The Clare Echo 08/02/2018

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8 Feb 2018

Clare skier makes history lBIG MOMENT:

East Clare man Patrick McMillan will be taking part in four events at The Winter Olympics

KALI HERBERT

P

news@clareecho.ie

ATRICK McMillan will make history as he becomes the first Clare man to take part in the Winter Olympics.

Trying to tear our eyes from the television this weekend will be tough; but not quite as tough as the Ogonnelloe man’s ski run as he takes on the Winter Olympic Games in the alpine skiing, alpine combined, downhill and super-G divisions.

“It’s the biggest moment of my life and it’s been years and years of working to get to this point; I know my mom is very excited to watch us in the opening ceremony so it’s going to be great,” Patrick said.

Patrick currently places 285th in the world, making him the best ranked Irish man on the

lBEST RANKED IRISH MAN: Patrick

McMillan

charts and thus automatically qualifying him for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games which begin this weekend.

“Hearing the national anthem and watching the flag go up is something I’ve always dreamed of doing, I would have loved to have done it on the rugby pitch, but doing it here is probably one of the biggest moments of my life: honestly, it’s great, I’m very honoured to be here.” lYou can catch the opening ceremony this Friday morning over on RTE 2 at 11am.

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

Index MINING IN BUNRATTY?

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HITTING THE SLOPES

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AWARD FOR CLIFFS

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Inside The Clare Echo FEATURE: PAGE 17-23

Caring for the elderly in Clare This week we have a special guide on ‘Senior Care in Clare’ which looks at ways to look after your health and what specialists in Clare are offering

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KELLY GOUGH ELDERLY CARE

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SPORT

33-36

PROPERTY

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CLASSIFIEDS

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GET IN TOUCH

NEWS: PAGE 6

SPORT: PAGE 33

Clare camogie on the march

East Clare’s Olympian

Clare ensured they will be in good position heading into the final two games of the Littlewoods Senior camogie league following a hard fought two-point victory over neighbours Limerick

Ogonnelloe’s Patrick McMillan will make history by taking part in the Winter Olympics next week. Kali Herbert takes a close look at his unique journey

RECEPTION

The Square, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: monica@clareecho.ie

EDITOR Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: editor@clareecho.ie

NEWSDESK Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: news@clareecho.ie

NOTES

l PARADE DUTIES: Everest mountaineer John Burke has been named Grand Marshal of the Ennis St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Here he is (left) giving the news a thumbs up with Mayor of Ennis Paul Murphy Photo courtesy of Clare Co Council

Telephone: 065 671 9021

Burke is Grand Marshall

Email: elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

SALES Telephone: 065 671 9021

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

PLACE AN

ADVERT To learn how we can promote your business call us on 065 671 9021 or email ciara.farrell@clareecho.ie.

STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

E

VEREST mountaineer and Elevate founder, John Burke has been named Grand Marshall of this year’s Ennis St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Mayor of Ennis Paul Murphy said that John is receiving the honour in recognition of his efforts to bring wellness programmes to young people in Clare as well as becoming the first Clare person to summit Mount Everest.

John will join Mayor Murphy in leading the parade in a horse-drawn carriage, which will be followed by 50 groups representing the many aspects of life in Ennis and County Clare.

Mayor Murphy commented, “During my term as Mayor, I have committed to promoting positive mental health initiatives and individuals and groups who

are working in the area. John through his own remarkable personal achievements and through Elevate is playing a key part in ensuring that the most vulnerable in society are protected and supported.”

More than 10,000 people are expected to line the streets of Ennis on March 17 for the annual event.

The theme of this year’s Parade is ‘Ennis – Ireland’s Friendliest Place’, which the Local Authority says provides participating groups, organisations, bands, schools and members of the public an opportunity to celebrate the recently awarded status.

There will be an overall prize of €400 for the group that best represents the parade theme while all parade participants will be included in an open draw for one of four prizes of €150 each.

Application forms are available from ennisparades@clarecoco.ie.

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THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

THE OLD GROUND HOTEL WEDDING WORKSHOP SUNDAY FEBRUARY 18TH – 1.00 TO 5.00PM Featuring Jenny McCarthy of The Bride Guide Join the team at the Old Ground Hotel and Jenny McCarthy for a Wedding Workshop with tips and advice on all things wedding.

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01/02/2018 17:01

4 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

Planning notice could see mining town in Bunratty ELAINE TUBRIDY

M

news@clareecho.ie

INISTER for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten has supplied notice that he intends to grant a licence to search for minerals in the baronies of Bunratty Lower, Bunratty Upper and Islands.

“A prospecting licence entitles the holder to explore for mineral deposits and does not authorise mining of any minerals.

“The activities permissible under a

licence are, in general, non-invasive and of minimal environmental impact.

“The Minister has assessed the exploration programme proposed by the company and has determined that the activities are not likely to have a significant effect on the environment,” the notice reads.

The licence will cover Unicorn Mineral Resources Limited to prospect for barytes, base metals, platinum group elements, gold and silver.

The prospecting process will involve remote sensing, geological mapping, prospecting, lithogeochemical sampling and ground geophysics.

The prospecting notice states that these measures are deemed to be temporary, non-intrusive activities, involving minimal disturbance and have a limited zone of influence.

Once a licence is granted it is valid for six years and is renewable.

Maps showing the prospecting sites

are available at the Clare County Council offices, Ennis and Newmarket-on-Fergus Garda Stations, the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

Objections to the grant of the licences should be made to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment within 21 days.

l WEDDING WORKSHOP: A wedding workshop takes place in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis on Saturday, Feb 18, where celebrity photographer Jenny McCarthy (below) will attend

The bride guide with Jenny McCarthy A WEDDING workshop at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis is the place to be on Sunday, February 18, where Jenny McCarthy of The Bride Guide will feature.

The event takes place in the luxurious surroundings of the iconic O’Connell Street establishment from 1pm to 5pm.

Jenny McCarthy is one of Ireland’s most sought-after celebrity portrait and wedding photographers. With over 12 years’ experience in the wedding industry she has a wealth of knowledge and inside tips on how to make your wedding day the most amazing day of your life.

Jenny has captured the magical wedding memories of some of Ireland’s most loved celebrities such as Pippa O’Connor, Glenda Gilson and Brian Dowling.

Through the years she has also worked alongside some talented makeup artist and hair stylist such as Derrick Carberry and Joanne Kelly.

This year is set to be her busiest time ever as she photographed the wedding of SoSueMe’s Suzanne Jackson and will be the photographer for Irish blogger Rosie Connolly.

What to expect on the day?

Jenny will give you a day to remember by sharing her knowledge, tips and advice with all brides to be.

Tips & advice on all things weddings.

- Photography & posing tips - Hair & make up - Style, dress and underwear - Advice for the groom - Celebrity inside scoop - What items to splurge or save on - Q & A with Jenny.

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

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LAST WEEK OF SALE

6 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

Clare’s Olympian: I know mom will be very excited

KALI HERBERT

T

news@clareecho.ie

RYING to tear our eyes from the television this weekend will be tough; but not quite as tough as Patrick McMillan’s ski run as he takes on the Winter Olympic Games in the alpine skiing, alpine combined, downhill and super-G divisions.

“It’s the biggest moment of my life and it’s been years and years of working to get to this point; I know my mom is very excited to watch us in the opening ceremony so it’s going to be great,” Patrick said.

It’s no secret that growing up in a country without snow made it difficult for Patrick, a former hurler and rugby player, to develop his skiing, merely getting the chance to practice for a few weeks every winter when his family would vacate to Austria.

Patrick was born in Letterkenny in 1991. His family moved to Clare when he was five and have called it home ever since. He went to Raheenwood Steiner Primary School until 2004 before leaving for Kings

l ON THE PISTE: Ogonnelloe man and downhill skier Patrick McMillan (inset) will hit the slopes in South Korea this week after becoming the first Clare native to reach the Winter Olympics

32 attend emergency department after school bus collision STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

THE majority of patients who presented at University Hospital Limerick following yesterday morning’s bus crash in County Limerick have now been discharged.

A total of 32 patients attended the Emergency Department in connection with the road traffic collision outside Caherconlish on Wednesday morning.

Seven patients were still being assessed yesterday evening. No patients have been admitted to date.

No life-threatening injuries were sustained as a result of this incident.

Injuries sustained in the main consisted of musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries but also included a small number of fractures.

Children and their families were also offered counselling while in hospital and follow-up psychiatric support is being arranged through their school.

The hospital incident group formed in response to this incident has been stood down and operations have returned to normal.

UL Hospitals Group CEO Prof Colette Cowan said: “This was a

distressing incident for everyone involved and I would like to pay tribute to all the emergency services for their effective response in managing it.

“We are proud to work alongside colleagues in the National Ambulance Service, Fire Service, An Garda Siochana, Limerick City and County Council and MidWest Community Healthcare. Our own staff at UHL showed exceptional dedication in managing the situation with many turning up to help without having been called in. I would also like to thank St John the Baptist Community School for their professionalism and they can rely on our support if required in the coming days and weeks.”

Additional surgical teams and nursing staff, including paediatric and trauma nurses,were assigned to the ED in anticipation of trauma-type injuries.

Both the emergency theatre and trauma theatre were also on standby.

While the incident was ongoing members of the public were urged not to attend the Emergency Department unless absolutely necessary and to visit their GP in the first instance or the Injury Unit in Ennis.

Hospital, a Dublin boarding school.

He competed for the first time in 2012 at the Bennie Raich Racing Centre where he broke multiple bones in both his wrist and arm, as well as sustaining a back injury.

He stated: “I did not let this put me off and my determination was even bigger because I did not want to think of this year as a waste of time and finances. I was sure I had the potential and talent to fulfil my dream of becoming a ski racer and that the injuries were mainly due to bad preparation and lack of training.”

He currently places 285th in the world, making him the best ranked Irish man on the charts and thus automatically qualifying him for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

“Hearing the national anthem and watching the flag go up is something I’ve always dreamed of doing, I would have loved to have done it on the rugby pitch, but doing it here is probably one of the biggest moments of my life: honestly, it’s great, I’m very honoured to be here.”

You can catch the opening ceremony this Friday on RTE 2 at 11am.

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

Public meeting on health scheme STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

D

OCTOR Michael Harty TD has invited everybody to a Public Information Evening on the Cross Border Healthcare Directive which entitles patients awaiting surgery to obtain treatment in Northern Ireland. The meeting will take place in the Templegate Hotel, Ennis on Monday, February 12 at 7.30pm.

A panel of experts will be present to explain how the scheme works and how it is funded.

Dr Harty said that people using the Irish healthcare system are eligible to get treatment anywhere in the EU and be reimbursed by the HSE on their return to this jurisdiction. The scheme is known as the Cross–Border Healthcare Directive.

“Patients are eligible to receive any treatment abroad that they would be eligible for within the Irish system. The experience here so far is that most people seek treatment in Northern Ireland,” he said.

Those wishing to take part are not required to already be on a waiting list or being processed through an outpatient department. Patients returning to this jurisdiction will receive reimbursement after presenting an invoice and that, under the

legislation, the HSE is not able to reject applications. Patients are reimbursed to the amount that it would have cost the State if the care had been carried out in an Irish public hospital. To take part in the scheme patients are required to have been referred by their doctors.

“I am delighted that my Rural Independent Group colleague Michael Collins, TD is travelling from West Cork to be with us for the meeting. Michael has organised buses from West Cork to travel to Belfast.

This scheme came to prominence after a 90-year old west Cork man travelled the 600 mile journey north for a cataract operation. Michael Collins has vast knowledge on the practical aspects of how the scheme works and his advice will be invaluable,” said Dr. Harty.

“One of the issues that arises with this scheme is that the patient must pay the cost of treatment upfront. In practice, it takes about a month for the HSE to reimburse the applicant, so the question of bridging finance can arise. It will be interesting to hear from Michael Collins how people have handled this issue in West Cork. I know that in some case, the local Credit Union has been of great assistance.”

Also in attendance will be Mark Regan, CEO and Robert Maye, Group Sales Manager of Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Belfast. Dr. Harty said the hospital has considerable experience in dealing with patients from the south and the manage-

NEWS 7

l ROCKIN’ ROBIN: A robin enjoys a drizzle of rain in Scariff this week Photo by Eoin O’Hagan

ment and staff are very familiar with how the Cross Border Healthcare Directive works.

Many of the patients who travel north are for hip and knee replacements, spinal conditions or cataracts but the hospital can undertake all of the most common surgeries via the Cross Border Healthcare Directive.

Dr Harty said he was delighted that Paul Woulfe of Ennis Citizens Information Office has agreed to participate. The Citizens Information Office has an excellent record in

providing impartial factual information which and I look forward to Paul’s contribution.

“A proper health system should be able to take care of its patients in an efficient and timely fashion. However, it is dysfunctional and I make no apology for drawing the attention of the public of Co Clare to this scheme.

It is shameful we have such long waiting lists.

People in pain and discomfort need help and the Cross Border Scheme is helpful in treating many such patients,” he concluded.

Dr Michael Harty TD Invites you to a Public Information Evening on the Cross Border Healthcare Directive which entitles patients awaiting surgery to obtain treatment in Northern Ireland.

Panel of experts to explain how the scheme works include: Michael Collins, TD West Cork Mark Regan, CEO Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Belfast Robert Maye, Group Sales Manager Kingsbridge Private Hospital Paul Woulfe, Manager Clare Citizens Information Service and other guest contributors

Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis.

