The Clare Echo 26/07/2018

065 671 9021

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26 July 2018

Love and carriage ELAINE TUBRIDY & PÁRAIC McMAHON news@clareecho.ie

A lLOVE TRAIN: Rachael Finucane and Dermot Comerford met by chance on the train

DOONBEG man who met the love of his life aboard the Dublin to Limerick train has celebrated his marriage by returning on his wedding day to the scene of where they first met.

When Doonbeg man Dermot Comerford saw Rachel Finucane’s name was displayed above her seat after boarding a train in Dublin, Dermot plucked up the courage to say hello.

“I said how’s it going Rachel and the rest is history,” love bird Dermot said.

Fast forward to six years later and the loved up couple returned to the platform on their wedding day.

“We just thought it would be a nice way to mark it, to go back there on the wedding day and get some nice pictures,” Dermot added.

For full story SEE PAGE 10

lWEDDED BLISS: Rachael Finucane and Dermot Comerford who married recently, revisited the train they met on 6 years ago on their wedding day All photos by Liam Burke/Press 22

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

Index CLIFF WARNING

7

RELIVE THE FLEADH

8

LOVE TRAIN

10

ENTERTAINMENT

13

PROPERTY

20-21

MOTORING

22-25

SPORT

26-27

CLASSIFIEDS

36-37

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

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

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

l CELEBRATION: Clare County Council hosted a Mayoral reception for local athletes who participated in Special Olympics Ireland Games in Dublin. More than 100 athletes, volunteers and family members attended the function

Photo by Eamon Ward

Shannon man hits out at HSE PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

M

ENTAL health advocate, Gary Fitzgibbon addressed elected members of the Shannon Municipal District (SMD) at their July meeting and gave a detailed account of the conditions dealt with by people struggling with their health.

At the beginning of the month, Gary was invited to speak at the Dáil and earlier this year in a column published by The Clare Echo, the Shannon man openly discussed his experiences with the Irish Mental Health system.

He told councillors in the SMD that “people in suicidal distress are going to A&E in Limerick”. He believes a better system has to be in place to accommodate people in this position so that A&E is not their first port of call. Gary outlined that Clare patients who go to UHL are denied admission to the county’s psychiatric unit as are those from neighbouring counties. “People are being turned away and lives are being lost,” he said, adding “It’s not an unreasonable demand for people who ask for help to get it”.

“What Bressie is to Ireland, Gary is to Clare” said Cllr Mike McKee of the advocacy work he has done for mental health services. “The issue is so serious but not being taken as serious as it should be”, the Sinn Féin councillor commented. Fianna Fáil’s Cathal Crowe highlighted, “political flags are put on the ground for these issues”.

When contacted by The Clare Echo about the issues raised by Gary, the HSE issued the following statement. “Anybody presenting in the ED at UHL with suicidal ideation will be assessed and an appropriate treatment response arranged. If the patient is from Clare and requires admission this will ordinarily be arranged for the Acute Psychiatric Unit in Ennis. From 9-5 every day each Community Mental Health Centre is available to assess anybody who presents with suicidal ideation or any other Psychiatric emergency.

“Out of hours all emergencies in the region are seen and assessed in the ED at UHL. People presenting will be assessed by the psychiatric Crisis Team and an appropriate plan of treatment recommended. If admission is required this can be arranged in either Unit 5B or the Acute Psychiatric Unit in Ennis. Patients from Clare and Nth Tipperary who require admission will usually be admitted to the APU Ennis and patients from Limerick to Unit 5B in UHL. Out of hours there are also crisis nurses based in Ennis & Nenagh/Thurles whose services are available to existing patients”.

Gary told The Clare Echo that he did not receive such treatment and subsequently filed a complaint with the HSE. “Admission was required for me and I was told in no uncertain terms at the time that I wouldn’t be admitted to 5B because of my address. Nor was I admitted to APU Ennis. I wasn’t even offered a follow up appointment, left to fend for myself while admitting being suicidal. I lodged a complaint with the HSE over this”.

4

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

Library construction to begin Concern

over N19 condition

ELAINE TUBRIDY

C

news@clareecho.ie

LARE County Council have announced that construction of the new Clare County Library will begin early next year.

“Subject to Department approval it is anticipated the construction will commence in Quarter One of 2019,” a spokesperson for Clare County Council said.

Stage three approval to proceed to tender was issued for the €8.6 million development earlier in the summer.

The design team led by Keith Williams Architects are preparing the tender documents with a view to going to tender on this project in September 2018.

The new library will be constructed on the site of the glor theatre in Ennis and will replace the current DeValera library on Harmony Row. The new building will contain the new public library, as well as a gallery space and office space.

It will vary in height from one storey to three stories and will cover over 2000 square metres.

The new building will seek to retain as

l BOOKED IN: A view of how the new library is expected to look from the Causeway Link side of the building Image courtesy of Keith Williams Architects

much parking as possible, with 97 spaces planned for the development.

The public library section of the building will be spread over two floors, with the County Library administrative section on the floor above.

The ground floor will be used for the

more noise friendly activities such as the public lending section and the children’s library, while the upper floor will be more conducive to quiet, contemplative study.

The overall theme of the library will be openness and light, with the design reflecting as much light as possible.

ACCESS to Shannon Airport “in the case of an emergency” is a major concern given the condition of the N19.

At Shannon Municipal District’s July meeting, Sean Lenihan, a senior engineer with Clare County Council stated the N19 “needs a significant job”. The section of the N19 National Primary Road under consideration extends from Drumgeely Roundabout to Knockbeagh Point Roundabout. The proposed scheme is over 2km in length and comprises primarily of single carriageway cross section. It is estimated that over €10m is required for the necessary works.

“This section of the N19 National Road connects Shannon International Airport to all parts of the country and plays a significant role in international connectivity, which in turn increases prosperity to the mid-west region, particularly tourism and exports”, Lenihan highlighted.

Lenihan wants to see the provision of a dual carriageway cross section “to allow for satisfactory response times in the event of a major incident at Shannon Airport. This section would facilitate two-way traffic flow using a contra flow system in the event of an emergency”.

Illegal Parking to be monitored in Newmarket PÁRAIC McMAHON news@clareecho.ie

ILLEGAL parking at the square in Newmarket-on-Fergus is to be monitored by Clare County Council.

Cllr Pat McMahon brought the matter to the attention of the local authority at the July meeting of the Shannon Municipal District. “Due to the illegal parking of cars on the footpaths in the square, Newmarket-on-Fergus and the double parking of cars in said square that the Council put in place a possible solution as pedestrians feel very aggrieved at certina times,” read his motion.

In reply, Senior Executive Engineer, Eugene O’Shea outlined “The parking of vehicles at this location will be monitored in the short-term with a view to establishing the extent of this particular issue and consideration of appropriate measures to deal with it”.

“A minority of motorists are putting people in a dangerous position”, Cllr McMahon replied. He said that illegally parked cars were “making it difficult for the disabled walking on footpaths”.

The Fianna Fáil councillor pointed to the volume of business in the area with ten various businesses located around the square.

Fine Gael’s John Crowe seconded the motion. “Parking is a major problem, no provisions are made”, “villages are being clogged up”, he added.

Also at the meeting, Cllr McMahon asked that no overnight parking be enforced at the back entrance of Lough Ash Lake at Kilnasoolagh Park in Newmarket. The Council committed to installing the signage "at the earliest opportunity".

McMahon added his praise for O'Shea and the Council staff for roadworks in the village of Newmarket-on-Fergus which is "ninety to ninety five percent done".

There has been a new surface added to the main road along the village, "the street was an absolute disaster", he said but the former businessman stated the improvements have been drastic, "If Shannon was ever closed you could land a plane there".

l UNDER THE BRIDGE: Clare County Council has completed a rehabilitation project at Saint Brendan’s Bridge just east of Lisdoonvarna, near St. Brendan’s Road.

Repair works were carried out by Triur Construction Ltd and comprised masonry repair and repointing, grouting, and the installation of tie bars and pattress plates. The bridge spans a ravine with a level difference of over 7m from the road surface to the river below. During the early days of the works site staff from Triur Construction Ltd. found a piece of cut some with an inscription and shortly after found a second piece. When put together they read “Saint Brendan’s Bridge - Built AD 1844 - James Boyd C S”. Clare County Council has reinstated the plaque in its rightful place on the bridge parapet.

The attached photographs show the excellent work that was undertaken over 174 years ago to construct this single span cut stone masonry arch bridge.

Clare County Council would like to pay tribute to the people who built this magnificent structure during very difficult times in County Clare.

Summer Dining Take a Spin our Way..

Weekend Brunch

Bar Food

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

6

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

Stretch of Fergus river bed dries up completely STUART HOLLY

D

editor@clareecho.ie

ROUGHT conditions have led to one part of the River Fergus drying up for the first time in at least five decades.

Local Ruan resident Brian Cunningham explained that in his 39 years living in the area pictured, he has never seen the riverbed completely dry up.

"It’s like that now a week," explained Mr Cunningham. "That photo was taken on Sunday. That’s the main River Fergus. If you go back up you can walk along [towards Dromore] in your runners the water never passed your ankles.

Mr Cunningham said that his now deceased grandfather had spoken of a time in the early 70s when the Fergus water levels were low in the area, however he insists it never dried up.

However it's understood that there

l DROUGHT CONDITIONS: The bone dry River Fergus between Ruan and Ennis. Local residents say that this part of the river has never completely dried up before Photo by Brian Cunningham

Notice of Intention to Make Waste Management Bye-Laws Notice is hereby given that Clare County Council intends to make Bye-Laws in accordance with the Local Government Act 2001 and the Waste Management Act 1996 for the segregation, Storage and presentation of household and commercial waste, i.e. Waste Management, in the Administrative area of Clare County Council, and, that provision is to be made within these Bye-Laws for the imposition of fixed payment notices in accordance with Section 206 of the Local Government Act 2001.

The ‘DRAFT County Clare Waste Management Bye-Laws, 2018’ will be available for public inspection, free of charge during normal office hours (daily from 9.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays) from Monday 30th July 2018 until Friday 21st September 2018, at the following locations: •

Áras Contae an Chláir, Environment Section, Block B, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

• Killaloe Municipal District Office, Mountshannon Road, Scariff, Co. Clare.

• Shannon Municipal District Office, Town Hall, Shannon, Co. Clare.

• West Clare Municipal District Office, Town Hall, The Square, Kilrush, Co. Clare.

• West Clare Municipal District Office, Ennis Road, Ennistymon, Co. Clare.

The DRAFT County Clare Waste Management Bye-Laws, 2018 and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) will be available to view or download from our web site at www.clarecoco.ie.

A copy of the DRAFT County Clare Waste Management Bye-Laws, 2018 or the FAQ’s will be given to any person requesting same for a photocopying fee of €0.20 per sheet.

