The Clare Echo 27/09

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27 Sep 2018

Clare house prices climb to new level

STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

T

HE price of the average threebed semi in County Clare rose by 2.8% to â‚Ź185,000 between June and September, according to a national survey.

County Clare prices rose significantly, by 5.7% in the last 12 months, the survey found.

The REA Average House Price Survey

concentrates on the actual sale price of Ireland’s typical stock home, the threebed semi, giving an up-to-date picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide to the close of last week.

Meanwhile, house hunters are moving quickly in Clare with the first phase of turnkey homes at Sycamore Drive in Ennis already sold out.

Phase 2 of the Patrick Keogh development is expected to come to the market before Christmas.

See property P24

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lSHOWING SUPPORT: Supporting Clooney Quin in Cusack Park on Saturday last

were Claire Murphy, Claire Halpin and Molly Sheedy from Clooney.

Photo by Martin Connolly

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

Index MISS BIKINI CONTEST

4

SHANNON ON UP?

7

AOIBHÍN GARRIHY

14-15

ENTERTAINMENT

16-17

BUSINESS

21-23

MOTORING

28-32 34

GOLF TIPS CLASSIFIEDS

35-37

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 TAKING OUT THE TRASH: Residents and volunteers from the Ballyalla Blue Flag Working Group, of which Cllr Johnny Flynn is the chairman, and Ennis Boy Scouts joined forces to tidy up Ballyalla Lake which is the holder of a green flag awar

Making a splash at Ballyalla Lake STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

C

OMMUNITY Spirit was at a peak at Ballyalla Lake for the recent Cleanup Day. Residents and volunteer groups such as the Ballyalla Blue Flag Working Group and Ennis Boy Scouts joined forces to tidy up this fantastic amenity in Ennis after a successful summer.

Residents and volunteer groups, such as the Ballyalla Blue Flag Working Group, work with Clare County Council to maintain the beautiful natural amenity for all to enjoy.

Cllr Johnny Flynn, Chairman of the Ballyalla Blue Flag Working Group, explained, “This group formed in 2013 as a result of a public meeting with the aim of reviving Ballyalla Lake.

“Since then we have been the volunteer group whose objective has been to work on the ground with others to make Ballyalla Lake more accessible, safer and a more attractive amenity for all the community.

“As a result, the Lake has earned Green Flag recognition for the last two years.”

The council, since 2013, have worked with landowners upstream to improve the lake’s water quality from a bathing perspective. In 2013 its then-bathing water status was of poor water quality, but for the last three years, the lake-water improved to a status of “good water quality” which means that swimmers are back using the lake.

Members of the public can check the most recent results of the regular water quality testing which are posted on the public information board at the slipway located midway along the car-parking area.

Cillian Griffey, a Ballyalla resident and Secretary of the working group outlines that, “There has been good support from some residents for the collaborative work completed by our group, Clare County Council and the Ennis community to restore the public amenity at the Lake while respecting the wildlife and environment.

“We are thankful for the support from the Ennis Boy Scouts and Ennis Tidy Towns for participating in the most recent of the monthly clean-up days in this 2018 summer season. This community spirit will help to restore Ballyalla Lake to its former glory.”

When the group formed, the lake had been removed from the list of Beaches in County Clare and facilities had fallen into disarray. The members’ determination, campaigning and collaboration with the community means the lake is on its way to achieving its potential as a public Wildlife, Environment and Recreational Centre.

Cllr Flynn outlines “While the Lake has secured the Green Flag status and has become more widely used, the group will continue to lobby for further investment.

Development in the lake area, such as restoring lifeguard services, public toilet facilities, playground items, and repairing the old pier, will allow more leisure activities with the ultimate aim of Ballyalla achieving Blue Flag status.”

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4

NEWS

Swimsuit contest 'so daunting' for Serica STUART HOLLY

B

editor@clareecho.ie

IKINI models in Clare are few and far between but Shannon woman Serica Jege has bucked the trend by qualifying for the Miss Bikini Ireland final.

The former St Caimin's student will walk the runway on October 14 as she attempts to woo the judges and beat 35 contestants to bag her place in Miss Swimsuit World. The winner also gets a nine-day trip to the Dominican Republic and Serica admits she could do with the holiday. The 28-year-old is senior radiation therapist at University Hospital Limerick and is also in the final year of a Masters Degree.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Serica said she saw the contest advertised and sent in her photos. After a meeting with organisers, Serica was admitted to the final. Her previous modelling experience involves a fun fashion show aged seven at the

West County, Ennis, and last year she featured in an advertising campaign for an insurance company.

Serica, who studied in Glasgow and previously worked in Liverpool before returning to Ireland, admits she finds the whole thing daunting.

Being paraded in next to nothing in front of dozens of people isn't for the faint hearted.

However when asked if she's body confident, she modestly says, “Am … not really. No to be honest. I suppose I’ve always played sport – I was big into athletics when I was younger.

I played soccer, a little bit of GAA, swimming, gymnastics, you name it, we did it. I’ve kept up with the gym since and I have gone back running.

I just wanted to have something new to work towards in the gym."

She adds that at first she struggled with the photoshoots. “Oh God, it’s so daunting. The first day we were up in Dublin for the photoshoot, you had to get up in front of all the other girls and pose for these interviews in your swimsuit. It was quite daunting to be honest but once you get the first

few pictures over and done with you get into it. You just have to go for it is the way I see it.

“On the night of the final there’s a catwalk and an interview with the judges. But the hard work is now, we’ve been in Dublin twice, it’s all about your social media presence on Facebook and Instagram, you’re given different tasks – like we were featured in the Irish Fashion Magazine. That all counts towards the final."

Serica adds that family, friends and colleagues have been very supportive.

“They all kind of think I’m a bit tapped to be honest but the girls would be behind me and sharing my posts, and there’s a launch party next week so some of the girls are coming up with me to that as well.

Everybody’s really supportive and everybody at work has been voting for me."

The contestent with the most votes automatically reaches the top 5. To help Serica reach the final text bikini131 to 57003. All texts cost €1.

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

l SHANNON STUNNER: Serica has worked hard on her fitness to be in shape for the contest Photo by Thomas Moore

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6

NEWS

Claremen's show goes worldwide

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

New hospital in Ennis 'unique' opportunity STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

PÁRAIC McMahon

news@clareecho.ie

A

TELEVISION format created by two Clare men is being developed internationally.

James Sexton and David Fitzgerald came up with the idea for Ireland’s Fittest Family. The sixth season of the family show will broadcast later this year. The duo were inspired by Superstars which ran on RTÉ during the 1980s.

Kite Entertainment, the production company behind the programme have been working with British distributor Magnify Media to market the format abroad.

Towards the end of 2018, a Chilean version of the show will be aired while a German adaptation of Fittest Family is also in production.

For the series on RTÉ, Kathryn Thomas takes over presenting duties from Mairéad Ronan who had been

l POPULAR: The Guilfoyles from Ennis appeared in last year's show

with the show since its first episode.

Fitzgerald returns in a mentor capacity alongside Cork trio, Derval O’Rourke, Donncha O’Callaghan and Anna Geary.

In February 2014, FremantleMedia secured the global rights to the format but a subsequent global roll-

out of the series fell through.

This week, Sexton described the announcement as “exciting”. The Shannon man said, “All the hard work done by the Fittest Family crew paying off.

"It’s great to see the format heading to Germany and Chile”.

THE decision by the HSE to revise their plans for a new St Joseph’s Hospital on a greenfield site in Ennis is a unique opportunity to provide a home from home for Clare’s older people. That’s according to Independent TD Dr Michael Harty who said that freedom from existing site constraints will allow for the development of a state of the art, properly designed and landscaped environment.

“When the designers and architect get to work on this project, I hope they will consult with older people and that their views are represented in the process. I believe that every long-term facility for elder care should be deinstitutionalised as much as is humanly possible, it should allow people to live out their final years in a tran-

quil hassle free atmosphere but at the same time encourage residents to continue with hobbies and other creative activities. For example, the new St. Joseph’s should have a good garden,” he said.

Dr Harty said he also welcomed the HSE’s decision to locate the new 100 bed facility in the Ennis area which he said was the only feasible option given the centrality of Ennis in the county.

“A new St Joseph’s would be of huge benefit to the professional staff who frequently express their concerns to me on the inadequacies of the current facilities."

He also said he noted that a new 100 bed unit and the retention of 32 beds at the existing site is still eight beds short of the existing 142 beds. Dr Harty questioned if the HSE had taken sufficient note of demographic trends in Clare's ageing population in particular.

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THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

Tale of two cities in Shannon...

Considine hails ‘spirit of community’ PÁRAIC McMAHON

T

news@clareecho.ie

HE President of Shannon Chamber made the remarks at their autumn lunch which took place at Dromoland Castle on Friday. Latest results from the IDA show that employment in their companies based in the Mid-West have increased by 5.3 percent to 17,787.

“Here in Shannon alone the IDA have been instrumental in attracting new business and in the past year alone, we have welcomed Jaguar Land Rover and Edwards Life Sciences to the Shannon Free Zone, collectively delivering over 750 jobs to this region in the medium term”, Ms Considine stated.

Reference was made to the many companies in the town that continue to “provide valuable employment across all sectors”.

Mary spoke of the importance of a “skilled work force, good universities, good air and road connectivity” in allowing FDI companies who decide to locate in Shannon “move their people and goods easily into the international markets they are serving”.

“More increasingly they require affordable housing for their staff and a region that

offers a good work-life balance. We know that this region is second to none as a place to live, work, learn and spend leisure time,” Ms Considine added.

She felt the town’s submission for the National Enterprise Town Awards highlights the “real spirit of community here in Shannon”. The work done in preparation for the awards “augurs well for Shannon and the region in general but it would be remiss of us to become complacent and for this region to continue to grow in a sustainable manner, we must continue to invest and further develop the infrastructure in this region”. This is the only way we will be able to successfully compete for mobile inward investment and retain the many indigenous and FDI enterprises that already operate in this region”.

In concluding her address, Mary showcased what Shannon has to offer for businesses considering setting up in the location. “We have connectivity that links people and places from Shannon through Limerick, Ennis and Galway to create the Atlantic Corridor. We have the connectivity that enables people and products from this corridor to move by air through Shannon Airport and most importantly we have the belief, the passion and sense of place which combined with business capability, contribute to helping IDA Ireland win new business for Ireland.

‘Shopping centre can’t be our heart’

T

HE town of Shannon ‘is dying at the minute’, Cllr PJ Ryan declared at the September meeting of Clare County Council.

His comments came during a discussion prompted by a notice of motion from Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Gerry Flynn which called on the CEO of the local authority “to immediately put in place a series of workshops to discuss and put forward proposals to arrest the economic and social decline being experienced in Shannon Town”.

“The focus of the Economic Development & Planning Section of Clare County Council on the current policy of development of a private shopping centre in Shannon needs to be amended as a continuation of this approach as can now be seen will lead to further decline in the overall town of Shannon as a vibrant centre of economic activity.”

In reply, Director of Services Liam Conneally stated in the coming months “the Council will commence the preparation of a Shannon Town Centre Streetscape Strategy which will integrate with existing developments in the Town and in conjunction with the statutory Development Plan will lead the future spatial and economic development of the Town Centre”.

“Ultimately, these plans will guide the future Town Centre development applications brought forward by developers/landowners and in this regard in recent months a number of planning applications have been received and granted by Clare County Council for developments in the Town Centre not least a private development - including a Cinema for the Town. Separately, more than 47ha of lands in the Town have been zoned for residential development, and indeed a number of public and private housing schemes have recently been permitted with some sites under construction”.

A frustrated Cllr Flynn told the meeting the reply failed to “address the economic and social concern at the centre of the motion”. He suggested a series of workshops and public consultations be arranged “aimed at halting the decline within the county’s second largest town”. The Independent councillor referenced the lack of growth in the town’s population.

Fianna Fáil’s Pat McMahon spoke of the departure of Tesco from the SkyCourt Shopping Centre in February 2018 and was concerned that no large retailer has replaced it. “The road structure is excellent and it’s in the shadow of Limerick City”. Fine Gael’s John Crowe believes there is a lack of spirit in the town. “It hasn’t the heart, you can walk down the street in Sixmilebridge or Newmarket-on-Fergus but not Shannon”.

Sinn Féin’s Mike McKee recalled moving to Shannon in the 1975. “Over forty years later, we’re a town made up of housing estate and a shopping centre. Shannon town centre can never be the heart of Shannon, it never will be and we cannot accept it”.

NEWS 7

8

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

Huge buzz over Tidy Towns win

STUART HOLLY

K

editor@clareecho.ie

ILRUSH and Ennis have both been awarded Gold Awards in the 2018 Tidy Towns competition.

A gold medal for Kilrush (330 points) came in category D, which is for towns with a population of 2,501-5,00. Ennis meanwhile, a consistently strong perfomer in Tidy Towns, scored 336 points in category H, for towns with a population of 25,001 and over.

Ennis has also won a Pollinator Award in the 2018 SuperValu TidyTowns competition in recognition of the work being undertaken locally by Ennis Tidy Towns and Clare County Council to help pollinating insects.

The Tidy Towns winners were announced

by Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development at the Helix in Dublin.