Monday 12th February at 7.30PM Constituency Office 3 Daly Villa's, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel No: 065-6868505 Email michael.harty@oireachtas.ie

Clinics every Monday and Friday by appointment

8 ADVERTORIAL

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

Volunteers wanted in Clare to mentor young Positive role models wanted to act as support to help young people develop skills

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HE Le Chéile Mentoring Project is looking for both Male and Female volunteers from the Limerick, Shannon and Ennis areas to act as mentors to young people or to their

parents.

Le Chéile is a child-centred, non-judgemental service which recruits and trains volunteers from local communities to work with young people and their families involved in Young Person’s Probation.

A Mentor is an unpaid volunteer who is assigned to a young person or a parent to act as a positive role model, advisor and friend in their life who supports young people or a parent and helps them identify and develop their own skills. The mentoring relationship helps combat the

risk of further offending and offers positive alternatives to young people.

Young People referred to the project often need support with self-esteem, self-confidence, education and setting goals in their life.

The young people referred are to some level involved in the Irish Youth Justice system. Parents that are referred for mentoring often just need support and assistance in identifying and developing their own parenting skills.

Mentors meet with their mentee on a weekly basis, and in all cases the contact is planned and involves a specific activity, either a leisure pursuit or a specific task with which the person needs support.

The mentor’s role focuses on meeting the mentee’s needs and working towards

clear objectives and enhancing future life prospects.

The Le Chéile Mentoring Project is currently recruiting volunteer mentors for this project, and they are asking people to consider giving a few hours a week to become a mentor.

Mentors can come from diverse backgrounds, and do not need to have any previous experience or training as all training is provided. All mentors undergo thorough recruitment and selection procedures including Garda Clearance, Reference Checks etc.

Becoming a mentor means that you have an opportunity to make real change in the lives of people in your own community.

It also gives you time out every week to

try new activities or re-discover ones from your own youth.

We would like to invite people that may be interested in volunteering to attend an open evening on Tuesday Feb 20th (Co. Clare) or Wednesday 21st (Limerick).

To find out more info and to book your place at one of the open evenings please call or email Alan Quinn on 086 7966440/ alan@lecheile.ie. You can also visit us on the web at www.lecheile.ie

For further information on the project or to request an application pack, please contact Alan.

Clare Recruitment

Have an opening at your business?

The Clare Echo recruitment section is the best place to get the word out there if you have a seat that needs filling in your company.

With a weekly distribution of 12,000 FREE newspapers - with 6,000 of these landing directly into doors in Ennis town - you are assured that thousands of local people will see

your job posting.

With a variety of very affordable rates available, there's every reason to choose The Clare Echo when advertising your job posting.

For more information, contact Ciara Farrell or Ger Naughton on 065 - 671 9021.

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

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Excellence award for Cliffs of Moher

Pancake Tuesday Céilí THE Shrove Tuesday Céilí will take place next week on Tuesday, February 13 with The Five Counties Céilí Band in Cois na hAbhna, Ennis.

The Five Counties Céilí Band is one of the most popular Céilí Bands in the country, and is back again to play for the annual “Pancake Tuesday” céilí.

THE Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience in County Clare has been awarded the CIE Award of Excellence for the ninth year running.

The award, which is decided by clients of CIE Tours International, was presented earlier this week at a ceremony held in Dublin. Accepting the award, Mayor of Clare, Cllr Tom McNamara, explained that the honour recognises how the visitor centre and associated facilities have greatly enhanced the visitor experience at the Cliffs of Moher.

Mayor McNamara said ongoing investment in the Council owned attraction has helped to establish the Cliffs as

one of Ireland’s top tourist sites.

The annual award scheme acknowledges tourist attractions which achieve a customer satisfaction rating in excess of 90 per cent. The winners are chosen from an independent valuation of feedback surveys completed by over 30,000 CIE customers.

“To receive such a high approval rating from our customers is an immense source of pride for everybody involved with the development and management of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience,” said Geraldine Enright, Director of the Visitor Experience.

For more visit www.cliffsofmoher.ie.

A great night is in store – there will be plenty of pancakes, and plenty of lively music too!

A night definitely not to be missed, the benefit céilí is for the Ennis branch of CCÉ.

Bígí Linn ag Cois na hAbhna.

Dancing 9.00pm - 12.00am. Admission €10

Elizabeth Crabill, CEO of CIE Tours International (right), presents the CIE Award of Excellence to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience represented here by Councillor Tom McNamara, Mayor of Clare, and Geraldine Enright, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Experience

10 INTERACTIVE

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

A new era of

INTERACTION twitter.com/ ClareEcho

facebook.com/ clareecho

instagram.com/ theclareecho

www.clareecho.ie

Facebook comment Tweet of the week of the week

‘‘

‘Kids these days!!’

Aoife Guilfoyle

in reaction to our goats on the loose in Ennis story

MARTIN CONWAY @martinconwayfg

@MartyM_RTE He had a twirl with me last year & went on to win against the odds. You & I should have a dance and sure you never know!!

THIS STORY REACHED 9,309 PEOPLE ON FACEBOOK

Ennis actress dazzles on ‘Call the Midwife’ ENNIS actress Kelly Gough astounded audiences with her performance in ‘Call the Midwife’ on Sunday night.

Now in its seventh series, the popular BBC show is centred around the nuns of Nonnatus House, who cared for the mothers and babies of 1950s East London.

Kelly played struggling mother Doreen Lunt who can no longer keep the house clean, cook or look after her children.

Doreen is eventually diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, a progressive brain disorder that causes uncontrolled movements,

emotional problems, and loss of thinking ability.

Twitter was alight with praise for Kelly, with viewers commenting: “#kellygough in @CallTheMidwife1 was absolutely brilliant. Staggeringly good acting”.

‘Call the Midwife’ fan Helen McWilliams said: “Taking a moment to appreciate that tremendously powerful performance from #KellyGough in @ CallTheMidwife1 #callthemidwife #Huntingtons”.

Kelly’s extensive resume includes The Clinic, Raw, Strike Back, The Fall and Broadchurch.

lSTELLAR PERFORMANCE: Kelly Gough as Doreen Lunt in ‘Call the Midwife’

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

Entries open for pop up garden challenge

Winner of last year’s Pop-Up Garden Challenge Blaithnaid Landers of Landers Family Group with Bloom manager Gary Graham

fertilising for us. It is aligned to our online guides which aim to help householders & gardeners to protect the environment.”

Said Carmen Cronin, founder and festival organiser of Clare Garden Festival. “We offering groups of all kinds to get involved by taking part in our Pop-Up Garden community challenge. I would like to thank Clare County Council’s Environment Section for encouraging and supporting this competition since 2014. We are also going to have a Festival Fringe again and we will be running our annual Seed & Garden Share in early April.”

Clare Garden Festival will run for its 7th year on Sunday, 29th April 2018 in Ennis, Co Clare.

Information at www.claregardenfestival.com, FB & Instagram: @claregardenfestival.

Clare Echo Competition

Inn At Dromoland high in rankings STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

THE Inn at Dromoland has been recognised as a winner in the Top 25 Hotels in Ireland - Family category of the 2018 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice® awards for Hotels, ranking seventh.

Travellers’ Choice award winners were determined based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travellers worldwide. In the 16th year of the awards, TripAdvisor has highlighted the world’s top 8,095 properties in 94 countries and 8 regions worldwide.

This year, the awards celebrate hotel winners in 10 categories, including Top Hotels Overall, Luxury, Bargain, Small, Best Service, B&Bs and Inns, Romance, Family, All-Inclusive and Value for Money. The hallmarks of Travellers’ Choice hotels winners are remarkable service, value and quality.

The Inn at Dromoland is delighted to receive such a commendation as it continues to cement itself in Ireland as a firm family favourite. With such facilities including a

Edna O’Brien wins international award STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

T

HE Pop-Up Garden Community Challenge at Clare Garden Festival 2018 asks a group/organisation to create a garden based on their interpretation of the theme ‘Gardeners Friends’ Garden’ to be displayed at Clare Garden Festival on 29th April 2018. The Pop-Up Garden Community Challenge is open to Community Organisations, Charities, Community Gardens, Tidy Towns Groups, Youth groups, School groups, Horticultural Student Groups and similar groupings.

First prize will be €400 and the competition is supported by Clare County Council’s Environment Section and the second prize has been confirmed from Garden Centre Colourful Creations again; further prizes will be put in place.

Karen Foley, Environmental Awareness Officer with Clare Co Co Environment section explains: “The Pop-Up Garden community challenge at Clare Garden Festival provides a great opportunity for groups of all ages to engage in a communal project showcasing their gardening skills and hopefully coming out on top to receive a prize for their group.

“Clare County Council Environment section are delighted to support this competition again in 2018.” She continued by saying: “The theme for 2018 called ‘Gardeners Friends’ Garden’ is all about creating a garden that accommodates those little friends in the garden that help us by eating garden pests, cleaning up and even

NEWS 11

large Indoor Playground, “The Play Inn”, outdoor playground and activities such as Crazy Golf and Foot Golf, along with supervised activities in the evening during Mid Term Breaks and Holidays – it is easy to see why the hotel appeals to families year after year.

The Inn at Dromoland is part of the Dromoland Castle Estate and offers a large selection of room types that suit families of all sizes. The hotel has undergone a number of refurbishments in the last number of years and continues to invest in improvment.

“This year’s Travellers’ Choice awards for Hotels recognise thousands of exceptional accommodations that received the highest marks for overall experience, including service, amenities and value, from travellers worldwide,” said Brooke Ferencsik, senior director of communications.

EAST Clare novelist Edna O’Brien has been named as the winner of the PEN/Nabokov award for achievement in international literature, for “the absolute perfection of her prose” and her “powerful voice”.

The author of novels including the celebrated Country Girls trilogy, O’Brien has, said PEN, broke down “social and sexual barriers for women in Ireland and beyond” with her writing.

The $50,000 Nabokov prize was created in partnership with the Vladimir Nabokov literary foundation, and awarded for the first time last year, to the Syrian poet Adonis. It is intended to reward “a living author whose body of work, either written in or translated into English, represents the highest level of achievement in fiction, nonfiction, poetry and/ or drama, and is of enduring originality and consummate craftsmanship”.

O’Brien will be presented with the award on February 20 in New York, alongside the US author Edmund White, who has been revealed as the winner of the PEN/Saul Bellow award for achievement in American fiction.

Edna O’Brien was born in 1930 at Tuamgraney and now resides in London.

12 THE SCENE

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

The scene

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lMOMENTOUS OCCASION: Tom McNamara Cathaoirleach Clare County Council with Gerry Flynn, Chair of the Social Development SPC, Mayor of Ennis Paul Murphy, Liam Conneally, Director of Social Development, Clare County Council, Tim Forde,Head of Sports & Recreation, Clare County Council and Councillor Mary Howard, Chair Sports and Leisure Comnmittee and Richard Murphy, Facilities Manager at the official opening of the 3G all-weather playing pitch at Active Ennis John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road and newly refurbished gymnasium at Active Ennis Leisure Complex on Friday, February 2 2018 Photo: Eamon Ward

Helping Clare stay active Upgraded sports and recreation facilities in Ennis are officially opened

A

NEWLY refurbished gymnasium at Active Ennis Leisure Complex and a 3G all-weather playing pitch at Active Ennis John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road have been officially opened by Mayor of Clare Councillor Tom McNamara.

The upgraded facilities are funded by Clare County Council and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport under the Sports Capital Programme.

The €150,000 refurbishment of the gym at Active Ennis Leisure Complex involves the provision of new resistance machines with four wheelchair accessible machines, a full upgrade of the cardiovascular machine, the addition of two BH Fitness duke power bikes, and the addition of a power rack, hack squat and squat rack in the weight areas. The Highfield Road complex also includes a sauna, steam room, aerobics hall and meeting room, as well as a 25-metre swimming pool which underwent a €192,000 upgrade in late 2016.

Meanwhile, a 3G playing pitch that is fully compliant to GAA, FIFA and IRFU specifications has been developed at Active Ennis John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road.

The €500,000 upgrade of the all-weather pitch complements a range of other facilities at Lees Road including four conventional playing pitches, a skateboard park, active trail, athletics track, cross-country running track, woodland walking trails, community orchard and playground.

Councillor Tom McNamara, Mayor of Clare, said, “I am delighted to see that considerable time and effort continues to be invested in ensuring the range of top class sports and leisure amenities available throughout Clare meet the recreational needs of the wider public as well as meet the highest quality standards.”

Councillor Paul Murphy, Mayor of Ennis, commented, “These developments are as much an investment in the health of the local community as they are an investment in the local recreational infrastructure. I hope they will lead to increased participation levels in sport and recreation in Ennis and the wider county.”

Councillor Gerry Flynn, Chair of the Social Development SPC, stated, “Clare County Council and its Elected Members have a central role to play in the promotion of a healthy lifestyle for all citizens

of County Clare and the better use of existing and new sports and recreation facilities. These new developments are a positive step towards achieving these objectives and I look forward to further investment in our recreational infrastructure in the future.”

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, said the new developments at Lees Road and the Leisure Complex complement the investments made by Clare County Council, supported by the Government, in both facilities during recent years.

“Clare County Council, working closely with community groups and sports organisations throughout the County, is committed to delivering on its strategic approach to the provision and improvement of sports and recreational facilities such as those developed at our Active Ennis locations,” he added.

Tim Forde, Head of Sports & Recreation, Clare County Council, commented, “These developments are indicators of Clare County Council’s ongoing commitment to ensuring Clare becomes the hub of sports and recreation in the Mid West

Region, through investment, cooperation and leadership. We are already preparing further projects into 2018 and 2019.