Written submissions in relation to the DRAFT County Clare Waste Management Bye-Laws, 2018 should be made to the Administrative Officer, Environment Section, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, not later than 5.00 p.m. on Friday 21st September, 2018.

Submissions may also be made online at www.clarecoco.ie.

Only submissions received by the deadline of 5.00 p.m. on Friday 21st September, 2018, will be considered.

are no issues with supply to the lower Fergus due to its underground channels.

Alan Coote of Clare Watersports told The Clare Echo that he is currently unable to run his kayaking tours from Dromore to Ballyalla due to the low to non-existing water levels however he continues to operate in Ballyalla.

"I’m 10 years doing trips, it does get low but never like it is now," explained Mr Coote.

He also confirmed that there have been no residual knock-on effects for Ballyalla as the Ennis lake has two springs which are keeping the water level maintained.

The green flag continues to fly in Ballyalla and Alan said that the water quality was tested as recently as this week. Clare County Council told The Clare Echo that all water quality tests have been coming back perfect.

They added that about 15-20 mm of rain is due to fall today (Thursday) and it is expected that water levels will rise in the coming weeks.

Visit East Clare goes live online STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

TOURISM East Clare are delighted to announce that the second phase of the further development of www.visiteastclare.ie went live last Friday, 20th July 2018.

An open website launch was held at the Scariff Council Offices to display, explain and promote the site, and was supported by several members with Cllr Pat Burke, Chairperson, Killaloe Municipal District, Mike Jones, Flow Marketing and Consulting, Eoin O’Hagan, Chairperson, Clare Tourism Steering Group, and Timmy Dooley TD, Spokesperson on Communications, The Environment & Natural Resources, Fianna Fáil, all speaking.

The event was recorded by Jim Collins, Scariff Bay Community Radio.

Christine O’Brien, Secretary, Tourism East Clare Committee acknowledged and thanked all the speakers for their support, and in addition mentioned the Clare Local Development Company for their continued support of our organisation, in particular

Agnes O’Shaughnessy. Also, the staff at the Scariff Tourist Office in Market House, especially Eugene O’Brien. The tourist office located in the heart of Scariff is a valuable resource for the region.

The website is not simply an online tourism magazine – the advertisements, blogs, special events and Live Music (sessions) items and pages are driven by a custom-built dynamic database created by Mark O’Leary, Irish HQ in development with Tourism East Clare.

This ensures that members are in full, immediate control of their content, both copy and graphics, i.e. Once a subscription is paid, using the online facilities (www.visiteastclare.ie/register) – the new member receives an email with login details to their account, and is able to produce their own advertisement and post it live 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

This database and domain is owned by Tourism East Clare and maintenance and administration of such will be funded by membership fees.

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

Cliff jumpers spark council warning ELAINE TUBRIDY

news@clareecho.ie

C

LARE CLARE County Council has warned against the dangers of cliff jumping, following the circulation of a video on social media showing people jumping from the cliffs at Kilkee’s West End. “Clare County Council strongly advises the public NOT to engage in such activities. This is extremely dangerous and could have life altering repercussions,” Clare County Council Water Safety Development Officer Clare McGrath said.

The video shows what appears to be a group of as many as five young people wearing wetsuits jumping in to the choppy sea, while a sixth person stands half way down the cliff face.

Signage is erected along the cliffs

at Newfoundout, Kilkee, advising members of the public against diving from the cliff edge or rocks.

The local authority appealed to parents to speak with their children about the dangers of jumping into the sea from cliffs edges and rocks with others reports of young people diving from similar sized cliffs in the Doolin area.

“Clare County Council advises members of the public to swim only at one of Clare’s 11 lifeguarded beaches or in areas that are known locally as safe, and where there are ringbuoys present to conduct a safe rescue.

“The diving boards in Kilkee are also suitable for diving and jumping, subject to the correct tidal conditions, as shown on the depth indicator,” Ms McGrath added.

lFOOTAGE: A group of young people watch as a friend jumps into the sea Courtesy Chris McKiernan

NEWS 7

Young Clare men urged to use brains CLARE Gardaí are urging young men to use their brains rather than their fists as incidents of assault reach their highest since 2008.

“We are urging young males to think of the consequences for themselves and others of being involved in assaults. Don’t be that guy, use your brain and not your fists,” said Clare Crime Prevention Officer Triona O’Rourke.

She stated that the vast majority of assaults that occur are needless and avoidable, with most incidents carried out by and against males aged between 18 and 34.

Sgt O’Rourke confirmed that most assaults occur in the early hours of Sunday morning.

She advised the public to never attempt to reason with a drunk or aggressive person, but to walk away and seek help instead.

Sergeant Graham Kavanagh from the National Crime Prevention Unit encouraged victims of assault to report all incidents to the Gardaí .

“Some victims of assaults, particularly men, are embarrassed to say they have been assaulted.

I would encourage anybody, and in particular younger men, to report all assaults to An Garda Síochána. Anyone who has been assaulted will be treated with sensitivity by An Garda Síochána and it will be fully investigated,” said Sergeant Kavanagh.

8

MUNSTER FLEADH PICS

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

DOUBLE ACT: Cian and Michael Moroney from Kilkee having a warm up before their competition

Photo by Martin Connolly

GREAT DAY: Tomas Ryan, Lelia Ryan and Keelin Forde at The O’Connell Monument Photo by Martin Connolly

WEST IS BEST: Liam Browne from Cree performing on the Gig Rig

Photo by Martin Connolly

l TASTY: Michael Cullinan from Tubber joining in on fun with the spoons

Photo by Martin Connolly

SQUEEZY DOES IT: Winner of Concertina U12 Rachel Mahoney from Crusheen Photo by Martin Connolly

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

Former lifeguard called into action Suggestions of quicksand in Lahinch as tourist family get into trouble at bridge ELAINE TUBRIDY

news@clareecho.ie

A

RETIRED American lifeguard was forced to spring in to action and rescue tourists from quicksand on two separate occasions in Lahinch recently.

Cary Languirand, who lives in Ennis, rescued a German woman who was stuck up to her waist in quicksand in the river at Liscannor Bridge.

He stopped her husband and the family dog from crossing the river and pulled the woman out of the quicksand.

In a separate incident, Cary also stopped a group of European tourists from crossing the river at low tide.

“Having been a lifeguard my instincts to prevent people from getting into trouble or saving them from trouble kicks in and while I hope it is appreciated I am looking at the bigger picture and trying to avert a major disaster or even a tragedy,” Cary said.

Clare County Council have stated that additional multilingual signage is due to be erected in the area to warn visitors of the dangerous quicksand, following a request from Fine Gael Councillor Johnny Flynn.

“I went up to have a look and there was no signs warning of it. I raised it with the Water safety Officer at the council and I have got a reply back to say that they are looking at installing a number of warning signs at that location,” Cllr Flynn said.

Cllr Flynn said he remembers hearing of

l WARNING: The area in Lahinch

serious incidents occurring in that area as a child.

“As a child when my parents and I went to Lahinch we were warned that there had been incidents of soft sand or quicksand at that location at the Liscannor Bridge where the river flows in to the sea there at low tide,” he added.

He cited the recent spell of good weather and the subsequent increase in visitors to the area as an important reason to put up warning signs.

“It’s particularly important with the summer that we have had, we’ve a huge amount of visitors on the west coast and with the Wild Atlantic Way we’re getting a huge amount of international visitors, so I think it would be terrible to see a loss of life or a serious injury due to the lack of warning signs at that location,” Cllr Flynn said.

Shannon has ‘town and airport to protect’ - cllrs PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

A SENIOR engineer in Clare County Council has expressed his confidence that funding will be provided for essential works at the Shannon Embankments which would protect the Airport and town from flooding.

As the town is below sea level, the Shannon Estuary Flood Defences are critical to its protection. While protected by embankments and two pumping stations, the Office of Public Works (OPW) last year said new embankments totalling almost 7km and new defence walls of almost 5km are needed to protect one of Ireland’s leading airports. It serves more than 1.6 million passengers a year. Almost €40m needs to be spent to protect against coastal flooding. If the works aren’t undertaken, potential damages of almost €270m may arise in a worst-case scenario.

Addressing members of the Shannon Municipal District at their July meeting, Senior Engineer, Sean Lenihan stated that “there

is no secret that there are ongoing concerns about flooding at Shannon and the airport”.

He listed wave action on front, water levels exceeding crest levels, wave overtopping crest levels, geotechnical failure, access for emergency repairs and erosion of crest and back face as his main concerns at the embankments.

Lenihan informed councillors that Clare County Council invited the OPW and Shannon Airport to come together and commission a report which is currently in draft format and will be finished by the end of the week. Once the report is published, consultants will be appointed.

He added, “We want to futureproof the embankments and have confidence in them for the next 100 years”.

Fine Gael’s John Crowe emphasised the importance of the defence work, “There’s so much to protect, we’ve a town and an airport to protect”.

Reacting to the input of councillors, Sean Lenihan reiterated “I’ve 100 percent confidence in work that will be done. Anywhere there’s a weak point or danger will be looked at”.

NEWS 9

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

Sky is the limit when it comes to entertainment at Foynes Air Show

F

OYNES Air Show 2018 to Invigorate the Skies and Animate the Streets in the Largest ever Air and Ground Show along the Wild Atlantic Way. Foynes Air Show will celebrate its fifth birthday on July 28, 2018 with a street party to be surpassed only by the high intensity entertainment in the skies over head.

In a day long family celebration of Foynes aviation history, which forms part of the IAA’s #AviationIreland weekend, along with the Bray Air Display in Co. Wicklow, the sky is the limit when it comes to entertainment.

This year the acrobatic displays will not be limited to the daredevil pilots in their aircraft, as the Bloodsworth Barnstorming Bizarre unveils internationally renowned aerialists as part of the interactive creative shows, pageantry and animation set to engulf the streets of Foynes from noon.

With the support of the Limerick City and County Council Culture and Arts Office Festivals and Events Grants Scheme a never before witnessed carnival of events and entertainment including circus shows, aerial-

ists, walk up acts, and music in the square

by Escapade will entertain the crowds free of charge.

Popular cartoon characters and superheroes will be on hand to paint faces, meet children and join in the fun, while McFaddens Amusements will return to Foynes once again. Children will also be invited to meet some new furry friends in the onsite pet farm.

Prior to the air show, which will begin at 2pm, the City of Limerick Pipe Band will entertain the crowds. A demonstration from Ballybunion Coast Guard Search & Rescue Unit will also take place.

In an exciting addition to the Foynes Air Show schedule, the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight team will return with the supersonic attack aircraft the Saab Viggen also know as Thunderbolt. Unfortunately due to difficulties with one of its aircrafts, the Wild Cats, originally booked for Foynes and Bray, have had to withdraw from this year’s events.

