The Clare Echo 21/06/2018 by The Clare Echo

065 671 9021

clareecho.ie

editor@clareecho.ie

Buskers hit bum note B USKERS and beggars are causing interference and disruption to the trade in Clare’s county town, it was claimed this week. Traffic wardens have the authority to deal with buskers that break Council bye-laws which state they cannot use amplification when performing in the streets of Clare. This emerged at Ennis Municipal District’s June meeting when Cllr Mary Howard queried the matter. Administrative Officer Bernadette Haugh detailed that bye-laws came into effect in July 2016. “Enforcement of the Bye-Laws is a matter for a member of An Garda Siochána or an Authorised Person”, she stated. Ms Haugh revealed that only two official complaints have been made since the introduction of the byelaws which surprised Cllr James Breen. Cllr Howard expressed her worry that Ennis could turn into Shop St in Galway which she called “a den when you go down the street”. “We do have good buskers coming into town but I don’t

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21 Jun 2018

THE BANNER ROAR

PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

want them to play each other out of it”, she added. The Ennis councillor stated there “very loud” musicians that were not approached by working members of the police force or traffic warden at the top of O’Connell St. Her Fine Gael colleague, Johnny Flynn added his support. “There are a number of serial offenders that land in with fairly loud music”. He is adamant amplification is interfering with trade and rate payers in the town. The bylaws will be reissued to Gardaí, this prompted Cllr Flynn to ask for street beggars to be dealt with. He said they were congregating “at tourist hotspots” and “organised at coach collection stops”. The Ennis councillor revealed that he has told beggars what they’re doing is “illegal”.

Ollie Breen, Garry Glynn, PJ Lynch, Christy Talty and Eugene Breen at the Clare V Limerick, Munster Minor Hurling Championship, Round 5, Cusack Park, Ennis, Co. Clare, 17th June 2018. Photo By Chris Copley

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

Index NEW MAYOR

HARTY HITS OUT

7 10-11

AOIBHÍN

ELECTION BOUNDARY

PROPERTY

20-21

MOTORING

22-24

CLARE HURLING

25-27

CLASSIFIEDS

28-29

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

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

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

l UP THE BANNER: Garda David Gleeson and Garda Mark Murphy with Clare supporter Claire Fitzgerald celebrate Clare’s win over Limerick at Cusack Park last weekend Photo by Chris Copley

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Bus for Ennis? It is 11th largest ‘city’ in Ireland, after all PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

SPECIFIC bus service for the town of Ennis could on its way. Councillor Johnny Flynn has been leading the call for the introduction of such a service in the county town since 2004 and at the June meeting of the Ennis Municipal District sought an update from a November 2017 request which asked “Clare County Council to urgently seek the National Transport Agency (NTA) to plan to provide for the first time a bus service in Ennis as the NTA are currently in the process of doing similarly for rural towns of Carlow, Mullingar and Letterkenny”. “Such a service in Munster’s largest town would support the transport service supplied by local taxis by reducing reliance on private cars , traffic delays and emissions”. Representatives of the National Transport Authority met with Clare County Council officials on February 9. According to Leonard Cleary, “The purpose of the meeting was for the NTA to advise Clare County Council that they were examining a proposal for a bus service for Ennis”. Cleary continued, “As the NTA were at the initial proposal stages, they wanted

to discuss it with the Council Executive at that initial stage and then they would bring the proposal for discussion with the Council Executive and Councillors at a later date”. “It is important to be seen as an age friendly town”, stated Cllr Flynn. He claimed the NTA had not been positive to Ennis in the past, highlighting that they initially refused an application from Dublin Coach to extend their service into the town only for a successful appeal to be launched. He said it was “disturbing” to see “three much smaller towns” had gone to tender for similar bus schemes. “We are the eleventh largest city in the country and we need this service”, the Fine Gael councilor concluded. Ennis’ new Mayor Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy added “A lot of work can be done in one year to bring this”. She flagged the need to “consider a much higher level of public transport in our town”. “Johnny has been beating this drum for quite some time” said Cllr Mary Howard adding her support to the motion. To see Carlow, Mullingar and Letterkenny in the process of implementing rural bus services is “frustrating”, she feels bringing an Ennis bus system “will improve the quality of life for many”.

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

3m tall sculpture for Ennis STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

THREE-metre tall sculpture titled Bláth na hInse, which was commissioned by IBAL to mark Ennis as Ireland's Cleanest Town, has been approved by the Ennis Municipal District and will be unveiled this October. The artwork, entitled Bláth na hInse, is being produced by Kilkee Forge and is expected to be unveiled in the Abbey Street Car Park in October 2018. Ennis was named Ireland’s Cleanest Town in January 2018 by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) following a survey of towns across Ireland. IBAL has made funding available to the winning town to mark the achievement by commissioning a permanent artwork. The commissioning process, which was overseen by representatives of Clare County Council, Ennis Tidy Towns and the local arts community, attracted 15 submissions including proposals from Poland and Lebanon. Three proposals were shortlisted for further development by the selection panel made up of Tommy Scott of Ennis Munici-

l REMEMBERING GOOD TIMES: Ger Loughnane catching up with Justin McCarthy, who was a trainer under Fr Harry Bohan’s great side of the 70s Photo by Eamon Ward

pal District; artist Ceara Conway and Gary Lannigan of Ennis Tidy Towns. The permanent artwork is being developed by sculptors Paddy and Conor Murray who have proposed the siting of a giant Yellow Iris. "This wildflower grows in lakes, ponds and along riverbanks .... not only does our concept nod to the River Fergus, it also hints at the blossoming and blooming of Ennis from a business, community and cul-

tural aspect,” they commented. The stem of the Iris will be constructed from mild steel and will reach 3.25m in height. The Iris will have six petals constructed in stainless steel and mirror polished to create the coloured effect. Three steel benches will surround the Iris and QR codes will be located on each. The Iris will be illuminated by three static warm LEDs and will 'grow' out of a 2.5m flowerbed filled with wildflowers.