One third of Ireland’s 99 bee species are threatened with extinction due to a drastic reduction in the amount of food (wildflowers) and safe nesting sites in our land-

scapes. The All Ireland Pollinator Plan was launched in 2015 as a shared plan of action to try to reverse these declines and work with communities, businesses, parks, schools and farms to make an Ireland where pollinators can survive and thrive.

Congella McGuire, Clare County Council Heritage Officer, said, “To take home this award, Ennis, which also won a Gold Medal in this year’s competition, took a range of pollinator-friendly actions. The TidyTowns Group adopted a whole-town approach, mapping the town and pinpointing areas that could act as refuges for pollinating insects, to provide food and shelter. They altered mowing regimes at several sites and roundabouts in order to encourage a diversity of wildflowers to provide pollen and nectar, the ‘food’ for our bees. Many of the roundabouts in Ennis are now literally buzzing with pollinators. They also planted wildflower meadows and four community orchards at Ballyalla Lake, Lees Road, Claureen, and An Sean Dun.” To find out how you can take actions to help pollinators or to enter the 2019 Pollinator Award, please see www.pollinators.ie.

l HEROES WELCOME: Jim Warny arriving at Shannon Airport earlier in the summer

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Warny in line for State honour

PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar’s office are looking at a way to honour Clare hero Jim Warny.

The Clare Echo were the first to report on the Belgian native’s involvement in the rescuing of twelve members of a young Thailand football team and their twenty five year old coach in July of this year. Since then he has garnered plenty of attention including an appearance on The Late Late Show where he received a rare standing ovation from the studio audience.

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy put forward a request at the September meeting of Clare County Council for An Taoiseach to “give Jim Warny, Ennis resident and sole Irish member of the Thai rescue operation similar tribute as PM Theresa May granted the British Cave Resue

Divers, all of whom were instrumental in the laudable rescue of the 12 boys & coach from the Thai Cave.”

“He is a modest hero that lives among us”, the Fianna Fáil councillor stated and said it was her pleasure to be able to welcome him back to Shannon Airport in her role as Mayor. Theresa May welcomed all British members of the team to Downing St to be congratulated, this is my effort to ensure he is appropriately acknowledged at national level”.

Fine Gael’s Mary Howard informed the meeting that she is a friend of Jim Warny, “he has been overwhelmed by the attention since,” she said. Cllr Johnny Flynn volunteered to contact the Taoiseach’s office on the matter but Cllr Paul Murphy educated councillors on developments outside of their knowledge. The Clarecastle councillor was in touch with one of Varadkar’s personal assistants and revealed “they are looking at a way of to honour him accordingly”.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

Shannon cinema for 2019

SKYCOURT Shopping Centre has announced Ireland’s largest multiplex cinema chain, Omniplex Cinemas, will open in early 2019.

The five-screen cinema, with a seating capacity of 44 – 153 people, will be located on the first-floor of the shopping centre in the former Food Court in the heart of the centre and adjacent to a multi-storey car park of 400 spaces.

Skycourt Shopping Centre has a catchment of 40,000 within a 15-minute drive. Market research has shown a leisure facility, such as a cinema, is a much-needed element for the local community and Skycourt say they are delighted to be able to fulfil this need for the community of Shannon.

On the back of this announcement for the centre, planning permission has recently been lodged for two restaurants on the ground floor.

There have been other exciting new additions to the centre, including Iceland opening December 2017 and Dealz expanding their offering to include clothing range Pep & Co in 2018.

Mark Anderson, Managing Director of Omniplex Cinemas says, “We’re delighted to be opening a brand new five screen cinema in Skycourt early next year.

“At Omniplex, a trip to the cinema becomes so much more than simply watching a movie. Bespoke leather seating, designed with the utmost comfort in mind, the sheer size and structure of our screens along with the latest in high tech sound technology all combine to help transport the viewer into what becomes a completely immersive movie experience. We look forward to bringing a best-inclass cinema experience to Shannon very soon.”

Muireann Griffin of Cushman & Wakefield says, “This is a much anticipated and exciting addition to the Skycourt Shopping Centre. The cinema will add a much-needed leisure element to the busy shopping centre where we already have an impressive tenant line up. We are delighted to be able to welcome the Omniplex brand to Skycourt.”

9

Racoon recovered in Ennistymon A RACOON was retrieved from the main street in Ennistymon on Tuesday night, after being hit by a car. Passers-by immediately identified the dead animal as a racoon, before one of them removed the carcass from the road.

Racoons are native to North America. There they inhabit a range of habitats including urban areas, where they have a reputation for scavenging in dustbins. They are omnivorous and also like to dabble at the water’s edge. The size of a large cat, with thick greyish fur, they are easily identified by the black and white ‘mask’ on their face, and black rings on their tail. The racoon which somehow found its way into Ennistymon

was a mature female. There have been several reported sightings of racoons in Ireland in recent years, mainly from Co. Cork.

The racoon has been listed as an invasive species of Union concern, under the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species 1143/2014. This Regulation, which entered into force in 2015, lays down rules to prevent, minimise and mitigate the adverse impacts of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. These impacts can relate to biodiversity, human health or the economy.

It is illegal to release listed species into the wild, or allow them to escape into the wild. It is

also an offence to import, buy, sell or breed listed species (with some exceptions). Other listed species include the coypu, Chinese mitten crab, small Asian mongoose, Chinese muntjac deer, giant hogweed and curly waterweed.

Alien species are plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms that have been transported outside their natural range and become established in new areas.

Save Rural Clare

A

lPRESSURE ON GOVT: Noeleen Moran

SF’s MORAN WELCOMES DAIL MOTION

C

LARE Sinn Féin General Election Candidate Noeleen Moran has welcomed the passing in the Dáil last Thursday of her party’s motion on the future of the post office network.

The Sinn Féin motion which calls for a halt to the Government’s plan to close 159 post offices nationally, six of which are in Clare, passed despite being opposed by Fine Gael Party including Clare’s Minister Pat Breen and Joe Carey TD, according to Moran.

“The Government must now act to stop the closures and implement a new sustainable plan for the post office network.

This must include the commitments that were already made in the programme for government and the proposals supported by all parties in the Dáil motion passed in 2016 which clearly outlines a future sustainable model for the post office network. The Government needs to start prioritising rural Ireland by ceasing its policies of neglect and underinvestment,” she said.

QUARTET of Clare councillors led the call to prevent the closure of rural post offices and the longterm survival of An Post at the September meeting of the local authority.

Councillors Clare Colleran Molloy, Pat Daly, PJ Ryan and Joe Cooney submitted a motion outlining their concern with the “imminent threat of closure of up to 390 Post Offices throughout the country and the threat to the longterm future of the remaining 690 Post Offices”.

They stated “the decision as to whether a community has a Post Office or not, should not hinge on a Postmaster wishing to retire” and they support “the re-modelling of the Post Office network along the lines of Kiwi Bank so to secure its long-term future and profitability”.

Their motion called for “The postponement of the current deal on offer to Post Offices while an in-depth study is carried out into the suitability of the Kiwi Model for Ireland. The results of this motion to be promptly conveyed to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, Chair of Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

Councillors to lobby Government, TDs, Political Parties and Media to promote and develop the Kiwi Bank initiative.”

Speaking in the Chamber, Cllr Colleran Molloy proposed that Council adopt this motion and she was sec-

lMOTION: Cllr Pat Daly (left) amd Ennis Mayor Clare Colleran Molloy (centre) were among those to submit the motion. They are with fellow cllrs Ann Norton and Paul Murphy

‘An Post should follow the Kiwi Bank model’ onded by Cllr Ryan.

Fine Gael’s Johnny Flynn felt there is “an opportunity to write to the Independent Assessors of this decision”.

His party colleague, Cllr Paul Murphy is wary of the Kiwi-bank model, “The system hasn’t saved rural NZ by any means. If we’re putting this through hurriedly we’d be foolish”.

In response, Cllr Colleran Molloy said “Nobody is suggesting that the kiwi banking

system would be the cure.

What I can’t understand is why sign a resolution in Dáil Éireann and not push it. I’m looking at it as a lawyer, politicians at a national level are just not caring about what they promise. They signed the motion agreeing they would review a community banking model and then they do nothing about it, it beggars the question why.

This is about trying to reinvigorate rural Ireland”.

Twitter talk... #SAVERURALCLARE

Clare Sinn Féin @ClareSinnFein West Clare Sinn Féin respresentative, Violet

Anne Wynne has said,

that the reality is that sucessive Governments have failed rural Clare and the issue of closing post offices is exposing the smoke and mirror’s hypocrisy of TDs.

€440k for rural water scheme STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

F

INE Gael TD Joe Carey has said that a €440,000 allocation for rural water schemes throughout county Clare will meet a critical need for local communities.

The funding is part of a €20 million Government programme that will enable development and improvement work to be undertaken on group water schemes and group sewerage schemes in rural areas. It will also provide grants for households to upgrade private wells and septic tanks.

An additional €31,000 has been allocated for improvements to the Beechwood Lawn/Bodyke and Killone Group Water Schemes to comply with drinking water regulations.

Group water schemes in Carhucore/Ogonolloe, Kilnaboy and Ranaghan are eligible for funding from a retained reserve with Clare County Council instructed to draw up a schedule of progression by the end of the year.

Deputy Carey said that the provision of good quality water is a priority for the Government and the allocation to Clare County Council will be an important part of that objective.”

“As Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Community and Rural Affairs, I am constantly advocating for investment in our rural infrastructure including our water network.

I will continue to do that with my Government colleagues on behalf of rural communities all over Ireland.”

“High quality sustainable water services are a fundamental necessity to our lives and do not distinguish between rural or urban areas. This is why the Government continues to prioritise funding for the group water sector in parallel with the overall funding for water services generally.

The funding is being provided to Clare County Council under the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme, which supports capital infrastructure works on water services in rural areas.

The funding is aimed at the improvement of water quality in existing group water schemes and the upgrading and water conservation works in group water scheme distribution networks. It will support new schemes to enable rural households to have a supply of good quality piped water for the first time. Funding is also being provided towards group sewerage schemes.

“Capital funding for the Rural Water Programme is now set to rise by €5 million to €25 million next year. This enhanced level of investment will be maintained up to 2021.

Including funding being provided this year, a total of €95 million has been secured for the period 2018 to 2021.

Last April Local Government Minister Eoghan Murphy established a Working Group to conduct a review of the wider investment needs relating to rural water services. The review is focusing on the actions required to improve and sustain rural water services.

The Working Group will also decide on capital investment priorities and requirements across all elements of rural water services, including domestic wastewater treatment systems.

As part of this work, the Minister has committed to making improvements to the grants available to improve private wells and septic tanks.

The second strand of the review will consider the more complex longer-focus issues surrounding the long-term future resourcing of the rural water sector.

12 INTERACTIVE

THURSDAY, SEPT 27 2018

Health&Living Fitness & Mindset Corner with Cillian Keane Fitness, Personal Trainer

How my client finally turned his life around

H l HANDS-ON APPROACH: Personal trainer Cillian (left) in action at Hustle Fitness with a work colleague

twitter.com/ ClareEcho

AVING been in the fitness industry for the last 12 years, I have trained hundreds of people all with their own unique story and background. It amazes me how much you can play a part in someone’s life and have such a positive impact. I love coaching people and guiding them to achieve things they thought was never possible.

I have so many amazing clients that work extremely hard. I want to share the story and transformation of one of my clients. He messaged me a few months ago lacking in confidence. He was stuck in a rut regarding his own training and wasn’t feeling like himself.

He had driven to the gym numerous times over the course of a few weeks and was afraid to go in. He felt that he would be looked at and judged from anyone that was in there.

He had made up so many different scenarios in his head that each time he arrived at the gym, he wouldn’t have the confidence to go in and drove home again.

I met this particular client and assured him that each person in the gym is on their own unique journey. Everyone is focused on their own training and the gym is a place for everyone to improve their health, fitness, self-esteem, and confidence.

My client took all this advice on board and now six

facebook.com/ clareecho

Facebook comment of the week

‘‘

Do the people who fought to have the corner “protected” live in north Clare? If not then why do they get a greater say than the locals??

Angela Coll

in reaction to last week’s story that Blake’s Corner won’t be ready til at least 2021

months down the line, he is a changed man. At 45 he is now in the best shape of his life.

He trains consistently with me and on his own 3 times a week. I have never seen such a transformation like his before.

He has a get-up and go attitude like never before. He is a different person from where he was a few months previous.

I’m sure some can resonate with my client’s story. My advice In your own situation is to don’t be afraid to reach out to someone if you are in need.

These feelings that my client went through are completely normal. We can all go through the ups and downs of life but reaching out and getting advice was the step in the right direction for him.

Below are a few short words from my fantastic client: “Cillian has changed my outlook on life in such a positive way. I was once the guy who never believed in myself.

With working with Cillian, I have made improvements not only physically but most importantly mentally. I can’t recommend Cillian enough for the life-changing advice and support.

Cillian Keane is a personal trainer based at Hustle Fitness in Ennis. If you are looking to kickstart your fitness regime and get the results you strive for, contact Cillian on 0863305024 or email cillian. keane87@gmail.com.

instagram.com/ theclareecho

www.clareecho.ie

Tweet of the week BUFF EGAN

@buff_egan

Fair Play to JP McManus who has donated €100,000 to every County Board in the 32 Counties to be donated equally among their clubs. A Mighty Sound Gesture by the Limerick man. The World would be a far better place if every millionaire in the World was like JP. Hail Hail

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

World’s largest model plane collection unveiled

A

LIFELONG fascination with aviation has completed the full circle with the official opening of a permanent public exhibition of the world’s largest private diecast model aircraft exhibition at Shannon Airport.