Park n Ride will cost €10 per car and includes the event brochure.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport with special responsibility for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD, will officially open this year’s Foynes Air Show which will include the participation of the Irish Air Corps for the first time and feature the Swedish Saab Viggen jet.

The show will also include the Catalina - the most built plane of World War II; the Irish Historic Flight Foundation’s flying Chipmunk aircrafts; the striking presence of the DC3; Rich Goodwin in his Pitts Special; and the Strikemasters from the Strikemaster Flying Club (SFC) in North Wales.

The IAA is a supporter of the Foynes Air Show as part of its #AviationIreland campaign to promote aviation across the state.

The show is also supported by Limerick City & County Council, Shannon Airport, Shannon Foynes Port Company, Fáilte Ireland, and many other aviation companies and local industry. n Foynes Air Show to begin at 2pm on Saturday July 28, 2018 with free enter-

lACTS: Bloodsworth Barnstorming Bizarre will bring a unique show to Foynes with acts from all over the world. Photo by Eva Birdthistle tainment and events from 12 noon. n Organisers advise to arrive early and avail of the Park and Ride Facilities. n Full details of the Foynes Air Show 2018 can be found on http://www.foynesairshow.com, Facebook and Twitter @foynesairshow.

THE LOVE TRAIN Chance meeting put Doonbeg man and wife on right track

ELAINE TUBRIDY & PÁRAIC McMAHON news@clareecho.ie

W

HEN Doonbeg man Dermot Comerford boarded a train in Dublin, he had no idea that he would meet the woman of his dreams.

Rachael Finucane’s name was displayed above her seat and Dermot plucked up the courage to say hello.

“I said how’s it going Rachael and the rest is history. We started talking and that was it. She couldn’t get away from me. She had an assigned seat. A couple of hours later and we were back in Limerick,” love bird Dermot said.

Although Dermot was brave enough to say hello, he became shy when it was time to ask for her phone number, so he got in touch with her through Facebook shortly after.

“It was maybe a week later. I said to her when I was leaving that I would find her on Facebook because I didn’t have the courage to ask for her number at that stage. I found her and messaged her on Facebook and it kind of worked from there then,” he said.

Fast forward to six years later when the loved up couple returned to the platform on their wedding day recently.

“We just thought it would be a nice way to mark it, to go back there on the wedding day and get some nice pictures,” Dermot added. Colbert Station manager Philip Conway greeted the pair with a bunch of red heart shaped balloons and a heartfelt message.

“Congratulations Dermot and Rachael, glad we could get you on the right track,” the message read.

Rachael and Dermot visited the train station after their ceremony at Mary Immaculate College, where they both work.

They made history in that they became the first staff members to get married at the Mary I chapel.

Dermot is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the LINC programme at Mary Immaculate College and Rachel also works in the Communications Department.

The couple enjoyed a minmoon in the Aran Islands and they plan to go to Canada in September for their honeymoon.

lTHE BIG DAY: Rachael Finucane and Dermot Comerford who married recently, revisited the train they met on 6 years ago on their wedding day All photos by Liam Burke/Press 22

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

Droney named as winner of MÓRglór award 2018 Renowned musician Chris Droney is honoured

O

NE of the county’s greatest musicians has been named as the winner of the 2018 MÓRglór award.

AN INSPIRATION to many musicians, both in Clare, nationally and internationally, and an outstanding ambassador for the traditional arts in Clare, Bellharbour born Chris Droney has been the recipient of many notable awards including the TG4 Grádam Saoil award for lifetime achievement; a CCÉ Bardic Award, a Teastas award, and in 2012 the prestigious Clare Person of the Year Award.

Now he adds the accolade of receiving the MÓRglór award to his collection.

Chris was born in 1924 and has been playing music for almost eighty six years. His father and grandfather also played concertina and Chris learned by ear from the age of eight.

He began his musical career by learning two tunes - The Wearing of the Green and Clare’s Dragoons. His first public performance was at the age of 14 in Johnson’s dance hall in Kinvara, for which he was paid half a crown.

He became Senior All-Ireland Concertina Champion nine times in the 1950s and 1960s and has played with several well-known céilí bands, including the Bell Harbour Ceili Band and the Ballinakill, Aughrim Slopes, Kincora and Kilfenora Ceili Bands at various times. Chris has toured with his music both nationally and internationally and has made three solo recordings: The Flowing Tide, (1962), The Fertile Rock, (1995) and Down From Bell Harbour, (2005).

His children have also won All-Ireland titles on concertina, and many of his grandchildren continue the family tradition of concertina, passing on his great legacy of music. One of his grandchildren, Aoibhín Garrihy is a well known columnist with The Clare Echo.

On Saturday 17 November, the people of Clare will come together to

acknowledge a depth of gratitude to Chris for his enormous contribution to Traditional Irish Music with a concert in glór featuring Chris’ friends and family, and some of the most renowned traditional musicians and singers in the country and the county.

Orla Flanagan, glór director, said, ‘We are honoured that Chris Droney has accepted the MÓRglór award for 2018, and with his family and friends, we will celebrate his extraordinary and lasting contribution to the Clare cultural landscape. Chris’s lifelong commitment to music, his fine musicianship and his generosity of spirit in sharing his expertise throughout his musical career has impacted generations of musicians. This concert is a key annual event produced by glór and a highlight on the Co. Clare music calendar.’

County Clare is renowned and celebrated globally for its rich musical heritage with music, song and dance all playing a central role in the cultural life of the county. MÓRglór is an acknowledgement and celebration by glór of the wealth of professional & semi-professional artists, alongside the talented individuals, groups and communities within the county, all of whom provide a vital stimulus for the growth and development of Clare’s unique culture.

This prestigious annual award, named after Clare’s cultural ambassador and visionary, Muiris Ó Rocháin, is curated by glór in partnership with Dr. Tim Collins as producer of the event, and who coordinated the original concert in 2013. An anonymous panel of traditional arts practitioners and experts, assembled by glór, invites an Awardee, fitting with the objectives and spirit of MÓRglór. The previous MÓRglór recipients were Corofin Traditional Music Festival (2014), Eoin O’Neill (2015), Frank Custy (2016) and Geraldine Cotter (2017).

lWINNER: Chris Droney at home in Bellharbour.

Photo by John Kelly

12 INTERACTIVE

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

A new era of

INTERACTION twitter.com/ ClareEcho

facebook.com/ clareecho

instagram.com/ theclareecho

www.clareecho.ie

Facebook comment Tweet of the week of the week

‘‘

‘Love this man, and Chris is a very worthy COUNTY COUNCIL recipient. looking forward to the night already’ CLARE @ClareCoCo Mary Howard

in response to ‘Chris Droney to receive 2018 MÓRglór award’

Ennis looking well during Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan

THIS STORY REACHED 3,757 PEOPLE ON FACEBOOK Norwegian to expand services at Shannon next summer

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ORWEGIAN AIR INTERNATIONAL have confirmed it will increase its capacity on its Shannon to New York service next summer.

In its inaugural year the service recorded a strong performance and led to extra flights this summer and strengthened services for the winner, the airline has now announced it is to increase its Shannon-Stewart operations from three to five weekly services next summer. It results in an additional 23,000 seats on the Stewart service next summer, an increase of 28%.

Welcoming the news, Shannon Airport Managing Director Andrew Murphy said: “Getting Norwegian Air International on board in the first instance was a strong statement about Shannon’s potential and this has most definitely been backed up by this latest increase. We will have nine services in all next summer, five to Stewart and four to Providence, Rhode Island, more than double what we had last year when Norwegian Air International commenced its Shannon operations with four services in total.

“This is a really strong statement about Shannon Airport and reaffirms

its popularity for transatlantic services. There’s a very strong traditional market out of Shannon to the east coast of the States and there’s certainly a huge demand for services out of the US to Shannon. The Shannon brand resonates very well in the US.” CEO of Shannon Group, Matthew Thomas CEO added, “This significant additional capacity from Norwegian Air International is going to be a big plus for us in 2019 and will follow the huge success we have had this year already, with six airlines operating to seven transatlantic destinations this summer, giving Shannon its busiest summer season in 17 years. It’s not just summer season success as we have year-round services to the east coast of the US. This is proving to be a very positive year for Shannon. The Wild Atlantic Way has been a game-changer.

Shannon is the only airport on the Wild Atlantic Way with daily flights to and from the US and, as this latest announcement shows, is making an ever-increasing impact on tourism in this region. Shannon is the key gateway to what has been one of the great tourism industry successes globally this decade.”

Entertainment LIGHTING UP THE STAGE

‘A sparkling kaleidoscope of melody and rhythm’

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lCOLLABORATION: Colin Dunne, dance, Tola Custy, fiddle, Maeve Gilchrist, harp, David Power, uilleann pipes, whistles

DGES OF LIGHT is a collaboration between the prodigiously talented dancer Colin Dunne, fiddler Tola Custy, harpist Maeve Gilchrist and uilleann piper David Power.

Originally commissioned by Music Network Edges of Light is a sparkling kaleidoscope of melody and rhythm inspired by the natural sounds and shimmering patterns of light that announce Ireland’s day.

The performance is inspired by a unique and little known Irish idiosyncrasy: the rising of the sun at Dunsink Observatory occurs 25 minutes and 21 seconds later than at Greenwich, meaning that 8pm Dublin Mean Time occurs at 8.25 pm GMT! Best known for his performances and choreography in Riverdance and Dancing on Dangerous Ground, Colin Dunne has toured with The Chieftains and De Dannan and performed at such

venues as Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall.

Three award-winning musicians from Ireland and Scotland complete the ensemble: Clare fiddler Tola Custy, one of the founding members of ground-breaking band Guidewires, acclaimed harpist Maeve Gilchrist and uilleann piper David Power, a former member of Liam Clancy’s Fairweather Band and regular collaborator with Martin Hayes’ Masters of Tradition Project. l If you missed this much talked about performance in glór in 2016, book your tickets now on 065 6843103 or www.glor.ie Tickets for Edges of Light on Saturday July 28 at 8PM are €16/€14 Conc. and under glór’s BYOK initiative, tickets for under 18s are half price.

Edges of Light will feature a postshow discussion with members of the company.

14 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

IN LIFE ECOURAGE AND BUILD EACH OTHER UP

I

F our hearts are to be truly moved by compassion then we will necessarily desire to do something good and loving about it. Each of us is called to change the world we inhabit in some way, and for most of us that means in small acts of love and compassion. We begin in our homes and with our families, and we extend those acts of love and compassion to our friends, work colleagues, and wider communities.

Responding with compassion is different for each of us, because we all have different gifts and calls.