Calls for boycott of Israel

ISRAELI goods may be boycotted in Clare in a show of solidarity with Palestine. Sinn Féin’s Mike McKee proposed that “Clare County Council supports the call to introduce a ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.” At the June meeting of the local authority, Cllr McKee said “I’m not going into the debate” but encouraged fellow elected members to support the motion and send a letter on to members of Seanad Éireann. He spoke with Senator Frances Black about what she witnessed firsthand in the occupied areas, she commented to him that it was “like a prison”. “The whole world watched in horror as the Israeli police force opened fire”, the Shannon councillor stated. He added that Trocaire were working to secure ban on trade from Israeli goods. McKee’s motion was supported by Fianna Fáil’s Cathal Crowe. In January, the Government opposed a Seanad Private Member’s Bill calling for a prohibition on goods and services from illegal Israeli settlements. The Bill was moved by Senator Black who said; “It is a chance for Ireland to state strongly that it does not support the illegal confiscation of land.”

l RADIO GOG: Raidió Corca Baiscinn are taking control of the airwaves with a twenty four hour radio marathon this weekend. RCB will be broadcasting a live radiothon from 1pm on Friday to 1pm on Saturday in support of National Community Radio Day. The South West Clare based community radio station is run by volunteers and they will be mixing music with chat throughout the twenty four hours. Presenter of Mikeys Mix, Michael Lorrigan will be broadcasting twice, first at 2:30pm and then again at 8pm. Rose Keane, John Kinsella, Dermot Hayes, Noel Greene, Richard Hall, Ray Lowe, Mike Curran, Clive Morgan, Derek O’Brien, Aisling Healey and Paul Kenny are just some of the other presenters that will be participating in the radiothon. To support the event, donations can be made at rcb.ie/donate/. The station is also keen to welcome new volunteers from all backgrounds that would like to get involved in media in any capacity. Interested personnel can email info@rcb.ie.

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

NEWS 5

Ennis on cusp of big things, says mayor Colleran Molloy PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

LARE Colleran Molloy was unanimously elected as the Mayor of Ennis at the AGM of the Ennis Municipal District. She was proposed for the post by Cllr Pat Daly and seconded by Cllr James Breen. The Quin native succeeds Cllr Paul Murphy and he has been elected to the position of Deputy Mayor. Family, friends and supporters of the qualified barrister packed the public gallery for the AGM. Cllr Colleran Molloy got emotional during her speech when mentioning her mother Dolly who is currently receiving treatment at the Galway Clinic and was unable to make the meeting. Her 92-year old mother had picked out her shoes and outfits two months in advance. Clare also remembered her father Jack and brother Jarlath, both of whom are now deceased. She described growing up in a family of fourteen as “a bootcamp” and recalled her early years, “Quin was the centre of my world”. Ms Colleran Molloy highlighted her honour at being the Mayor in the final year of this District which will have a new look after next year’s local elections. “Ennis is on the cusp of huge things, it is ready to take off ”, she asserted. In conversation with The Clare Echo,

the Fianna Fáil councillor felt being surrounded by close friends and family was a way of giving back. “I don’t know how you measure pride but it’s certainly very very high. It was just a fabulous experience to be giving this opportunity, really really moving to see the public gallery full of my family, friends and people who have been supporting me all along, it’s so nice to be able to say thank you very much thanks for being here”. Only three female councillors sit on Clare County Council and the trio are all members of the Ennis Municipal District. Cllr Colleran Molloy is hopeful the exposure of being the Mayor of Ennis will encourage more women to run for political office. “I know myself from growing up role models are very important. I explained in my speech life unfolds in funny ways, you don’t know how you end up in certain positions. I don’t recall having role models myself so I’d like to think that in some small way I might be a role model. Nobody is suggesting that the men are doing anything wrong it’s just to create a bit more balance in the representation because females do make up fifty percent of the population so it would be better if we had more than twenty percent representation. “I really believe that the three councillors in the twenty eight member Clare County Council they make up a little more than ten percent so we need to get that up a bit better. Of course the

l CHAIN REACTION: Cllr Paul Murphy hands over the Mayoral chain to Clare Colleran Molloy Photo by Eamon Ward

interesting thing is that the three councillors are all in the Ennis Municipal District so you could argue is it an urban thing or whatever I don’t know. I think we need to encourage women throughout the county and now with the county divided into five districts there’s a lot of change that can happen, an awful lot of new things can start unfolding in the coming year before the next

council is elected”. Indeed it was the input of one woman, Clare’s youngest sister, Colette that prompted her to enter the political world. “It’s just amazing how a comment like that can affect your life, I didn’t come from a politically active family, we were just a big family that got on with things, a lot of us. Mam and Dad had to really work to keep us going and get us educated so you

just don’t know what that comment might be to get you to go in a certain direction and it was in fact as you reminded me back in 2011 my sister Colette who said ‘Clare why don’t you go into politics’. Of course the timing was pretty bad, Fianna Fáil had just been given a trouncing in the General Election and the economy was pretty bad. It’s amazing how one little comment can sow the seed and things develop from that”. Of what she’s aiming to achieve in her 12 month tenure, Cllr Colleran Molloy laughs “There’s so much”. She added, “the County’s CEO Pat Dowling knows that without a good plan we cannot move Ennis forward in its new stage of growth and there’s no question about it, Ennis is going to grow in population substantially. The Ennis Municipal District right now is in or about 30,000 plus, it is expected that by 2040 we will be in or about 50,000 plus so that’s a lot more people. An awful lot more infrastructure and demands needed, opportunities all of that. She added, “The reason I’m bringing up that is at least the CEO of the County realises money has to be spent on a plan, a strategy and assuming that we’ve overcome the worst of the recession and monies are now flowing we need to be able to tap into those billions to make things happen in this particular part of the country, Ennis.”

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

Shannon-NY marks 20 years

Number's up for councillor motion PÁRAIC McMAHON news@clareecho.ie

CLARE homeowners cannot be forced to display the number of their house outside a property despite a motion from three councillors. “We call on Clare County Council to ensure that every house, in every estate, street, laneway, etc. should be required to display the number of the house on their property,” read a joint motion from councillors, Pat Daly, John Crowe and Clare Colleran Molloy at the June meeting of the local authority. Senior Planner, Brian McCarthy outlined in the official response, “The proposal that every dwelling displays the number of the house on their property has significant and obvious merits from a postal and emergency services viewpoint. That said, in Ireland there is no provision or law in the Building, Fire or Planning legislation to require the display of house numbers on individuals’ properties. Notwithstanding the obvious merits, because it is not provided for in law consequently there is no legal provision that Clare County Council or indeed any Local Authority can ensure the display of a house number on every urban and rural house. Every property does however have an individual postcode”.

STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

UNITED Airlines is marking 20 years of its nonstop service between Shannon and New York/ Newark. Since its launch in June 1998, the service has carried over 1.9 million customers on more than 13,500 flights. “We are delighted to mark 20 years of our nonstop service from Shannon to New York/Newark” said Bob Schumacher, United Airlines’ Managing Director Sales, United Kingdom and Ireland. “Since 1998, our service has allowed our customers from the West of Ireland to take advantage of our extensive route network from our New York/Newark hub that today offers 75 nonstop connections across the US, Canada and Mexico.” Said Shannon Airport Managing Director Andrew Murphy “This is

l ALL STAR ROUTE: Andrew Murphy, MD, Shannon, Flight Crew Ed and Oscar with Martina Coogan, and Bob Schumacher, of United Photo by Arthur Ellis

a very important milestone. Not only does it mark 20 years of flying, it marks 20 years of supporting tourism and industry in this region. Newark is such an accessible airport and New York is, of course, the

most popular city in terms of services between Ireland and the US. We appreciate United Airlines’ commitment in serving Shannon for 20 years and look forward to celebrating the next milestone.”