Launched by Rose Hynes, Chairman of Shannon Group, the collection comprises 2,300 diecast model aircraft, with over 1,500 of them on display and the rest to be rotated over time.

The collection is located in the Departures Lounge, giving it airside security, and has been assembled over the past five decades by retired Limerick man Michael Kelly (67), whose love affair with aircraft started as a boy at Shannon in the late 1950s.

The unique collection includes model aircraft of 40 years old and more, with all 1:200 in scale and replicas of aircraft dating back to the 1940s.

Launching the permanent exhibition, Ms Hynes said: “Shannon is a place of homecomings and this is certainly among the

best of them. This permanent display is a superb addition to the airport, a gift to passengers.

Making our passengers happy, making their time in our airport go by easily, letting them know we care, is something we work hard at. This exhibition is an example of that.”

The retired Limerick man decided to locate the collection at Shannon as his infatuation with aircraft began there as a young boy.

“Today is a dream come true.

I fell in love with aircraft in the late 1950s, the first minute my Dad brought me to Shannon Airport to spot aircraft as they landed and took off. So, to have spent a lifetime assembling this collection and bring it back to where it all started is more than I could have hoped for,” he said.

The display includes every popular aircraft to have flown as well as many lesser known, right up to modern day versions such as a range of Concordes that perfected take-off ability at Shannon, and the Sunderland aircraft owned by Al Capone

l WE HAVE TAKE-OFF: Alec Kelly (5) admires grandad Michael’s collection as he chats with Rose Hynes, Chairman Shannon Group and Operations Director Niall Maloney Photo by Arthur Ellis

from the 1930s.

Niall Maloney, Director of Airport Operations at Shannon said of the unveiling: “We are delighted and proud to provide a home for such a wonderful and

80,000 attend Lisdoonvarna

M

ORE than 80,000 people have attended this year’s Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival – making it one of the best on record, according to organisers.

Marcus White, Managing Director of White Tours and Hotels said: “I am overwhelmed how successful the festival has been this year. We have had a 20% increase in visitors, both from Ireland and internationally. The country music weekends were very well attended and mid-week dancing was the busiest it’s been in years.”

Mr White said: “We heard that numbers are down in some rural festivals, but luckily that is not the case in Lisdoonvarna. We predict more than 80,000 people attended this year, which is up on last year.”

Big country music stars Derek Ryan, Mike Denver, Lisa McHugh and Cliona Hagan boosted the event, especially on the first two weekends which were traditionally the quietest.

“It’s the music and dancing that keeps people coming back year after year and that’s what’s attracting a whole new younger generation of people to Lisdoonvarna.

The festival brings happiness to so many people, ” Mr White added.

Businesses around the town and beyond also benefited from the huge numbers of people visiting the area.

“The festival has a huge benefit not only to Lisdoonvarna but to North Clare and

beyond, benefitting all businesses including hotels, restaurants bars and shops. This year in particular, we heard that accommodation was in such short supply that people had to stay in Galway and Ennis.”

Mr White said plans for next year’s event are already in progress. “We’ve started to plan next year’s event already - we want to reinvent the festival and keep it fresh.”

Julie Carr, Marketing and PR for White Tours and Hotels added intenational media always take a huge interest in the event: “Matchmaker Willie Daly is the main draw for the media, as is the intergenerational mix of people from all over the world, all looking for love and to have the craic.”

With one more weekend to go, go to www.matchmakerireland.com for info.

vast exhibition.

“Michael, through his determination and love of aviation, has managed to amass the largest collection of model aircraft in the world.”

NEWS 13

Pumps for the Bridge THE Office of Public Work (OPW) has procured water pumps for use specifically in Sixmilebridge.

Minster Pat Breen said, “The water pumps have now been secured for Sixmilebridge and are ready to deploy if and when the need arises.

“It is my understanding that Clare County Council has already indicated a location that is suitable for storing these pumps.

I have received assurances for my colleague the Minister for State with Responsibility for the OPW Kevin “Boxer” Moran, that the OPW will carry out works at this site to address any safety and security issues, ensuring that the pumps can be permanently stored there.”

“Plans are also in place under the Arterial Drainage Maintenance Programme to carry out works on the Owengarney River.

This will include silt and vegetation management as well as selective tree cutting.

These works are to begin shortly, now that the tree-cutting season has recommenced,” said the Clare Minister of State.

“I am satisfied that this work will address the majority of concerns relating to potential flooding of homes in Sixmilbridge, particularly on the Limerick Road.

“This work, coupled with previous work

by Clare Country Council which included the installation of non-returnable valves on the storm pipes going into the river, should also help to prevent further flooding at Gort Na Null Estate on the other side of the river,” he added.

14 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE

CLARE

Here we BEO! THE NOTEBOOK

W

HEN women come together to support, empower and educate one another, magic happens! I’m still buzzing after last weekend’s BEO event at the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point. We were back where it all began just 13 short months ago and it was another amazing day. We heard from very inspirational women as they shared their personal stories in order to spread a very powerful message of selfcare. It was great to have so many Clare women there too and what a day we got...rounded off beautifully by yoga overlooking the ocean for an unprecedented Indian Summer! It doesn’t get much better.

Waterbabies has come to Clare for the first time and Hanorah and

I enjoyed our very first class last week! It was fantastic. I swam most days throughout my pregnancy so to be back in the pool with the little lady was so special and being there to witness all the babies learning to swim was just too adorable! Building confidence and independence, including water safety and coordination is just some of the benefits of getting them in to the water at an early age and the parents can spend the duration of the class unleashing their inner child too! I highly recommend.

We celebrated Hanorah’s christening last week. I loved the idea of making her dress and planned to use the fabric from my own wedding dress. It wasn’t until my Mom suggested using my bridesmaid’s dresses instead (so as to preserve the dress itself) that I decided to twin with her! And so my sister Ailbhe donated the one she wore as my bridesmaid to Hanorah for her special day, and I wore Doireann’s.

l BEO IS BACK: Last weekend’s BEO event at the Armada Hotel

It was a nice nod to our wedding day two years on.

I mentioned in my last column that Christmas seems to be creeping up earlier and earlier every year which I would have had an issue with before but this year it couldn’t come fast enough! Having a little person for Santa to visit is beyond exciting! I know she won’t have a clue what’s going on but that’s beside the point!! Having a baby around has brought a close family even closer and that’s why this year will be very special. I spotted a little red “H” Christmas tree decoration at the launch of Arnotts’ Christmas Shop launch last week and couldn’t help but get excited! In the meantime though, I’m all for an Indian summer!

l SPECIAL DAY: We celebrated Hanorah’s christening last week

Top 5 Top Five Mother and Baby Activities in Clare BABY MASSAGE AND REFLEXOLOGY

1

Learning the power of positive, loving touch with your baby is a unique bonding experience. Parents will gain skills to help digestion, boost immune system, soothe and comfort your baby. Classes are held at Clare Holistic Centre and are a gorgeous way to spend a couple of hours with your baby. The cup of coffee and chin wag with Claire and other moms to finish is the cherry on top!

2

WATERBABIES

As mentioned in this weeks column Waterbabies Ireland have recently launched classes in the Woodstock Hotel in Ennis and is a wonderful way to get splash happy with your little one! Using nursery rhymes and positive reassurance your baby will be swimming like a fish in no time! The post swim naps after are another major plus!

MOTHER AND BABY PILATES

3

Looking to get that amazing child baring body moving again? Heart,Health and Fitness Pilates is a gentle way to begin to build strength, develop control and it works on that all important core.

It’s a great way to ease yourself back to exercise and the babies happily hang out together on soft mats and bouncers as you sweat it out.

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT

4

Looking for help and guidance or just looking to hang out with other mums, the Breastfeeding Support session in the Springboard Building (beside the Library) in Ennis every Thursday 11:00am - 12:00noon is a wonderful way to spend an hour with other new mums and gather lots of helpful tips and info on feeding and much more. See Breastfeeding.ie

5

BABY SENSORY CLASS

While the awards winning baby sensory development classes have not made it as far as Clare yet, they come highly recommended so I have decided to include the nearest one in this week’s Love Clare Column. You can join the class at any time and find out more at babysensory.ie Classes held at West End Youth Centre, Childers Road, Rosbrien, Limerick.

COLUMNIST 15

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

COVET IN

CLARE

HAPPENINGS CALLING ALL FOODIES...

SAVE THE DATE! Ennis Food Festival returns this October 11-14th showcasing the best culinary delights the town has to offer. Don’t miss the festival highlight, the gourmet food village.

For more see ennisfoodfestival.com IRELAND’S FAMOUS LGBT MUSIC AND MATCHMAKING FESTIVAL

SINGING IN THE RAIN This Dove Grey raincoat from Brass Boutique in Ennis will have you rain dancing before you know it! Also available in navy it’s the perfect little Autumn staple. €65 MANOLO WHO? Spotted these velvet navy beauties in the window of Pamela Scott the other day that would give the well established fashion houses a run for their money! Luxurious and perfect for the imminent party season. €69.99 SKIN SHIELD September is eczema awareness month and I’ve recently discovered a hero product for my own little girl who suffers with it. La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume AP+ cleared it right up and can be used on parents too. Available in most pharmacies.

FUEL UP Looking to mix up the breakfast routine a little?

Try Flahavans Over Night Oats. I love them. Mixed simply with apple juice or dairy the night before and topped off with a little natural yogurt and fruit the next morning...delicious!

NOTIONS Some say notions...I say why wouldn’t one have a drinks trolley in ones living room!! This brass beauty is back in stock at Meadows and Byrne in Bunratty and o just adore it! Perfect for those cosy winter nights in.

The Outing, returns to Lisdoonvarna on the 5th and 6th October with Britain’s Got Talent’s Danny Beard, Eurovision singer Ryan O’Shaughnessy and many more.

See theouting.ie for more JAKE CARTER Pop sensation and winner of Dancing With The Stars 2018, Jake Carter, has taken the Irish pop mu-

sic scene by storm since his launch on Irish national television back in 2017. Taking his band on the road again, Jake visits glór Saturday 29th September, tickets €20

Entertainment

LISDOONVARNA MATCHMAKING FESTIVAL

“FINAL WEEKEND” 28 /29 /30 th

th

th

September

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

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

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

MEG MAGUIRE PUB With DJ PAT FRIDAY

Starts @ 8pm

/ SATURDAY

Starts @ 6pm

Over 18’s Only!

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

lFESTIVE FUN: Santa in the cave

SANTA ON HIS WAY TO AILLWEE CAVE

S

ANTA CLAUS has been taking up his annual residence at Aillwee Cave in Ballyvaughan especially to meet children and their families since The Millennium. He works very hard as he prepares this unique event.

Along with Mrs Claus and his team of happy Elves, Santa ensures a very special personalised visit for each child. He arranges lots of exciting entertainment for all the family which continues right throughout each day.

There is face painting, a puppet show and lots of carnival entertainment to be enjoyed.

Santa Elves are waiting with their LISTS of the boys and girls visiting every day.

They will guided everyone along the cave passageways singing Christmas Carols all the way. Santa Claus with his helper will meet and chat with each child and of course have a present for everyone.

Mrs Claus is there to greet the grownup with a glass of Hot Punch and a Mince Pie. Santa’s train is available for rides all day long which will take you to visit the Birds of Prey Centre. There you will enjoy a complimentary visit to meet a Snowy Owl or a Happy Harris Hawk!!!

Scheduled half hour flying displays are at 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm for your enjoyment. At The Birds of Prey Centre, Santa’s helper have prepared and stocked the Ultimate Christmas Shop with wonderful gift ideas for all.

Our Farm Shop elves can also make up a festive hamper jam packed to include all sorts of foodie treats with our own Award Winning Burren Gold Farmhouse Cheese as the centre piece.

A visit to Santa’s Workshop at Aillwee really is a unique, thrilling, fun filled day out for every generation of your family.

SENSORY DAY IN SANTA’S WORKSHOP @ AILLWEE CAVE During this year’s workshop, Santa and his elves are hosting a day for children with autism and other sensory challenges. This will not only be for the children but also their friends and families to enjoy at Aillwee Cave.

On Thurday December 6th, Santa will attempt to slow down the pace around the workshop. This way children with sensory challenges and autism can join in the fun and festivities. We hope to create a safe and happy environment to enjoy with their friends and families.

If there are any further questions or concerns, they can be answered individually over the phone.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL: SPECIAL OFFER 24th & 25th of November 2018 ONLY! 20% OFF Total Booking SATURDAY – SUNDAY 24th & 25th of November 2018 FRIDAY – SUNDAY 30th of November – 2nd of December 2018 THURSDAY 6TH OF DECEMBER 2018 – Sensory Day FRIDAY – Sunday 7th – 9th of December 2018 FRIDAY – SUNDAY 14th – 16th December 2018 FRIDAY & SATURDAY 21st & 22nd of December 2018 PRICES: Adults €17.00 Children €34.00 Babies (up to 1 year old) €7.00 To make a booking Lo Call 1890 245593 or 065 7077036 BOOKING OFFICE OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 9.30am 5.30pm www.aillweecave.ie/ santas-workshop

ENTERTAINMENT 17

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

THE SPECTACULAR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: SYMPHONY OF OUR WORLD COME TO LIMERICK European Premiere National Geographic: Symphony for Our World THIS SATURDAY 29th September 2018 Gaelic Grounds, Limerick Tickets on sale now on www.ticketmaster.com

C

WB.IE a.k.a the team that brought the exhilarating Feile Classical concerts to Thurles last weekend, are getting ready to bring a night of incredible entertainment to Limerick this Saturday. From the flags that adorned Semple Stadium, to the crew and orchestra members who created such a hugely well-received event, all elements of National Geographic, Symphony of Our World in the Gaelic Grounds next Saturday will create a once in a lifetime spectacle for the European début.