MAIN INGREDIENTS OF COMPASSION:

Is a call to relationship, which is essential if we intend for our homes, our cities, our country and our world to be transformed by and through love. And relationship includes real encounters with the people that have been placed in our lives, which means that we must be intentionally compassionate and loving every day in the way we interact with everyone we meet. Love through compassion is activated through human interactions, including touch, eye contact, and a heart and soul that is present to simply be with someone who is deeply suffering. In turn, love leads us to act, heal, care and encourage.

The world is healed through our hands, our hearts, our compassion, our mercy and our prayers.

It’s easy to convince ourselves that one conversation, one prayer, one hug, one lighted candle or one smile does not matter much in the grand scheme of things or that it

‘Compassion is a desire to relieve the suffering’

is just a drop in the ocean, but let me tell you many drops make an ocean.

The truth is that our call is to love compassionately from our hearts, every day, in ways both visible and invisible. When we love compassionately from our hearts, we begin by listening to God, then we reach out to our family members and loved ones which in turn engages them to love others by encountering love and compassion through us. We must always believe that small acts of compassion truly and deeply matter.

WHAT IS COMPASSION FOR ME

For me I believe that if you want to find happiness in this fast paced world of ours, then you have to make “compassion” a regular practice in your life.

Compassion for me is something you do, not just something you feel. It means to help a person in need, to rescue the poor, the downtrodden, the homeless, the abused, the abandoned, the orphaned, the unwanted and uncared for in our world.

Compassion is a desire to relieve the suffering. Real compassion is love plus action and service. So if you see a person without food, you give them food. Without water, you give them water. That is compassion. Compassion is seeing a person who is lonely and bringing them comfort and companionship. So if I see a problem and think, ‘Oh, that is so sad. That breaks my heart,’ it

might be pity. But if I say, “That is so sad. I am going to do something about it,” that is compassion.

Compassion is more than making a financial contribution, it should also make giving a time contribution toward those efforts. It is actually doing something about it. “Blessed are the merciful,” Jesus said, “for they will be shown mercy.” The more positive, helpful, caring, kind and compassionate a person is, the more merciful they will be.. Thomas Adams said, “He that demands compassion, and shows none, ruins the bridge over which he himself is to pass.”

Compassion requires you to treat people better than they deserve.

TRY BEING COMPASSIONATE

It takes the strength of God to show compassion, trust me on that!! When we ask for God’s compassion, we are essentially asking him to relieve us of a heart that is in misery and pain.

And our hearts can be in a state of misery and pain not just from our mistakes and I know mine has been on many occasions, but also in misery and pain from the deep hurt caused by a broken relationship with a family member or friend, from the suffering of infertility, from the pain of a physical or mental illness, from losing a job, from being betrayed or abandoned, from the loss of a loved one, from spiritual or physical poverty, and so on. But as Pope Francis said recently, “Let us be renewed by God’s mercy and compassion, let us be loved

by Jesus, let us enable the power

of his love and compassion to transform our lives too; and let us become agents of this mercy and compassion, channels through which God can water the earth, protect all creation and make justice, love, kindness, truth and peace flourish.”

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week say this beautiful prayer of compassion called “In Life” by Fr. Brian Cavanaugh. “In life we are to encourage and build up each other; not to discourage and tear down one another. In life we are to add, not subtract; to multiply, not divide. In life we are to leave an enduring impression; not a careless dent.

In life we are to smooth out the rough roads along the journey especially for our children and for those who are in need; not create new potholes. In life we are to sing a joyful song; not just drone a groan. In life we are to add our harmonious strains to life’s symphony; not strain the symphony with clatter and clang. In life we are to soar on eagles’ wings; not to peck and cluck with our beaks in the dirt like chickens. In life we are to radiate light into unseen places; not permit unknown fears to dim our radiance. In life we are to leap in faith; not to limp with doubt.

In life we are to give freely of our time, our love, our compassion, our mercy, our resources; not to cling on to them greedily.

In life we are to lift up others; not push them down. In life we are

to open our hands and hearts to those in need; not to clutch our hands in fists of distrust. In life we are to lend a helping hand to make loads lighter; not use heavy hands to hold others back. In life we are to be messengers of peace, signs of joy; not portents of gloom-n-doom. In life we are to enjoy, to savor, to welcome, to remember, to reflect; not to overlook, to forget, to ignore, to reject. In life we are to seek conscious awareness; not doze in the doldrums of half-awake. In life we are to dare mighty things; not to fear things gravely.

In life we are to show up, stand up, step forward and speak up; not to cringe in fear, choosing to sit down, or to step back, allowing the voices of silence to speak so loudly. In life we are to exercise proper stewardship of earth’s resources; not pillage the heritage of future generations. In life we are to move forward through forgiveness; not grind to a halt mired in bitterness and resentment. In life we are to be wacky, weird, and wonderful in our own unique God-given way; not to be staid-n-proper lemmings, stuck on life’s treadmill.

In life we are to reach, to stretch, and to soar; not to slink in fear, held back by mistrust and doubt. In life we are to realize: “I am a remarkable Somebody!”; not listen to other’s jabs: “You’re a Nobody, an Everybody, an Anybody.” In life we are to comprehend, “I am worthwhile”; not tremble with feelings of worthlessness. In life we are to create, to laugh, be compassionate and to live life nobly; not to despair, to moan, or to live life less. Amen”

LIVING: With Faith

Caroline Bourke

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

MAKE-UP AND STYLE

SUMMER SHIMMER T

HE soft coral makeup, is a look that is both simple and effective. It is the perfect look for the summertime!

Work some tanned and radiant skin, a subtle smoky eye and a pop of coral where it matters, through hazy sunny days all the way through to those cool summer nights.

FACE

As ever, I began this look by using Dior Star Foundation for radiant coverage.

All great makeup looks begin with a fabulous face of foundation from Dior!

They carry makeup to suit all skin types and requirements, so there will definitely be a foundation to suit you.

EYES

To truly rock the coral look, the eyes must smoulder. I smoked out the eyes and used some beautiful burnt orange and brown tones, which compliment the soft peach hues on the cheeks and the coral lips.

To create the look, firstly I used Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen all over the lid to create a base.

Next, I used MAC Vanilla Eye Shadow on the lid and worked it up as far as the crease.

I then added some extra definition to the eye by putting Wedge by MAC into the socket.

Texture, a light brown tone with a hint of orange, was used to make the eyes pop by applying it over the crease, just above the Vanilla eyeshadow.

I added more depth of colour to the eye again by adding MAC Havana, a lovely brown for the summer, to the outer V and I worked it all the way into the

lPRETTY: Lancome Rouge in Love Lipstick

lRADIANT: Clarins Duo Tierras Del Sol 03 Dark

crease area. This adds depth and dimension to the eye and makes eyes mesmerise.

While this is an easy to wear look and would suit most colours and complexions, these colours are particularly stunning on blue eyes.

For a real stand-out look, I lined the eyes with Blackest Black Ink Liner by Bobbi Brown and coated the lashes with Dior Show Blackout mascara.

BROWS

The brows were given extra definition with the Lancome Brow Pencil in 010.

CHEEKS

The cheeks are flushed with a subtle hint of peach to add some colour to the face. I use Clarins bronzer 03.

LIPS

Lips are layered with Fashion Force lipstick from MAC's Huggable lip colours, a collection which has been brought back by popular demand. Fashion Force is a creamy tangerine shade which is gorgeous for summer nights out, as the colour is glossy, rich and luminous.

And there you have it!

A wearable, warm and weightless look for the summer, which is understated but sultry at the same time.

COLUMNIST 15

lWARM: A wearable, warm and weightless look for the summer, which is understated but sultry at the same time

IFA: Meat factories ‘taking advantage’ of suppliers ELAINE TUBRIDY

I

news@clareecho.ie

FAPresident Joe Healy has criticised meat factories for “taking advantage” of their suppliers during the severe drought conditions.

He said the factories have cuts cattle prices unnecessarily over recent weeks destabilising the beef market and eroding confidence in the sector.

“Beef farmers feel very let down by the factories,” he added.

Mr Healy contrasted the negative approach from the meat factories with the much more supportive approach from the dairy co-ops towards their suppliers, where many co-ops are paying drought top-ups on the milk price as well as subsidising feed supplies and providing additional credit facilities.

IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said the factories can stabilise beef prices at this critical juncture.

The IFA has been meeting with factory management at local level around the country highlighting the need for stability in the price.

He said prime cattle prices must be stabilised and farmers cannot afford any further price cuts. He said incomes are being washed away with very substantial increase in costs and falling price returns.

Cattle prices in the UK market remain very strong having eased only slightly for week ending July 14 with the R3 steer price at £3.77/kg, which is the equivalent to €4.46/

l RISING PRICES: Cattle prices have been cut by the factories unnecessarily over recent weeks destabilising the beef market

kg incl. vat at an exchange rate of 89p/€.

Angus Woods said store market remains steady with quality forward stores meeting a strong trade at the marts.

IFA TEAM UP WITH CANCER SOCIETY

Meanwhile, the IFA have joined forces with the Irish Cancer Society remind Clare farmers and their families of the importance of protecting their skin during

the fine weather. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ireland with over 11,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed every year, however the disease can be prevented in nine out of ten cases.

IFA President Joe Healy said: “To reduce your risk of skin damage, organise your day so that you are in the shade when UV rays are strongest from 11am to 3pm. It is advisable to check your skin once a month for any changes and if you notice anything unusual, go to your doctor and get it checked out.”

Irish Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Manager Kevin O’Hagan said farmers are at risk of skin cancer.

“It is sunny or cloudy, it’s important to protect your skin from April to September as you cannot see or feel the UV rays which cause damage to the skin. Up to 90 per cent of UV rays can get through light cloud and it doesn’t have to be a warm and sunny day for dangerous UV rays to be present. Even on cool days UV levels can be high enough to damage skin,” Mr O’Hagan added.

Steady demand with numbers up ENNIS WEANLING MART THURSDAY, JULY 24 2018 Numbers up in the bull weanling ring. Overall trade steady on the week. The bull weanling ring was dominated by shippers and specialized feeders. Quality stock a very good trade in all categories but average to plainer stock finding it harder to find homes. Suckler pairings made €1,000 to €1,940. A number of runners beginning to appear and these meet quite a lively trade. A big yard of sheep today with almost 500 on offer. Trade holding for factory and butcher type lambs but demand for stores is quieter. Lambs generally €95 to €110 with cull ewes making to €126.

BULL WEANLINGS

1 CH 270kgs - €885 - €3.28/kg 2 LIM 385kgs - €1,130 - €2.93/kg 1 LIM 280kgs - €770 - €2.75/kg 1 CH 295kgs - €1,105 - €2.80/kg 1 AA 250kgs - €500 - €2.00/kg 3 BBX 385kgs - €1,100 - €2.86/kg 1 LIM 450kgs - €1,145 - €2.54/kg 1 CH 375kgs - €1,050 - €2.80/kg

HEIFER WEANLINGS

2 LIM 260kgs - €715 - €2.75/kg 1 CH 385kgs - €930 - €2.42/kg 1 CH 295kgs - €740 - €2.51/kg 1 CH 355kgs - €860 - €2.42/kg 2 LIM 380kgs - €950 - €2.50/kg 1 LIM 280kgs - €690 - €2.46/kg

ENNIS CATTLE MART THURSDAY, JULY 12 2018 Numbers up slightly today in the dry cow and heifer rings and bullock numbers holding.