Life would be a lot easier for everyone if numbers were on display in the eyes of Cllr Pat Daly. “Houses without numbers are a nightmare for the post man or woman, delivery person with a parcel or local politician”. Fianna Fáil’s Clare Colleran Molloy expressed her delight at putting her name to this motion. “It’s something we shouldn’t have to be discussing,” she stated. Cllr Colleran Molloy maintained the response from the Council indicated that this was a national issue and asked them to promote having a house number. “It’s always nice to know the number of a house” and admitted it would be a big help to all councillors running in the 2019 local elections. Like his fellow Sixmilebridge man, Cllr PJ Ryan also spoke of his lifetime of work in the retail sector. “Wrong deliveries cause major problems”, he stressed. Ryan believes every new housing estate should have a name and numbers on every house. “Road numbers are double dutch for delivery drivers,” remarked Cllr Cathal Crowe. He supported the motion and felt “it is something the planning department can act upon”. Director of Economic Development with the Council, Liam Conneally stated “people can’t be forced to put numbers on houses”.

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THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

Calls to silence Ennis buskers Councillor worried town could turn into ‘a den’ like Shop Street in Galway PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

USKERS and beggars are causing interference and disruption to the trade in Clare’s county town, it was claimed this week. Traffic wardens have the authority to deal with buskers that break Council bye-laws which state they cannot use amplification when performing in the streets of Clare. This emerged at the June meeting of the Ennis Municipal District when Cllr Mary Howard queried the matter. “As per “Clare Co Co Street Performers Bye-Law 2016 (Ennis) County Clare, Section 6 states “A street performer shall not use amplification for speech or music unless authorized in writing”. This is not being adhered to. Also is the only “authorized person” to deal with offenders a member of An Garda Siochana,” she asked. In response, Administrative Officer Bernadette Haugh detailed that bye-laws came into effect in July 2016 after a consultation period involving An Garda Síochána, Ennis Chamber and the public. Bye-laws 1721 “make specific reference to offences and penalties that can be enforced in relation to an alleged contravention of the Bye-Laws. Enforcement of the Bye-Laws is a matter for a member of An Garda Siochána or an Authorised Person acting in the exercise of the functions conferred on an authorised person by the Act”, she stated. Prior to the 2016 and 2017 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the Council authorised a num-

l AMPLIFIED: Popular Ennis busker Bam

ber of employees to the role of authorised officers. Ms Haugh revealed that only two official complaints have been made since the introduction of the bye-laws and “were satisfactorily addressed” by the Gardaí. Cllr Howard expressed her worry that Ennis could turn into Shop St in Galway which she called “a den when you go down the street”. “We do have good buskers coming into town but I don’t want them to play each other out of it”, she added. The Ennis councillor stated there “very loud” musicians that were not approached by working members of the police force or traffic warden at the top of O’Connell St. Prompted by the reminder being released to the Gardaí, Cllr Flynn asked for street beggars to be dealt with. Flynn commented that they were congregating “at tourist hotspots” and “organised at coach collection stops”. It has been numerous times over the past decade according to the Ennis councillor who revealed that he has stopped beggars and told them what they’re doing is “illegal”.

Harty criticises rejection of Ennis supermarket

DR. MICHAEL Harty has criticised An Bord Pleanála’s decision to reject planning permission for a supermarket, neighbourhood and medical centre on the Kilrush Rd in Ennis. As first reported by The Clare Echo at the beginning of June, plans for a supermarket with a licensed alcohol sales area, eight number neighbourhood centre retail units, medical services facility including consultant rooms and associated waiting and administrative areas to be built on the Kilrush Rd by Brian Lohan and Martin O’Malley were denied by the statutory body. Clare’s Independent TD, Dr. Michael Harty understood that the HSE had intended to use the site for relocating from the out-patient department at Ennis General Hospital. “The refusal of planning is hugely disappointing and I call on the HSE to make a statement on the impact of An Bord Pleanála’s decision on their future plans. The HSE is committed to delivering new modern Out-patient services for Ennis and this location was seen as ideal.” Harty continued, “I respect the bone fides of the Bord but I feel our planning system

could well benefit for mediation in these circumstances. Here we have commercial premises in need of redevelopment and a developer with ambitious plans. Surely, there should be some room for flexibility to hammer out a solution that would meet the needs of the developer and at the same time satisfy the planners. It is absolutely essential that new Out-patient facilities are developed in Ennis. This location was ideal for accessibility while also providing much needed extra space to upgrade the outdated facilities at the hospital.” In a statement released after the decision was reported, Brian Lohan expressed his disappointment, “We are very frustrated with the decision by An Bord Pleanala. Clare County Council has already supported our planning application in a site which is zoned as a neighbourhood centre and it is fully in line with the County Development Plan. “This development would have provided a badly needed Healthcare facility for Ennis supported by the HSE, enhancement of existing business in Westpoint and attracted new business to the area.”

NEWS 7

INTERACTIVE

THURSDAY, JUN 21 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

‘‘

‘Everyone has a bad day at the office. Regardless we as Clare Supporters should always follow our team and shout them on for no other reason but the commitment they put into training and putting their personal lives on hold for the good of the game and the pride and honour of wearing the county colours . Well done lads I’ll follow ye and delight in bn hoarse after every match. Bring on Cork.’