The show will begin with one of Limerick City’s finest and biggest music ensembles, the CBS Sexton Street Pipe Band. Founded in 1961, they have won many awards throughout the decades and have played in 32 countries across the world, including the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The 25 piece pipe and drum band with members of various ages will welcome the audience with a special performance on the pitch opening proceedings on Saturday evening!

Two other special guests attending the

lON SONG: CBS Sexton Street Pipe Band inaugural show are All Ireland Champions the Limerick Senior Hurling Team and the Liam McCarthy Cup, who will meet and greet fans here in the Gaelic Grounds, the scene of their rapturous homecoming event!

In addition to the wide range of artisan food stalls from the Limerick Milk Market we will also have a full bar service courtesy of the award-winning Woodlands Hotel in Adare – Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel & Spa. A refreshing selection of beer, wine, and prosecco will be available before and during the show in addition to barista coffee, a wide range of non-alcoholic drinks and Family Friendly snacks and drinks available at the European Premiere of this incredible World Tour!

18 COMMUNITY

Community EAST CLARE SCARIFF EXHIBITION FOR WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY An exhibition marking World Mental Health Day will be launched at Scariff Library Gallery on Wednesday, 10 October.

“A Mindful of Mandalas” is a collaborative crochet art project which highlights the positive effects crochet and community groups can have on mental

health. Crocheters from around Ireland have contributed to this exhibition.

The exhibition has been organised by A Circle of Stitches, a stitch group who meet weekly in Scariff Library, County Clare.

The exhibition runs from 1027 October. For further details contact Wendy Seviour: wendysevior@yahoo.co.uk.

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY The students from St Josephs Transition Year in Tulla wish to invite the senior citizens of the Tulla Parish and surrounding areas to join them each Tuesday morning at 11.15am to 1pm to share memories, songs, friendship of life’s experience. Looking forward to meeting you all at our school on October 2. For further info call 087 6822651.

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

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

Now based in the US, Patrick is returning in November for The Homecoming Concert and an

Elvis Tribute Band from Belfast will back him. Any help you could give us for this worthy fundraiser would be greatly appreciated.

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

EAST CLARE

ENNIS HISTORICAL SOCIETY ‘Dysert O’Dea’ - a talk by Dick Cronin. Seven hundred years on from the Battle of Dysert O’Dea what has been the impact of the event on the history and culture of Clare?

Tuesday 9th October at 8pm in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis.

Lectures are free to members, €5 for non-members. New members are always welcome - annual membership fee is €15.

Hope you can join us!

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

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

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

COUNTYWIDE COMMUNITY GAMES The St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games are getting back in the swing of things after a few weeks break following a very successsful National finals.

They are preparing for their annual All Star Awards presentations which will be held on Friday 19th October in Treacy’s West County Hotel, Ennis. Seventy Six children, 43 boys & 34 girls from twenty four areas across the county will receive awards for their outstanding achievements in their event. This is the social highlight of the community games for adults and children.

Annual Genral Meetings All areas should now be arrangeing their annual general meetings ahead of the county agm which will take place on Tue 6th November @ 7.30pm. Volunteers are needed in all areas as well as the county organisation as they are the people who keep community games going. You don’t need to be an expert just eager to help.

FARM FAMILY SUPPORT Clare Local Development run the County Clare Farm Family Support Service. It provides a free, confidential service with advice and assistance on farm assist, social welfare entitlements,

lON YOUR BIKE: Now in it’s fourth year, the annual Tour Through East Clare cycle will take place this year on Saturday October 6. This year’s event will provide a choice of 3 routes: 100km, 50km and a 10km family cycle. All routes will start and finish at the Kilkishen Cultural Centre where we will have a special guest appearance by Davy Fitzgerald.

Following on from the feedback after last year’s cycle, the 100km route has been revised to remove some of the troublesome climbs. The 100K route leaves Kilkishen at 10am, travelling towards Kilmurry before turning onto the Quin Road, then onto Fenloe and into Sixmilebridge. From Sixmilebridge, the cycle continues on to Broadford, Bodyke, Scariff and onto Mountshannon for a food stop. From Mountshannon, the cycle continues over the Middleline Road, back into Scariff and onto Feakle, Glendree and on to Tulla before returning to Kilkishen. There is also a new route for the 50km cycle which starts at 9.30am going to Broadford onto Bodyke where there will be a water stop and returns via Tulla and Cragganowen.

The 10K cycle will begin at 10.30. The cost is €15 per family. Adult is €10 & Child is €3. Detailed maps of all routes and online registration are available on www.kilkishen.com & people can also stay up to date on developments in the countdown to this year’s event by following our “Tear Through East Clare” FB page.

The cycle is organised by Kilkishen Development and funds raised from this cycle will support the fundraising efforts for the Kilkishen Cultural Centre and the Clare Crusaders Clinic in Barefield.

The above photo was taken as the cyclists were lining up for the start of the 2017 event at the Kilkishen Cultural Centre.

training for off-farm employment, farm enterprises and information on schemes such as the Rural Social Scheme (RSS).

The CCFFSS also offers training to farmers and this Winter courses include Farm IT/Online and Smartphone training, First Aid, farm safety, farm machinery safety have been organised in the Autumn/Winter.

All courses will have computers provided but bring along your tablet or smartphone if would like more help with these devices. The 12 week course runs from 6.30pm-9.30pm.

Winter farming Courses: Clare Local Development in conjunction with the LCETB are running a 12 week Farming IT/Online and Smartphone courses in Kilrush starting 26th Sept/Ennistymon 4th October 6.30pm9.30pm and Scarriff (Dates TBC). Other training includes: First Aid for Farmers, Kilrush Teagasc 8th Nov 10am-1pm, Ennis 22nd Nov, Scarriff 15th Nov. Farm safety/risk assessment, Fennells Farm, Kilrush 18th Oct 10am-1pm. Farm machinery safety course, 25th Oct 10am-4pm, Doonbeg.

If you are interested call Hilary Gleeson 087 6009607 or 0656866800 to book a place. www.cldc.ie .Courses free of charge.

BRIEFS / OPINION 19

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

€180k for communities in most need

FINE Gael TD Joe Carey has confirmed that an additional €182,489 in funding has been allocated under the Community Enhancement Programme to help tackle disadvantage in Clare. The latest allocation for Clare follows an initial allocation of €139,257 when the programme was launched last May. This means €321,746 has been allocated to tackle disadvantage in Clare in under the CEP this year alone.

According to Deputy Carey, the programme provides funding to communities most in need, while reducing the level of administration involved. He said, “Typical enhancements under the programme could include the renovation of community centres, community amenities, improvements to town parks and common areas and spaces, and the purchase of equipment which is used to benefit the community. The additional funding has been allocated in a way that takes deprivation levels into account and I am confident that those communities who need it most, whether in towns or rural areas, will benefit.”

Darach Honan

Trusted independent financial advisor with IPS Financial Advice

Significance of loan notes when investing

P l GREENER CLARE: Johan Krieger at Caher River

Photo by Carsten Krieger

Schools in Greener Clare initivative FIVE North Clare schools and Lisdoonvarna Failte are participating in a Clare County Council Greener Clare initiative focusing on the aquatic and biodiversity resources of the Aille and Caher river Catchments.

Utilising the award-winning ‘StreamScapes’ programme, Clare County Council and the Cork-based Coomhola Salmon Trust will host a series of field studies and theory sessions, backed up by a dedicated local environmental booklet that will be freely distributed through the community.

Eamon Doyle, Geologist, Clare County Council, explained that working with Dr. Tiernan Henry of the Earth and Ocean Sciences Dept and Dr. Gesche Kindermann of the Centre for Environmental Science in NUI Galway the Geopark Life Project undertook a project with the transition year students of Mary Immaculate Secondary School Lisdoonvarna that looked at the integrated management of their local water.

The transition year students named their project Uisce Aille and explored and mapped the natural and built environment underlying the Aille River Catchment. The

programme was delivered by Gráinne Barron an MSc research student at NUIG and we are delighted that Grainne will be delivering this Streamscapes programme in conjunction with Clare County Council and the Cork-based Coomhola Salmon Trust.

Students from the five participating schools, namely Doolin NS, Kilshanny NS, Fanore NS, St. Enda’s National School, Lisdoonvarna and Mary Immaculate Secondary School, Lisdoonvarna will be engaged in catchment studies and project work.

“Clare County Council is giving people in the vicinity of the opportunity to learn about the important links between high status local water quality and human health, thriving socio-economy and biodiversity,” explained Karen Foley, Environmental Awareness Officer, Clare County Council.

She added, “We are excited to be producing this programme and encourage people to engage. We invite people to join us at the Lisdoonvarna Spa Wells on Thursday October 4 at 5pm.” You can register for this free programme at greenerclare@clarecoco.ie or by phoning at 065 6846331.

Public asked to recognise kindness CLARE Volunteer Centre is calling on the public to nominate a volunteer for the national Volunteer Ireland Awards.

Each year Clare VC asks the public to nominate volunteers to shine a light on what goes on behind the scenes in communities across Clare. There are eleven categories, along with the Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year award.

According to Sharon Meaney, Manager “Over 1 million people in Ireland volunteer but many of us don’t see all the amazing volunteering that happens around the country, on a daily basis. We want to recognise and share the stories of the people who help their neighbours, who save lives, who plant flowers and who generally make their communities a better place to live. But we need the public’s help.”

Each volunteer that is nominated will receive a special thank you card from Volunteer Ireland for their hard work and dedication. The nominations will eventually be whittled down to a shortlist of outstanding volunteers who will be invited with their

family and friends to an awards ceremony in Dublin in December where they will be honoured and celebrated.

Nominations can be made online and will remain open until Friday 5th October.

EOPLE are beginning to get a little anxious around equity markets as a bull market cannot go on forever. If you have been monitoring how your pension has performed over the last nine years, you should have noticed unprecedented growth. When we consider nine years of consistent growth, we must ask the question, when will this stop? While I can’t tell you to the day when this will happen, I can say that most analysts will agree that the next five years will not be as prosperous as the previous five for those who are invested in the stock market.

Many feel that because of the political instability in some of the major economies in the world, a significant correction around the prices of stocks and shares could occur at any point. Trump’s leadership of the US, and the clear intention of our neighbours in the UK to pursue self-destruction with Brexit gives new meaning to the Stealers Wheel’s lyrics “clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right”.

So, if equities (stocks) in the short-medium term are not a good investment, what are your options?

I would advise my clients to seek fixed return investment options when investing over the next five-year period. One way to do this is through using secured loan note investments. A secured loan note offers a fixed return for a defined term with security over the borrowers’ assets. With many valuable assets becoming available over the last few years, this has led to some good deals for those who are able to secure the finance to buy. Many loan notes now offer returns of between 6-10% per annum with investment terms varying between one and five years.

HOW IS GROWTH IN THESE SECURED LOAN NOTE INVESTMENTS TAXED? Most will be structured in such a way that growth on the investment will be taxed at your marginal rate of income tax. For those who are paying the higher rate of tax, their growth will be taxed by 40%. This rises to 51% when USC and PRSI are accounted for. However, there are loan note structures available that are subject to capital gains tax at 33%.

This can be an attractive option for anyone who has suffered capital losses in the past as they can offset these capital losses against the capital gain on their secured loan note investment and essentially get the growth on their investments tax free.

Due to the recent property crash in Ireland, many people have made such losses when they were forced to sell assets for much less than what they paid for them. This is a great opportunity to make back these losses through tax free growth on your investment.

One such example of a loan note that is currently available is with a company called CitiStudent. They are developing purpose-built student accommodation in Cork City. The loan note offers a 7% return per annum rolled up over a five-year

period. This is subject to capital gains tax on maturity date. There is excellent security associated through first charge over the company’s assets as well as limiting the exposure to 75% loan to value. This is just one example of many attractive loan notes that are available to investors today.

ARE LOAN NOTE INVESTMENTS SUITABLE FOR MY PENSION? Those who have retired and are relying on their Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) for an income should consider loan notes as they offer a fixed return. If you are 61 or over in Ireland and have an ARF you must draw down a minimum of 4% of the value of the fund per annum as an imputed distribution. When you reach age 71 this increases to 5%. After you add on management charges you will be looking at reducing your ARF each year by 5.5%.

As we live longer we must consider how to extend our pension assets for as long as possible. By investing your ARF in fixed income products you can protect your capital and draw down the interest each year as an income.

As you would expect, there are risks associated with any such investment product. It is important to analyse these risks, with your advisor, and decide what investment product best suits your needs going forward. However, in my opinion, I see these loan note offerings outperforming most equity markets over the next 5 years.

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

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

Darach@ipsfa.ie 087-1277155

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

READER QUESTION: Will Brexit stop me from claiming my UK state pension?

