIS 1.6 D4D LUNA AVENSIS 2.0 D4D LUNA

Red Red Grey Bronze Black Silver Red Silver Bronze Silver Red Bronze Bronze Grey

35000 55000 52000 27500 54000 27500 35000 28000 25000 38000 44000 13200 27900 52000

25,950 24,950 20,950 19,950 18,950 18,950 17,950 17,950 15,950 13,950 13,450 12,950 19,950 20,950

2013 131 131 131

COROLLA 1.4 D4D LUNA COROLLA 1.4 D4D TERRA HYUNDAI ix35 AUTO DIESEL

Black Black Black

127000 122000 101000

12,950 12,950 18,950

2012 2012 2012

COROLLA 1.4 D4D TERRA FORD FOCUS 1.6 DIESEL

Blue Grey

140000 115000

11,950 11950

2015 152 152 151 151 151 151 151 151 151 151 151 151 151 151 151 151

AVENSIS 1.6 D4D LUNA COROLLA 1.4 D4D LUNA AVENSIS 2.0 D4D LUNA AVENSIS 2.0 D4D AURA COROLLA 1.4 D4D AURA AURIS 1.4 D4D SOL AURIS 1.4 D4D TERRA AURIS 1.4 D4D TERRA AURIS 1.4 D4D TERRA AURIS 1.33 AURA PETROL AURIS 1.33 AURA PETROL YARIS 1.33 LUNA PETROL YARIS 1.0 LUNA YARIS 1.0 LUNA YARIS 1.0 LUNA CITROEN C4 PICASSO AUTO DIESEL

Silver Silver Grey Bronze Bronze Black Bronze Black Silver Silver Grey Bronze Blue White Silver Grey

73000 50000 93200 75000 58000 73200 18100 54000 64000 19500 34500 53500 30000 31200 33000 26000

18,450 16,950 16,950 16,950 15,950 17,950 16,950 15,950 15,950 15,950 15,950 12,950 11,950 11,950 11,950 17,950

2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011

AVENSIS 2.0 D4D AURA COROLLA 1.4 D4D TERRA COROLLA 1.4 D4D TERRA COROLLA 1.4 D4D TERRA AURIS 1.4 D4D TERRA NISSAN QASHQAI 1.6 PETROL MAZDA 3 1.6 DIESEL

Grey Silver Grey Black Grey Black Black

172000 132000 174000 215000 132000 52500 99500

11,950 10,950 10,950 9,950 9,950 10,950 9,950

2010 2010

AVENSIS 2.0 D4D STRATA

Silver

210000

8,950

2009 2009

AURIS 1.4 D4D AURA

Black

139000

7,950

2008 2008

RAV 2.0 DIESEL AUTO 4x4

Black

135000

6,950

All Cars Fully Serviced

*All Prices Listed Are Straight Deal Prices With No Trade Ins

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All Cars Come Warrantied

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THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

MOTORING 28

Motoring News

Lexus plans new super-luxury SUV

L

EXUS is planning a new super-luxury SUV to sit above the LS within its range, and is using this LF-Limitless concept to look forward both to that, and to a future of all-electric and hydrogen powertrains.

That’s the limitless part of the name, you see. Lexus wants you to imagine that this car “could be powered by fuel cell, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, or even all-electric.” The Japanese luxury brand is promising that by 2025, every car it sells will be partially or entirely powered by electricity, a promise which it says it’s closer to achieving than almost any other mainstream car maker.

The design of the LF-Limitless comes from Lexus’ CALTY California-based styling studio, and is said to be based around the principle of ‘Molten Katana’ — a

improving the human experience for the driver and passengers.”

The concept gets exaggerated proportions to give it the long bonnet of a 1950s grand tourer, and rides on enormous 22-inch alloy wheels.