Trade similar in heifer ring on the previous weeks with maybe even plainer heifers slightly improved in trade. Average grade forward bullocks similar especially these with age against them. The younger store bullock held the trade very well.Feeder cows and beef cows met a steady demand with trade similar to previous week with feeder cows selling steady but more forward types with a little more life than other weeks. Aged bulls sold to a top price of €1,740 for a Hereford bull weighing 1,045kgs.

BULLOCKS 2 CHX 347kgs - €930 - €2.68/kg 2 CHX 745kgs - €1,515 - €2.04/kg 5 CHX 450kgs - €1,125 - €2.50/kg 2 AAX 537kgs - €1,100 - €2.04/kg 4 CHX 545kgs - €1,265 - €2.32/kg 2 HEX 630kgs - €1,230 - €1.96/kg 2 LMX 450kgs - €1,120 - €2.49/kg 1 SIX 545kgs - €1,150 - €2.11/kg

HEIFERS

3 LMX 358kgs - €845 - €2.35/kg 1 CHX 575kgs - €1,340 - €2.33/kg 1 CHX 355kgs - €720 - €2.03/kg 1 BBX 575kgs - €1,290 - €2.25/kg 1 CHX 455kgs - €1,060 - €2.53/kg 5 HEX 346kgs - €645 - €1.85/kg 1 LMX 415kgs - €950 - €2.29/kg 1 AAX 455kgs - €925 - €2.03/kg

DRY COWS

1 CHX 455kgs - €750 - €1.65/kg 1 BBX 665kgs - €1,220 - €1.83/kg 1 BBX 535kgs - €950 - €1.77/kg 1 LMX 655kgs - €1,240 - €1.81/kg 1 FRX 570kgs - €780 - €1.73/kg 1 CHX 850kgs - €1,680 - €1.97/kg 1 SIX 540kgs - €910 - €1.68/kg 1 LMX 705kgs - €1,330 - €1.88/kg

17 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

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

Norwegian Air increases its Shannon to NY service

NORWEGIAN Air International have confirmed it will increase its capacity on its Shannon to New York service next summer.

In its inaugural year the service recorded a strong performance and led to extra flights this summer and strengthened services for the winner, the airline has now announced it is to increase its Shannon-Stewart operations from three to five weekly services next summer. It results in an additional 23,000 seats on the Stewart service next summer, an increase of 28%.

Welcoming the news, Shannon Airport Managing Director Andrew Murphy said: “Getting Norwegian Air International on board in the first instance was a strong statement about Shannon’s potential and this has most definitely been backed up by this latest increase.

“We will have nine services in all next summer, five to Stewart and four to Providence, Rhode Island, more than double what we had last year when Norwegian Air International commenced its Shannon operations with four services in total.

“This is a really strong statement about Shannon Airport and reaffirms its popularity for transatlan-

tic services. There’s a very strong traditional market out of Shannon to the east coast of the States and there’s certainly a huge demand for services out of the US to Shannon.

The Shannon brand resonates very well in the US.” CEO of Shannon Group, Matthew Thomas CEO said, “This significant additional capacity from Norwegian Air International is going to be a big plus for us in 2019 and will follow the huge success we have had this year already, with six airlines operating to seven transatlantic destinations this summer, giving Shannon its busiest summer season in 17 years.

“It’s not just summer season success as we have year-round services to the east coast of the US. This is proving to be a very positive year for Shannon. The Wild Atlantic Way has been a game-changer.

He continued, “Shannon is the only airport on the Wild Atlantic Way with daily flights to and from the US and, as this latest announcement shows, is making an ever-increasing impact on tourism in this region.

“Shannon is the key gateway to what has been one of the great tourism industry successes globally this decade.”

l GROWTH: Norwegian Air International has confirmed it will increase its capacity on its Shannon to New York service next summer, following a strong first year of services

ONE

18 COMMUNITY

Community

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

WEST / NORTH CLARE DRAMATIC DRAW LAUNCHED FOR ALL IRELAND FINALS Following the very successful sell-out of all 599 tickets, the Dramatic Draw in aid of the All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals 2019 will take place on Monday the 30th of July in Doonbeg Community Hall.

The Finals themselves will be held in Clare for the first time when the are hosted by the West Clare Drama Festival, Doonbeg from Friday the 5th to Saturday the 13th of April, 2019.

The Dramatic Draw was the brainchild of Festival Secretary Noilin Hayes and with the support of the Festival Committee a host of fantastic prizes will be given away on the night. The 599 limited ticket draw has 20 prizes worth over €40,000 including the 1st Prize of a brand new Kia Stonic in association with Liam Cleary Autoworld worth €20,000, followed by holidays abroad worth €4,000, €2,000 and €1,000.

In addition there is a selection of breaks in top hotels and resorts around the country as well as a series of cash prizes. All results will be made available on the West Clare Drama Festival website and Facebook page.

Speaking on the fundraiser, West Clare Drama Festival Chairperson Rita Mc Inerney said “We are thrilled with the reaction we received as at €100 a ticket we understood it was a big ask of people.

However, the response of the entire community of West Clare in coming together as well as drama enthusiasts and community supporters worldwide has made this fundraiser a resounding success.”

“The West Clare Drama Festival Committee is also very grateful for the co-operation we have received from the suppliers of our prizes. These include, Liam Cleary Autoworld, Gearoid Mannion Travel, Nicky Logue InterContinental Dublin, Gleeson’s Kilrush and Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg. We would like to invite all ticket holders and the general public to the Dramatic Draw on Monday the 30th of July in Doonbeg Community Hall, commencing at 9.00pm. All prizes will be available on the night, culminating in the fantastic grand prize of the 182 REG Kia Stonic car.” Ms McInerney concluded.

ENNIS PRIMARY SCHOOL TENNIS TOURNAMENT (pictured right) The Clare Primary Schools’ Tennis Tournament was hosted this year in Ennis amidst plenty of balloons, bunting and glorious sunshine on the 21st of June. The Tournament is sponsored by Ennis Cash Company, O Connell Street, and Ennis Orthodontic Practice, Westgate Business Park, Kilrush Road.

Fifteen of Clare’s largest primary schools were invited to partake in this one day event which was run by the Junior Tennis Committee of the Ennis Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club, with Coaches Danny Comerford & Annemarie D’Arcy on hand to help with the children.

The final results on the day were as follows: Ennis National School Girls’ A team made up of Mia Gavin, Caoimhe Collins, Aoife and Aoibhinn O Connell were the winners with Knockanean National School’s Girls Astrid Penston, Aisling Horgan, Ailbhe Wright, Aislinn Carey, runners up.

Clarecastle National School’s Boys team, Hugh Mc Donnell, Cailean Hayes, Evan Price and Hubert Kantecki were the winners of the Boy’s Section with the Ennis National School’s Boys, Conan Kochhar, Ronan Kilroy, David and Robert Loftus runner’s up on the day.

Mia Gavin and Conan Kochhar set about retaining their mixed doubles title from last year which they did in great style and came back with the cup to the Ennis National school.

Well done to all who took part in this tournament.

It is intended running this Tournament next year on a

Lissycasey Ballynacally CCÉ U12 girls, county champions won have the Munster Fleadh and are now on their way to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, L to R Lauren Leahy, Caoimhe Talty, Sinéad O’Leary, Sarah McNamara, Alisha Cullinan, Grace Donnelly, Aoibheann O’Herlihy, and Alexandria Talty round robin basis over a number of months culminating with a Finals’ Day in June.

EAST CLARE WILD WEST COMES TO SCARIFF Clare County Arts Service has announced an art exhibition inspired by the West Clare coast at Scariff Library.

‘Inspired by the Wild West’ is a textile exhibition by Kim Thittichai, a textile tutor, artist and author with four published books on the market.

Kim moved from the bright lights and chaotic traffic of Brighton on the English south coast, to the Loop Head Peninsula townland of Fodra one year ago. Living close to Ross Bay and now teaching in her studio in Fodra and online, Kim has developed a fascination with the variety of seaweed that is to be discovered there, the exciting colors, textures and forms.

‘Inspired by the Wild West’ is an exhibition of new work,

inspired by her new home. She is now For more visit www.kimthittichai.com or email info@ kimthittichai.com.

PRODUCERS GIVE BUYERS FOOD FOR THOUGHT Clare’s producers showcased their products to leading names in the Irish food and drink industry as well as some of the country’s most prominent retail buyers.

The showcase, which was hosted by the Irish Quality Food Awards and sponsored by the Local Enterprise Offices of Clare, Limerick and Tipperary, took place at a networking event in the Limerick Strand Hotel last week.

Local exhibitors to the event included Meere’s Pork Products, Cratloe Hills Sheep’s Cheese, St Tola Irish Goats Cheese and Burren Smokehouse. Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Clare, said, “The evening was a great success allowing Clare producers to showcase their products whilst also making new business contacts and opportunities.”

ADVICE / OPINION 19

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

Sheila Lynch Solicitor

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Legal Matters

Thinking of starting a business?

SETTING up a new business is both an exciting and daunting experience.

If you’ve decided to take the plunge it is important that you give consideration to and choose the most suitable legal structure for your business.

If you are ‘going it’ alone, then you have the option of being a sole trader. The majority of businesses starting out operate as sole traders and it is the easiest format to begin with.

Once you decide on a business name you must register it with the Company Registration Office (CRO). The relevant forms are available on www. cro.ie. Otherwise there are no other legal obligations in getting started.

The main disadvantage to operating as a sole trader is that you are personally responsible and liable to all your creditors and customers, to the extent that they may have recourse to your personal property if things go wrong. This has the potential to cause sleepless nights.

If you set up business with a partner, it is crucial that you enter into a partnership agreement at the beginning. This agreement will govern your business relationship, to include the shares that you have in the business, renumeration, division of profits, ownership of property and what should happen if one wants to leave the partnership.

Partners are liable for all the debts and obligations of the partnership without limitation, and so each one is responsible for the related business transactions of the other(s). It is therefore important that you have an open and transparent relationship with your business partner(s) and that you are each aware of and in agreement with all the commitments, financial or otherwise being made on

behalf of the partnership. Again, the partnership’s business name must be registered with the CRO. By incorporating your business into a limited company, which is done through the CRO, you are creating a distinct legal entity, separate from the people who run it. A company must have directors and shareholders, and one of the main advantages of this structure is if the company does not pay its creditors, the company is sued and not those who run it.