DH: In short, no. Ireland and the UK have an agreement in place whereby people living in Ireland will be able to claim their British state pension regardless of whether the UK is part of the EU. However, the UK have introduced new regulation that states only those who have at least 10 contributing years in the UK will be eligible to claim benefits. If you worked for less than 10 years, there are steps you can take to protect your benefits.

Will Brexit stop me from claiming my private pension?

In the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit certain pension providers in the UK will not be able to pay benefits to members.

A ‘no deal’ Brexit would disallow some of the UK pension schemes to deliver services into the EU. This will not affect most UK pensions; however, it is another good reason to consider your benefits and weigh up your options.

20 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

It’s OK to not be OK

S

EPTEMBER is the month in our calendar that has been dedicated to Suicide Awareness Month in our midst. Saying a prayer and lighting a candle for whoever needs one or anyone that is worried or in pain at this time.

It’s OK to be not OK but its also OK to ask for help or to talk to someone you trust or who cares for you. Please mind yourself, look after yourself and love others. Let’s smash the stigma that surrounds us all! This month is World Suicide Awareness month so talk to a family member, a friend, a neighbour, a relative, a colleague and ask them if they’re doing ok. Mental illness is often easy to conceal, but never easy to escape.

Please reader, love yourself - accept yourself - forgive yourself - and be good to yourself, because without you the rest of us are without a source of many wonderful and amazing things.

Suicide as the saying goes is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

BE HONEST

Let me be honest with you as I write this thought for the week, which I always do after I have lit a candle and said a prayer for all who will read it. I am definitely not ok at times. At times I need help. I need support. I need care. I need love. At times I feel wrecked. There I said it! We should all say it and have a good honest to God chat about how we feel at times. At times I am not ok. I do get stressed, and I am a total worrier. I worry about my family.

I worry about my friends. I worry about my work colleagues and I worry about the things I have to achieve with work. At times I am sad and sometimes confused.

I can be distant. At times I worry that I may not have the resources or wisdom to help my family through the journey of life.

Indeed there are times when I feel alone albeit that I am surrounded by loving and caring people.

I get upset about things in life and in our world, particularly injustice in society.

So at times I am not ok. At times we are all not ok. And you know what. That’s ok.

Because I know I won’t always feel this way. As my good friend David says to me regularly during our weekly get together’s, “This too shall pass.” Giving myself time, I will figure things out. I will discover or rediscover my purpose or focus in life. I

will be ok. I am lucky because feeling sad or down is temporary for me, and while I am regularly stressed and worried, I know I will be ok. What I have found out as I approach my 52nd year, is that sometimes society isn’t too keen on shows of weakness. We are expected to be the picture of health, fitness, beauty and knowledge.

There is a lot of pressure on us all. We must be strong and determined. We put pressure on ourselves to be perfect all the time although that pressure may come from others, a family member, a friend, a colleague, although they might not even know they are doing it, but you know it and you feel it. I personally find it exhausting trying to live up to that expectation. At times I don’t know why I keep trying.

As well as that, I have always been self-critical. I beat myself up over tiny things, the smallest mistakes. I have a large blackthorn stick as my friend David would say to me, that although it’s imaginary I beat myself up with it daily. I’ll over analyze conversations and events, wondering if I said the wrong thing and what the other person thinks of me now. I lose sleep over decisions even the ones I made years ago, wondering what I could have done differently or said differently. I have let people down especially those closest to me at times. I often get wrapped up in trying to be perfect, in trying to please everyone around me except those who mean the world to me, my family and close friends.

I have to regularly remind myself that it’s a fruitless cause. Perfection doesn’t exist, although at times you try to convince yourself it does. You can’t make everyone happy all the time. And I’m learning that that’s ok even if I have already spent over 50 years in this world of ours on this journey called Life trying to do exactly that! I am learning to forgive myself for not being perfect. And I’m learning to forgive myself for not always being ok. Because right now as I write this thought for the week, I’m not. But I also know that I have the ability to change that and that who I am makes a difference for good in our world.

YOU ARE AMAZING

I have found out over time that it is so important to acknowledge to yourself how you are truly feeling. Also, to check how your family, friends and colleagues are feeling at times. It is so important to not only identify, but also to verify our

feelings. Be honest about how you feel even if you don’t think people will understand or relate or care. I can’t count the number of times someone has asked me how I am and I respond with “I am good” or “I am the finest” when I’m really not.

It’s my automatic response to that type of question. And it doesn’t do me any good.

It doesn’t make me feel better, sometimes I feel worse for not being honest. I try to go to my local church mass every evening, if I am in the vicinity, and it is there that I have my chat with God! I learn to acknowledge the negative feelings and offer them up. I have learned not to be afraid to admit that I am having a bad day or a rough week, or a hard month.

It’s ok.

We all have them at some point. That’s life as they say. What I’m still learning to do though, is not sink into the feeling.

That’s when it becomes difficult for me to get out of the situation or rut that I might find myself in.

I remind myself that I will feel better at some point and my personal faith in God through prayer helps me get myself back out of the dark place that I might be in and out into the light again. A few other things that help me is, a good night sleep usually does the trick. Or going for a walk or a run. Or writing things out on paper or doing what I am doing now, writing a thought for the week. Sometimes I call one of my closest friend’s Paul, because I know he will tell me jokes and lift my spirits. It’s important, I think, well in my case anyway to find something that works for you so you don’t get stuck in the “not okness” for too long.

The motto for the “Cycle against Suicide” Charity says, “It’s ok to not be ok”, I have found during this journey of life that it’s alright to reach out to people and say, “hey I’m kind of in a bad way here right now and I was wondering if you could say an extra prayer for me or light a candle for me or give me one of your great hug’s or I need your ear for a few hours can you listen?”

It’s ok for us to answer to the question, “How are things?” to say “not so good, can you help me out?”. It’s ok to let people see you cry, it doesn’t mean you are weak, it means you have enough courage to not hide who you are. It’s ok to need someone to sit with you in silence for awhile just because you can’t be alone. It’s ok to have

 TALK TO OTHERS: It’s important to ask for help

those days where you don’t accomplish anything because you just don’t want to go out the front door. What’s not ok is not wanting it to change.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, remember, everything will be ok if we love and believe in ourselves, and understand that hope floats around us and when we can we should always spread that hope and love with others especially those who mean the most to us.

Also know that the best of help can be got from contacting some of Ireland’s best charities and organisations in the Samaritans, Pieta House, Aware, Jigsaw, St. Vincent de Paul, your local GP’s, your local religious, Chaplain’s, HSE groups and various qualified counselors, your close friends and family members who love you.

This month of September is World Suicide Awareness Month. Always check in on your friends and family always—including the strong ones. Please remember these words of a friend that says always remember that It’s ok to want to rest and take it easy. It’s ok to journal.It’s ok to drink your tea and reflect. It’s ok to cry. It’s ok to have a duvet day.

It’s ok to blow off steam once you don’t intentionally hurt yourself or someone else. It’s ok to say no to doing things you don’t want to do. It’s ok to choose what is good for your soul. It’s ok to wear your pajamas all day if you want to. It’s ok to walk away from situations or people who do not serve you well. It’s ok to make choices where you come first.

It’s ok to talk to someone and tell them how you really feel. It’s ok to express yourself and be authentic. It’s ok not to have it all figured out or any of it for that matter.

It’s ok not to be perfect. ‘It’s ok not to be ok’! We all have good and bad days but don’t let the bad outweigh the good. Reach out and talk, we are all only human and you’re NOT alone. Take time out, nurture yourself and recharge the batteries. It’s ok.

BUSINESS 21

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

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

Kilrush leading the way PÁRAIC McMahon

news@clareecho.ie

A NEW idea to market the businesses in the town of Kilrush has arisen following an enterprise town event which took place last Friday.

Julie Moore Neylon of Wild Atlantic Opticians - who themselves celebrated their second birthday last week - told The Clare Echo of an app’s potential to open Kilrush businesses to a wider audience.

“There’s no brochure about what the businesses are in Kilrush and that’s something we were saying might be worth having; a town app so that you could go into Kilrush Town and you could see the different shop fronts and have an internal view into the different businesses so people are aware - if they’re at home or living abroad that they can shop local internationally, so we’re keen to get that developed down the road”.

More than 85 local businesses were pres-

l WEST IS BEST: West Clare businesswoman Rita McInerney along with Julie Neylon Moore of Wild Atlantic Opticians, Irene Hamilton of Scattery Island Tours and Patrick Bourke of Patrick Bourke Menswear speaking to Marty Morrissey in Kilrush last Friday

ent for the Enterprise Town Event which heard from different speakers such as Patrick Bourke, Irene Hamilton, Marty Morrissey, Rita McInerney and John Burke.

Children from St Senan’s Primary School and Gaelscoil Uí Choimín also pitched ideas to the crowd, the most impressive of which was a walking stick for the blind which

contained an inbuilt GPS. Judges and figures in business hammered home the message that the people of West Clare must appreciate what’s on their doorstep.

“It was about the community as a whole and us all getting together and trying to encourage everyone to be aware of all the

fantastic businesses in Kilrush and to try and encourage everyone to shop local.

“To think first, before they leave Kilrush or West Clare to get products or services, could they get something here in Kilrush or West Clare that is slightly different or a bit more unique than what you’d get in the bigger shopping centres,” Julie added.

26 new LEO-backed jobs in Clare THE Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen T.D. has announced the creation of 26 new jobs for Clare across three small businesses supported by Local Enterprise Office Clare.

The new jobs are being created by AiP Thermoform Packaging Ltd in Ennis, Core Optimisation in Shannon and Vanderlust Campervans in Ennistymon. Recruitment for the new jobs is underway.

Minister Breen has met with staff from all three companies on a visit to Ennis, along with the Head of Enterprise from Local Enterprise Office Clare, representatives from Clare County Council, Enterprise Ireland and the local business community.

Making the announcement in Ennis, Minister Breen said: “I warmly welcome these 26 Local Enterprise Office supported jobs by three Clare companies. In a challenging business environment, LEO clients have contributed substantially to economic development throughout the country and I want to pay tribute to the company owners and their teams on their performance to date.

“I would also like commend Local Enterprise Office Clare on the tremendous work they do and the supports they provide to nurture these businesses throughout the county. The Government, through the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, is investing heavily in regional development and I am delighted to see that this investment is helping small businesses and start-ups in Clare to grow, create more jobs and enter new markets.”

Cllr. Alan O’Callaghan, Deputy Mayor of Clare, commented, “Clare is well known for its innovative approach to business and entrepreneurship and each of the companies announcing jobs are reinforcing this longstanding reputation. With the support of the Minister’s Department, through Clare County Council and Local Enterprise Office Clare, micro enterprises can access a wide range of supports to assist them start and grow a business which ultimately creates employment opportunities for the local community.”

Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Clare, said: “Helping small businesses start and grow is at the very heart of what Local Enterprise Offices do and this jobs announcement is very positive for County Clare. Three locally-based small businesses are bringing 26 valuable jobs to communities across the county and the Local Enterprise Office wants to acknowledge their hardearned success and congratulate them on their job creation achievements.”

“Through financial assistance, mentoring and training supports, Local Enterprise Offices help hundreds of startups and small companies every year to grow their businesses throughout the region. Last year in the Mid-West alone, over 3,000 people were trained around starting and growing a business, 530 mentoring assignments were organised and 4,800 people were employed in 820 LEO-backed companies,” added Mr. McElwee.

Congratulating the Clare companies on their performance, Mark Christal, Manager of Enterprise Ireland’s

Regions and Entrepreneurship Division, said: “Achieving strong regional growth is a key focus for Enterprise Ireland under the Regional Action Plans for Jobs and these 26 Local Enterprise Office-supported jobs for Clare demonstrate the benefits of this approach. The supports that are in place to boost job creation, including these new jobs being announced today, underpin the successful collaboration between the Local Enterprise Offices, Local Authorities and Enterprise Ireland that help more Irish companies realise their global ambition.”

Pat Dowling, CEO of Clare County Council, added: “These new jobs are a fantastic boost for Clare and the wider region, and a great example of how small and developing businesses are contributing to jobs growth and balanced economic recovery in Clare. Today’s announcement is an opportunity to recognise and highlight the variety of industries and job opportunities that exist in Clare and around the country. A key focus for Clare County Council is on making great places to live and work and creating attractive environments for businesses to establish and flourish.”

The 31 Local Enterprise Offices are located in each county and provide a ‘first stop shop’ of supports and expert advice for entrepreneurs, start-ups, micro enterprises and small businesses providing training, mentoring and financial supports. Funding for the Local Enterprise Offices, working in partnership with the local authorities and Enterprise Ireland, is provided by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

22 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

BUSINESS

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

IDA boss tells Shannon of progress PÁRAIC McMahon

news@clareecho.ie

l TOP TEAM: Martin Shanahan with (left) Helen Downes, CEO and Mary Considine, president, Shannon Chamber and Joanne McEnteggart of First Names Group Ireland Photo by Eamon Ward

THE Mid-West is “going from strength to strength”, the CEO of IDA Ireland announced this week.

Martin Shanahan was keynote speaker at Shannon Chamber’s Autumn lunch held at Dromoland Castle. “What is extraordinarily important is our existing base of companies,” he stressed.

Shanahan has been in his role since September 2014, and noted how “the recovery has accelerated since speaking to the Chamber three years ago”. Over 10 percent of all direct employment in the

region is attributed to multinationals he said. Shanahan reiterated the IDA’s commitment to “increasing investment outside of Dublin”. He added, “The whole focus of IDA is regional spread. We don’t get to move pieces around on a chessboard. We recognise attributes of this region...The region is going from strength to strength in a FDI perspective”.