While it’s a tall SUV, Lexus’ designers have slimmed the glasshouse and lowered the roof as much as possible to give it a sucked-down appearance. It uses a very stylised version of Lexus’ already-dramatic ‘spindle grille’ but actually dispenses with the usual chrome finish — instead using LED light to accentuate and outline the grille.

“There’s no doubt that luxury crossovers are an increasingly popular choice for luxury customers,” said Lexus’ US general manager Jeff Bracken. “This LF-1 Limitless concept illustrates what could happen if Lexus were to

the melting steel of a traditional Japanese sword. “This is our vision for a new kind of flagship vehicle that embraces crossover capability without giving up the performance and luxury delivered by today’s top sedans,” said Kevin Hunter, president, CALTY Design Research. “The LF-1 Limitless concept incorporates imaginative technology while creating a strong emotional connection by

add a flagship crossover to our line-up.

It’s a gorgeous execution and we’re anxious to see our customers’ and dealers’ response.”

Inside there’s a four-seat cockpit with a very minimalist design and metallic finishes in champagne gold effect.

Physical buttons and switches are almost all abandoned in favour of gesture control. while those sat in the rear get seats which are identical to those in the front, as Lexus aims for maximum comfort for all passengers.

There’s more LED light trickery in here too — the wooden cockpit trim has tiny perforations that allow for backlighting.

There is, of course, a notional autonomous mode (Lexus calls it ‘Chauffeur mode’) but Lexus seems to be following the recent lead of Mazda and Porsche in

Have you heard about the Exclusive EcoGrant Offer from Al Hayes Motors?

Al Hayes Motors are delighted to announce our exclusive EcoGrant scheme.

What is the EcoGrant?

The purpose of the EcoGrant is to remove and recycle older EU1-EU4 diesel vehicles — mostly cars registered prior to 2011 — and to encourage the uptake of ŠKODA’s latest generation of lower emission vehicles.

€2,500

€3,750

€4,500

€6,000

All brands of vehicles are welcome and can qualify under the scheme.

Customers can avail of the exclusive ŠKODA EcoGrant of up to €6,000 for vehicles that qualify for the grant. Of course, there are some reasonable terms and conditions.

The offer is open to new ŠKODA models ordered before the 31st of January 2018.

Your old car could be worth more than you think!

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

Tel: 065 682 2400 • www.alhayesskoda.ie

Opening Hours Monday to Friday Saturday

9:00am–6:00pm 9:00am–5:00pm

taking some of the emphasis off all-robotic driving and allowing the driver back into the loop when the mood takes them.

Lexus, and parent company Toyota, had shown off its third-generation autonomous driver technology at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, even going so far as the integrate the bulky, protruding sensors and detectors into chrome-trimmed nacelles.

When will we see a production version? Probably not immediately — Lexus is known for taking its sweet time to go from concept to production, but a flagship SUV based on the same chassis and hybrid powertrain as the new LS luxury saloon is likely to be a safe bet in the next couple of years.

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

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CLASSIFIEDS 29

Replacement car and van hire located in Lissycasey. Cheapest rates around using your own comprehensive insurance.

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COUNSELLING SERVICES Inisfree Psychotherapy, Ennis Counselling services available in Ennis from a professional accredited psychotherapist.

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BUSINESS OWNER TESTIMONIAL

I would like to compliment the Clare Echo for the way in which they have helped with my business .

I have used the Clare Echo for my business classifieds and have experienced great interest thanks to the Clare Echo.

Martin Ryan, Ennis Aloe Vera & Forever Living

Be Seen, Be Heard

ECHOING YOUR MESSAGE ACROSS THE COUNTY

Contact our sales team Ger or Ciara to place an ad 065 671 9021

If you are reading this so are 35,000 other people

Get your Classified out there with The Clare Echo To advertise with us contact sales@clareecho.ie or 065 671 9021

30 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

Your Horoscopes January 25 YOU may feel somewhat edgy as you work through your daily routines. It could be the fact that there are still a few unfinished projects you need to deal with. Don’t let it get you down -- think about everything you’ve got done so far, because that’s precisely what certain higher-ups are doing now. They may have decided it’s time for some much-deserved praise -- and maybe a better view, too.