We will shortly have a new Fartlek Interval Training System installed in the Lees Road Facility as well as three Mountain Trikes (outdoor wheelchair units) available to users, two in Lees Road and one in Kilrush Sports Complex.”

“Sport Capital Funding was awarded at the end of 2017 to complete dressing rooms & storage in both Tim Smythe Park, Ennis & Kilrush Sports Complex. All this, and the roll out of the ‘Atlantic Youth Project’, a 3 year European funded education pilot programme to introduce local students to Maritime Industry & Recreation as a career choice. Working with our four European Partners, France, Portugal, Spain and the U.K., this promises to be a landmark program nationally and internationally,” concluded Mr. Forde.

Liam Conneally, Director of Social Development, Clare County Council, stated, “Clare County Council is committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all citizens of the County and beyond, now and into the future.”

THE SCENE 13

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

lWINNING COMBINATION: U14 Feile team, the U14 panel also took home the Clare Feile Na nGael C Division title

Ruan Medal Presentation night

R lCOVETED PRIZES: The different medals that were presented on the night

lGREAT NIGHT: U14c captains Ciara O’Grady and Eve O’Connor

UAN Camogie Club and Ruan Minor Hurling held a Medal Presentation night on Friday 02 February in Toonagh Hall.

The Camogie Club had a very successful year at underage level, winning the U12 title, the U13 Championship and the U14 Championship. The U14 panel also took home the Clare Feile Na nGael C Division title, and in doing so brought home to Ruan the Janet Neilan Memorial Shield.

The Club had honoured the memory of their former officer and long serving member by presenting Clare Camogie

Board with a Shield in her memory following Janet’s untimely passing. On the night her daughter Eimear presented the U14 Feile medals to the victorious panel. Clare Camogie Stars Aoife Keane and Fiona Lafferty from neighbouring Inagh Kilnamona were in attendance to present the medals to the U12, U13 and U14 panels. John McGrath of Tipperary Senior Hurling presented the medals to the victorious U15 Hurlers.

Following the medal presentation an enjoyable evening was spent with the young players availing of photo opportunities of the County stars present.

lWELL DONE: U12 Tournament winners, capt Aine jones

14 BUSINESS PROFILE

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

BUSINESS PROFILE

Support Local

Kilrush

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

Putting great customer service in the frame

W

lQUIRKY: Premises in Kilrush

ITH over thirty years’ experience behind them and an alternative, quirky setting, Wild Atlantic Opticians in Kilrush offers top notch service.

Owner and optometrist Julie Neylon said she has received great support from the people of Kilrush and the surrounding areas since opening the business in September 2016.

Julie believes that shopping local is vital for retaining services and attracting new businesses to the area.

“There’s great support from the local people here. I found that everyone is great for coming in to me and shopping local.

There’s a great community feel in Kilrush,” she added.

As an independent business, The Wild Atlantic Opticians is different from the multinational optician chains because they really focus on their customer service.

The appointments offered at the Wild Atlantic Opticians are twice as long as the average time slot, with opticians spending an average of 40 minutes with each patient.

Patients are taken through the entire process by the same optician, giving them

a more personal experience.

“So patients, especially elderly and children are not being rushed. They have a much longer appointment time. You get to know the person and they get to trust you.

“We take the photograph of the back of

lPERSONAL EXPERIENCE: Wide range of frames and friendly service

the eye and we don’t charge for that as well,” Julie said.

Walking in to the Wild Atlantic Opticians is like stepping back in time, with quirky décor, antique cabinets and cool knick-knacks scattered around the shop.

Customers can even play a game of chess or enjoy a cup of coffee while they wait for their appointment.

Although the furniture may be old school, the equipment most certainly is not.

“It’s an old building and there’s an old antiques cabinet and there’s an old retro feel to it. The actual optometry equipment in the testing room would be the latest. It’s the latest technology in an old funky setting,” Julie added.

You might be forgiven for thinking that an optician located in a small town automatically translates into having a small

selection of frames, but the Wild Atlantic Opticians has all the frames a patient could possibly wish for.

With over 2,000 options to choose from and the most popular brands (including Ted Baker, Bollé and Pepe Jeans) available, every patient is sure to find something that suits their taste and budget.

“I get a good bit of feedback from people that there is a huge selection of frames for all different budgets and ages and styles, so we hope that we can cater for every budget and you won’t leave here thinking that you couldn’t find a frame that suited you,” Julie said.

Julie also pointed out that medical card holders and those paying PRSI can avail of a free eye test every two years.

They are also entitled to a free pair of glasses with their eye test.

FOOD & DRINK 15

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

Food&Drink

Support Local

Kilrush

CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE lSUPERB: Selection of food to cater to all tastes

lTASTY: A slice of Italy in the heart of West Clare

Cosmopolitan vibes AMICI BISTRO, KILRUSH

W

ITH soft, golden lighting and classic yet contemporary décor, Amici gives off a cosmopolitan vibe that you would find in any European capital.

It’s easy to see why Caroline and Simon chose the name ‘Amici’ for their new venture.

Amici is the Italian word for friend and we have to say it’s pretty apt.

Caroline made sure that we were not rushed and that we were made feel welcome from the get-go.

The pair have poured their heart and soul into the project, which is easy to see from their carefully chosen, authentic cuisine.

Our mouths were watering just looking at the menu and it took us forever to decide which tasty dishes to choose.

I finally settled on the crostini; homemade Italian sourdough bread topped with Sardinian Pecorino Cheese and mush-

Classic and contemporary bistro is a friendly find

lSERVICE WITH A SMILE: Amici Bistro, Kilrush

lDELIGHTFUL DESSERT: I couldn’t wait to get stuck into the Tiramisu

rooms and thyme. I can honestly say they were the tastiest mushrooms I have ever had.

My friend ordered St Tola’s goat’s cheese with pear, apple, toasted walnut and soft figs.

I tasted it and I was tempted to take her plate and not give it back.

All of the dishes are made to order and you can really taste the love and care that has gone into them.

While some of the ingredients, like the artisan Italian cheeses and meats, are imported, Caroline and Simon aim to use local ingredients wherever possible.

The fish in my main course, Fregola ai

Frutti Di Mare, comes from local suppliers CS Fish and Sealyons.

My friend ordered the traditional Sardinian sausages, cooked in onions and vernaccia, served with seasonal vegetables and pureed potato.

The meat for this dish is supplied by Kelly’s Butchers, another business local to Kilrush.

The first two courses were to die for, but I am a dessert fiend and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.

Where would any self-respecting Italian restaurant be without a decent Tiramisu?

Amici does not disappoint in this regard, or in any other aspect of the dining experience.

We visited the restaurant on a Saturday evening and the place was hopping, a sure sign of good things to come, and deservedly so.

Fantastico!

16 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

LOVE: But St Valentine’s Day is not just for couples

Author spreading the word of positivity

St.Valentine’s real love

L

IKE many of our yearly special events, St.Valentine’s Day has become so commercialised. The focus on love and romance for couples can leave many people feeling left out and even lost. According to history, St. Valentine’s Day which we celebrate was not associated with romantic love until the Middle Ages. So if you haven’t already, instead of the emphasis on expensive displays of affection, why not take a more spiritual approach to St. Valentine’s Day and try and keep real love all the year around?

This St. Valentine’s Day you may well have probably either sent or received a valentine from someone.

But just like many of our special celebratory days, you don’t have to be held hostage to commercial interests. A true celebration of love can be so much more than an obligatory sharing of chocolates, prosecco or if you’re in the money maybe champagne, or candlelight dinners, and this celebration of love doesn’t require anything more than the depths and richness of your own sweet beautiful heart and soul.

There’s a lot more behind it than just cards and gifts. There’s a truelife story. It’s a story that teaches us a lot about love, sacrifice, care, strength and commitment, the true meaning of St. Valentine’s Day and a meaning that we should aspire to keep all year around! Historians hopefully will be happy with me following these historic facts!

THE PRIEST VALENTINE

In the third century, the Roman Empire was ruled by Emperor Claudius II Gothicus. He was nicknamed Claudius the Cruel because of his harsh leadership and his tendency for getting into wars and abusing his people. In fact, he was getting into so many wars during the third century that he was having a difficult time recruiting enough soldiers. Claudius believed that recruitment for the army was down because Roman men did not want to leave their loved ones or families behind, so he canceled all marriages and engagements in Rome. Thousands of couples saw their hopes of matrimony dashed by the single

act of a tyrant. And no one seemed interested in standing up to the emperor. But a simple Christian priest named Valentine did come forward and stood up for love. He began to secretly marry soldiers before they went off to war, despite the emperor’s orders. In 269 A.D., Emperor Claudius found out about the secret ceremonies. He had Valentine thrown into prison and deemed that he would be put to death.

As Valentine was awaiting execution, he healed a blind girl who happened to be the jailer’s daughter.

On the eve of his execution, with no writing instruments available, Valentine is said to have written her a sonnet in ink that he squeezed from violets. He supposedly finished the farewell note signed “from your Valentine.” Legend has it that his words made the blind woman see again. The next day Valentine was clubbed to death by Roman executioners. St. Valentine gave his life so that young couples could be bonded together in holy matrimony.

They may have killed the man, but not his spirit. Even centuries after his death, the story of Valentine’s self-sacrificing commitment to love was legendary in Rome and spread worldwide. Eventually, he was granted sainthood and the Catholic Church decided to create a feast in his honor. They picked February 14 as the day of celebration because of the ancient belief that birds (particularly lovebirds, but also owls and doves) began to mate on that very day.

CONCEPT OF LOVE

So in writing and researching this thought for the week, it’s surprising to know that St. Valentine’s Day is really founded on the concept of love in marriage and in relationships. On this St. Valentine’s Day just past, what are you doing to keep the love in your marriage’s and your relationship’s burning not just on St. Valentine’s day but all year around? While giving a box of chocolates, a bouquet of flowers and cards, having a candlelight dinner, and sharing special words of love are all really important, the true spirit of St. Valentine’s Day needs to last throughout the year.

So rather than focus on material gifts and exclusive relationships, why not examine the spiritual side?

Remember celebrating St. Valentine’s Day was meant to be shared by everyone without exclusions.

Now is the time to bring real love for everyone especially those most in need in our world back into our life today. Examine your relationships to see if you’ve been excluding anyone lately maybe a loved one, a family member or a friend. If so, this would be a good time to reconnect and express your care and concern. Or perhaps you’ve had a falling out with someone. Let this day be a reminder to let go of past mistakes and resentments. Use your St. Valentine’s Day to symbolise real love, forgiveness and healing.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

PRECIOUS: Family love

As your thought for the week, seek out opportunities to think about those people who are often forgotten on these special days. Those who are elderly, alone, abandoned, orphaned, ill, homeless or living on the edges of our society need our love too. Remember them in your prayers, intentions and meditations.

If you have the chance to volunteer your time, money or resources to help those in need or good charities that help so many worthy causes please make the effort to do so and do so all the year around. Express if you can more than anything for our country and world the love of real selfless charity! I will leave you with RELATIONSHIPS: There is love one of my favourite love prayers/ in friendship poems, “Touched By An Angel” by Maya Angelou. “We, unaccustomed to courage, exiles from delight, live coiled in shells of loneliness until love leaves its high holy temple and comes into our sight to liberate us into life. Love arrives and in its train come ecstasies old memories of pleasure ancient histories of pain.

Yet if we are bold, love strikes away the chains of fear from our souls. We are weaned from our timidity In the flush of love’s light we dare be brave.

And suddenly we see that love costs all we are and will ever be. Yet it is only love which sets us free. Amen”

Clare Echo THE

SENIOR CARE

In Clare

LOOKING AFTER YOUR HEALTH All your eye care questions answered

HELPING HAND TO DEAL WITH YOUR LEGAL NEEDS

TOP TIPS ON HOW TO STAY FIT AND ACTIVE

As I get older: help is at hand Sally from Open Sesame answers the most common health questions in relation to getting older OPEN SESAME ENNIS & GORT l FAMILY-RUN: Sally in front of her Ennis shop with her 83-year-old mother Babs

Open Sesame The Healthfood Experts since 1988

Solgar Avanced

€25% OFF

Multi-Billion Dophilus 60s €34.25 €25.68

Sluggish digestion? Try this excellent probiotic!

For a memory & concentration boost Ask us about Revive Mastermind

Help improve your Joint Health with Solgar Triple Strength Omega-3 Open Sesame 35 Parnell Street Ennis Co Clare 065-6821480

A

T OPEN Sesame, we get asked questions on a huge variety of subjects and after 30 years running the business, nothing would surprise us!

We’re proud of our top-quality advice from qualified nutritionists, always with a personal touch. The phrase “let us know how you get on” is one you’ll hear a lot from Open Sesame.

Here’s a few of the most commonly asked questions we get in relation to getting older.

Q. As I get older my bowels are more sluggish and constipated – what can I do to help?

A. Diet wise - firstly avoid white bread as it can act like glue in your tummy.

Increase your intake of soluble fibre like oats & eat plenty of fresh veg and seeds.

Supplement wise Solgar MultiBillionDophilus is a superb pro-biotic that will increase the good bacteria in your gut.

Depending on how severe it is take one, three times a day, increase your water intake and keep moving!

Q. I find myself getting more forgetful and lacking concentration.

How can I counter this?

A. The makers of Revive Active have come up with an excellent product which I take myelf called Mastermind. 100% natural, it’s an Irish produced supplement that can contribute to brain and cognitive function, mental performance & nervous system function.

Along with Mastermind a quality Omega-3 supplement such as Solgar Concentration Triple Strength Omega will oil your brain as well as your joints.