Marian Coughlan

in reaction to ‘Clare hurlers ‘hurt’ by negativity they’ve been listening to’

ENNIS NATIONALSCHOOL @ennisns

Thanks to @ClareEcho for featuring our Health Awareness Week at #Ennisns in the latest issue. Great photo of John Burke @ johnjohnb who launched the week for us. #activeschools

THIS STORY REACHED 3,720 PEOPLE ON FACEBOOK

NFL star plays Lahinch and Dromoland

OME of the biggest names in the golfing world such as Jordan Speith and Tiger Woods are tipped to play in the Irish Open at Lahinch next year but over the weekend a leading light from another sport was on the course. J.J. Watt is a defensive end for the Houston Texans. In 2014, Watt became the first player in NFL history to record two 20+ sack seasons in a career. He holds the Texans’ franchise records for both sacks and forced fumbles. On Sunday while much of the sporting focus revolved around the Clare hurlers’ eleven point win over Limerick in front of

18,803 people at Cusack Park, Watt was playing a round of golf in Lahinch and another at Dromoland. Taking to social media, Watt posted pictures of the Lahinch course calling it “absolutely incredible”. In what appears to be a golf tour of the country for the twenty nine year old, he travelled to Adare Manor on Monday. In 2017, J.J. was named as Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year. He is well known for his charity work, he raised over $37 million to help Houston families recover in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

Composting area for Ennis graveyard STUART HOLLY

l SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT: Val Real, Area Manager, National Learning Network, John Burke, Michael Keating, learner National Learning Network, receiving his Outstanding Achievement Award, Geraldine Hayes, Instructor, Elaine Morris, Instructor Photo by Eoin McCaffrey

editor@clareecho.ie

composting area is to be inserted in the grounds of Drumcliff graveyard on a trial period. It comes following a motion from Cllr Ann Norton at the June meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. She asked, “In Drumcliff graveyard most of the waste is compostable. Why don’t we have a green bin? Compostable waste takes short of a lifetime to breakdown in landfill”. Senior Executive Officer of the District, Monica Meehan outlined that the Council “will trial the provision of a composting area within the burial ground and will monitor use over a period of six months. “If this solution proves positive a more

NEWS 9

permanent solution will be installed,” Meehan confirmed. Cllr Norton maintained that the announcement of the trialling process will “benefit a lot of people cleaning graves in Drumcliff ”. Her motion came on the back of a suggestion from a constituent. She received support from Cllr Mary Howard who recalled her days in the old Ennis Town Council, “I fought to get a bin up there because of a fear of dumping”. The Fine Gael councillor said she often brings full black bags from the graveyard to her own composter. She too is hopeful the period of six months will be a successful one.

20 Clare students honoured MORE than 20 students of National Learning Network (NLN) in Ennis have been honoured for their hard work and commitment to their training programmes. The inspirational certification ceremony was hosted in the Templegate Hotel, and attended by John Burke, Clare businessman and explorer, who acknowledged the dedication and enthusiasm shown by learners studying NLN courses. Learners who attend the National Learning Network in Francis Street, Ennis, were presented with certificates having completed various training programmes which aim to develop the students’ personal, social and work related skills, and helps them to secure jobs or go on to further education. The event was attended by several NLN learners, both past and present, who participated on our Employer Based Training Programme and Introductory Skills Training Programme as well as their friends and family who all acknowledged the important efforts made by those learners receiving awards. Michael Keating, who was a learner

on Introductory Skills Programme, spoke proudly of his achievement in completing the course and the benefits it has given him. “It gave me the confidence to move on to LCFE, where I got very respectable results in my Journalism Course this week, said Michael”. He added: “It’s hard to believe how a Programme run in a small building above Clare FM helped me move on.” John Burke congratulated all of the learners receiving certification. “Each of the learners being celebrated here today can be immensely proud of their achievements to date having completed their programmes. I feel honoured to be the one to present you with your awards and to recognise your successes during your time here in National Learning Network, in Ennis. Everyone needs support, when I climbed Mount Everest I had the Sherpas to help me, at NLN you have your Instructors to help you. John reminded everyone ‘that we learn from our setbacks and move on, its’ not failure until you stop trying’ and told everyone in the room to set your sights on new horizons”.

10 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE

CLARE

THE NOTEBOOK

T’S the final countdown! Nobody warned me about the final few weeks of pregnancy and how time somehow manages to stand still! I’m on the home stretch of what thankfully has been a wonderful few months but I’m officially ready now to welcome this little one into the world...so whenever you’re ready baba!! I had the pleasure of joining Gala Retail at the Special Olympics Ireland Games 2018 over the weekend and what an incredible occasion it was. We were there to capture the Gala Special Moments, those moments that depict the essence of what the Special Olympics are all about and to say we were spoiled for choice and content is an understatement. To see the spirit of the volunteers, the pride of the supporters and the determination from the athletes was a joy to watch. If you’ve never been to witness the games I would highly recommend it next year. I caught the premier screening of Oceans 8 last week in the Savoy and what a cast of incredible female talent! Cate Blanchett is one of my favorites but seeing Rihanna and Helena Bonham Carter flying the flag for the gals

lINCEREDIBLE OCCASION: Above left and right, Special Olympics Ireland Games 2018 and (left) Midsummer Soirée Gin and Jazz night

made it the ultimate feel good flick! For a real dose of girl power I would highly recommend. Another fantastic win for the Clare hurlers at the weekend and it was great to see Ennis really come alive as the

supporters were out in force. Roll on the Munster final on July 1st! Lastly, if you’re at a loose end this week and looking for something different check out the Midsummer Soirée Gin and Jazz night at the Old Ground Hotel this Thursday 21st June. I can’t think of a better way to spend the longest day of the year! Contact the Old Ground Hotel for more details.

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lPREMIER NIGHT: The premier screening of Oceans 8 last week in the Savoy

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COVER UP This week, my hero beauty product comes in the form of concealer from Catrice Liquid Camouflage from Penney’s! The coverage is fantastic and the price point even better! Pregnancy pigmentation be gone!

COLUMNIST 11

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

• Julie Moore Neylon • Optometrist Bsc(Hons) Optometry •

HAPPENINGS K2 HAIR SALON OPENING LAUNCH Join me and blogger Sinead O’Brien of Sinead’s Curvy Style for an evening of style and beauty as we officially launch Quin’s newest salon K2 on Sunday 24th June at 4pm. All welcome! FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND SET DANCING AT ARMADA HOTEL Willie Clancy week is bigger and better than ever at the Armada Hotel with 10 days of non stop dancing featuring ceilithe, social dancing, festival club, Johnny Burke sessions, dance classes and more! 6th-15th July. See armadahotel.com for more.

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in Clare

POT DUGGAN’S, ENNISTYMON

One of Clare’s newest additions to the Pub scene is Ennistymon’s Pot Duggan’s and this little gem, situated on the bank of the river isn’t just great for food and drink...they’ve got board games to bring to your tables, weekly quizzes, free beer samplings, a cellar and barns for events and the most tranquil beer garden complete with picnic benches on the river’s edge.

NORA CULLIGAN’S, ENNIS

Driving past the balcony of Nora Culligan’s on a bright, warm evening when it’s hopping would give anyone a serious case of FOMO! It’s the perfect spot for a chilled beer or a cocktail this Summer with live bands, trad sessions and all the big sporting moments screened inside. Grab a table early and you won’t budge for the night!