Investment from Jaguar Land Rover in Shannon is “key” according to Martin.

The former CEO of Forfás also pointed to the current uncertainty around the impact of Brexit.

“Brexit presents opportunities and challenges. There will be a

cost on Ireland depending on the type of Brexit. It is in our best interests that the UK remain as close to Ireland and the EU as possible”.

A question and answers session followed Mr Shanahan’s address.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Michael Begley enquired if the company had taken steps to avoid a repeat of Apple scrapping plans for a €850m data centre in Athenry. Martin described the time as “immensely regrettable”.

“They became frustrated with a process that had no end in sight.

The Government has taken steps around planning to ensure it is more streamlined,” he added.

Ei Open Day

l EI, EI, SHOW: More than 3,000 visitors turned up for the Ei Open Day last weekend as the Shannon company celebrated 55 years in operation.

Pictured clockwise from above; the original founders of Ei Electronics Dr Mike Byrne, Mick Guinee and Jim Duignan; an overview of crowds enjoying the open day; (l-r) Imelda Duffy, Dolores Cawley, Teresa Hartigan, Ceara Cullinan, Lesley Kennedy and Carrie Nugent horsing around; some of the Ei volunteers who helped on the day Photos by Joe Buckley

BUSINESS 23

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

200 locals take care of business at SME event M ORE than 200 small-business owners, managers and those interested in starting their own business on Tuesday attended a onestop-shop event for SMEs, Taking Care of Business, in The Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa on the Ennis Road, Limerick.

This free half-day event was an initiative of the Government of Ireland and organised by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation – in conjunction with the Health and Safety Authority and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland - to provide people thinking of starting a business, and existing entrepreneurs, with the information they need from across the public sector.

Taking Care of Business brought together 29 State and public-sector bodies, agencies and services in two strands, with presentations in one area and information stands in a separate area. Nearly 2,500 people have attended events such as this since 2013 to learn about key regulatory requirements and assistance available to help entrepreneurs develop their businesses.

Giving the keynote speech at the event, the Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen, T.D., said “I believe that Taking Care of Business is a further demonstration of our commitment to reach out to the business community, and to promote awareness of the full range of supports available to the SME sector, start-ups and entrepreneurs. It is also a sign of our commitment to regional development.

“We all need small businesses to thrive, so I welcome efforts such as this to provide advice on so many aspects of regulation and tell people about the supports available to them.”

A number of representative bodies from industry supported the event and were available to talk to attendees on the day. The three sessions of presentations in Taking Care of Business were chaired by Helen Downes, Chief Executive of Shannon Chamber, Frank Murray, Managing Partner of The Linkage-Partnership and Mike Cantwell CEO of Innovate Limerick.

For more details including the running order of presentations and the full list of State bodies attending, please visit takingcareofbusiness.ie.

ADVERTORIAL

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Old patio doors can be repaired within an hour, as sliding becomes very difficult. This can damage the frame beyond repair. *Free Callout charge* For more info, visit 2B, Skycourt, Shannon or call 061 340 474 or 086 8622 434. Visit us on Facebook at Millennium Glass.

l CLEAN WORK: Work done by Millennium Glass

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

Majestic views

CLIFDEN, COROFIN

F

ANTASTIC architecturally designed home on a unique 2.5 Acre setting built into the side of Clifden Hill, with majestic views of Lake Inchiquin and the Burren Region.

Split level design with open plan living space and kitchen on the first floor to avail of those majestic views and four double bedrooms (three en-suites).

Full height ceiling following the design of the roof, built in recess lighting and surround sound system.

Large bay window to the front with six individual glass panels which completely overlook Lake Inchiquin and the surrounding countryside.

Great views of the Mullaghamore, Burren region, solid timber flooring, centre piece of this room is a raised solid fuel stove, Large window with excellent views and also large double doors which leads onto enclosed decking area.

Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents.

PSL No. 002295

lArchitecturally Designed l4 Bedrooms (2 en-suite) Family/Reception Kitchen/Dining lUtility Downstairs Bedroom Downstairs WC Main Bathroom lSolid concrete flooring on ground and first floors lFantastic views of Lake Inchiquin and the Burren lUnique site located on circa 2.5 acres lSand ring and 3 stables plus large Kingspan garage Contact: Douglas Hurley DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200

WE’LL TALK MORTGAGES ANYTIME At EBS, we’ll talk mortgages before work, after work, even on the weekend – because it’s your schedule that matters, not ours

If you’re looking to buy a new home EBS Ennis are ready to help

Drop in, call us on 065 689 9600 or email ennis@mail.ebs.ie

Lending criteria, terms and conditions will apply. Emer O’Reilly Financial Services Limited is a tied mortgage agent acting solely on behalf of EBS d.a.c. EBS d.a.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

An exclusive development of ‘A’ rated 3 & 4 bedroom luxury family homes

PHASE ONE SOLD OUT!

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW FOR PHASE TWO.

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

PSL - 002295

T: 065 6840200

26 PROPERTY

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

Mortgage guide for first time buyers

H

OW long does it take to get Mortgage Approved? A guide for first time buyers. We chatted to Mortgage Master Emer O’Reilly from EBS in Ennis, who has been helping people get into their dream homes for a long time. She has shared some of her Mortgage Wisdom right here, for Clare buyers who just need some honest advice.

From the first decision to start thinking about buying a home to receiving your mortgage approval in full, Emer has broken down the timeline into 4 steps. Every situation is completely unique, so where the same path might take 2 months, it could take another 18 months to travel.

1. INITIAL RESEARCH: 3-4 DAYS

You’re going for a home of your own. The initial excitement is quickly replaced by ‘the fear’, and a realisation that your bank account might not be in its fullest health.

But this stage doesn’t have to be nail-biting few days of pouring over your statements. This is when you can sit down with a lender to have a chat about your current situation, and decide if you’ll be able to make ends meet for your future repayments.

Speedy tips: Have a quick scan of the kind of properties you want, to get an idea of your price bracket; 2-bed or 3-bed, garden or terraced?

And pick 5-7 locations to give yourself a realistic ball park. When it comes to the mortgage chat, bring your latest bank statements so your lender can give you detailed,

lTOP TEAM: The EBS team, Back row (L-R) Emer O’Reilly, Alan Roche, Ann Marie Hartigan, John Cleary. Front row (L-R) Yvonne Hannon, Caroline Clancy, Rosemarie Kennedy, Emer Deasy

informed advice (the best kind). Ready to apply? Head on to step 3.

2. NOT READY TO APPLY? ADD ON 6-12 MONTHS

Here’s where a fork appears in the road.

Your lender looks at your finances, but discovers that you’re not ready to apply just yet.

No worries – it’s not the end of the world. It just means you’ll spend 3, 6, or 12 months reforming your spending habits and saving a set amount (the amount of time will vary depending on your situation). The good thing is, your lender will tell you exactly how much to squirrel away to prove your future repayment capacity, so you can make the application down the

line. Once you’re ready, you can make the initial application for Approval in Principle (which takes 1-2 weeks).

Speedy tips: Many buyers save for months – so are shocked when they’re advised to wait before applying. However, many don’t factor in that they need to save a very specific amount (related to their future mortgage repayments). That’s why it’s a good idea to chat to a lender and find out exactly how much you want to borrow, before you start your saving plan.

3. APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE: 1-2 WEEKS

You and your lender have had a relaxed chat, and it’s good news – your bank account is healthier than you thought, and your savings are in good shape too.

It’s time to apply for Approval in Principle, which is provisional approval until you’ve found your own home. You’ll need to provide documents for final review by a mortgage underwriter, but your lender will cast their eye over the application, just to be sure.

This process will usually take one to two weeks, and after that, you’ll receive your ‘Approval in Principle’ letter. This lasts 6 months, during which you can hunt for your new home. Application accepted?

Head on to step 5.

4. APPLICATION DECLINED: ADD ON 6 MONTHS

So, your lender looked at your documents,

and you both decided you were ready to make the application. However, this was since declined by the mortgage underwriter – ouch. Your finances may have been in top order, but perhaps an unseen detail emerged – like a missed repayment on a student loan. On average, you’ll need to wait another 6 months before making another application.

5. APPROVAL IN FULL: 2 WEEKS

You’ll need to have gone ‘Sale Agreed’ on a house before you get to this stage, but providing everything goes smoothly with the house valuation and deeds, it shouldn’t take longer than 2 weeks to get this from your lender. Unlike Approval in Principle, full Mortgage Approval is a written contract, which sets out the final amount you will draw down for your mortgage, exactly how much you’ll repay each month, and your loan term.

If you’re thinking about buying a new home drop in and chat to Emer or Ann Marie at EBS Ennis. nThe content of this article is expressed in broad terms and is limited to general information purposes only. Readers should always seek professional advice to address issues arising in specific contexts and not seek to rely on the information in this article which does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by EBS d.a.c.

Homes with warm welcome

P

ARK VIEW is a new development of 2 and 3 Bedroom Bungalows with space and warmth in a stylish design, built by M Fitzgibbon Developers Ltd. Designed for energy efficiency, these new homes are fitted with air to water heating pump, thermostat underfloor heating and a multi-fuel stove from Fairgreen Stoves.

Utilising these technologies not only provides a warmer home with an A3 BER rating, but it also saves on home heating bills. According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) homes fitted with air source heat pumps can reduce their annual household heating bills by 35%-39% per household.

The superb quality does not stop at energy efficiency, the exterior finish and interior fittings are second to none in Park View.

Each Bungalow is appointed with a modern kitchen and wardrobes in each bedroom by Conor Whelan Fitted Furniture, Doonbeg.

The wooden floors and tiles create a stylish

interior for modern day living.

The 3 Bedroom detached bungalows, and 2 Bedroom Semi-Detached Bungalows includes a spacious Kitchen/Dining Room with French double doors leading into the back garden. There are two interior layouts available in the 3 Bedroom houses giving you the option of having the Living Room located in the front or back of the home.

The main Bathroom and en-suite Wet Room are fully tiled in contemporary, quality tiles from B P Tiles at Westgate Business Park, Woodhaven.

This development of ten bungalows are all facing a large open green space and are within walking distance of the Clarecastle Primary School, GAA Sports ground and shops, making these homes ideal for families and investors.

For more information contact the sole agent, Helen Gallery Auctioneers and Valuers on (065) 682 9481 or info@helengallery.ie.

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

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Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

FACTS & FIGURES: Model tested: Kia Stinger GT 3.3 V6T Pricing: €66,895 as tested. Range starts from €53,000 (approx) Engine: 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol Transmission: eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive Body style: sports saloon CO2 emissions: 225g/km (Band F, £1,250 per annum) Combined economy: 28.5mpg (9.9 litres/100km) Top speed: 270km/h 0-100km/h: 4.9 seconds Power: 370hp at 6,000rpm Torque: 510Nm at 1,300 -4,500rpm Boot space: 406-litres (seats up), 1,114-litres (seats down) EuroNCAP rating: Five-star; 93 per cent adult, 81 per cent child, 78 per cent pedestrian, 82 per cent safety assist

lPOWERFUL: The Stinger gets its power from a 3.3-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine

SPORTY STINGER Kia’s dynamic new sports saloon takes the fight to BMW and Audi ROAD TEST: KIA STINGER GT

W

AY back when, Kia made cheap knock-offs of Japanese and European car, stacked them high and sold them for not much. In fact, Kia’s first European model was actually based on an ancient Mazda 121, rode on white-wall tyres, and was called the Pride. Great it was not.

Since then, Kia has come on a long, long way.

The Korean car maker has moved on from those bargain-bucket days, with impressive model after impressive model.

It all really started in 2006 with the first-generation Ceed hatchback, the car that first told us that Kia could create a car truly competitive with the best from Europe and Japan. That was followed, variously, by the Picanto, Sorento, Sportage, and Rio — all of which garnered critical acclaim, and no small sales.

For its next trick, Kia wants to take on not just the likes of Ford, VW, Peugeot, and Toyota, it’s after bigger, grander, set of scalps. How about BMW and Audi?

Yes, Kia, that one-time maker of cheap hatchbacks, is now building a proper sports saloon, one with rear-wheel drive and a big, turbocharged V6. Not one for doing things by halves, the Koreans.

This is it, and it even has a name that sounds halfway between that of a classic

American muscle car, and something from a Marvel comic book. It’s the Stinger.

The Stinger is a big car, slightly larger than the BMW 3 Series with which it competes, and it shares a rear-wheel drive platform with Genesis G70, a new luxury sports saloon due shortly from Kia’s sister brand, Hyundai.

Style-wise, there’s a certain amount of cues taken from Kia’s relatively humble, front-wheel drive, Optima saloon. The way the back of the roof comes down to meet the rear doors, the shape of the chrome trim, all harks back to the Optima. Around the back, though, the Stinger looks lower, sleeker, and more chiselled than the Optima and that goes double for the front.

While the familiar Kia ‘Tiger Grille’ is there, the wide-spaced headlights and broad front wings give it the look of a striking cobra, and there’s more than a little of Porsche about it.

The German connection is hardly acci-

dental. The car has, as have all Kias for the past decade, been designed by a team led

by Peter Schreyer, a former Audi designer and the man who created the original Audi TT. Schreyer has been instrumental in Kia’s transformation from low-cost car maker to full mainstream. Can he now move it into the premium sphere?