There is certainly a cost in setting up and maintaining a limited company, and it is important that you familiarise yourself with company law requirements, to include the strict rules governing annual filing of accounts with the CRO, before taking the leap.

As with a lot of things, getting into it may be easy, but getting out may be difficult!

One can at any stage convert their business from a sole trader or partnership to a company. It certainly may be advantageous to do so once your business turnover has increased substantially, and it is evident that it has stabilised and is growing. Your Accountant will be best placed to advise you of when the time is right.

This article does not constitute legal advice. For further info, contact Cashin & Associates Solicitors, 3 Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare. Tel: 065 6840060.

Email: slynch@cashinlaw.com

Social Democrats get in on the act in Clare

W

ITH the Dáil on summer recess, silly season is officially upon us. So too is the season of Summer Schools all over the country. Expect to hear a lot of posturing and kite-flying from politicians of all colours over the next couple of months as election fever begins to take hold. Recent opinion polls show that Fine Gael are a way out on their own with Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin now falling some bit behind Leo Varadkar’s troops. It’s no surprise to hear then that the only political party at this juncture gunning for a General Election are Fine Gael. Some reports even suggest that they might be willing to call it themselves and face the public full in the knowledge that the election was of they’re doing, something the electorate usually punish if an election is called early.

However, it’s looking less likely that we will see a General Election in 2018, bar some serious political movement or scandal.

That doesn’t mean we’re not firmly in election season though. With President Michael D. Higgins announcing he will seek a second term, the race for the Áras is now hotting up.

Sinn Féin then made the call to put forward a candidate in the wake of FG, FF and Labour all stating their support for the incumbent.

It’s a wager by them. They will hope that having an election campaign between Independent candidate and an SF backed candidate will give them unique media attention in the absences of all other political parties.

However, they may also face the wrath of an electorate that might see theirs more as a cynical ploy for additional TV time ahead of a possible General Election early in the new year.

The party needed to do something drastic though.

It was widely mooted that SF would see a significant bounce with a new, young leader, unattached to the worst of the Troubles.

Since Mary Lou has taken over though, no such great bounce has materialised.

There has even been a bit of disquiet that the change of leadership has done nothing to modernise the running of the party as yet more public reps have quit the party in the ongoing internal bullying row. SF need a shake up and a firm split from the past but, be they unwilling or simply unable to do so, they’ve opted instead for media exposure in the form of a Presidential election.

Who their candidate and “Miggledy” will face off against is a mystery still with names like Senator Joan Freeman of Pieta House fame and Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh of Aer Arann fame heading the list of potential nominees.

One independent candidate will possibly emerge from the Oireachtas nomination process, meaning any other potential candidates will need the backing of four local councils in order to secure their place on the ballot. Given the fact that the local elections are but 10 months away, don’t be surprised to see local councillors make big a big song and dance of their willingness to nomination their preferred candidate.

Much like SF, these local politicians will be looking to maximise any media exposure they can get ahead of polling day next May. Not to be outdone in the summer headline chasing, and tying up the topics of local elections and media headline chasing, Fianna Fáil also indicated that they will confirm a plan to contest local elections north of the border in 2019. This may come in the form of a formalised alliance with the SDLP with whom they’ve been in talks with for almost a year now. This

alliance may see the SDLP become more of a ‘local franchise’ of Fianna Fáil in the 6 counties, possibly with a reference to both on the ballot paper beside their candidate.

Both FF and the SDLP face the same issues on both sides of the border.

They need new, capable, fresh faced, young and female candidates to emerge and help brighten their image. Locally at least, this process may have begun at the recent Ennis Comhairle Cheantair AGM of Fianna Fáil. Bredan Daly, that legend of Clare politics, once told me the easiest way to get to know voters ahead of a selection convention was to become secretary of the local organisation. On Monday, Mark Nestor, who was very active in helping the organising of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in the town over the past two years, was elected the new secretary of Ennis FF. Keep an eye out for that name come nomination time ahead of the locals.

Speaking of which, it was also recently confirmed that the Social Democrats are to make their electoral debut in Clare with the confirmation of two candidates for next year’s local elections. Scarriff woman, Rebecca Doyle is set to contest the Killaloe LEA. She would be most noted for being heavily involved in the Clare Together for Yes campaign earlier this year. Shannonbanks woman, Betty Walsh is to join her party colleague on the official ballot in Clare, contesting the Shannon LEA. Both women are members of the Social Democrats National Executive. With most parties having already chosen their General Election candidates, and the move to support the holding of one this year waning, expect political attention to shift dramatically onto local elections and political parties selecting their flag bearers in earnest.

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

Popular new build

€299,000

MEADOW VIEW, CREGGAUN NA HILLA, CLARECASTLE

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ELEN GALLERY AUCTIONEERS & Valuers are delighted to announce the final phase of the popular Meadow View development consisting of just seven homes of detached and linked 4/5 bedroomed homes by M. Fitzgibbon Developers Ltd. The properties feature deceptively generously proportioned rooms, contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, underfloor heating on the ground floor and generous south facing back gardens.

Boasting all modern comforts, any discerning purchaser would appreciate these homes as an ideal choice for those seeking a fashionable secure home.

This well designed accommodation comprises an elegant entrance hall with ample storage, a generous open plan kitchen/dining area and a fine sized separate living room.

The fifth bedroom/ study on the ground floor has an en-suite wet

room which doubles as the downstairs WC from the generous utility Room.

The 1st floor has four good sized bedrooms, all with built in or walk in wardrobes, an en-suite shower room off the master bedroom and there is also a main bathroom which completes the accommodation.

Located within walking distance of the centre of the village of Clarecastle approximately two miles from Ennis town, Meadow View is extremely well located in the ever-expanding village just a stones throw from the interchange of the Ennis Bypass. Clarecastle is a popular location for families and investors alike with its local primary school, church, shops and G.A.A. Sporting grounds. Clarecastle overall, these homes offers the occupier a level of privacy, security and quietness that is difficult to replicate in any other part of Ennis area.

Viewing comes highly recommended, No 16. Meadow View is a

four/ five -bedroomed linked home (160 Sq M – 1720sq ft), which has been energy efficiently designed and has an A3 BER rating. The house is finished to the highest standard and offer bright, spacious family accommodation with lots of open space and the Clarecastle GAA grounds to the front. Finishes including timber flooring and tiling throughout, modern choices of built in kitchen, stylish fireplace with multi fuel stove in living room, built in / walk in wardrobes in four bedrooms, tiled bathrooms, underfloor heating on the ground floor and much more.

Up to €14,950 available in the Help to Buy Scheme. Price: €299,000.

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

Little slice of heaven

T

INIS FAIL, FREAGH VALLEN, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO CLARE

Deceivingly spacious

QUAY ROAD, CLARECASTLE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

T

HIS charming, deceivingly spacious, superbly presented three bedroomed semi-detached property is located on the Quay Road, a mature location in the village of Clarecastle.

It is within a short stroll of all the amenities that Clarecastle has to offer, just a short drive from Ennis town centre and the M18 Limerick-Galway motorway.

The property is bright and spacious with well proportioned rooms throughout and is ideal as either a family home or an investment property.

Accommodation on the ground floor comprises an entrance hall, living room,

€185,000

front-room, kitchen, utility room and a shower-room/WC. On the first floor there are three double bedrooms and a bathroom. Externally there is a tarmacadam driveway to the front that also provides access to the back garden which is exceptionally large and private with mature hedging at both sides.

This is indeed a rare and exciting opportunity to acquire a charming family home.

88.6sqm. BER Number 110755600, BER 287.67kWh/m²/yr Contact: Tiernan O’Malley, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866

HIS charming cottage really is a little piece of heaven, located in the most beautiful setting on a one of a kind site which has the most wonderful water views on offer.

Internally, accommodation is spacious and comprises an open plan living and dining area, a kitchen, a bathroom and two bedrooms. Some notable internal special features include exposed stone walls, traditional style casement sash windows with flag sills and timber shutters, flagstone flooring, a floor to ceiling cut stone fireplace with a solid fuel stove, exposed timber beams, high timber panelled ceilings and parquay flooring.

There is a detached annex adjacent to the cottage and a cabin style shed on the east side of the cottage. The seascape and landscape views on offer from this property

€295,000

are second to none. Due to the size and location of this fabulous, unique cottage, it would make an ideal holiday home, investment property for long or short term lettings or a retirement home.

Viewings are highly recommended to appreciate what is on offer. OFCH - Total Area 95 sq.m. (1,022 sq.ft. approx).

BER F. BER Number 104144670. BER Code 446.09 kWh/m3/yr.

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

Park View 3 Designs of Bungalows Launching New Development of Modern 2 & 3 Bedroomed bungalows by M.Fitzgibbon Developers. Ltd.

Price: €245,000

Price: €212,500 Price: €255,000

Qualifies for up to €12,750 in the ‘Help to Buy’ Scheme Superb design, with spacious layout. Stylish Modern Kitchens, Wardrobes, Flooring and Tiled Bathrooms. Energy Efficient Design with reduced running costs. Exceptional Quality Finish Inside and Out by M. Fitzgibbon Contractors Ltd. Outstanding location within minutes drive of the M18 and M17. Air to Water Heat Pump, underfloor heating and Multi Fuel Inset Stove. Part L Compliant with an A3 BER Rating.

For more information contact HELEN GALLERY AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS | 68 Parnell Street, Ennis 086 250 4671 & 065 682 9481 | email: info@helengallery.ie | PSRA Licence No. 002433

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

A HISTORY OF LUXURY

lLUXURIOUS: Skoda Superb

ROAD TEST: SKODA SUPERB LAURIN & KLEMENT 150HP TDI DSG

W

HAT the heck is a Laurin, and for that matter a Klement? Ah, well here’s where a bit of history comes in because two guys called Vaclav — Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement — were the people behind the setting up of Skoda as a car company.

Sort of. Actually, it’s a little more complicated than that. You see, in 1895 the two Vaclavs got together to create a car company which they called… not Skoda. They called it Laurin & Klement. For the next 30 years, Laurin & Klement would make cars under its own name, and they were often quite luxurious. They even made some proper racing cars.

In 1925, Laurin & Klement was bought out by a huge, mammoth industrial company called… Skoda. Skoda had been around since 1859, mostly making guns (of all shapes and sizes, from pistols right up to enormous naval cannon) for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but also making power turbines, trains, aeroplanes, ships, and machine tools. Skoda fancied getting into the car making game, and figured that the best and easiest way to do so was to buy a going concern, and hence Laurin & Klement was folded into the vast Skoda conglomerate.

Fast-forward past 90-some years of WWII, Communism, the VW buyout, the Velvet Revolution, and we arrive here, in 2018, where Skoda has evolved and changed from little-heralded cheap Czech brand into full-on mainstream respectability, even desirability. It is now Ireland’s sixth best-selling brand (ahead of old favourites such as Opel, Renault, and Peugeot), and in the shape of the Octavial, makes Ireland’s fifth best-selling car.