KILLALOE HOTEL, KILLALOE

With incredible views of the Harbour, beautifully preened plants and very comfortable furniture, the outdoor decking area at the Killaloe Hotel is a haven for holiday makers and locals alike. Dine and drink al fresco and you’re sure to get all the summer vibes from this beautiful, boutique hospitality!

MONKS, BALLYVAUGHAN

Situated at the heart of the Harbour, in the Burren, overlooking Galway Bay, Monks is renowned for it’s breathtaking seaside location, local, rustic, fresh cuisine and creamy pints! On a fine day, there is no place nicer to sit by the waters edge and soak up the stunning scenic backdrop. A beer garden like no other!

THE OLD GROUND HOTEL, ENNIS

Whether you’re celebrating a family occasion or having a quiet glass of wine of a Friday evening, the garden at the Old Ground Hotel provides a truly tranquil hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the town. Surrounded by leafy greenery, it’s the perfect place to be at one with nature while treating oneself to a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc!

• 065 9051832 • wildatlanticopticians.ie • • EYE CARE • EYE WEAR • WEST CLARE •

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

Setting goals is important W

Watch me

E SEE so many people that have the get up and go attitude and reach their goals with ease. We are bombarded with motivational posts and quotes online but I often wonder do these types of post motivate you to take action? We can look at it two ways. It motivates you a great deal to improve, change and take necessary steps to better your life.... OR else it doesn’t and you continue doing the same thing you always did.... If you are however unmotivated and unhappy in your situation, then YOU are the only one that can change it. Step by step, day by day... You can make progress... You know you can.

BUT HOW?

You must decide what you want to achieve over

SHOPPING IN STYLE LAST Friday, saw Eye Candy Opticians, 25 Abbey street, Ennis, host an exclusive 2018 Gucci eyewear event. Anton Grey, the Gucci representative, was on hand for the day to give expert advice on colours and fittings of frames. In spite of only brief appearances of sunshine on the day customer’s were excited to get hold of the latest in Gucci sunglasses. Classic shapes, Gucci stripes and understated logos were common to all purchases. Shopping in style with prosecco, finger food and strawberries made eyewear and sunglasses shopping so much fun!

lEXPERT ADVICE: Eye Candy’s Linda Brannigan, Debbie Lemon, Trisha O’Connor, Niamh Stembridge at the special Gucci event in Eye Candy Opticians

the long term. Write down daily of what you have achieved so far. Write your goals down. Focus on them every day. Step by step and day by day you can take leaps to get to your desired goal.

DO YOU REALISE…

You can make massive changes in your life in a short amount of time. Don’t let days pass you by and then you realise you have missed so many opportunities to improve and progress. I used to be stuck in a monotonous rut, I knew something had to be done at that time. I can look back and relish all the positive things and accomplishments I have done so far. You should realise this too about your own situation. Don’t think that it’s too late, it is never too late to make a start or make an impact. You can do it

Entertainment

Ennis takes to the streets Fun for all the family - seven days of exciting arts and cultural events ahead

HE 13th annual Ennis Street Arts Festival will take place from July 02 – 08, with seven days of exciting arts and cultural events designed for the whole family. “Our theme this year is Urban Wildlife; reminding us of the amazing creatures that share our habitat here in Ennis such as bees, bats and hedgehogs… but it also refers to all the wild and wonderful people we share our gorgeous town with!” said Festival Director, Ana Bella Alvarez. “Whether you want to participate in a community arts event, join in a workshop, listen to some music or simply enjoy the arts and entertainment, the Festival team guarantee there will be something here for you.” Ennis Market Building has been referred to in local media as a ‘white elephant’, but Ana Bella assures us that it has been chosen as the Festival HQ not because of its Urban Wildlife connection, but rather its suitability.

“For the duration of the Ennis Street Arts Festival, the Market Building will be a hive of activity, with a host of exciting activities, events and workshops taking place there, including the fabulous Lantern Company, who will be holding open workshops there from Monday to Friday creating lots of Urban Wildlife Lanterns for ESAF Parade.” Amongst this year’s quirky artistic events and highlights will be a giant Gramophone blasting out stories and songs; a re-enactment of a Viking Battle raging on the streets; children can discover the world of bees in ‘Me & My Bee’ showing in glór and also through the wonderful interactive art work of the Festival’s commissioned artist, Eileen Hutton. Learn to make your own inter-

lOWL BE THERE: Ennis Street Arts Festival will take place from July 02 – 08

active art work through circuits and electronics with the Make Create Innovate Team; experience the comic mayhem of Nakupelle; enjoy music and street entertainment, bring your kids to the kids disco, learn all about Hedgehogs, sponsor a duck in the

lBEE-AUTIFUL PERFORMANCE: Me & My Bee

EXHIBITION SHOWCASES BEAUTY OF WEST CLARE ‘ALONG the West Clare Roads’ is an art exhibition by Kilrush Art Group. They are painting for over 33 years and the group has gone from strength to strength. They work on all mediums, oils, acrylic, watercolour, encaustic and felt. Each year they work with two art tutors who support them to appreciate what is before their eyes. They love landscape, seascape and abstracts. West Clare is possibly the most beautiful area to live in and this

exhibition showcases a sample of what’s at our back doors. OFFICIAL LAUNCH : MONDAY 25TH JUNE, 6.30 PM, ALL WELCOME. ALONG THE WEST CLARE ROADS CULTÚRLANN SWEENEY KILKEE FROM JUNE 25TH - JUNE 29TH. CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION PAULINE DUNLEAVY AT ANCHORCRAFTS@EIRCOM.NET, 086 8339347

Duck Race, and so much more. Families from Ennis and throughout Clare are invited to come along and have fun! Ana Bella reminds us, “The Ennis Street Arts Festival is a non-profit organisation run by a dedicated volunteer committee. This event would not be possible without our fantastic funders, the Arts Council, Ennis Municipal District Council, Clare County Council and Fáilte Ireland: plus the many local businesses who

sponsor events. Last but not least, all the amazing volunteers who join us every year to make it the awesome event that it is. We are all working together to make a difference in our community and wider society through the celebration of arts and culture.” n For more info about festival events visit www.ennisstreetartsfestival.com

14 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

The ‘Have’s and the Have Not’s’

HIS thought for the week is about gaps and divides, about walls and bridges and about the “have’s and the have not’s.” A gap or a divide is a break or difference between two things and a wall is a blockage, while a bridge is a coming together. In many respects, this describes the difference between certain people in our society, in our county, in our country and in our world today. There are very wide gaps and divisions between certain people in our society, such as ‘the rich and the poor’ and some people try to build bridges between the two while others as we know try to “build walls!” It is not hard to know this, for a drive through most towns and cities in this nation of ours and indeed in our world show a large number of poor and desperate people. I am just back from one of my work trips to Africa and have seen it firsthand and my heart continues to be broken because of it. So I am focusing this week on the great gap or great divide that exists between people, between those who have and those who do not have. The gap between rich and poor is hard for people like you and me to admit, but it has always been there, except nowadays the gap is getting even bigger. Those with