Improving diet and exercising always helps but if you have serious concerns it is always best to check with your GP. Q. I suffer from cataracts – how can I positively affect my eye health?

A. Cataract operations are highly successful but opticians and eye specialist do still recommend supplements containing Lutein Lycopene and again Omega Oils, both of which are available at Open Sesame.

In terms of diet, Lycopene occurs naturally in tomatoes and did you know organic eggs are great for eye health too?

Q. Is there anything can be done for my joint pain it’s always worse when I get up in the morning?

A. A question we are asked every day.

It’s very individual but the key is KEEP MOVING as much as you possibly can.

So many factors can contribute – under heated houses in winter, prolonged periods in the same position, lack of Vitamin D etc.

Prescribed anti-inflammatories can really irritate the stomach so we have many herbal alternatives and Glucosamine based supplements. Our older customers love Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar taken first thing, which has made it one of our most popular products.

l BENIFITS: Staying active is important Q. Should I take a multivitamin or can I rely purely on food?

A. There is absolutely no reason NOT to take a multi. We usually give one without iron as some people have too much iron, whereas it’s the B Vitamins that we need as we get older.

The benefit of taking them as part of a multivitamin is there’s not Vitamin C for immunity but also D - the sunshine vitamin, and all sorts of co factors that can aid nutrient absorption. Everybody’s tastes are different - some people prefer liquid ,others chewable, while others are fine to swallow tablets. Quality is what counts – forget the cheap supermarket brands - you get what you pay for, and if you’re not absorbing it you can’t benefit.

Specsavers Ennis have their eyes on the local community

T

HE team at Specsavers Ennis is encouraging the local community to stay on top of their eye health by incorporating regular eye tests into their overall healthcare routine. As well as determining whether you require glasses, tests can also detect a variety of conditions including glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure and, in rare cases, even life-threatening conditions such as brain tumours. Early diagnosis is vital and with glaucoma being one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in Ireland, Specsavers Ennis is calling out for the local community to get their eyes tested at least every two years.

Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve, which transmits images to the brain.

Glaucoma slowly destroys eyesight through raised pressure within the eyeball. The most common cause of the increase in pressure within the eye is when the fluid, called aqueous humour, is unable to drain away properly or too much is produced. Most sufferers experience no discomfort, which means that significant and lasting damage can occur before they notice any difference. In fact, 40% of optic nerve damage can occur before it is possible to notice any loss of vision.

CEO of the National Council for the Blind of Ireland, Chris White says: ‘There are currently more than 54,000 people in Ireland living with blindness and vision impairment and this figure is rising. As many as 75% of all cases are preventable so together with Specsavers Ennis, we are helping to educate people about the importance of regular eye tests and urging them to prioritise their eye health.’

John O’Farrell, ophthalmic optician at Specsavers Ennis says: ‘Specsavers Ennis is committed to raising awareness of the benefits of regular eye examinations, at least every two years, as they are crucial for detecting early signs of the condition, glaucoma. Left undetected, glaucoma can cause blindness, however, it is readily treatable and the condition can be controlled if diagnosed early.

John O'Farrell Rosaleen O'Sullivan

‘As we get older we are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma, which can be hereditary. At Specsavers Ennis, we want to remind people that they should have an eye examination at least every two years, which is particularly important if they are over 40 years of age or have a family history of glaucoma.’

Under the new PRSI treatment benefit, thousands of people in Ireland now qualify for a free eye test and a pair of glasses. Following changes to the PRSI scheme by the Department of Social Protection late last year, anyone who has been employed or self-employed in Ireland for two years, is now entitled to a free eye test as well as a free pair of glasses or contribution to a pair of frames, at Specsavers Ennis.

Specsavers Ennis is located at 1 Market Place, Caby's Lane, Ennis, Co. Clare.

For further information or to book a test call (065 682 1212) or book online at https://www.specsavers.ie/stores/ennis

Why should I make a will?

A WILL is a legal document in which the person expresses their wishes as to how their property will be shared after his death.

Many people intend to make a will but are reluctant to do so. If you don’t make a will then you will have no say where your assets go after your death.

It is always advisable to consult a solicitor when drafting a Will.

1. What makes a Will valid?

In order for a will to be valid the testator in the presence of two witnesses must sign it. The will must also contain the date the will was signed and the two witnesses must not be beneficiaries.

2. Appointing Executors A Will usually contains the appointment of an executor. Their duty is to administer the estate of the testator. The task can be

quite arduous depending on the size of the estate. It is always advisable to ask someone before you nominate him/her as executor.

3. How to give something under a Will This may seem quite a simple step but it a very common area where mistakes are made. It is very important that it is made extremely clear a) what gift is being given and b) who it is being given to. It is quite normal in Wills that people are leaving property to their relations who often bare the same name as another relation. This is why it is very important to state clearly who is to get the gift.

4. Intestacy: What if you don’t make a Will?

This happens where someone either fails to make a will or fails to dispose of their entire estate. The latter is called a partial

intestacy. In this situation the testator’s next-of-kin becomes the administrator of the estate. If in the unlikely event that there are no relatives whatsoever the State will inherit the assets.

5. Inheritance Taxes Property that passes under a will or on intestacy may be liable to various forms of taxation. A solicitor who is administering the estate will inform the beneficiaries of these taxes.

6. Costs involved in making a Will Making a will with a solicitor is not expensive and is well worth it to ensure that everything is done correctly and your wishes will be carried out after your death. The expenses incurred in administering your estate will be deducted from the estate along with the funeral expenses before any gifts are given out under the will.

Q&A: Caring for your vision

D

ID you know that over half your memories are visual? That’s why it’s so important not to neglect your eye health.

Think of something that matters to you... more than likely, it’s an image that popped into your mind. But while you’re constantly forming new memories, you’ll only have one set of eyes to look after them. Julie Moore Neylon (pictured), BSc (Hons) Optomerty, Optometrist and owner of Wild Atlantic Opticians, Kilrush, answers a few common questions about the elderly and their eyes.

Why can I no longer read my book and have to push it further away?

Since your 40s, you probably noticed that your vision is changing - this is often due to an eye condition called presbyopia.

Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. It’s a natural part of aging. Presbyopia usually becomes noticeable in your early to mid-40s

and continues to worsen until around age 65.

An eye exam can confirm presbyopia.

You can easily correct the condition with glasses or contact lenses.

How often should I have my eyes examined?

If you’re over 60 then you should consider having your eyes examined every year as you are at an increased risk of developing many preventable eye problems.

What if my vision seems fine?

Even if your eyesight may be perfect, it is important to have an eye exam not only to evaluate your visual acuity and check whether you need glasses or an adjustment to your prescription but it is also essential to complete an eye health check to screen for eye and systemic problems, as often these problems are asymptomatic until it’s too late. Many eye diseases have no early warning signs, but an eye exam can detect eye diseases before vision loss occurs.

Early detection can help save your sight.

What kind of systemic problems can be picked up during an eye exam?

Your optometrist can detect early signs of serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and a risk of stroke, as well as certain cancers, all based on the appearance of the eye.

What are the 5 most common eye problems amongst the elderly?

The five most common Age-related Eye Diseases and Conditions are - Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): AMD is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving.

- Cataract: A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. Vision with cataract can appear cloudy or blurry, colours may seem faded and you may notice a lot of glare, especially when night driving.

- Diabetic Eye Disease: Diabetic eye disease is a complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness. The most common form is diabetic retinopathy which occurs when diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside the retina.

- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. It is usually associated with high pressure in the eye and affects side or peripheral vision.

- Dry Eye: Dry eye occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly, or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly. Dry eye can make it more difficult to perform activities such as using a computer or reading.

What about elderly drivers?

If you are 60 or older, driving a car may

be increasingly difficult. Age-related vision changes and eye diseases can negatively affect your driving abilities, even before you are aware of the symptoms.

Some age-related vision changes that affect seniors’ driving include: not being able to see road signs clearly; Difficulty seeing objects up close like the car instrument panel; Changes in perception of colour and difficulty driving towards bright sunlight or glare. Many of these problems can be improved with glasses, eye surgery may sometimes be necessary.

What advice would you give the elderly about their eyes?

I recommend that all my patients avoid smoking and eat a healthy diet rich in green leafy veg. I advise them to always wear good polarised sunglasses with 100% UVA & UVB protection when outdoors, even if it’s overcast and to have regular comprehensive eye exams at their local Opticians.

Are eye exams and glasses expensive?

Eye exams and glasses are now free to 80% of all adults as they are entitled to a free eye test and free glasses through their PRSI / Medical Card so there should be no reason not to have a regular eye examination.

As it is now easier than ever to have an eye test and glasses, I’d recommend you don’t put it off any longer and contact your local optician today for further information and look after your precious eyes.

Best foot forward...

Looking after your feet is crucial MORTON’S PODIATRY CLINIC

P

ODIATRY is a Healthcare Profession that specialises in the management of disease and disorder of the lower limb and foot.

The foot is a highly complex structure, which can develop problems affecting a patients overall health and quality of life.

Podiatry can significantly improve people’s quality of life by promoting mobility and on our doorstep is the highly-qualified Danielle Orla Morton (BSc. Podiatry; MSc. Diabetes Management; Pg. Wound Management), who at request can also attend hospitals and residential and nursing homes.

From verruca therapies and orthotics (shoe inserts) to Diabetic Foot Screening and Podiatric Acupuncture & Dry Needling, Danielle covers a full range of podiatry needs in a professional and

comfortable environment.

Danielle graduated from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh with a bachelor’s degree in Podiatry in June, 2011 and has a master’s degree in Diabetes Management.

Danielle’s additional podiatric entitlements include; Prescription only medicines (POMs) and Injecting local anaesthetics (LA).

She is also an insured member of the U.K. and Irish Society of Chiropodists & Podiatrists and recognised practitioner amongst all Irish health insurers.

Danielle regularly maintains a portfolio of developmental and clinical experiences and achievements and frequently uses this to reflect on her practice and expand on her existing clinical knowledge.

Services she provides General Podiatry; Sports Podiatry; Children’s Podiatry; Wound Management in

Podiatry; and Paraffin Wax Heat Therapy, which increases blood flow and tolerance for pain, while relaxing muscles and increasing hydration of the skin.

For more information, contact Danielle on 087 711 5848.

l QUALIFIED EXPERT: Danielle

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018 Tue 09 May 17

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CARING FOR THE ELDERLY

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24 COLUMNIST

Caroline Bourke

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

MAKE-UP AND STYLE

FLAWLESS FEATURES How to create a natural yet polished radiant look

A

S a makeup artist, I'm constantly trying out new products. As a result, I tend to chop and change my daily makeup routine quite often. My primary focus is always on using quality products that are effective in creating a flawless, radiant makeup look.

My current makeup routine is simple and quick. I want to look natural yet polished, so I use the following products:

CHARLOTTE TILBURY MAGIC FOUNDATION

This is a great full coverage foundation that can be easily buffed into the skin. This creates a flawless but very natural base.

NARS RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER IN CUSTARD

This evens skin tone and balances any pigmentation, while covering and diminishing any blemishes and imperfections.

This is one of the best concealers on the market as it is designed to last.

MAC MINERALIZE SKINFINISH POWDER IN NATURAL

This is a lovely finishing powder that really sets the foundation

and holds everything in place throughout the day.

MAC BLUSH IN WELL DRESSED

This blush is an 'immaculate pink' shade that adds a soft flush of colour to the face. It's subtle enough for every day, yet it is buildable for creating a healthy glow for a night out.

DIOR NUDE AIR LUMINIZER POWDER

This is a light and silky highlighter that creates gorgeous luminosity on the skin.

It is stunning on and is one of my favourite new products.

DIOR BACKSTAGE EYE PRIME

This is a fantastic base for prepping eyes for shadow. It smoothes and corrects the eye area for seamless eyeshadow application.

DIOR SHOW MONO LUSTROUS SMOKEY SHADOW IN 564 FIRE

This is a beautiful lustrous shadow that delivers a rich colour pay off and a subtle shine.

This is gorgeous on its own with a cake liner or a kohl pencil smudged out to create a soft and

smokey effect. The shade selection in the line is quite autumnal as well, so these eyeshadows are a perfect fit for this time of year.

LANCOME LE CRAYON POUDRE IN BLONDE

This dual ended eyebrow pencil allows you to create natural and perfectly full groomed brows.

LANCOME HYPNOSE MASCARA

This is an intensely hydrating, volumising mascara that makes lashes look much fuller.

It's one of my must-have products.

INGLOT SLEEKS VLC LIPGLOSS #71

This beautifully packaged sheer lip gloss that makes the lips appear ultra-shiny yet natural at the same time.

(Pictured right)

COLUMNISTS 25

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

EDITOR’S OPINION

Eoin Neylon

Our county is delivering for its young people

Fine Gael is the party of the large corporation

Stuart Holly

T

HE Fair Green for training, if you could get a time slot. Sometimes the local green area. The lumpy soccer park behind Our Lady’s Hospital for the big game. Plying our trade on water-logged, hilly pitches.

Getting changed in sheds and holding off on the shower til you were home, covered in mud. Seven young lads packed into the mother’s Ford Escort for away matches. Athletics; unless you were running it was out of the question. This was the landscape of my underage playing days, whether it was GAA, soccer or rugby.

How times have changed.

This week we covered the official opening of the newly refurbished gym at Active Ennis Leisure Complex and the new all-weather playing pitch at Lees Road in Ennis.

Next week, we’ll see more of the same in West Clare where the official opening of the Integrated Soccer & GAA Pitches at Active Kilrush Sports Complex will take place.