SOMEONE’S extended absence is probably making you cranky. You need to reestablish contact by any means necessary, even if that means swallowing your pride and apologizing first. If you just can’t pick up the phone to do so, consider how you’re going to feel five or ten years from now. Are either of you likely to remember who made the first move, or will you both just be glad that it happened?

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

A SHARED financial arrangement is all set to change, but don’t freak out over it. Whatever happens, the time is right -and it should come about thanks to your own actions. That means you get the ball rolling, and you aren’t left scrambling to find some way to deal. When the news comes, don’t hesitate for even a moment -- start thinking about how you can get your brand-new life off to a great start.

SOMEONE you love has been kind of remote lately, and it’s probably making you a little crazy. It’s also kept them on your mind, which is pretty distracting -- and that could mean you’re not paying enough attention at work. Don’t get upset, though -- you’ve been making them crazy, too!

One of you has to make the first move, of course. Are you going to let them take all the credit for the big reunion?

YOU’RE one of those few people who do more than is required, reliably, without bragging or trying to make others look bad because they didn’t get there first. This often means that people can take advantage of you if you’re not careful, and today is one of those days. If your instincts tell you there’s something fishy going on, or if you’ve been asked for help with something that’s not quite fully fleshed out, get an objective opinion from someone you trust.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

e

T N

A

18

E P

L

V

ful

H

I

14

O E

D

15

P

U

E

R

10

11

S

U

20

S N

13

R

O

S

P

O T

R

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C

7

A

1

O 2

I

E

16

I

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T 8

I

19

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A

12

3

H

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21

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M

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9

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A N

T 4

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R difficult - just lso an ideal

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17 Attack making fool suffer (6) 19 Thus a king gets thoroughly wet (4) 21 Teacher with first of essays completed (4)

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11

(6)

10

CROSSWORD ANSWERS E

cult - just n ideal

9

L

8

1 Care about size of field? (4) 2 Completely at home with Dorothy’s dog (2,4) 3 Warm fowls for pagans (8) 4 Laurel providing singular shade (4) 5 Talked rhythmically, sounding ecstatic (6) 6 More dice being cast? It’s no great shakes! (8) 11 Traps I’ve set for soldiers (8) 12 Pirate, if at sea, has a drink before dinner (8) 15 Scrub allowed in Scottish river (6) 17 Attack making fool suffer (6)

F

7

DOWN

K

6

E

5

21 Teacher with first of essays completed (4)

S

4

19 Thus a king gets thoroughly wet (4)

t

3

in legal handover (11)

17 Attack making fool suffer (6) 19 Thus a king gets thoroughly wet (4) 21 Teacher with first of essays completed (4)

2

7 Try to think of a more powerful solution (11) 8 Statement of facts about wine (6) 9 Sleep with family linen item? (6) 10 Writing seen after university rebelled (6) 12 Notice Italian leader is put forward (6) 13 Pinch fastener that’s brought back (3) 14 Religious people back American (6) 16 Brought back from Harlem, a new type of paint (6) 18 Planes diverted somewhere in Italy (6) 20 Fashionable team doing time (6) 22 Taxi ride not involved

a

1

ACROSS

in

The Clare Echo Crossword

YOU really don’t know how charming you can be when you’re not trying (in fact, especially when you’re not trying).

Right now, no matter how hard that rabidly jealous person in your life is trying to catch you in that crazy scheme they think you’ve got going -- maybe lavishing attention on the wrong person for the wrong reason -- your honest charm saves the day.

e

WHEN a good reason pops up for you to cancel plans you thought to be absolutely unskippable -- plans you wanted to rid yourself of anyway -- you find yourself suddenly in a much better mood. Now that the universe has stepped up to the plate, you need to show some appreciation -- and at least feign disappointment when you let the others know that they have to get along without you. You can try to make it up to them later.