He has some help, in the shape of Albert Biermann. Another German legend of the car industry, if you’ve lusted after a recent BMW M-car, then you’ve appreciated Biermann’s work. He has since transferred from BMW’s performance division to transform the driving experience of both Kia and Hyundai models. His fingerprints are also all over Hyundai’s new hot hatch, the i30 N. The Stinger gets its power from a 3.3-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine. There will be rather more sane engine options arriving shortly, including a 2.2 diesel, but Kia decided that its first sports saloon should be properly sporty. 370hp sporty, with a 0-100km/h time of just 4.9secs.

So it’s fast, then. Well, mostly fast. Actually, in spite of the prodigious power of the V6 engine, the Stinger’s chunky kerb weight ensures that it feels brisk, rather than crazy fast.

The engine’s power delivery is also surprisingly smooth and linear, without the sudden onrush that you get from some turbo engines. It’s also surprisingly refined, very quiet at a cruise, and actually (rather disappointingly) a bit too quiet and lacking in drama when you rev it

out to the redline. A bit more sturm und drang wouldn’t go amiss, here.

There’s nothing wrong with the handling, though. The Stinger has terrific steering. Skip past Comfort and Eco modes and go straight for the Sport setting, which brings much welcome extra weight and feel to the helm. Find an appropriately twisty road, and you’ll find a car that reacts beautifully, sticking well to a chosen cornering line, nipping into the apex of a corner with enthusiasm, and even drifting a little bit at the back if you provoke it. It’s huge fun.

It’s also practical. There’s a decent 406-litre boot, plenty of space in the back seats (although headroom is a little tight back there) and a really lovely cabin up front. True, there are a few components that are a bit too cheap and too closely related to ‘lesser’ Kias but the rest looks great (more than a hint of both Audi and Mercedes in here) with lovely seats and a very good infotainment system.

Is it a step too far for Kia? Can a Korean firm, once best known for its warranty and its low prices, really compete head-on with BMW? Yes. Yes, it really can.

The Stinger is not without fault, but it’s a hugely impressive first go at a sports saloon, a car that you can really enjoy driving, that looks great, and that will likely prove more reliable, long term, than its German rivals.

A car to take pride in.

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30 MOTORING

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

NEW SKODA FABIA HITS IRISH SHORES

W

ITH over four million units delivered to customers since its launch in 1999, the Skoda Fabia is one of the bestselling vehicles in its segment and is the second longest-running model for the brand. The Fabia has been a pillar of the Skoda range since it launched due to its practicality, versatility and user-friendliness.

This facelift to the third generation of Fabia offers youthful, sportily sleek design with a combination of modern efficient engine technology.

Striking lines, compact dimensions and a dynamic design language characterise the revised Skoda Fabia. A redesigned radiator grille, alterations to the front and rear bumpers, new headlights and tail lights with optional LED technology lend the Skoda Fabia even more character.

New alloy wheels ensure a dynamic overall impression on this model and the ColourConcept option showcases the youthful design of the new Fabia even further, this option allows customers to personalise the roof with A-pillars, wing mirrors and alloy wheels in a contrasting colour

to the exterior colour of the car with the option of black or white modifications available. Inside, the dashboard is characterised by a redesigned instrument cluster with new round instruments for enhanced visibility.

New decor and upholstery options round off the overall interior impression.

The updated engine portfolio includes one MPI and two TSI

three-cylinder petrol engines with a 1.0-litre capacity. The first is a 1.0 MPI unit offering 75hp, up next a 1.0 TSI unit offers 95hp and the final 1.0TSI unit provides 110hp. The 110hp engine is also available with the option of DSG transmission.

The entry level Active trim comes starts from €16,200 and comes standard the 14” steel wheels, a Blues radio unit with

Aux-In, USB port and SD slot, electric front windows, height adjustable driver seat and electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors.

The mid-level Ambition trim comes with the addition of 15” alloy wheels, a Swing 6.5” colour touch screen infotainment unit, Smartlink including Apple Car Play and Android Auto, leather multi-function steering wheel,

front fog lights, maxi dot trip computer and even a built in umbrella under the front passenger seat.

The sporty Monte Carlo version comes with a host of aesthetic features such as 16” black alloys, sunset tinted glass, black rear spoiler, black front grille surround and black exterior mirrors. The sporty vibe continues inside with a flat bottom sports leather steering wheel, chrome pedals and Monte Carlo specific upholstery. The top Style trim level includes air conditioning, rear electric windows, front arm rest, keyless entry and keyless start, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and also a height adjustable passenger seat.

Speaking today, Cathal Kealey, PR Manager at Skoda Ireland commented; “The Fabia is a hugely important vehicle for us, it’s our third best-selling vehicle only after Octavia and Superb and that popularity is echoed throughout Europe. This youthful new Fabia will land in showrooms early next week and is available from launch with 0 per cent PCP finance so I would urge customers to make a trip to their local dealer for a test-drive.”

FORD SHOWS HINT OF NEW ALL-ELECTRIC SUV

F

ORD has revealed the first teaser image of the company’s new Mustang-inspired utility vehicle – the first new model from the Ford Team Edison group assembled specifically to develop electrified vehicles for markets worldwide.

Darren Palmer is global product development director in Ford Team Edison – a dedicated, cross-functional team based in new offices in downtown Detroit, US. The team has been given licence to operate in a completely different and innovative way to develop electric vehicles for a market accelerating at an exponential rate.

Tasked to move fast and come together quickly to solve both common problems and the unique challenges presented by each individual market, Team Edison has embraced a “no stripes mentality” to encourage ideas from different view-

points. Team Edison is also taking a fresh approach to developing prototype products. Low-fidelity prototypes that can be developed faster – even out of materials such as cardboard where appropriate – enable more flexibility to learn and iterate, and deliver truly intuitive and innovative designs.

“Electric vehicle customers are buying into the future and our team is 100 per cent focussed on not only delivering vehicles they will love, but providing an entire electric vehicle ecosystem that works flawlessly,” Palmer said.

Ford’s all-new Mustang-inspired fully-electric performance utility arrives in 2020 with targeted range of 300 miles.

Ford is investing €11 billion and plans to deliver 16 fully electric vehicles within a global portfolio of 40 electrified vehicles through 2022.

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EchoSport Cratloe take champs’ scalp JAMES MULVIHILL

SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI FINALS ROUND-UP BALLYEA: 1-19 INAGH-KILNAMONA: 0-16

Ballyea have qualified for the Semi-Finals for the third time in six seasons after a narrow win over Inagh/Kilnamona in Cusack Park on Sunday. An inspiring performance came from Niall Deasy who scored 1-13 including 1-4 from open play.

Ballyea have been very impressive in this campaign despite being without the likes of 2016 captain Stan Lineen, Gearoid O’Connell, Cathal Doohan, Pat Joe Connolly and Paul Flanagan. It was tit for tat scoring until Niall Deasy’s goal in the 39th minute put daylight between the sides. Ballyea’s defence was solid with Jack Browne and Joe Neylon leading the line.

Ballyea led by 1-18 to 0-15 with about 10 minutes remaining before Inagh-Kilnamona were reduced to 14 men when Jason McCarthy was given his marching orders for striking Martin O’Leary with the hurley.

Ballyea: Barry Coote; Joe Neylon, Brian Carrigg, Brian Casey; James Murphy, Jack Browne, Aonghus Keane; Tadgh Lynch, Tony Kelly (0-3); Pearse Lillis (01), Niall Deasy (1-13,8fs,1 65), Cillian Brennan; Martin O’Leary, Gary Brennan, Eoghan Donnellan (0-2). Subs: Brandon O’Connell for Donnellan (55 mins), Ryan Griffin for C. Brennan (59 mins), David Sheehan for Casey (60 mins).

Inagh-Kilnamona: Pa Kelly; Brian Foudy, Sean O’Mahony, Haulie Vaughan; Damien Lafferty, David Fitzgerald (0-4), Kevin Hehir (0-1); Milo Keane, Darren Cullinan (0-1); Gerry Coote (0-2), Jason McCarthy, Conor Tierney (0-1); David Mescal, Niall Arthur (0-7fs), Aidan McCarthy. Subs: Tomas Kelly for Tierney (40 mins), Evan McNamara for Cullinan (56), Shane McInerney for O’Mahony (60).

KILMALEY: 1-21 ÉIRE ÓG: 1-08

Kilmaley continued their impressive form with a comfortable win in Cusack Park on Sunday. Kilmaley flew into an early three-point lead with scores through Michael O’Malley, Michael O’Neill and Cian Moloney. Éire Óg scored the opening goal when a long David Reidy delivery landed on the edge of the square and Danny Russell was on hand to whip the ball past Brian O’Loughlin. Kilmaley took control before scoring their goal before half-time through Michael O’Neill. Kilmaley added another five points through Moloney (two), O’Malley, Tom O’Rourke and Sean O’Loughlin to lead by 13 midway through the second. Éire Óg failed to score from play in the second half and exit at this stage for the 4th time in five years.

Scorers for Kilmaley: Michael O’Malley (0-5), Cian Moloney (0-5,4fs), Michael O’Neill (1-1), Daire Keane (0-4), Sean O’Loughlin (0-3), Sean Kennedy (0-1), Tom O’Rourke (0-1), Joseph Carmody (0-1f). Scorers for Eire Og: David Reidy (0-5,4fs), Danny Russell (1-1,1f), David O’Halloran (0-1), Niall McMahon (0-1).

CRATLOE: 1-19 SIXMILEBRIDGE: 0-16

Cratloe ended Sixmilebridge’s reign and qualify for the semis for the seventh time in 10 seasons. Cratloe led 0-10 to 0-09 at HT with Podge Collins scoring three from play. Rian Considine’s goal on 38 minutes was decisive. Niall Gilligan meanwhile was lucky to escape with a yellow after an incident with Conor McGrath. Cratloe finished well scoring the last three points through Billy Connors, Considine and Diarmuid Ryan.

Scorers for Cratloe: Billy Connors (0-8,6fs), Rian Considine (1-1), Podge Collins (0-3), Diarmuid Ryan (0-3,1f), Conor McGrath (0-2), David Collins (01), Cathal McInerney (0-1).Scorers for Sixmilebridge: Jamie Shanahan (09,4fs,3 65s), Brian Corry (0-2), Gavin Whyte (0-2), Cathal Malone (0-1), Jason Loughnane (0-1), Niall Gilligan (0-1).

OC MILLS: 0-17 CLOONEY-QUIN: 0-14

O’Callaghan’s Mills advanced to the semis for the first time since ‘97 after beating 2017 finalists Clooney/Quin. Gary Cooney was impressive scoring three points from play and he also won crucial frees throughout. Colin Crehan made a significant impact off the bench scoring two points from play.

Clooney/Quin will be disappointed but the reality is that they relied too much on Peter Duggan to get scores for them.

Scorers for O’Callaghan’s Mills: Jacob Loughnane (0-8fs), Gary Cooney (03), Colin Crehan (0-2), Aidan Fawl (0-1), Sean Cotter (0-1), Bryan Donnellan (01), Aidan O’Gorman (0-1). Scorers for Clooney/Quin: Peter Duggan (0-9,7fs,1 65), Ryan Taylor (0-3), Martin Duggan (0-2).

l CLOSE QUARTERS: (above) David Reidy of Éire Óg fouls Kilmaley captain Colin McGuane; (below) Ballyea and Inagh-Kilnamona players show no lack of commitment as they compete for possession in the quarter final action Photos by Martin Connolly

RESULTS CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP QF: O’Callaghan’s Mills 0-17 Clooney/ Quin 0-14 Cratloe 1-19 Sixmilebridge 0-16 Kilmaley 1-21 Eire Og 1-08 Ballyea 1-19 Inagh/Kilnamona 0-16 SEMI FINAL DRAW O’Callaghan’s Mills v Ballyea Kilmaley v Cratloe Games to be played on Weekend October 6th/7th.

RELEGATION PLAYOFF FINAL Whitegate 1-11 Doora/Barefield 0-11 Doora/Barefield relegated to Intermediate for 2019 season.

SENIOR B SEMI FINALS Tulla 0-17 Wolfe Tones 0-16 Crusheen 1-18 Clarecastle 1-08

34 SPORT CAMOGIE ROUND-UP Snr Champ’ Playoff Inagh Kilnamona 6-15 Truagh Clonlara 3-10 Inagh-Kilnamona never went behind in a vastly different game to the Round 2 meeting. Truagh had the better start despite conceding a goal early however Inagh-Kilnamona scored twice for each of Truagh’s first half scores, crucially two of those found the back of the net. Inagh-Kilnamona extended their lead early in the second half with four unanswered points before Maire Begley found the net for Truagh twice to narrow the gap to seven mid way through the half.

Inagh-Kilnamona rallied this mini comeback well and overall their accurate shooting and numerous attacking threats was the difference on Saturday.

Both teams still progress to the knock out stages - the winners Inagh-Kilnamona have topped the group and play Scariff-Ogonnelloe, with Truagh playing Newmarket-on-Fergus - both semi finals will take place on the weekend 29-30 Sept.