This follows the incredible success of the award-winning Clarisford Park in Killaloe, another sports and leisure amenity which officially opened two years ago with a whole host of local sporting legends taking part in a charity match to mark its birth.

Brendan Buglar, the great Anthony Foley and Keith Wood to name a few.

All these projects have dramatically changed how children and young people can enjoy sport, and more importantly, give them the opportunity to prosper.

As weekly and daily disposable news stories pass through this desk, here’s one that will impact on thousands and thousands of lives for years to come. And yet, many might not notice.

Lees Road, as an example, has in recent times been used as a training facility for none other than Irish Olympians such as Thomas Barr, who finished 4th in the 2016 Olympic 400m hurdles. That’s what we have on our doorstep.

All the above mentioned projects were funded or co-funded by Clare County Council and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. A hat-tip also to those who maintain and push the upgrading of the amenities.

So with the spring upon us and cracks of sun appearing, it’s a good time to get out and see how your taxpayer money is being used for the greater good.

Something to celebrate and not take for granted the next time we’re cheering on our children or dropping them off to train in top-class facilities.

Clare will win the All-Ireland!

I’M NOT a betting man, which is why I can say with such confidence that Clare will win the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship this year.

I won’t bang this drum in my editorial again until the week of August 19 when Clare come home from Drumcondra with the cup. But I wanted it on the record.

Two-thousand-and-eighteen is saffron and blue. The reason I’m so sure of it? Well, like any passionate supporter I happen to blindly follow any hunch as it lands on my lap. And I do have a hunch.

It stems from character. Many of our current crop have experienced the highs of a Liam McCarthy success and a league title - and the many lows which have been crammed in between.

There appears now to be a clarity, character and backbone to this Clare team that has threatened to exist in previous seasons. Bold prediction: I can see All Stars in our future in our three Stars of David Fitzgerald, McInerney and Reidy - along with Shane O’Donnell and Peter Duggan.

Two wins from two in league hurling against Tipperary and Kilkenny is well worth using as a yard-stick to show how far Clare have come in the last two years. And coming away from Nolan Park with a win despite 18 wides is an indication that we’re not peaking too early. The best is definitely still to come.

Ciara Farrell, a Galway girl and The Clare Echo’s business development manager yesterday told me to look out the window when I insisted Clare were going to win the All-Ireland - “look out the window, there’s a pig flying down O’Connell Street” she exclaimed to the office. So let this be on the record ... along with the fact that I looked out the window.

If you think I’m talking through my hat, think again. You’ve read this far, so you’ve got hope too.

(Disclaimer; The last time I had a hunch in 2014 Clare failed to win a single Championship match).

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

E

ARLY February is a special time of year.

Love is in the air as Spring time has officially sprung, on the Celtic calendar at least. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, couples are striving to find appropriate ways to display their affections for one another. There’s also the case of many singletons eyeing each other up and sending flirtatious messages to see if there is any possible future together.

Soon enough, we’ll be seeing much of the same in political circles too. As an election approaches on the horizon, be it this year or next, different parties will begin backroom flirting to see if there’s any possibility of post-election Government.

A lot can change in six months regarding poll numbers. Fine Gael are riding high at the moment but just 6 months ago, Fianna Fáil were top dogs. Who knows where we’ll be a further six months down the track. So let’s ignore current poll standings and instead, lets see how compatible some pairings might be in the political dating game.

If we take the aforementioned “big two” of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, for many, these would make a great coalition. This would be Ireland’s answer to the ‘Grand Coalitions’ seen in other European countries such as in Germany between the CDU and SDP. It’s not an uncommon thing on the continent but would it work here? There are a lot of similarities between them.

They both hover around the centre ground of Irish politics although Fine Gael are arguably more right of centre when it comes to economic policy. They’re both pro-EU, pro-business and low tax parties on the face of it. However, the devil is in the details.

Fine Gael have traditionally been the party of the big farmer, the large corporation and the legal profession.

Fianna Fáil have been seen as the party of the small farmer, the SME, the self-employed and the working man traditionally. A lot of those tropes still hold with each one cherry picking policies usually viewed as straying into the others’ territory, blurring the

lines. As pointed out in this column before, the problem that would arise between the two would be in the two most critical areas; housing and health.

Being a party of big numbers, Fine Gael are happy with stats going in the right direction and overall trends.

Fianna Fáil have always been more individualistic in nature, sometimes to the detriment of the big picture. The Government’s housing plan has failed to yield their desired results, yet they refuse to entertain Fianna Fáil’s plan despite it being exactly what small builders say is needed to allow them build more affordable houses. This could yet be the issue that collapses the confidence and supply agreement and if so, don’t expect any grand coalition. ext up is Sinn Féin.

They’ve assumed the mantle of the third party and with a new leader, might be a more attractive option than in the past. They’re claiming they’ve reformed their old ways and would make a willing partner in future for whomever. That all remains to be seen.

However, what would happen for either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil if they took them in? For Fianna Fáil, there would be a minor revolt in the ranks. If Míchéal and co. were to affectively ‘bring them home to meet the parents’, ie: try get a Fianna Fáil-SF Government ratified at Special Ard Fheis of their members, it might prove tricky.

Many Fianna Fáil members have publicly decried such a potential coupling with scant support seen in the past. Policy-wise, some of the political reforms and social policies would seem to marry up but the two’s stance on promoting new business, taxation policies and attitude to Europe would seem polls apart. The pressure will be on Míchéal Martin though not to left on the shelf.

One more election without victory and he surely will go down as the first Fianna Fáil leader never to be Taoiseach.

He may well want to cut a deal with SF and put them in the position of actually delivering rather than just constantly opposing. Leo

N

Varadkar has the more flexibility on the matter. The winning or losing of the next election doesn’t necessarily pose a threat to his leadership position within Fine Gael bar any disaster.

Fine Gael members are less vitriolic when posed the question of a relationship with Sinn Fein. Their policies though seem even further apart economically than the gap between Fianna Fáil and SF. That said, there are some very left wing Independent TD’s currently serving in Leo’s Government that he has managed to keep happy thus far. I wouldn’t rule this out as an option yet. ne coupling though I will predict in the short to medium term is the permanent marriage of Labour and the Social Democrats. They both occupy the same left of centre space on the Irish political spectrum, meaning they could both easily deal with either Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael.

The SocDem’s two TDs both came from Labour/ Worker’s Party stock even. If either party is to emerge as a force in Irish politics in the future, pooling their resources would seem the most logical option. Labour has already flirted with the idea.

The SocDem’s were quick to shoot it down but publicly they’d have to do such a thing. After all, you can’t let a perspective partner to get the upper hand straight off the bat by acknowledging you’re interested.

You must play the game. To give themselves the best negotiating position, they’d want to earn more seats which they can only do if people think they’ll always be under the SocDem banner. A good day for all of them, Labour and one of the “big two” could even see them in Government together.

It’s a numbers game at the end of the day but as anyone who has ever dated can tell you, when you find the right one, hold on tight and get them to sign a Program for Government.

O

26 COMMUNITY

Community

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

Instrument Appeal 2018: Have you a fiddle under the stairs, a flute in the kitchen drawer or a bodhran under the bed? If so we want them!!

“Over the last three years we have donated musical instruments worth many of thousands of euros to young students, these instruments have been re-strung, tuned and repaired and are now being played and loved” said co-ordinator Cllr Mary Howard.

Collections are taking place on Facebook page: Instrument Appeal. We also have an instrument appeal at lunch time on Friday Feb 9th in Room 306 at Rice College on from 1.20pm -2pm and at Colaiste Muire from 12.30pm till 1pm in Room 17 or equally contact any of our team Alice Keane, Emma Pyne, Faye Curran, Niamh McHugh or Cllr Mary Howard at 086 8780 298.

ENNIS ABORTION INFORMATION EVENING Catholics for Choice president Jon O’Brien to be keynote speaker at abortion information evening in Ennis on 19th February.

Accessing abortion can be an ethical choice for Catholic women, according to the head of an international Catholic organisation who will speak at a public event in Ennis on 19th February. The President of the Washington-based Catholics for Choice, Jon O’Brien, said he believes Irish Catholics stand by women and trust them to be moral agents of their own lives.

Mr O’Brien, originally from Dublin, will be the keynote speaker at an open information evening which will launch Abortion Rights Clare’s campaign to Repeal the 8th Amendment. Organisers say the event will focus on “compassion and respect for a woman’s decision”.

Also speaking on 19th February will be Jenni Owen-Thomas of Parents for Choice in Pregnancy and Childbirth, who argue that people should become parents by choice, and not because they have no other option.

Jenni will speak about how the 8th Amendment affects parents and families in Ireland.

Suzanne Leen and Michelle May from AIMS Ireland (Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services) will give a joint presentation about the adverse effects of the 8th Amendment on maternity services in Ireland.

Catholics for Choice President Jon O’Brien said: “The Irish society that I grew up in has evolved greatly in 35 years. I believe Irish Catholics stand by women and trust them to be moral agents of their own lives. It is important that Catholic voices be heard – because so many of us know in our hearts that repealing the Eighth Amendment is the right thing to do.”

“Catholic teaching puts primacy on developing a good conscience and following it in moral decision-making, even if that means disagreeing with the Church hierarchy. Many of the hierarchy’s teachings on reproductive rights have not been received by the faithful. For instance, the majority of Catholic women have made conscience-based decisions to use contraception responsibly, and Catholic women have abortions at the same rate as other women. They understand these can

Catholics for Choice president Jon O’Brien will be keynote speaker at an abortion information evening in Ennis on February 19 at The Old Ground Hotel

be ethical choices.”

Jenni Owen-Thomas of Parents for Choice said: “We at Parents for Choice are campaigning for compassion within the healthcare system, so we can be cared for and supported through the most joyful moments and the most difficult decisions. Over half of those accessing abortion healthcare are already parents. We love our children, we want to be allowed to make decisions, including our reproductive decisions, in their best interests.”

Eilis Murphy of Abortion Rights Clare said: “In 2016, 53 women from Co Clare travelled to the UK for an abortion.

This does not include women who gave a UK address; women who travelled to other countries or women who took abortion pills they ordered online.”

“We as a campaign have been witnessing in Co Clare what is happening across Ireland. As successive opinion polls have shown, a clear majority want access to abortion up to 12 weeks and beyond.

The open information evening, entitled ‘Repealing the 8th’ and hosted by Abortion Rights Campaign Clare, will take place at 7pm on 19th Feb at the Old Ground Hotel.

The discussion will be opened up to the floor during a Question & Answer session.

CLARE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Clare Archaeological and Historical Society presents ‘Irish Traditional Music in Ennis 1950 - 1980’ - a talk by Dr Geraldine Cotter.

Lecture takes place on Tuesday 13th February in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, at 8pm. Lectures are free to members, €5 for non-members. New members welcome.

TOASTMASTERS DATE The next Toastmasters meeting will be on Tuesday 13th February from 8.00 pm at the Temple Gate Hotel. Visitors will be most welcome.

2018 POETRY CONTEST The Poetry Collective’s annual Poetry Contest for children in Clare primary schools is taking place again this term. It is for original poems in English, of no more than 16 lines, in any form and on any subject.

The closing date is 31st March; children whose poems are short-listed will be invited to read them on Thursday 26th April – National Poetry Day, on which occasion the winners will be announced and prizes awarded.

Entries should be submitted to: mike@poetrycollective.

WEST/NORTH CLARE APPLE TREE WORKSHOP Apple Tree, Orchard Maintenance & Planting Workshop at the Kilrush Community Garden, Nagles Terrace, Kilkee rd, Kilrush on Thursday 15th February 10am-1pm with Tom Barry, experienced gardener. All Welcome, Free event. For more info call Hilary Gleeson 0863579484 or Kilrush Community Garden FB page.

AUSSIE RULES West Clare Waves, one of Irelands newest Women’s Aussie Rules teams are running a taster session this Saturday at 2.30pm in Clarecastle GAA grounds (small pitch). Skills, rules, a kick around and games. All welcome to come along and try it out. Visit our facebook page for more details https://www.facebook.com/westclarewaves ALZHEIMER SOCIETY BURREN WALK Annual Sponsored Walk organised by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland takes place next Sunday the 11th of February, with Registration from 11:00a.m. to 1:00p.m.

The 10 K Walk will start / finish at O’ Donoghue’s Pub, Fanore. Refreshments and Entertainment provided at O’ Donoghue’s after the Walk. The proceeds of the Walk will go to improve and extend Daycare / Homecare and Respite Services for the Clare Branch of the Alzheimer Society.

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

Community

COMMUNITY 27 CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

l EDUCATIONAL: Pictured at Gaelcholáiste an Chláir celebrations of Safer Internet Day were (Left to right) Ella Ní Eoghanáin,Iníon Concepta de Barra,Ciara Ni Dhugáin and Cáit Ní Mhaoilchéire

ENNIS SAFER INTERNET DAY Students at Ennis Community College and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir celebrated Safer Internet Day at the college on Tuesday.

Safer Internet Day is an EU wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. It is being promoted by the PDST Technology in Education.

The theme of Safer Internet Day 2018 is “Create, Connect,Share and respect”.

The students and staff of the college joined with over 70,000 young people across the country to learn how to become Internet safety aware.

Classes were involved in various activities to promote safer use of the Internet. Students watched YouTube clips, listened to raps and examined comic strips on how to be internet safe.

JAZZ BRUNCH FOR RNLI Soroptimists International Ennis and District are hosting a Jazz Brunch on the 11th of February in the Old Ground Ennis in aid of the Clare branches of the RNLI. Jazzline, a four piece band, will welcome you with their jazzy tones and smooth vocals and get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day and there will also be a guest appearance on the day by The Three Fivers.