Ah, but can it do luxury?

This is tricky territory on which any mainstream (if that’s quite the right word) car maker can tread. All have seen their market share for big saloons, especially posh ones, eroded by the likes of BMW, Audi, and Mercedes reaching down with tempting offers to ensnare more and more customers. Those of us who would have once bought a specced-up Mondeo or Avensis now buy a 3 Series or A4 instead. Efforts to turn that around, such as Ford’s creation of its premium sub-brand Vignale, have been mixed at best, a disaster at worst.

FACTS & FIGURES: Model tested: Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI DSG Laurin & Klement Pricing: €43,645 as tested, range starts at €29,225 Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel Transmission: seven-speed automatic, front-wheel drive Body style: large family saloon CO2 emissions: 105g/km (Band A3, €190 per annum) Combined economy: 71mpg (3.9 litres/100km) Top speed: 220km/h 0-100km/h: 8.8 seconds Power: 150hp at 3,500rpm Torque: 340Nm at 1,750-3,000rpm Boot space: 625-litres EuroNCAP Rating: Five-star: 86 per cent adult; 86 per cent child; 71 per cent pedestrian; 76 per cent safety assist

Is the Skoda Superb Laurin & Klement edition any different? Well, not really — at least not in execution. It is, if you boil it right down, just a standard Superb with posh add-ons. Those include the massive 9.2-inch ‘Columbus’ sat-nav and infotainment touchscreen, Bi-Xenon headlights, three-zone air conditioning (so that the kids can annoy you by fiddling with the temperature in the back), beautiful 19inch alloy wheels, and — best of all — buttery-soft leather seats, finished in a dark chocolate brown, and embroidered with the swirly script of the Laurin & Klement badge.

All of that, with the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine and the seven-speed DSG automatic dual-clutch gearbox, will set you back

€43,645 in L&K spec. For reference’s sake, the most basic BMW 3 Series you can buy costs €39,350.

Does that mean that the Superb is treading where it shouldn’t? Normally, I’d say yes — from a strictly financial point of view, buying a premium brand car, with its superior residual values, makes more sense — but in the case of the Superb there’s a lot to be said for going Bohemian instead of Bavarian. For a start, no 3 Series (nor A4, nor C-Class) is this roomy inside. If space is the ultimate luxury, then the Superb is the most luxurious of all, with proper lounging room in the rear seats. Even with the drivers’s seat cranked all the way back, into basketball-player position, there’s ample rear legroom, and the 625-litre boot is big enough to create echoes. You’ll never fill it.

The cabin in the front looks and feels up to snuff, too. OK, you can quibble with a few of the plastics on show, but not as many as you’d think, and the luxury brands are not innocent when it comes to saving money on the materials either.

Those seats are wonderful — few cars are as comfortable on a long journey, and having spent one six-hour cross-country stint in the Superb, I can attest to their excellence.

The touchscreen is big, bright, and easy to use but would be improved by a physical volume button (the touch-sensitive buttons are too fiddly).

It’s also very refined. Early models of this generation of Superb suffered from too much tyre roar, and while that issue has not entirely gone away, it has been improved, and the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine is quiet and largely hushed. It’s economical too, averaging 53mpg, or 5.3-litres per 100km, in our hands so 1,000km is easily put between fill-ups.

Does it handle?

Not especially, but it is so smooth in its ride quality that you might not mind.

You can guide the Superb between the hedgerows with precision, albeit not with much entertainment, but once you realise that even on the big 19-inch alloys, it’s riding smoothly over the worst that rural Irish roads can throw at it, you’ll soon forget that a 3 Series (or a Mondeo, or a Mazda 6) are sharper to steer.

Considering that the Superb L&K is trading on a heritage of which few of us are aware, and that in general it’s all but impossible for a mainstream brand to seriously compete with the premium boys, this is a car that does far better than you might expect. It’s very true to say that the Superb’s fundamental strengths are just as evident in a basic €29,225 model as they are in this €43k version, and that the L&K add-ons are really just expensive window dressing, but equally it’s not hard to see the appeal.

There’s a kind of inverse snobbery to the L&K, one that quietly points out to the likes of BMW, Audi, and all but Mercedes that, long before they had the idea of making posh cars, two guys called Vaclav were already ahead of the game. A little case of history repeating itself…

ORDER THE ALL-NEW 7 SEATER ŠKODA KODIAQ TODAY AND PLAN YOUR FAMILY ROAD TRIP FOR JULY 182.

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Introducing the New KODIAQ, it’s not only ŠKODA’s largest SUV but it’s first car with 7 seats. It delivers on ŠKODA’s usual qualities of practicality, thoughtful design as well as innovative connectivity solutions that are sure to make family life that little bit sweeter.

Test drive the all-new KODIAQ today at Al Hayes ŠKODA, Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Tel: 065 6822400 • www.alhayesskoda.ie Price excludes delivery and related charges. CO2 from 139-150g/km. Combined fuel consumption from 4.9-7.1 l/100km.

24 MOTORING

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

QASHQAI TOPS CAR MARKET FOR THE FIRST HALF OF YEAR

T

HE Nissan Qashqai was Ireland’s best-selling car for the 181 sales period with the 3,045 new buyers who made it their car of choice also cementing its position as the undisputed leader of its segment.

The result also reaffirms the Nissan Qashqai’s status as Ireland’s best-selling crossover of all time with over 50,000 units sold since its launch just over 10 years ago.

The choice of petrol engines that is available across the entire Qashqai range is driving demand for the car with Nissan reporting a massive 63 per cent year-onyear increase in new Qashqai petrol car sales as the trend of drivers switching back to petrol continues apace.

Demand for the car is also been driven by the significant premium enhancements introduced to the new upgraded Qashqai in 2017 and by Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility features which are changing the way people interact with their cars.

The upgrades, which focus on exterior design, interior quality, driving performance and New Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies, helped Nissan to a 3.49 per cent share of the new car market up to the end of June.

A key factor in Nissan’s success has been the introduction of its autonomous drive technology ProPILOT in the new Qashqai, giving customers new levels of driving flexibility and greater freedom when they want it.

Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility technologies such as Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Intelligent Park Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Still Assist have also attracted new buyers.

“We are delighted that the Nissan Qashqai continues to be the undisputed leader in its segment. Nissan’s Intelligent Driving Systems have taken the driving experience

lPOPULAR: Ireland’s best-selling car of 2018 to the end of June

to the next level, acting like a partner to give drivers a whole new level of confidence,” said James McCarthy, CEO, Nissan Ireland.

“Nissan believes that everyone has a right to an exciting car no matter how much they pay. We are redefining how cars are driven, powered and integrated into society and the Nissan Qashqai has proven to be the real winner, increasing safety, control and comfort for drivers,” he added.

As the car industry shifts its focus to the 182 sales period Nissan is giving new car buyers and those thinking of buying a new Qashqai the opportunity to save money by buying two cars together as part of its Car Combo offer.

The Nissan Car Combo offer is geared towards families, presenting them with a limited opportunity to buy two brand new cars from as little as €341 per month through PCP, or to save as much as €11,800 if they decide to do a cash deal.

To avail of the offer customers must buy two new 182 Nissan passenger car models and both new cars need to be registered in the same family name and address between July 1st and up to July 31st when the offer ends.

Customers must choose a new Nissan Qashqai or X-Trail as their first car and they can choose from a New Micra, Juke, Pulsar or Qashqai for their second car to create their ideal car combo.

PCP customers combining a new Qashqai 1.2XE and Micra 1.0XE as part of the Nissan Car Combo offer can buy both cars for €340.38 per month, based on 6.9 per cent APR and a 30 per cent deposit.

The cost of the two new cars is just €54 more than the €290 cost per month of buying one Qashqai 1.2XE under the same PCP terms.

EchoSport

l MOMENTUM: Dónal Moloney firing up the troops in the Waterford Munster Championship game earlier this summer Photo by Martin Connolly

Clare hammered Galway behind closed doors...

But Jamesie expects Tribesmen to serve up revenge

C

LARE’S hurlers accounted for Galway earlier on this season behind closed doors at Cusack Park - but that result won’t have any bearing on this weekend’s All Ireland semi-final, according to Clare legend Jamesie O’Connor.

In fact he believes that defeat at the hands of Clare served to inspire Galway earlier on this season, before their first Championship game.

Writing for the Sunday Independent, Doora Barefield man O’Connor said, “A couple of weeks after the Tribesmen comprehensively defeated Tipperary in the 2017 League final, these sides played a challenge match behind closed doors in Cusack Park.

Basking in the afterglow of that League title, Galway’s heads probably weren’t where they should have been. Clare’s definitely were.

They were razor sharp. Micheal Donohue’s side failed to lay a glove on them, and they won in a manner that seriously impressed those who witnessed it.

“It may have been exactly the jolt of reality the Tribesmen needed at that point in the season, and subsequent events proved that trimming didn’t do them any harm. But Galway left Ennis that evening thinking they’d prefer not to run into their closest neighbours in the championship any time soon.”

O’Connor went on to say that a lot would have to go right for Clare to see a Banner win, adding that no team would live with

Galway firing on all cylinders.

“There’s no doubt that if Galway reproduce the form that blew Kilkenny away in the first 25 minutes of their replayed Leinster final, it’s impossible to see Clare, or anybody else for that matter, being able to live with them.

But no two games are ever the same. Clare might have limitations, but they also possess attributes that present an entirely different challenge to anything their opponents have faced in the championship to date,” said the double All Ireland winner.

While praising the Clare forwards, he added that Tony Kelly and Shane O’Donnell must both put in a performance to leave Clare any chance of taking the spoils at Croke Park on Saturday evening.

He added, “Galway’s performance in the Leinster final showed they’re beatable when they’re below their best. They could afford to stumble and even fall on that occasion.

To do so against Clare would be fatal, and that’s why I don’t think they will. Clare will be closer than a lot of people might think, and if their big guns fire and play to their potential, all bets are off.

“But it’s a different Galway side, a better Galway side, and a more confident Galway side than the one that was too good for the Banner two years ago.

“Too many things have to go right for Clare to win. That’s not the case for Galway.

A stiff test awaits, but one I expect them to come through,” he concluded.

SPORT 27

THURSDAY, JULY 26 2018

O’Grady to evaluate position as Clare exit camogie championship PÁRAIC McMAHON Camogie

news@clareecho.ie

PATRICIA O’Grady will evaluate her position as manager of the Clare senior camogie team. A former goalkeeper with the county side, O’Grady concluded her third year in charge of the side with a two point home defeat to Waterford, 1-11 to 0-12, which was the Déise’s second ever senior championship win.

During her tenure, the Newmarket-on-Fergus woman has added several young players to the panel, many of which have progressed from the minor ranks.