YOU tend to be somewhat excessive every now and again.

Overdoing it feels like second nature to you, actually, and most times you don’t even know that you’re doing it. You may even think that everyone is this way -- utterly engaged with anything that captures their attention for as long as it lasts. Of course, all that excess can add up to good fun most of the time.

al

SECRETS are a part of your life, but you’ve just learned one that you simply cannot share with anyone. It’s so delicate that you’re not even sure you should have heard it in the first place. Now that you do, you can’t help but research a little bit further. Once you have proof -- and knowing you, that shouldn’t take too long -- you need to decide what to do next. Rely on your seriously powerful intuition.

de

YOU sometimes get the urge to have a totally extravagant, utterly unnecessary shopping spree, despite what others may think. Since you’re one of the very few people who rarely buy much for yourself under ordinary circumstances, that means that it’s finally your turn. It’s all good, you can afford it and everybody deserves the chance to do right by themselves.

1/1

YOU don’t mind helping out anyone you love -- in fact, you usually figure out that they need help way before they do.

If someone close comes to you today for another favor, though, and if you swore that the last time was actually, no kidding, the last time, ask yourself whether you’re really helping, or just enabling? If you’re in any doubt at all, that could be your answer.

)

Gemini

er

YOU’RE feeling quite eccentric, wildly erratic and super-impulsive. Volatile, even! Spontaneous and free are the words people are using to describe you now. You’re not exactly unhappy about it all, either -- in fact, you’re loving it! You might be a little worried that your people aren’t quite as tickled about this bold new you. Of course, you can always bribe them with praise or favours.

Taurus

Aries

QUIZ 31

THURSDAY, JAN 25 2018

The Clare Echo Quiz NAME THAT CLARE SONG 2

7

3

8

4

9

The Darlin Girl from Clare Are you right there Michael?

Farewell to Lissycasey There’s four who share this room as we work hard for the crack. And sleeping late on Sundays I never get to Mass Spancilhill The Green Hills of Clare From Clare to here Oh the sun it shines out like a jewel on the lovely hills of Clare My lovely rose of Clare Chapel gates of Cooraclare The Green Hills of Clare Though I have travelled many lands To far off Australian sands My thoughts turn to Eirn When my day’s toil is done It’s a long way from Clare to here Green hills of Clare Spancilhill Twas in the year of 95 in the summer of July, All Munster suffered sunstroke The Banner dream Banner roar Stand up for Co Clare

5

It’s a long way from Clare to here Lisdoonvarna The green hills of Clare You’ll see the high rocky slopes on the West coast of Clare. The towns of Kilrush and Kilkee can be seen Are ye right there Michael?

Cliffs of Dooneen Lovely Rose of Clare And every man had got the finest plan. Ye ever see now - barrin’ me now Lisdoonvarna Lovely Rose of Clare The Darlin girl from Clare Last night as I lay dreaming of pleasant days gone by. My mind being bent on rambling to Ireland I did fly The West Coast of Clare Spancilhill The ambush at Rineen The fare is all first rate there, Of that you can be sure.

The nearby north Clare creamery, Makes butter rich and pure.

The Iron Men from Quilty Ennistymon, the town of the cascades The Cliffs of Moher

10

PINK LADIES

l HELPING HAND: CYS Youth Identity Launch

lLEGEND: Christy Moore has penned many a song about Clare

6. Lisdoonvarna 7. Cliffs of Dooneen 8. The Darlin girl from Clare 9. Spancilhill 10. Ennistymon, the town of the cascades

Here we are in the County Clare.

6 It’s a long, long way from here to there

ANSWERS

1. Are ye right there Michael?

2. From Clare to here 3. My lovely rose of Clare 4. Green hills of Clare 5. Banner roar

They find out where the engine’s 1sweet been hiding. And it drags you to Corofin

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