The RNLI have three branches in the County. Ennis and Lahinch branches provide a vital fundraising function and Kilrush is a lifeboat station and fundraising branch.

The twenty-five strong crew volunteer lifeboat is based in Cappa, Kilrush and provides a 24-hour rescue service in the county. The lifeboat stationed in Kilrush is named the Atlantic 85, which has a range out to sea of 6 miles travelling at 30 knots to the rescue. County Clare’s coastline is also protected by two other RNLI

Soroptimist members Jenny Shaw , Aineis Brock, Pamela Clancy club president, Joe Queally Clare RLNI, Trish Ryan -Clare RNLI and her grandson Ted Walsh

Stations: Kilronan in Inis Mhoir and the station in the Harbour in Galway City.

Since it was founded over fifty years ago the Ennis Club has supported many charitable causes and has been involved in several projects that have benefitted people in the county. In the last year the club has supported families living in the di-

rect provision centre in Knocknalisheen, County Clare through support, fundraising and raising awareness of their difficulty.

This Valentine’s Day themed brunch promises to be a most enjoyable afternoon for partners and friends as you are entertained by the smoothing tones of Jazzline. So, come along, relax and enjoy the afternoon

while supporting the great work of the RNLI. Tickets are 25 euro each and include a delicious brunch menu with a raffle on the day also.

Anyone who would like to buy tickets to support this brilliant cause can get them by contacting 0878339000 or 0868317611.

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

Ideal family home TURN KEY CONDITION

39 CLONDRINA , CRUSHEEN, CLARE V95FD78

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OCATED just 400 metres from the M18 Motorway, 150 metres from Crusheen National School and 300 metres from the village centre, No. 39 Clondrina, makes for an ideal family home in a stunning cul-de-sac of 4/5 bedroom detached family homes.

Fronting onto the green area and not overlooked to the rear, the property is set out over two floors. At ground floor level is the main entrance hallway, main reception, open plan kitchen/dining, utility and a facility to accommodate a downstairs shower room.

The adjoining garage can also be accessed from the main house, ideal for conversion to an additional living space if required. At first floor level the spacious landing leads to 4 bedrooms (master En-suite) and main bathroom. This is a bright spacious and well proportioned detached home and is one to be viewed to truly appreciate its location and the position it boasts within this very attractive development.With the completion of the M18 and M17 Motorways

€199,000

Crusheen is fast becoming a very much sought after suburb of Ennis town and indeed Galway city and with every day amenities within the village and it close proximity to Gort, Coole Park, Dromore Woods, Lees Road etc., Crusheen is an ideal environment for everyday living.

Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents. PSL No. 002295 Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

1 STATION TERRACE, ENNISTYMON, CLARE V95DD27 THIS 3 Bedroomed end of terrace property is finished to turn key condition. Within walking distance of all Ennistymon’s amenities and only 5 Km from the resort town of Lahinch. Can be sold to include all contents. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents. PSL No. 002295 Hallway (includes WC) - 5.7m x 2.45m Tiled flooring, built in recess lighting, understairs built in storage units. Polished timber stairway, giving access to first floor landing. WC - quality built in sink with vanity unit, overhead electric light and low level WC. Fully tiled, ceiling to floor.

Main Reception - 4.3m x 3.2m: Timber flooring, centre piece of the room is raised electric fire, timber surround, solid timber built in units at either side of the fireplace.

Decorative wall fittings and wall mounted lights, double glass door leading out to Kitchen/Dining Area. Contents include: Coffee table, large seater leather couch and two single seaters. Kitchen/Dining Area - 5.85m x 4.2m. Dining Area: timber flooring, sliding glass door leading onto

€139,000

outside enclosed patio area. Kitchen Area: ample wall and base storage units, centre piece is an island feature, incorporates the wicker basket, wine rack and other storage drawers, integrated dishwasher, 1 1/2 base sink unit, integrated ceramic hob and double oven, large Bosch fridge freezer, and plumbing for washing machine and dryer, built in recess lighting, decorative timber blinds.

Contact: Douglas Hurley MIPAV B.A & Ins. Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

CONVENIENT LOCATION

4 NAGLES TERRACE, KILRUSH, CO CLARE €65,000

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HIS conveniently located, 3 bedroomed mid terraced property has just been introduced to the market.

The property is situated in a mature residential area located within walking distance of the town and all local amenities. While the property would benefit from some modernisation, its location and size make it an ideal family, retirement or investment property.

Accommodation is deceivingly spacious and comprises 139 sq.m.

(1,496 sq.ft. approx) and includes a living room, open plan kitchen and dining area, bathroom and 3 bedrooms. Externally there is on street parking, a low maintenance front garden and a small yard to the rear with a block built storage shed. The property can be accessed to the rear. BER G. BER Number 110728870. BER Code 565.79 kwh/ m2/yr.

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

PROPERTY 29

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

74 O'Connell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare Phone: (065) 684 0200

O’SULLIVAN HURLEY

LAND FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION

87.27 Acres (Folio CE22033) Shanaway Road Ennis, Co. Clare Price: AMV €450,000 at The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare 2nd March 2018 12:00pm

Located on the Shanaway Road, one of Ennis’ premiere residential areas, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley are delighted to offer for auction, circa 87.27 acres with vehicular access onto the Shanaway Road. The lands slope gradually from road level to the Inch River, Ennis is 2km, Shannon 22km. PSL No. 002295 Solicitor: Paul O’Brien, McMahon O’Brien Tynan, Mill House, Henry Street, Limerick 061-315100 Agent: Cormac O’ Sullivan cormac@dngosullivanhurley.com

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

HOT HATCH

FACTS & FIGURES: Renault Megane RS Sport EDC Pricing: Approx €45,000 (TBC).

Engine: 1.8-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol Transmission: six-speed dual-clutch automatic Body style: five-door hatchback CO2 emissions: 155g/km (Band C, €390 per annum) Combined economy: 40.9mpg (6.9 litres/100km) Top speed: 250km/h 0-100km/h: 5.8 seconds Power: 280hp at 6,000rpm Torque: 390Nm at 2,400 to 4,800rpm Boot space: 384-litres (seats up); 1,247-litres (seats folded) EuroNCAP rating: Five-star; 88% adult, 87% child; 71% pedestrian; 71% safety assist

lFUN CAR: The shock absorbers now have new hydraulic bumpstops, which make the Megane so much smoother than almost any rival when tackling a bumpy road

ROAD TEST: RENAULT MEGANE RS

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HE answer is often decided along tribal lines, and you will of course have your own prejudices. Occasionally an interloper such as Ford, maybe Honda, sometimes BMW will come along and have a crack at it, but the question of who makes the best hot hatches usually comes down to three brands; Peugeot, Volkswagen, and Renault.

VW got its oar in early by making the first, the Golf GTI, and certainly the brilliance of the MkI and MkII, and Mk V, VI, and VII would suggest it has a claim. But the hefty and slow MkIII and IV undermine it somewhat. Peugeot, of course, had the legendary 205 GTI, the 306 GTI-6 and Rallye, the 106 GTI and Rallye, and more recently the rather lovely 308 GTI by PeugeotSport.

But then there was the 309 GTI, and the less said about the dreadful 206 GTI 180 the better…

And then there’s Renault. 5GT. 5 Turbo.

19 16v. Clio 16v. Clio Williams. Clio 180, 190, and RS. Megane RS, RS GT, RS Cup and more. Really, there’s an unbroken line of utterly brilliant Renault hot hatches, with nary a duff one among them.

Now, there’s a new one and it’s the Megane RS, which can be had in either Sport (slightly softer, mostly for road use) or Cup (harder, has an optional front differential, Brembo brakes, more for trackdays).

Based on the current Megane five-door hatchback (handsome already) it gains an

The best just got better with the Renault Megane RS liquid silver, which looked both terrific and subtle at the same time.

Inside, it’s basically the standard Megane cabin with some bucket seats and bit of carbon-fibre trim.

That’s good — in the sense that the Megane is roomy inside, reasonably well-built, and no-one’s going to struggle to get in or out. Not so good are some cheap plastics and digital instruments that look less than classy, but the whole cabin is massively lifted by those high-back bucket seats.

The avoid the usual trap of being too tight across the hips and shoulders for the, ahem, extra 60mm in width, thanks to pumped-up husky amongst us, and are actually both wheelarches that cover wider suspension wonderfully comfortable and very supporttracks and mean-looking 18-inch alloy ive. wheels (19-inch versions are optional).

The best seats we’ve sat on in a long while, There is a small smattering of extra air actually. vents, a front bumper that incorporates a They’re also a good indicator of the tack design element meant to mimic the shape Renault is taking with the new Megane RS. of a Formula One car’s front wing, and a It’s not designed to be a huge-power diffuser slung under the back bumper that tearaway like the Focus RS, but instead is reputed to actually suck air out from un- something that’s fun, useable, practical, and der the car, improving aerodynamics. comfortable.

The good news, though, is that the MeThe new 1.8-litre turbo engine pumps out gane RS is rather subtle looking. It eschews a healthy 280hp (with a little help from the the mad-wings-and-spoilers look of the people who design Renault’s Formula One Honda Civic Type-R and Ford Focus RS, engine, who reworked the cylinder head and cleaves closer to the subtly-muscular for more power and greater efficiency) but styling of the VW Golf GTI and Golf R, and that’s not a huge number — the Seat Leon the Peugeot 308 GTI. It’s obviously rather Cupra, the Golf R, the Civic Type-R, the loud in the bright orange paint work of our Focus RS, all have more. test car, but we did get to see one in a deep This Megane, in spite of a brisk 5.8sec

0-100km/h time, is not about outright speed.

What’s it about, then? Two words — agility and fun.

As well as re-working the Megane’s suspension, Renault has also fitted its four-wheel steering system, so it feels as if there is no corner so tight that the Megane can’t get around neatly (it also really helps when you’re swinging into a tight parking space).

The shock absorbers now have new hydraulic bump-stops, which make the Megane so much smoother than almost any rival when tackling a bumpy road — this thing flows and breathes with the road, instead of trying to knock your fillings out.

The steering isn’t the last word in feel and feedback, but is beautifully weighted and has terrific proportional response — you get exactly the amount of movement on the nose that you expect as you turn the chunky, leather-wrapped wheel.

All of that combines to make the Megane RS feel utterly, totally, brilliant across country.

It is one of the best, most enjoyable, most downright fun cars we’ve driven for ages, yet it still seats four, has a decent boot, and if you get it with the EDC dual-clutch gearbox, not-intolerable motor tax.

Bravo, Renault. Another piece from the master.

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

MOTORING 31

Motoring News

NEW NIRO PLUGIN HYBRID FROM KIA

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OLLOWING the launch of the Kia Niro Hybrid in late 2016 the Plug-in Hybrid version is now available in Irish showrooms at a price of €35,995. This price includes a €2,500 VRT reduction with a further €5000 reduction available as the Niro PHEV also qualifies for the SEAI grant for environmentally friendly vehicles.

Available in just one trim level the Niro PHEV is generously equipped for both comfort and connectivity including leather upholstery with heated front seats and steering wheel, dual air-con, reversing camera, Sat Nav with TomTom services and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Niro PHEV also comes with a five star NCAP rating thanks to standard safety equipment that includes smart cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep as-

sist and driver attention warning.

The Niro’s new platform has been engineered in isolation from existing Kia models, and is designed to accommodate a specific set of environmentally-conscious technologies and next-generation powertrains. The Niro Plug-in Hybrid pairs an economical 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine with a 8.9kWh high-capacity lithium-polymer battery pack. The latest addition to Kia’s hybrid crossover range

substantially reduces emissions over the more conventional Niro hybrid – CO2 emissions fall to 29 g/km – and the car offers a zero-emissions, pure-electric driving range of 58km.

James Brooks, Managing Director, Kia Motors Ireland, commented: “As sales of PHEVs continues to grow in Ireland there is also a growing demand for crossover vehicles and Niro happily meets the demand of those consumers who want both the style and practicality of a crossover and the low emissions of an advanced PHEV. The Niro Plug-in Hybrid is one of the latest low-emissions cars from Kia which will help the company achieve its global target for 2020 – to improve average fleet fuel efficiency by 25 per cent over 2014 levels.”

The Niro Plug-in Hybrid offers buyers a convincing alternative to compact crossovers powered

by traditional gasoline or diesel internal combustion engines. The car gives owners the opportunity to complete short journeys and daily commutes with zero emissions and lower running costs.

At the heart of the Niro’s new plug-in powertrain is a high-capacity 8.9kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, growing in size from the 1.56kWh battery pack found in Kia’s hybrid crossover.

The new battery pack is paired with a more powerful 44.5kW electric motor (offering almost 40 per cent more power, up from 32kW) compared to the Hybrid model.

The battery and electric motor are paired with the Niro’s efficient 1.6-litre ‘Kappa’ four-cylinder GDI engine, which independently produces 105hp and 147Nm torque. The total power and torque output for the Niro Plug-in Hybrid’s powertrain is 141hp and 265Nm, enabling the

new model to accelerate from 0-to-100 kph in 10.8 seconds (0.7 seconds quicker than the standard Niro).

The Niro Plug-in Hybrid’s high-capacity battery pack is located beneath the floor of the 324-litre boot and beneath the rear seat bench. This allows the new derivative to offer buyers greater practicality than other C-segment plug-in hybrid hatchback models, while space in the cabin of the Niro remains unaffected. There is a dedicated space beneath the boot floor to store the Niro Plug-in Hybrid’s charging cable when not in use.