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018 Inagh Kilnamona: Rebecca Keating; Sinead Power, Jane Fitzgerald, Chloe Foudy; Teresa O’Keeffe, Clare Hehir, Orlaith Cotter; Laura Rynne, Laoise Ryan; Andrea O’Keeffe, Fiona Lafferty, Sinead O’Loughlin; Aoibhinn Ryan, Amy Keating, Claire Commane Subs: Sinead Quinn for Andrea O’Keeffe, Aoife Keane for Laura Rynne.

Truagh Clonlara: Roisin Powell; Sinéad Ryan, Sarah Sherlock, Michelle Powell; Hannah Horgan, Michelle Caulfield, Louise Egan; Sarah Hastings, Niamh Powell; Ellen Horgan, Eimear Kelly, Maire Begley; Laura Foley, Aideen Hogg, Roisín Begley. Sub: Sinead Hogg for R Powell (half time).

Intermediate Champ’ St Joseph’s 2-13 Whitegate 3-2 Under lights in Gurteen saw a ‘dog eat dog’ first half with only seven points scored in total, six for the homeside and one for the visitors. The second half saw a more free flowing game with plenty goals and points on the scoreboard for both teams.

St. Josephs: Karen McMahon; Orla Moloney, Megan O’Brien, Kate Dillon; Eimear Casey (Captain), Chloe Towey, Aisling Hannon; Orlaith Lynch, Aisling McMahon; Erinn Hennessy, Sarah Hoey, Ciara Guilfoyle; Ciara Duggan, Síofra Ní Chonaill, Louise Woods Subs: Hannah Meaney (for Aisling McMa-

hon), Meadhbh O’Connor (for Aisling Hannon), Vanessa Meaney (for Síofra Ní Chonaill), Fiona Tuohy (for Kate Dillon), Laura Hayes (for Orlaith Lynch), Ciara Whelan.

Whitegate: Lauren Solan; Amy Solan, Orla Burke, Katie Hynes; Susan Fahy, Triona Kelly, Aisling Treacy; Molly Spazzi, Cait Keenan; Ciara Geoghegan, Greta Hickey, Lisa Donoghue; Ciara McDermot, Michelle Dooley, Anna Burke

Kilkishen/Bodyke 1-8 Feakle/Killanena 0-10 A last minute goal by Cara Close saw Kilkishen/Bodyke pip Feakle/Killanena for a place in the 2018 Intermediate Cup Final. Nothing less than two points would keep Feakle/Killanena’s 2018 Championship hopes alive. This dream was shattered when a last minute goal on the stroke of full time to level matters took Kilkishen/Bodyke through to the cup final, and Feakle/Killanena will contest the shield final for the second consecutive year.

Kilkishen/Bodyke takes on St Josephs in the Fr Liam Murray Cup Final, while Feakle/ Killanenas opposition will be Whitegate in the shield final.

Improve scoring: think course management

P

ROBABLY the most important aspect of scoring is down to course management. When you improve your course management and play to your personal strengths your scoring will definitely improve.

Looking at Tiger Woods winning his 80th PGA Tour title and listening to his interviews over the weekend, you can tell his course management is impeccable. On every course there are holes you birdie and par more often. Then there are holes where you simply struggle at regularly, maybe you can’t find the fairway or you find the second shot extremely difficult. The best golfers in the world, in particular Tiger, plans his way around the course. Not just on that day, but the night or days before he will go through every hole and decide where he will get more aggressive.

Before your next round, the night before, go through the tougher holes and think about how you can play these differently to help you not have your usual double bogey or possibly worse. For instance if you struggle on a particular tee box with your driver, then think of a fairway wood or rescue. If you hit a rescue / hybrid off the tee you will hit the fairway more often. Your next shot will leave you further away but you might still reach the green and if not then just make sure you leave yourself your favourite yardage for your third shot in. Playing this way, thinking about how you can limit your errors on the more difficult holes, will help improve your scores long term.

Another area to consider course management is around the greens. Again listening to Tiger’s interview last Saturday night he had planned out a clever strategy around the greens. He had a strategy not to take on too many flags; instead he chose to try hit greens on the right and if he missed the green he was leaving himself on the side where he had plenty of green to work

l HIGH AND MIGHTY: Laura Foley jumps high to win possession for Truagh Clonlara in the weekend’s playoff Photo by Caroline O’Keeffe

PGA Golf Professional

#PadraigKnowsGolf

Padraig McGrath

GOLF ANALYSIS

The Scorecard in association with

with so he would have an easier chip shot to save par. For instance if a pin is tucked into the back left corner of a green, the two worst places to miss this green is long or left. The best players in the world rarely take on every pin so why should the rest of us?

Look again at last Sunday, Tiger stuck to his game plan and didn’t take on many pins and was successful in keeping bogies off his scorecard for most of his round.

Start to think about how you can improve your course management on the golf course and visualise your round the night before.

Remember depending on wind direction your plans might vary slightly with the club you use on any particular day but stick to your game plan and keep those double bogies or worse off of your scorecard. Golf doesn’t need to be stressful when you get to a difficult hole; focus on choosing a club you’re comfortable with and find it easier to find the fairway. There’s nothing wrong with laying up short and leaving yourself an easier wedge for your third shot when needed. More than likely you will have a shot on these more difficult holes also, so think smart, play to your strengths and don’t take on flags unnecessarily that are tucked away. Who knows how many shots you can save by simply changing how you think your way around the course.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB Senior Ladies Results Tuesday 18th September 2018 1st Ann O’Loughlin Pauline Parks Ann Daly 54 2/3 2nd Patrice Ryan Carmel Verling Mary Woulfe 54 2/3 3rd Nuala D’Auria Helen Brooks Mary Colton 56 1/6 Tuesday Fourball 18-09-18 1st Joe O’Brien & Paul Higgins 23pts 2nd Jim Horgan & Sean Rynne 22pts 3rd Peter Lyons & Tom Woulfe 22pts Friday Open Singles.

21 - 09 - 2018 1st William Delaney(14) 40pts 2nd Matthew Whelan(5) 39pts Gross: Brian Gilligan(0) 36pts 3rd Steve Burns(13) 37pts Winner of the Friday Open Singles final Sponsored by Martin Ward William Delaney

Dr Rodgers Shield Team of 4 Modified Scramble 22nd & 23rd Sept. 2018 1st Rodger Mc Mahon, Gerry O’Connor, Sean Rynne & Peter Lyons 98pts 2nd Dermot Doheny, Adrian Rushe, Gerry O’Brien & Brian O’Gorman 97pts 3rd Michael Meagher, Liam Mc Cannon, Michael Moroney & Joe Carmody 96pts WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB Result Club Championship 23/09/18 1. Kieran Patton(20) 68 2. Jason Dormer(8) 69 Gross Jason Considine(2) 72 3. George Smith(6) 71 CSS 73(35 pts) Upcoming Fixtures 29 & 30/09/18 Club Singles Stableford (G)

CLASSIFIEDS 35

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

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38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

Your Horoscopes Sep 27 Aries

Gemini

Taurus

YOUR week should get off to an explosive start -- in a good way! Monday suits your adventurous spirit perfectly, as you find exciting and unexpected opportunities for meeting new people and trying new things. Watch for the pace to slow back down, though, by Monday evening and on into Wednesday. You’ll need to rely on your (yes, ample) charms rather than your can-do attitude to make things happen.

TAKE your time! Put faith in your usual pattern of patience as the week begins -- even if you’re feeling the urge to jump the gun on Monday. From Monday evening on through Wednesday, you won’t need to hold back at all. You’re full of energy and enthusiasm, which could turn out to be a very attractive combination. On Thursday and Friday, focus on short-term schedules and details.

SEEK out the advice of good friends (and even work associates) as the week begins. You’ve got good instincts on Monday, but you’ll have even more luck hitting the mark with a little friendly guidance. From Monday evening on through Wednesday, you’ll need to fight your more flighty qualities.

Flitting around from conversation to conversation is still okay.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

YOUR brain is still in high gear as the week begins. Expect to have a quick wit and a sharp memory on Monday -- but just be sure you think before you speak. That mental might should transform into irresistible charm on Monday night and continue on through Wednesday. Use that boost in charisma to socialize, especially in large groups. Others will look to you to take the lead. On Thursday and Friday, take a walk on the wild side.

START your week off by learning something -- or meeting someone -- entirely new. Monday should provide unexpected opportunities to challenge your own opinions and you’d do well to take them. From Monday evening through Wednesday, you might find yourself obsessing over ego and status. A little healthy self-confidence is a good thing, of course, but just make sure you’re doing things for the right reasons (i.e., not just to show off).

GET in touch with your true sense of purpose as the week begins. Monday should give you a good chance to pause, reflect and embrace your priorities anew -- but be aware that your renewed perspective could bring you into conflict with others. From Monday night and on through Wednesday, look for chances to travel and expand your outlook, even if it’s just a short (or even metaphorical) journey.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

PUT a priority on family and history as the week begins.

Monday should find you reflecting on your big-picture legacy - and figuring out how you can ensure safety and stability in the long term. From Monday evening through Wednesday, your creativity should climb, helping you find innovative ways to get things done and have some fun at the same time. Thursday and Friday are both good days for making yourself clear.

1/1

BE careful in your relationships as the week begins. Monday will present you with some interesting choices (in work and possibly romance, too) and you’ll need to work hard to strike a balance between selfishness and selflessness.

From Monday evening and on through Wednesday, your famous grace and diplomacy will take center stage. Expect admiration and applause.

LOOK out for conflict as the week begins. Monday could find you butting heads with someone who doesn’t share your point of view, but a little selflessness on your part could defuse the situation. From Monday evening through Wednesday, you might still find yourself at odds with the ideas and agendas of others, but the competition is apt to be much more good-natured and spirited.

EXPECT your head to be filled with downright electrical ideas and inspiration as the week begins -- and Monday should prove an excellent time to put some of these amazing discoveries into action. Your preoccupation with peculiar and intriguing ideas should continue through Wednesday, even if all you’re really doing is keeping yourself from getting bored. On Thursday and Friday, watch for a little romance to keep things interesting.

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

1 Stingers used to be an afterthought (5) 4 Jump over arched roof (5) 7 Turn up again to harvest fruit (8) 8 Lacking energy, attempted to reverse malicious gossip (4) 9 Bit of advice about right excursion (4) 10 American whisky takes the biscuit (7) 12 Bearing a remark about wine (11) 14 Awful hotel is unfriendly (7) 16 Spare list (4) 19 Business concern unlikely to change (4) 20 Draw finished garment (8) 21 Only about five find the answer (5) 22 Substantial complaint

COUNT on getting a lot done as this week begins. Your usual carefree attitude will be eclipsed by a big burst of energy on Monday, so you can’t help but be productive. From Monday evening and on through Wednesday, your cheerful adaptability will be put to the test, as you’re called on to juggle countless details and demands. On Thursday and Friday, don’t worry if you can’t seem to get much done.

MYSTERY swirls around you as the week begins. Monday could find you faced with riddles to solve and puzzles to piece together, but nothing you can’t handle. From Monday evening through Wednesday, express your more affectionate, compassionate side, whether that means making a romantic dinner or just telling someone special how you feel.

On Thursday and Friday, don’t let anybody nail you down to anything specific. You need to maintain your flexibility.

by youth leader (5)

DOWN

1 Why endlessly consume grain? (5) 2 Thus prime minister accepts his fallacious argument (7) 3 An embarrassing incident heard or observed (4) 4 Drink for clergyman upset by opening (8) 5 Less than fifty per cent from allrounder (5) 6 Act dismissed from assembly (7) 11 Cave in wood holding everyone up (8) 12 Not a scenario that’s involved pals (7) 13 Ugly feature, reportedly, I saw? (7) 15 Thailand’s capital capital backing Asian

language (5) 17 Born and died, unknown and poor (5)

18 Block with small room for experiments (4)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, SEP 27 2018

The Clare Echo Quiz County Clare village’s 1Which name in Irish means ‘Bed of Silk’?

Tuamgraney, Labasheeda, Bunratty

against Kerry, take place?

l QUESTION 6: The main Killaloe-Ballina bridge contains how many arches?

In the 1880s, landowner Colonel 3 O’Callaghan was responsble for a series of famous evictions in which

East Clare following a by-election?

1969, 1979, 1989

East Clare village?

Bodyke, Sixmilebridge, Scariff

4

Name the river that enters the sea at Doolin.

Shannon River, Inagh River, Aille River

1917, 1921, 1928

Diamond Mountain Sessions, 8 Flying Circus and Saints & Scoundrels are albums but which

l QUESTION 9: What is the former name for O’Connell Street in Ennis?

Clare artist?

Sharon Shannon, Daithí Ó Drónaí, Noel Hill

Clare has a historical connection is the former name for 5 with which of the following King9What O’Connell Street in Ennis? doms?

Jail Street, George Street, Broad Street

main Killaloe-Ballina bridge Which legendary Ruan hurler 6The contains how many arches?

10 made his intercounty debut for Clare in the 1947-48 National League and retired in 1967? year did Eamon de Valera 7What famously get elected as a TD for 5, 9, 13

6. 13 7. 1917 8. Sharon Shannon 9. Jail Street 10. Jimmy Smyth

Thomond, Deise, Cashel

ANSWERS 1. Labasheeda 2. 1979 3. Bodyke 4. Aille River 5. Thomond

In what year did the infamous 2 Miltown Massacre, in which the Clare footballers shipped 9-21

Jimmy Smyth, Miko Neylon, Miko Lyons

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

The Market.

Image NLI.ie / Collection: Lawrence Photograph Collection

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