POVERTY: The gap between rich and poor is hard for people like you and me to admit

‘What is it about the homeless, the poor, the refugee, the abused, the orphaned and the abandoned that makes people so uncomfortable?’

money tend to live easier lives with less sickness and hardship while those who do not have money have hard, often short lives. When we stop for a moment to think more deeply on the gap between the rich and the poor we find it astonishing how big that gap really is. Close on 2 billion people are starving with the hunger and are under nourished in our world. Hungry people as I have seen, and whom I try to help on a daily basis, experience horror every day, gnawing pain in their stomachs, physical exhaustion that comes with chronic deprivation and dehydration, the pain of making choices no one should ever have to make. Why don’t we weep for people who have to make such choices? Why don’t we feel anguish for parents who cannot feed their children. One reason is that many of us have allowed our way of life to be shaped by the economic preference of a materialistic society rather than by true goodness, mercy, compassion

and genuine love and care for one another. And although the gap between the rich and the poor is the greatest challenge facing us today, we would rather not think about it. We also find it difficult to concede that what we have, has anything to do with what others do not have. We do not want to think about how we would explain to a hungry child why we do not share more of what we have. Most of us think more about the one percent of the world that has more than we have than we think about the ninety-nine percent that has less. What is it about the homeless, the poor, the refugee, the abused, the orphaned and the abandoned that makes people so uncomfortable? These are our fellow human beings who have hit on hard times, often through no fault of their own. Loss of a job, the poor economy, addiction or family circumstances can push people and families onto the streets where they are looked down upon by general society.

A WORLD THAT IS HURTING

In a world that is hurting at this very moment and that seems to be ravaged in some part by evil, the bitter fruits of greed, selfishness, war, abandonment and ignorance are multiplying Even in so called “rich societies” the homeless and the poor are growing populations. Thousands upon thousands of people starve to death every day. Two billion more are malnourished, and thousands more go blind and suffer other ailments annually because of dietary deficiency. Approximately two-thirds of the world’s population remains caught in a cycle of hunger, sickness and death. The majority of these individuals and families are destitute by political, economic, cultural, or social events largely beyond their control. As I have written before, I have noticed over my life, that to be a good person or to have a good heart one does not need to depend on religion, status in life, job status, race, skin colour, where they are from, political views, way of life or culture. It solely depends on how each of us treat each other. I have also noticed that our ears are constantly bombarded each day by all sorts of sounds. And these sounds stress a certain kind of hearing whether joyful or sad. But for me the hardest is hearing the cry of the poor, and even in that cry of the poor the worst of it, is hearing a child’s voice. And although I believe that God is on the side of the poor and the homeless, I somehow feel, in our society and culture today, we have found ourselves separated not only from each other, but from the poor, the orphaned, the abandoned, the homeless and those on the edges of our society. We live in a world that insulates us, for the most part, from that which is difficult, challenging and uncomfortable. We have diversions that keep us from encountering the pain, the loneliness, the weakness, the

fear, the emptiness, the meaninglessness and to challenge to show real love and care to those in need around us. We even have diversions to keep us from encountering our own pain, loneliness, weakness, fear, emptiness, and meaninglessness. The more separated we are from real love and compassion, the more lifeless we become. The average years we live in Ireland is around seventy odd years or so. It’s a short life span when you look at how old our world is. For me and people like me I have about fifteen to twenty years left to live, in the scheme of things. So think of those times in your life when you have exercised real love and compassion. Keep trying now more than ever to make those moments, especially for our homeless, our poor, our needy, our elderly and our children in need. There can be no easy fix for narrowing the growing divide between rich and poor in Ireland and indeed in our world.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, let me finish with a story by the great author Paulo Coelho whom I love to read and it goes as follows, “A monk was meditating in the desert when a beggar came up to him and said: “I need to eat”. The monk, who was almost reaching the point of perfect harmony with the spiritual world, did not answer. “I need to eat,” insisted the beggar. “Go to the town and ask someone else. Can’t you see that you are bothering me? I am trying to communicate with the angels” said the monk sternly. “God placed himself lower than men, washed their feet, gave His life, and no-one recognized Him”, the beggar replied. “He who says he loves God, who does not see and forgets his brother or sister, who does, is lying”. And the beggar turned into an angel. “What a pity, you almost made it”, the angel remarked before leaving.

OPINION/NEWS 15

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Battlegrounds drawn for local elections

OR a political nerd, last Thursday morning was like Christmas. There’s nothing more we love than an excuse to pour over facts and figures and break out the maps to see what areas vote which way. Therefore, a boundary commission review sees many wake, as a kid does on December 25, to unwrap all the joys of the report in full. Those of us looking at Clare had a wealth of changes to delve into. Unlike five years ago, however, this time many of the changes make some semblance of sense. Firstly, we’ll be faced with five electoral areas for next May’s local elections; Ennis, Ennistimon, Killaloe, Kilrush and Shannon. The spelling of Ennistimon aside, there can’t be many complaints with the existence of these five. North Clare once again is its own area which is a welcome change from the gargantuan and nonsensical West Clare area last time, as well as a Killaloe area that stretched from Limerick’s suburbs up to Galway Bay. Ruan, Boston, Carron and New Quay will all revert to the re-established Ennistimon area, with Clonlara leaving Killaloe for Shannon, resulting in Killaloe losing one seat, from six to five. This will see a massive battle for the fifth seat next year. In 2014, Fianna Fáil newcomer Alan O’Callaghan just about held off Fine Gael’s outgoing councillor Joe Arkins with Arkins’ party colleague Pat Burke only 83 votes further ahead. Expect FF and FG to battle it out for the last seat here. However, with Clonlara moving, this may also bring Michael Begley’s (IND) seat into play. Begley has a decision to make as to whether he stays in Killaloe or goes with his native Clonlara into the Shannon region. This would be a big departure for Begley seeing as he’s

only ever contested in the Killaloe area since he first contested an election in 1979. If he does move, or indeed, call it a day, it will come with a sigh of relief for Fianna Fáil who would be confident of retaining their three seats in the area in that eventuality. With a gain of Clonlara and with it, an extra seat, the Shannon area looks set to be an attractive prospect for many perspective candidates. Both FF and FG will be eyeing this area up, as will Labour who lost a seat here due to redraws between Shannon and Killaloe last time out. However, if Begley does decide to stay with Clonlara and move to the Shannon area, the smart money is on the experienced local representative to take the additional seat and frustrate the “big two” parties who’d hope to make inroads here, along with any plans for a Labour resurgence in the South East. If not, expect a fierce fight between those three parties for the seventh seat. The five-seat Kilrush area is also relatively straight forward. It enjoys relatively the same boundaries as it did in 2009, albeit with Kilmaley added and one less seat. Currently, five of the eight Councillors from West Clare are from the Kilrush side of the divide, assuming 2014 poll topper Christy Curtin (IND) who sits on the border between the two, once again opts to run in the Kilrush area he represented from 1999 until the redrawn 2014 election. He had represented the now defunct Miltown-Malbay area before that since 1979. What eases this equation is reports of retirement amongst the current crop of councillors meaning there will be at least one seat vacant going into next year’s poll in Kilrush. North of the West Clare divide, there are currently three sitting Councillors for four seats, namely;