The fuel tank is located alongside the battery pack beneath the rear bench, with a 43-litre capacity.

The Niro Plug-in Hybrid follows its Hybrid sibling in offering an optional Towing Pack – rare amongst cars in the hybrid class – allowing owners to tow braked loads of up to 1,300kg.

Renault CLIO

The Renault Clio offer with:

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32 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

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Located on the Shanaway Road, one of Ennis’ premiere residential areas, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley are delighted to offer for auction, circa 87.27 acres with vehicular access onto the Shanaway Road. The lands slope gradually from road level to the Inch River, Ennis is 2km, Shannon 22km. PSL No. 002295 Solicitor: Paul O’Brien, McMahon O’Brien Tynan, Mill House, Henry Street, Limerick 061-315100 Agent: Cormac O’ Sullivan cormac@dngosullivanhurley.com

Clare stay on course in hurling page 34

Top golf tips with Padraig page 35

Sport l HIGH FLYING: Enda Galvin (left) was among the try-scorers last weekend as Ennis defeated Cork side Douglas Photo by Helen McQuillan

Bonus point win sees Ennis RFC climb to third in table Munster Rugby Division J3: Douglas 3 Ennis 36 at Douglas RFC

E

NNIS RFC continued their climb up the table of Munster Division J3 with a comprehensive win over Douglas, which has left them third on the league table.

The Clare team were impressive in the away match and despite being played in heavy pitch conditions, Ennis managed to come away with a bonus point win thanks to four tries courtesy of the experienced trio of Joe Moloney, Enda Galvin, Frank Coffey, along with David Flynn and a penalty try.

After an excellent start from Ennis, a penalty in front of the posts was converted by Ronan O’Halloran to put the visitors 3-0 ahead with 5 minutes gone.

Some early indiscipline by Ennis forwards gave Douglas an opportunity to level it up straight away, but a good re-

sponse from Ennis led to a 5m scrum under the Douglas posts.

Huge pressure from Ennis led to the scrum being reset twice before a penalty try was awarded, leaving the scoreline at 10-3 with 15 minutes gone.

Ennis then relieved a period of pressure and worked their way up to the opposition 22 again, where a lineout steal gave them a good scoring platform.

Working through the phases, front row Joe Moloney crashed over the line which was converted by O’Halloran, to give Ennis a stronghold on the game at 17-3 with 25 minutes gone.

It wasn’t long before the Clare side, who were relegated from J2 last year, were on the scoresheet again. Big defence from Ennis marched Douglas back to their 22 and a dominant Ennis lineout

led to a series of busts through the line.

The ball spread wide and David Flynn was in support to finish the move to put Ennis 22-3 ahead and almost out of sight.

The Douglas set piece was in all sorts of bother thanks to big Ennis pressure, and despite having a few more opportunities to go further ahead including a 5m lineout, a lack of patience meant the half time score remained 22-3 to Ennis A strong start from the home team in the second half wasn’t enough as Ennis continued to repel their attacks, and a scoring stalemate ensued for the third quarter of the game. However a try for Frank Coffey, which was converted by Ronan, left the score at 29-3, with bonus point secured.

Another Douglas surge was shut down before Enda Galvin showed his power with a lung busting run from 30 metres out to put

the cherry on top of a brilliant win. O’Halloran converted and Ennis played out a 36-3 win.

Ennis host Fermoy at home next week as they continue their push for a high seeding with the promotion playoffs in sight.

Ennis: A Ryan, Joe Moloney, L Ryan; J Considine, E Galvin; G McGonagle, D Flynn, M McMahon; J Martin, R O’Holloran; M Taylor, F Coffey, C Nugent; C Collins, S Hayes; Subs; N Downes, A O’Shea, B Murphy

34 SPORT

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

Clare hang on to tame Cats in vital away win Clare 2-18 Kilkenny 1-18 NHL Division 1A Round 1 at Nowlan Park

Hurling

JAMES MULVIHILL

Credit: Martin Connolly 65 which he made no mistake in converting.

Clare hit back with a well taken point by John Conlon before hitting the front for the first time thanks to Colm Galvin. Alan Murphy responded for Kilkenny from a placed ball.

The Banner men then hit a purple patch scoring 2-05 in an eleven-minute period which proved decisive by the end of this game.

A brilliant team move involving Jack Browne and Tony Kelly resulted in Clare’s opening goal of the game through Shane O’Donnell.

The Eire Og man won clean possession and burst through the Kilkenny defence before rifling the ball past Eoin Murphy.

Clare took complete control of this contest and scores by Cathal Malone, Peter Duggan (free), John Conlon and David Reidy extended the lead to seven points.

Clare got a second goal thanks to a long delivery by David Reidy and when Eoin Murphy failed to gather possession, the ball landed in the back of the net.

Cathal Malone scored his second point of this contest and the Banner men led by 2-07 to 0-02 after eighteen minutes. Kilkenny were given a glimmer of hope thanks to a long delivery by Eoin Murphy which landed on the edge of the square and Bill Sheehan flicked the ball past Donal Tuohy.

John Conlon scored his third point from play before Kilkenny closed the gap to five points thanks to Alan Murphy (4 frees).

Clare finished the half very well scoring four of the last five points through Tony Kelly, David Reidy,

‘‘

Colm Galvin who was my man of the match was excellent in terms of reading the game and his pace caused a lot of problems for the Kilkenny defence

‘‘

C

LARE continued their perfect start to this League campaign with a narrow victory over Kilkenny in Nowlan Park.

Jack Browne played very well at corner-back and his discipline was top class. Conor Cleary was solid at full-back and won crucial possession towards the end of this contest, which proved to be vital in the winning of this game.

Colm Galvin who was my man of the match was excellent in terms of reading the game and setting up attacks.

David Reidy worked very hard throughout this game and his pace caused a lot of problems for the Kilkenny defence.

Clare hit twelve wides in the second half and their shooting will need to improve a lot if they are to progress any further in this competition. The Banner men host Cork on Sunday week.

Kilkenny needed a victory to stay in the hunt for a place in the knockout stages following their opening round defeat to Cork.

Brian Cody will be very pleased with the attitude his team showed in the second half after trailing by eleven points midway through the first half.

Martin Keoghan, Padraig Walsh, Richie Leahy and Cillian Buckley performed well. Kilkenny travel to Waterford on Sunday week knowing that if they lose a Relegation play-off will probably be inevitable.

The Cats created the first goal scoring chance of this contest when Alan Murphy broke through the Clare defence and his shot produced a very good save by Donal Tuohy, which resulted in a

l FIRST HALF BLITZ: (From top) Shane O’Donnell was the goalscorer for Clare in Nowlan Park

Seadna Morey and David Fitzgerald to leave the score at the interval 2-12 to 1-07.

Kilkenny started the second half with more intent scoring the opening three points through Martin Keoghan, Alan Murphy (free) and Walter Walsh. It was tit for tat for most of the half as neither team was prepared to give an inch.

Peter Duggan scored a trademark side-line cut, which was cancelled out by a long range free from Eoin Murphy.

David Reidy and Peter Duggan added points for Clare to extend the lead to six points. Alan Murphy and Martin Keoghan responded for the Cats to leave the score at 2-15 to 1-14 after forty-seven minutes.

Peter Duggan added two further frees before Kilkenny hit a purple patch of their own. Walter Walsh created a goal scoring chance which was brilliantly saved by Jack Browne, resulting in a 65 which was once again converted by Alan Murphy.

The gap was closed to two points heading into added time thanks to scores by Walter Walsh, Richie Leahy and a long range free from Eoin Murphy.

Then Liam Blanchfield was through on goal only to be denied

by David McInerney.

Clare got the final score of this contest thanks to great work by Shane O’Donnell, who found Niall Deasy in space and the Ballyea man slotted over from an acute angle to end a tense battle.

Colm Galvin, Jack Browne, Conor Cleary, David McInerney, John Conlon and David Reidy were Clare’s best performers on the day. Kilkenny were best served by

Martin Keoghan, Cillian Buckley, Padraig Walsh and Richie Leahy.

Clare: Donal Tuohy; Jack Browne, Conor Cleary, Patrick O’Connor; David Fitzgerald (0-1), David McInerney, Seadna Morey (0-1); Colm Galvin (0-1), Tony Kelly (0-1); Cathal Malone (0-2), John Conlon (0-3), David Reidy (1-3); Shane O’Donnell (1-0), Peter Duggan (0-5,3fs,1 side-line), Podge Collins.

Subs: Mikey O’Malley for Fitzgerald (55 mins), Ian Galvin for Collins (60 mins), Niall Deasy (0-1) for Malone (66 mins), Jason McCarthy for Duggan (70 mins).

Kilkenny: Eoin Murphy (0-2fs); Joey Holden, Padraig Walsh, Paddy Deegan; Cillian Buckley, Robert Lennon, Joe Lyng; James Maher, Ollie Walsh; John Donnelly, Richie Reid, Richie Leahy (0-1); Bill Sheehan (1-0), Walter Walsh (0-2), Alan Murphy (0-10,8fs,2 65s).

Subs: Enda Morrissey for J. Lyng (20 mins), Pat Lyng (0-1) for O. Walsh (25 mins), Martin Keoghan (0-2) for Reid (25 mins), Conor O’Shea for Lennon (43 mins), Liam Blanchfield for Donnelly (61 mins).

Referee: James (Westmeath)

McGrath

SPORT 35

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

Padraig McGrath

GOLF ANALYSIS

How to add distance to your swing PGA Golf Professional #Padraigknowsbest

T

HE majority of golfers

yearn to hit the ball further.

One of the biggest reasons golfers loose power is because they don’t rotate their shoulders to their full potential in the backswing.

Instead they turn only 50-70% and then sway back and forward trying to create power by lunging their body towards the ball. You simply cannot create maximum power unless you achieve a full shoulder rotation before you start your downswing.

Picture an elastic band that you want to fling across the room. If you want this band to fly far you must first stretch it fully before simply letting one end go. Relate this stretch to your shoulder turn. The more you turn your shoulders the more clubhead speed you can generate on your downswing.

Grip pressure is also an important element in how much clubhead speed a golfer can generate. I regularly find getting golfers to hold the grip with a lighter pressure helps them to relax their arms and aids in releasing that clubhead quicker.

If you hold the club too tight your forearms become tense and rigid this will reduce how fast you can swing the club.

Every golfer needs to experiment with their own grip pressure to find what pressure works best for them.

Personally I tend to hold my woods and long irons with a lighter pressure than my shorter clubs. This lighter pressure helps me to create more speed at impact and also add loft to the clubface because I release my hands a little earlier which helps get the ball airborne when hitting my less lofted longer clubs.

SHOULDER ROTATION DRILL : Place a golf club across your chest and put yourself into your normal golf stance and posture.

Then simply practicing turning your shoulders and see if you can find more of a shoulder turn. If you find yourself struggling to turn then it would be worth visiting a qualified physio to help you to achieve more flexibility and rotation.

Clare teen signs for Ipswich Town Having learned his trade with Ennis Town and Avenue United before making the switch to Limerick, former St Flannan’s student Barry Cotter has earned a call to the big time ENNIS teenager Barry Cotter has been given the break of a lifetime after signing for British soccer club Ipswich Town.

Barry, a former Eire Óg star who plied his trade locally with Ennis Town and Avenue United, was last weekend unveilied as a new signing for Ipswich on transfer deadline day.

The former striker and underage Ireland star had been playing a starring role with League of Ireland side Limerick FC at right back since signing as a 17-year-old, and after impressing Cotter was snapped up by the Tractor Boys with just a few hours left on transfer deadline day.

In a statement on the club site, Mick McCarthy’s side confirmed that Cotter has signed a contract until 2021.

“Teenager Cotter signs deal until 2021 and can’t wait to get going. Town have signed defender Barry Cotter from League of Ireland club Limerick for an undisclosed fee.”

Barry, a former St Flannan’s student, becomes the second player Town have taken from the League of Ireland during the January transfer window with Aaron Drinan joining from Waterford.

Barry said at the weekend that he is delighted to make the step up to professional soccer in England.

“I can’t wait to get going now.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to learn here,” Barry told iFollow Ipswich.

BIG MOVE: Ennis youngster Barry in his Ipswich kit after signing for the Championship side from Limerick

“I know Aaron from growing up and playing at U19 level and I know some of the other boys here as well which will help me settle in.

“It’s a big step up for me but I’m confident it’s one I can make. I’ve not set myself too many goals yet. I’d like to break into the first-team obviously but for now, I just want to get my head down and work hard and show people what I can do.

“With the manager and coaching staff here I feel I can really improve as a player and that’s my main aim for now.”

The 19-year-old passed a medical at the weekend and has completed the paperwork on a contract that will keep him at Portman Road until the summer of 2021.

Capped by the Republic of Ireland at U19 level, he spent time training with Blues in January.

He becomes the second player Town have taken from the League of Ireland during the January transfer window with Aaron Drinan joining from Waterford, also until 2021.

36 SPORT

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

Clare come out on top in physical war Littlewoods Senior Camogie League: Clare 1-08 Limerick 0-09 in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale

BRID MACNAMARA

A

TWO point margin over neighbours Limerick saw Clare take a crucial victory in Round 3 of the Littlewoods Ireland Div 1 Camogie League on Sunday afternoon in Mick Neville Park Rathkeale.

A physical contest throughout, played in dry sunny conditions, with the outcome ensuring that Clare are in a good position heading into their last two games.

Clare were out of the traps from the get go, and dominated proceedings in the opening ten minutes, driving forward at every opportunity.