Clare had a panel of 30 players for the Waterford game, 19 of them were recruited to the senior panel by O’Grady. However several experienced players had left the panel in Honan’s final year.

Following the defeat to Waterford in Cusack Park, Patricia declined to speak with members of the local print media. However she has since outlined that the 2018 management team will sit down to evaluate their current and future positions.

One week on from their first win at senior level, Waterford knocked Clare out of the All-Ireland camogie championship having led from start to finish. Freetakers Beth Carton (1-09) and Chloe Morey (010) completed the bulk of the scoring with

l STILL FRIENDS: Chloe Morey is comforted by Doireann Murphy after the full time whistle

Photo by Martin Connolly

Carton’s goal on the fifth minute decisive.

Still reeling from their drubbing at the hands of Kilkenny last weekend, Clare were slow out of the traps and shipped 1-04 before they opened their account. A lack of confidence was evident from their start, they needed someone out the field to step up but this never materialised.

Goalkeeper Lauran Solon denied Beth Carton a second green flag on the seventeenth minute, the De La Salle woman was bearing down on the Whitegate custodian’s goal but Solon pulled off a vital save which in itself gave the hosts a much needed lift.

From here, they scored four points on the bounce, their spree was ended with another Carton free and Clare replied via a Morey effort to leave it 1-05 0-05 at half-time.

Inside the first ten minutes of the second half Clare were back level with Ciara Grogan picking up her first championship score as Morey converted two frees.

Their cause was dealt a significant blow with the dismissal of captain Orlaith Duggan following an off the ball altercation.

Referee Liz Dempsey had to consult with her umpires before making the decision and a mixed response followed from the crowd.

Carton and Morey traded scores on two occasions before the Déise found another level in the final six minutes hitting four of the final six scores to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

Ladies trump Kildare to qualify for All Ireland quarter finals PÁRAIC McMAHON @ Kinnegad Kildare 0-12 Clare 1-13

A

LAURIE Ryan goal just on the stroke of half-time proved decisive as Clare claimed a well earned four point victory over Kildare on Saturday. The win guarantees a place in the quarter-finals for the winners who are now unbeaten in their two championship games this year.

Kildare built up a 0-06 0-03 lead inside the first half but it was one Clare would chip away at. White flags from Niamh O’Dea, Eimear Keane and Eimear O’Connor had them back on level terms with half-time approaching and then up stepped captain Laurie Ryan to fire home the all-important goal which was the final score of the half.

An early goal chance presented itself to Kildare full forward Ellen

football in the county under the stewardship of James Murrihy.

Their final group outing with Wexford will be an ideal test ahead of their quarter-final.

Clare: Grace Lynch (Cúil Gaels) Siofra Ní Chonnail (St Josephs Doora/Barefield) Ellie O’Gorman (Kilmihil) Gráinne Harvey (West Clare Gaels) Carol O’Leary (Newmarket-on-Fergus) Louise Woods (Banner Ladies) Róisin Considine (Liscannor) Orla Devitt (Éire Óg) Róisin Looney (Cooraclare) Caoimhe Harvey (West Clare Gaels) Laurie Ryan (Banner Ladies) (100) Eimear O’Connor (Cúil Gaels) Eimear Keane (St Josephs Miltown) (0-02) Niamh O’Dea (Banner Ladies) (003) Fidelma Marrinan (West Clare Gaels) (0-05)

Dowling in the second half but she failed to put it past Grace Lynch as the Lilywhites upped their challenge. They managed to equalise as their pressure paid off but two scores on the trot from Fidelma Marrinan put James Murrihy’s side back in front in the final quarter.

Corner back Rachel Cribbin was sent off reducing Kildare to fourteen inside the final ten minutes.

Substitute Tara Kelly kicked the final score of the evening to secure a four point win for Clare.

Six Clare players that featured in this win were part of the panel that lost to Kildare in the 2016 All-Ireland final. Overcoming them Subs: Tara Kelly (Cúil Gaels) (0is a psychological lift but does not 01) for Keane (45) Aine Kelly (Fergus Rovers) for atone for that final defeat. Kildare too have seen a lot of transition to O’Connor (52) their side but nonetheless it marks Referee: John Devlin (Galway) a further improvement for ladies

l GOLDEN GOAL: Laurie Ryan’s goal on the stroke of half time proved crucial for Clare Photo by Burren Eye Photography

28 CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

Classifieds ACCOUNTANCY

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065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

CLEANING

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CAR FOR SALE 2008 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CDTi Sport 4dr Immaculate condition, Built in Sat Nav, Sunroof, Parking Sensors… CALL FOR MORE INFO ON 087-9652998

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DOG CARE AND KENNELS

CLASSIFIEDS 29

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

Classifieds DOG CARE AND KENNELS

PLASTERER

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065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

STORAGE

ROOFING NATIONAL LEARNING NETWORK WORK FROM HOME Excellent home based opportunity for those who want to earn extra income. Work your own hours around day job. Full training provided.

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30 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

Your Horoscopes Jul 26 YOU’RE not usually prone to daydreaming. Like your equally action-oriented predecessors -- warriors of all kinds -- you’re much more inclined to sit down with someone rational and make a battle plan, more so than letting anything as sentimental as intuition guide your actions. Right now, however, you’re feeling remarkably soft and totally willing to let your gut feelings direct your actions.

Taurus

Gemini

EACH sign comes equipped with a set of personality traits to call their own -- an astrological ‘Top Ten List’ of qualities.

Yours includes some pretty darned enviable traits, too: honesty, integrity and diligence, for example -- and the more important the issue, the more seriously you feel about expressing your feelings about it. Since you’re feeling especially chatty, be warned -- or, better still, do some warning.

AT this particular moment in time, you have one heck of a decision to make -- and until you make it, you won’t be able to give yourself a moment’s peace. Mind you, the issue is probably something along the lines of which guilty pleasure to give into for the next 24 hours -- at least. You’ll please excuse the rest of us if we’re not quite as sympathetic to your plight as we might usually be.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

FOR as long as you can remember, the light of the Moon has affected you -- positively, for the most part. Look for it tonight, when you’re feeling especially determined to stick to your guns at this point in time and take more than even the usual amount of pride in saying and doing the right thing -- even if it’s not necessarily the easiest or most popular thing. Don’t waste time anguishing over it. You know what to do.

AT the moment, you still can’t bear the thought of leaving your home -- not unless it’s absolutely necessary, and fortunately, right now, it’s not. If you don’t want to spend any time out there in the outside world, don’t try to force yourself. Even Leos have the right to hibernate every now and then, and for the next 36 hours, you should lay claim to it proudly. Anyone who doesn’t seem to understand really doesn’t know you as well as they like to say they do.

YOU’VE always been earthy and practical, and you’re a big fan of routine, comfortable habits and regularity. You may not be able to count on that, or anything else, for that matter -- at least, not right now. The universe has arranged quite the amazing pair of impulsive energies to wreak havoc on anything even remotely resembling plans. It’s okay.

Your first glance at a certain person will help you appreciate the finer points of spontaneity right away. Smile pretty.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

A LOVED one who’s been a bit worried about you recently is about to say or do something that will let you know it’s finally time to give in and allow them the honor of your presence.

You may have stayed away because you were worried that they might be growing a bit too possessive, even though you’ve held them at arm’s length for some time now. Let it go now.

BIRTHDAYS do seem to crop up all at the same time, don’t they? Makes sense, though. We know what we like, and whether or not we do it consciously, we recognize it when it walks up to us. This time out, just to make life a little bit easier, if you’re invited to a party for a friend of a friend, check out that left hand for a ring before you start sending out those unmistakably ‘I’m So Interested’ vibes. See? Age does bring wisdom.

1/1

Aries

OH, stop complaining. We’re all entitled to our place in the spotlight every now and then. It’s now officially your turn.

If you really must have some privacy, possibly due to the attention of a certain someone (attention you’d rather not share with the masses), well isn’t there some kind of excuse you can make up to explain your untimely exit? Sure there is. Don’t you have to feed the cat?

YOU’LL be wearing your emotions like a t-shirt today -- so they’ll be the very first thing others see when they first see you. Fortunately, the heavens have arranged for you to be in a wonderful mood -- right along with your sweetheart.

No matter how unpredictable and unusual your moods are, then, they’ll at least be pleasant. So don’t worry about offending anyone, and don’t hold anything back. The fans will love you, as is. And so will your lucky companion.

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

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

YOU’VE never been shy about voicing your opinions about politics and religion, but at this particular moment, it’s going to come even more easily to you. Once you warn those who know and love you, they’ll know what to do. They’ll just avoid bringing up any touchy subjects. Easy. For others, though, this might come to them as a bit of a shock. A big shock. Very big.

FOR the next few weeks, you’re going to shock and amaze the masses -- not to mention the folks you see on a regular basis. You might also end up looking in the mirror and wondering who that is. Don’t fight it. Everybody gets to try on a different personality for a while every now and then.

It’s your turn. You’re going to be struck with a heady dose of fire. Put it to good use.

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

DOWN

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

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

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

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

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

QUIZ 31

THURSDAY, JUL 26 2018

The Clare Echo Quiz

In what year did the first trans1Airport? atlantic flight land at Shannon 1945, 1955, 1950

year did the Clare hurlers 2Inwinwhat their first provincial title?

1901, 1899, 1903

Loughnane is from which 3Ger East Clare village?

Feakle, Bodyke, Tuamgraney

Durty Nelly’s (Bunratty), Gus O’Connor’s (Doolin), Johnny Burke’s (Spanish Point)

Which Late Late Show host’s 8 Great Grandfather came from West Clare?

India, South Africa, England

What river enters the sea at 6 Trump International Hotel & Golf Links, Doonbeg?

River Fergus, Doonbeg River, Creegh (Cree) River

Morrissey hails from which 7Marty West Clare village?

Mullagh, Spanish Point, Quilty

Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny, Ryan Tubridy

Muhammad Ali’s Great Grand9 father came from which Clare town?

l QUESTION 4: What well known County Clare pub did John C. Reilly lead a rendition of The Wild Rover in?

Ennis, Kilrush, Ennistymon

Which Clare location is historically known as Corracatlin 10 (Irish: Cora Chaitlín)?

Sixmilebridge, Newmarket-On-Fergus, Kilkee

6. Creegh (Cree) River 7. Mullagh 8. Ryan Tubridy 9. Ennis 10. Newmarket-On-Fergus

Former Clare Labour TD Moosajee Bhamjee is a native of which 5 country?

ANSWERS

1. 1945 2. 1899 3. Feakle 4. Gus O’Connor’s (Doolin) 5. South Africa

4

l QUESTION 1: In what year did the first transatlantic flight land at Shannon Airport?

What well known County Clare pub did John C. Reilly lead a rendition of The Wild Rover in?

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

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

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