Richard Nagle (FF), Michael Hillery (FF) and Bill Slattery (FG). Again, there are rumours of a possible retirement here meaning there will be at least two seats up for grabs. Certainly, Sinn Féin will be looking to get Ballyvaughan native Noeleen Moran over the line here. This would see them double their representation after their inaugural victory through Shannon’s Mike McKee in 2014 which he should repeat. This will mean another potential battle between FF and FG for the last seat in Ennistimon too. It should be noted that the nine councillors elected from Kilrush and Ennistimon will still meet as one municipal district. Finally, a shaved down Ennis, which is losing Clooney, Quin and Kilmaley will see another battle royale for its seven seats, a reduction of one from 2014. That year, Ennis had the longest ballot sheet in the country and we’re likely to see another long ballot next year. The areas being taken out of Ennis will affect FF Councillors Tom McNamara, should he again run, and Clare Colleran-Molloy most. Collaran-Molloy enjoyed only a three-vote cushion over FG’s Ger O’Halloran at four years ago. O’Halloran, also from Quin, will likely move to Killaloe with his parish should he run again. This leaves the new mayor of Ennis, Colleran-Molloy in a jam. The loss of Quin alone means she loses some 180 votes from the village she received in 2014. Having confirmed she will run again in Ennis, she’ll need to find votes elsewhere, and more, to catch Clarecastle FG Councillor Paul Murphy who finished exactly, and coincidentally, 180 votes ahead of her in seventh place in 2014. This means, with the loss of Quin, she’ll have to find at least 360 new votes. It’s a big ask but

l CUP’S HALF FULL: Róisín Ní Gháirbhith is one of the 17 finalists in the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards 2018, for her project, Love Your Cup. Inagh native Róisín is in with a chance of receiving €200,000 in funding if she progresses to the final eight. Love Your Cup aims to address the issue of 200 million single use cups going to landfills in Ireland every year by providing sustainable and eco-conscious cups to go.

she has a history of upsetting the form book. The smart money is on Fianna Fáil being the loser as Ennis drops from 8 to 7 seats. The only saving grace may come in the form of former FF member James Breen whose future is uncertain. The poll is set to take place on Breen’s 74th birthday and many are speculating he will bow out after 33 years in political life. Largely, the above isn’t dependent on a general election as, given the polls

as they stand, as well as the candidates confirmed in the field, I don’t envisage anyone swapping County Buildings on New Road in Ennis for a new business address in Kildare Street in Dublin. There are going to be several retirements as well as people dropping out for personal reasons. We’re also certain to see new faces looking down from posters on lamp posts net Spring, with one of TD Pat Breen’s sons rumoured to be among a cohort of

young politicos looking for a run. Local elections are just that though; local. Before any concrete predictions can be made, the runners and riders would have to first be known. Expect a few unexpected names out of the hat. Next year could be one of the most surprising local elections in decades. However, a week is a long time in politics, so 11 months is a veritable epoch by comparison. The games are just beginning.

16 COMMUNITY

Community RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS The “Random Acts of Kindness” project has produced a range of murals that will be hung in the Tusla offices in River House in the next few weeks to brighten and give life to the children’s play area. The project was carried out by Clare Youth Service with funding from the Tusla Child and Youth Participation Seed Funding. Young people, with support from CYS Younger Voices (a sub group of the board of Clare Youth Service), have worked very hard to create a story through murals. The project was initiated by members of the Younger Voices who wanted to help brighten up a space that is primarily used by children, and help make it their own. Members of Younger Voices put together a proposal and once funding was secured young people using the space gave their ideas and thoughts on what should be included and how they would like the space to look. From there a number of young people signed up to create the murals and have been working on them for the past three months. They have also created a beautiful story using the characters in the murals that guides you through the five boards. Áine Mellett, PPFS Senior Manager, Tusla, has welcomed the support of Clare Youth Service and praised the work of the young people involved in creating these unique pieces of art. “The project is done by young people for young people. It will be wonderful addition to our facilities for young people in River House.” Helena Slattery, Youthworker on the project stated “The young people involved in the murals really enjoyed painting the boards and are very proud of the finished pieces. They are thrilled to be able to be part of such a positive community piece and hope the children using the space will enjoy looking at the murals as much as they have enjoyed painting them.” CLARE YOUTH SERVICE SUMMER CAMPS This year, back by popular demand, Clare Youth Service are running Summer Camps in Ennis and Shannon in July, offering active and creative fun to young people aged 7 to 12 years. The summer camps aim to offer each child a range of experiences, an opportunity to meet new friends, take part in a wide range of activities including: art, fun games, dancing, sports, day trips and a lot more. The varied programme ensures there is something for each child and at a very reasonable price. The camps promise a variety of activities each day with action, excitement, new experiences and a chance to make some new friends in a safe environment. Ennis Summer Camp Monday 9th to Friday 13th July from 1-5pm each day for 7-12 years olds in The Junction Youth and Community Building, Cloughleigh Road, Ennis. Shannon Summer Camp Monday 16th to Friday 20th July from 1-5pm each day for 7-12 years olds in Rineanna Hall, Rineanna View, Shannon Application forms are available in both centres as well as at the reception in the Carmody Street building on Kilrush Road, Ennis. People should register early to avoid disappointment. Camps will cost €30 per child, with a family discount available. The camps in both towns are run by a group of trained volunteers aged 15-18 years. The Youth Service attributes the continued success of the programmes to the dedicated contribution of these volunteers. For further information please on either of the camps contact: Thomas O’Hara 085-8019666 / Jean O’Keeffe 086-1568650 / Aoife Guilfoyle 086-0484938.