A foul on Orlaith Duggan saw Chloe Morey split the posts for the opening score of the game, and with Andrea O’Keeffe winning the puckout before passing to Orla Devitt who also raised a white flag, Clare had two points on the board with five minutes on the clock. Devitt added again from play within a couple of minutes. Niamh Mulcahy opened the Shannonsiders’ tally on the 11th minute when she converted from placed ball. Mulcahy added from play and then from placed ball to have the sides level mid way through the opening half.

Her next effort from placed ball

put the home side ahead for the first and only time in the game. However this lead was shortlived, a foul on Morey out on the wing saw the Sixmilebridge reply by striking between the posts to level the sides on the twenty fourth minute.

Mulcahy dropped her next attempt from a free at the edge of the square , however Roisin McMahon and Máire McGrath combined well together to win back possession and clear from danger.

An Eimear Kelly free on Clare’s own half back line was sent down the wing with Regan Conway making a timely catch, before turning her marker and having made space shoot towards goal. Laura O’Neill in the Limerick goal went high to block the shot whose trajectory was taking it over the bar, only for O’Neill to fumble the ball and spill it over the line for the only goal of the game, putting Clare back in front just before half time, 1-4 to 0-4.

The game’s chief scorers, Morey and Mulcahy, exchanged points at the restart to keep the goal the difference between the sides. Andrea O’Keeffe and Caoimhe Lyons then traded scores to keep the score at Clare 1-6 Limerick 0-6 with just five

l WINNING WAYS: Niamh O’Dea gets the strike away under pressure from Sarah Carey Photo by David Dillon

minutes played in the second half.

Mulcahy came closes to a green flag for Limerick when mid way through the second half she fired towards goal only for Lauran Solon to block well, and with McGrath on hand to assist in clearing to the wing the moment of danger had passed, however with Clare fouling in possession, Mulcahy converted the resulting free. Two minutes later Mulcahy reduced Clare’s lead, again converting from placed ball.

With ten minutes to play Mulcahy had the opportunity to level the game, but her shot was just wide.

At the other end, Morey extended Clare’s lead to two when she converted a free.

A foul on Begley afforded Morey the opportunity to extend Clare’s lead to three points with two minutes of time remaining.

Limerick had one last opportunity in injury time, and it was substitute Cliona Lane who split the posts from play, to leave Clare ahead by two points as referee Liz Dempsey sounded the final whistle with the Banner girls taking the win, Clare 1-8 Limerick 0-9, and more importantly a vital three points on the leaderboard.

Dublin recorded a 0-15 to 0-10 win over Meath, while Kilkenny saw off the challenge of Waterford 1-14 to 0-8. Next weekend will see some of the Clare panel

take to the field for their respective colleges in the Ashbourne Finals weekend, before Meath make the journey to Clare on the 18th February..

Clare: Lauran Solon Whitegate; Clare Hehir Inagh Kilnamona, Máire McGrath Sixmilebridge, Carol O’Leary Newmarket on Fergus; Laura McMahon Newmarket on Fergus, Eimear Kelly Truagh Clonlara, Roisin McMahon Newmarket on Fergus; Roisin Begley Truagh Clonlara, Orlaith Duggan Clooney Quin; Aoibheann Duggan Clooney Quin, Orla Devitt Eire Og 0-2, Andrea O’Keeffe Inagh Kilnamona 0-1; Chloe Morey Sixmilebridge 0-5, Niamh O’Dea Kilmaley, Regan Conway Feakle 1-0 Sub: Ciara Grogan Clooney Quin for A Duggan, Aine O’Loughlin Truagh Clonlara for Conway, Ciara Doyle Scariff Ogonnelloe for Kelly Referee: Liz Dempsey, Kilkenny

Clare ladies prepare for Cavan visit Ladies Football Division 2: Clare 1-04 Waterford 3-12 in Waterford

T

TRISHIA DONNELLAN HE Clare Ladies knew that heading to Waterford on Saturday last to face the home senior side was to be a daunting task but they faced the match with grit and determination.

Clare was outclassed by the stronger Waterford side and ended up on the wrong end of the score line 3-12 to 1-4 but manager James Murrihy says he can take the positives out of the game.

With his sights set on the Championship starting in July, he was happy that the girls stuck to the game plan and showed a step up from their one-point win over Sligo the previous week. In keeping with his pre-season commitment to give as much playing time to the players as possible, Clare has used 15 subs over the first two rounds, with 25 players receiving game time. With a panel of over 30 girls fighting for positions, coach Amy O’Shea remarked that she was delighted to see that the girls have the hunger to get on the pitch and are anxious to prove themselves to the new management team.

Playing with the aid of a strong breeze in the first half, Clare found scores hard to come by. Making four changes to the team that started against Sligo, Clare opted to play with Kate Harrington in the role of the sweeper. Ciara Harvey denied Waterford a certain goal when they went on the attack at 6 minutes in but was beaten a few minutes later when a free dropped short and was fired into the net. A lovely point from Niamh O’Dea from the 45-metre line got Clare on the scoreboard, but Waterford had amassed 1-5 without reply before Ailish Considine and Grainne Nolan (free) supplied Clare with their final two scores of the half at the 30th minute. Halftime score: Clare 0-3, Waterford 2-5.

It was always going to be an uphill battle against the wind in the second half but Clare was first on the scoreboard after the restart with Roisin Looney raising a white flag. Then Clare had narrowed the gap to only five after Orla Devitt’s shot in the 40th minute got past the keeper, Clare 1-4, Waterford 2-6. However, Clare did not score after that and Waterford went on

to score a further 1-6 without reply.

Final score: Clare 1-4, Waterford 3-12.

Clare faces another senior side this Sunday when Cavan come to town.

(Venue: to be determined..

Clare: Ciara Harvey (West Clare Gaels ), Kate Harrington (St Joseph’s D/Barefield), Laurie Ryan-captain (Banner), Amanda Mulcair (St Joseph’s D/Barefield), Louise Woods (Banner Ladies), Grainne Harvey (West Clare Gaels ), Laura Egan (Kilmihil), Tara Kelly (Cúl Gaels), Roisin Looney (Cooraclare) (0-1), Orla Devitt (Eire Óg) (1-0), Grainne Nolan (0-1, 1f), Niamh O’Dea (Banner Ladies) (0-1), Catriona Callinan (Kilmihil), Roisin Considine (Liscannor), Ailish Considine (Kilmihil) (0-1). Subs: Caoimhe Harvey (West Clare Gaels) for G. Nolan (34 min), Emma McMahon (Cúl Gaels) for C. Callinan (40 min), Ciara Hickey (Kilmurry Ibrickane) for Ailish Considine (42 min), Kayleigh McCormack (Burren Gaels) for R. Considine (43 min), Aine Keane (Miltown) for A. Mulcair (48 min), Becky Mahon (Kilmihil) for T. Kelly (51 min), Sarah Bohannon (Cúl Gaels) for L. Woods (53 min), Fidelma Marrinan (West Clare Gaels) for N. O’Dea ( 56 min), Rebecca Doohan (Kilmurry Ibrickane) for Orla Devitt (58 min).

l DETERMINATION: Clare’s Catriona Callinan battles with Waterford’s Emma Murray Credit: Raymond O’Mahony

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38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

Your Horoscopes February 8 Gemini

GET back to nature, or try some new kind of community service. You could also combine them by volunteering to help clean up a park or wilderness area or beautifying your neighborhood by planting a few trees. Involve your friends and encourage coworkers to get behind these activities. You’ve got the gift of persuasion now, and you can influence folks to do their best.

YOU need to get a clearer idea of what you need so you can make it happen. The thing is, today isn’t exactly conducive to picking up on what’s really going on in your heart. That may actually be to your advantage -- so try to spend your time thinking about what you don’t need, or can’t stand in your life any longer. In a bit, you should be able to visualize what you really want.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

NOW is the time to give voice to your true desires, because they can be met if you speak up now. The universe is sure to get right back to you when you identify your goals, so be sure you know what you’re talking about! Then you can speak up to anyone handy -- you never know who might be the one who can get you what you need, so you need to ensure that your message spreads far and wide.

YOU need to get out on the town, but your energy is set up to give you a good time only if you can keep things a bit low-key. That may not be your go-to style, but keeping things modest should sound pretty appealing right now, so instead of a crazy night at a nightclub, gather your people for a quiet night of comfort food and great conversation.

The good times can come to you!

YOU’VE learned long ago that putting off the inevitable nearly always leads to unnecessary stress. Keep that in mind as you take on any and all tasks or responsibilities that have been piled up over the past few days. It’s time to handle it all as quickly as you can. The people around you are inspired to put their own affairs in order instead of waiting until the last second.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

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8 Fastener of prime importance (6) 13 Pipemen having second - thoughts about wood? (8) 15 President with alien instrument (7) 16 Part of record player in truck (6) 18 Sequence sought by salesman?

(5) 20 Joint in the Spanish area of London (5) 21 Name of man from America (4)

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS R

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1 I don’t know how to discover what I’m carrying (6,2) 2 Last letter or letters from some garage (5) 4 Does he keep watch on board? (6,7) 5 A bride may have this coach (5) 6 Choose artist for legendary Greek daughter (7) 7 Become engaged in game show (4) 8 Fastener of prime importance (6) 13 Pipemen having second thoughts about wood? (8) 15 President with alien instrument (7)

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16 Part of record player in truck (6) 18 Sequence sought by salesman? (5)

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24 Steer car round the bend for food suppliers (8) 25 Terribly slow birds (4)

8 Fastener of prime importance (6) (6) 13 Pipemen having second -2- thoughts about wood? (8) 15 President with alien instrument (7) 16 Part of record player in truck h (6) 18 Sequence sought by salesman?

(5) 20 Joint in the Spanish area of er London (5) 21 Name of man from America (4)

3

1 Fruit that’s sour – in Oslo, especially (4) 3 Line on map is alternative motorway (8) 9 Germ-free space? It may be arranged (7) 10 Declares a piece of poetry is unfinished (5) 11 Painful muscle contraction - runner’s problem, primarily (5) 12 Number swimming in Tyne (6) 14 Material for a girl’s mum? (6-2-5) 17 Discouraged gent turned up first (3,3) 19 The best stuff is packed with energy (5) 22 Bound to have some nude portraits sent back (5) 23 Confectioner’s first to discover truth about sweet (7)

ROMANTIC matters are easy to talk about now. Splendidly sensitive people like you are already quite in touch with others’ vibes, but for now, your powers of intuition are charged up even more than usual. Some call you dreamy, but you know that you’re simply in touch with what really matters in life. Find someone close and explain just what they mean to you.

r

2

ACROSS

e

The Clare Echo Crossword

?

REFLECTION could just hold you back today because every question you ask could just inspire a million new questions. Stop chasing your tail -- it just wastes your time and mental energy. Get cozy, calm down and listen to your heart. Listen to your gut and make that big decision. You can’t err too badly if you pay close attention to what your deeper self is trying to tell you.

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WHILE it’s tempting to give as good as you’ve gotten lately, you need to think twice before stooping to a certain someone’s level. If they cut in line, you need to firmly (but politely) take your place back instead of resorting to an equally rude maneuver in order to make a point. Remember your long-range goals instead of focusing on revenge, and you should find that things work out right.

YOU need to feel connected to something bigger than your own mind. Now you’re feeling an unmistakable pull toward the spiritual side of life, while your vital energy pushes you in the same direction. The mysteries of life are tremendous, and meditation on life’s larger issues helps make your time here much sweeter and more fulfilling. Now is the time to tackle big, important topics.

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FORGIVENESS doesn’t always naturally to you. You’re unfailingly loyal to your people, but you’re also hard as stone to those who have done you wrong, even inadvertently. In the long run, who gets anything out of a grudge?

Is the pain you’re clinging to worthwhile? Let go of today’s grievance a bit and see what comes next. You might decide to let go of a lot more!

HOW much dust is covering your memorabilia? Do you have books and bills piled all over the place in no special order? That could explain your sour mood. Lift your spirits by making your living and work spaces easier to deal with. It’s shocking how much better you can feel when your room, car, and desk are easy on the eyes. After you take care of these little pieces, the big picture should be much clearer.

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YOUR energy is practically making you turn cartwheels and spell out the letters of your home team. It’s a great time to start any new projects, especially those that involve home improvement. Your home is your castle, of course, and you’re the first to admit that you could use some new arrangements. Be sure to get your ideas approved before you get started!

Taurus

Aries

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

The Clare Echo Quiz TRUE OR FALSE? dates back to the 1TrueSixmilebridge bronze age or False?

Carrigaholt Castle was built in 4 1480 True or False?

Mass was fIrst held in Ennis caThe Cliffs of Moher are 300 2 thedral in 1869 5 metres high True or False?

True or False?

This monument is dedicated to 3 Percy French (pic below) True or False?

There are approximately 200 6 dolphins in the Shannon Estuary True or False?

Tom Clair’s famous quad calves 7 are called Fiadh, Jenny, Fluffy and Rosie l LANDMARK: Mass was fIrst held in Ennis cathedral in 1869. True or False?

Clare is the seventh biggest 8 county in Ireland True or False?

l FAMOUS SONGWRITER: This monument is dedicated to Percy French (pic below). True or False?

Derg is 150 sq km 10Lough True or False?

ANSWERS 6. True 7. False 8. True 9. True 10. False

9

Lisdoonvarna’s spa originally consisted of four wells True or False?

1. True 2. False 3. False 4. True 5. False

True or False?

SPRING IN THEIR STEP

Spring is in the air as these young Spring Lambs race by a fence in Glencolumbkille in Carron in the Heart of The Burren during the first few days of Febuary. Photo: BurrenEye Photography

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THURSDAY, FEB 8 2018

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