ENNIS RED CROSS FUNDRAISER The Irish Red Cross Clare will hold a fundraiser on Friday 22nd at Kavanagh Spar, Lifford and on Saturday 23rd at Clarke’s Daybreak, Crusheen. All funds raised are for the

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

At the launch of the Random Acts of Kindness Mural Project were Zara Fox and Kayleigh Tully (CYS participants), Jean O Keeffe (CYS), Helena Slattery (CYS), Muriel O Meara (Principal Social Worker Tusla), Aine Mellett (PPFS Senior Manager Tusla) and Shannon Fox Tierney (CYS Participant)

€47,000 IN FUNDING Up to €47,000 in LEADER funding has been allocated to two projects in Clare according to Minister Pat Breen. “I am delighted that my colleague Minister Michael Ring WEST CLARE has approved funding for two Clare projects through the Clare Local Development Company. This funding will benefit rural tourism and the local economy, while also WATER SAFETY AT WHITESTRAND supporting local entrepreneurship and creativity,” said Clare Water Safety, Whilte Strand, Miltown Malbay Minister Breen. Clare Water Safety will run classes at White Strand, Mil“A total of €40,000 in grant funding will be provided town Malbay as follows; to Beds of Silk Limited in Labasheeda. This west Clare Week 1, Monday July 2-6; Rescue 1-4 with BLS 2 & 3, initiative will provide Short Term Holiday Retreat AccomSurvival, Safety 1*, 2, 3, 4 modation in “Shepherd Huts”, thereby supporting rural Week 2; Seal 1, 2, Marlin 6, 7/8, 9, 10 and Safety 1* tourism and the local economy. *Safety 1 will run Week 1 and 2 (register your child for “Meanwhile the West Clare Film Club will receive LEADsafety 1 for whichever week that suits) ER funding of €6,800 for the purchase of film equipRegister online and view class times at www.clarewatersafety.com. Also check out facebook.com/IrishWaterSafe- ment, thereby supporting the creativity of Clare’s rural young people,” added Minister Breen. tyClare. “I would like to congratulate both Clare protects in their The local organisers will hold a registration day at White work to date which allowed them to secure this funding STrand Centre on Sunday, July 1 from 11-3 but why not and wish them every success in the future.” avoid car and paper and register online. Irish Red Cross New Training Unit & Ambulance Centre in Ennis. Please give generously.

Right: Mark Hanrahan of Ennis Track who came first in the U16 Boys 1,5000 metre race at the Munster Track and Field Championships

Time to get tough on litter and decriminalize farmers STUART HOLLY

news@clareecho.ie

FA Environment Chairman Thomas Cooney has called for tougher sanctions on serial dumpers who use the Irish countryside as a skip for their illegal activities. He has also called for changes to the legislation so that farmers are no longer held legally responsible for reckless dumping by others. Cases of illegal dumping across Co Clare, including on farmland and in tourist beauty spots, have been highlighted in recent months and Mr Cooney said, “Ireland’s natural landscape has been preserved over the years by generations of farm families. It is widely recognised that our scenic beauty underpins our tourism offering, however illegal dumping of builders’ rubble, mattresses, furniture and electrical appliances continues to undermine the good work of farm families, and stronger action is now required from Government. “Minister Naughten’s recent decision to increase on the spot fines for littering is welcomed and must be followed up with increased enforcement action by local authorities, as well as tougher sentences and penalties for large scale serial dumpers.” IFA has called for changes to existing litter legislation to remove the threat of fines and prosecution for famers on whose lands others dump litter recklessly. Thomas Cooney concluded by calling on the Department of Environment and local authorities to develop a co-ordinated approach to assist the public in managing their rubbish correctly. He called on county councils to establish a network of strategically located skips on civic amenity sites on the outskirts of towns and villages, where people can safely dispose of rubbish, rather than litter the countryside.

l FRUSTRATION: IFA Environmental Chairman Thomas Cooney says local authorities must follow up on illegal dumping cases

Glanbia called milk price badly wrong

IFA President Joe Healy has said the response from Glanbia suppliers to the co-op’s May milk price decision was anger. He said Glanbia have called the May milk price badly wrong when, with rapidly improving market returns, Lakeland will be paying 1.8c/l more than them for the month. Kerry and Aurivo, which have actually increased their base price, will also be paying

more, and the Glanbia May pay-out including support is also well below the Ornua PPI for May. Joe Healy called on Glanbia to explain to farmers why, as the largest milk processor with a diverse product mix, Glanbia Ireland is not paying a top price in peak production months. He said Glanbia now needs to quickly start on the path of price recovery. IFA National Dairy Chairman Tom Phelan added, “Glanbia suppliers are furious. At 28.46c/l + VAT, including a 1c/l support, Glanbia is paying less for May milk than

Lakeland, Kerry and Aurivo and 1.33c/l less than the Ornua PPI. Farmers tell me they believe that Glanbia is trying to set the scene by cutting their pay out, while some other co-ops were working on passing back the improved market returns. Glanbia must recognise that they made the wrong call”. “Average EU returns for an Irish product mix quoted by the EU Milk Market Observatory for 10th June are over 5c/l higher than they were in January, at 38.06c/l before processing costs - that is well over half of the fall in the back end of 2017 now recouped.”

Quality of heifer on offer mixed

ENNIS MART THURSDAY, JUNE 14 2018 Trade was firm in Ennis for all good quality types on offer although numbers were smaller again this week. Light stores sold well for good sorts but more forward stores over 500kg sold extremely well, heavier bullocks over 600kg also an excellent trade once again this week. Both farmers and agents active once again around the bullock ring. Heifer trade was steady for better quality heavy types, but quality on offer was mixed with lighter plainer heifers slightly less than last week. A good entry of feeder cows and beef cows met a strong demand with trade similar to previous week with beef cows selling extremely well with factory agents active. Aged bulls sold to a top price of €1,740 for a CH bull weighting 1,035kgs. BULLOCKS 1 LMX

325kgs - €935 - €2.88/kg

3 CHX 548kgs - €1,395 - €2.55/kg

5 CHX 364kgs - €1,100 - €3.02/kg 2 CHX 447kgs - €1,320 - €2.94/kg 2 LMX 427kgs - €1,290 - €3.02/kg

HEIFERS

5 LMX 359kgs - €1,070 - €2.98/kg 5 CHX 378kgs - €950 - €2.52/kg 2 HEX 335kgs - €730 - €2.17/kg 2 CHX 492kgs - €1,280 - €2.60/kg

DRY COWS

1 FRX 530kgs - €1,050 - €1.98/kg 1 CHX 490kgs - €1,045 - €2.14/kg 1 CHX 580kgs - €1,205 - €2.08/kg 1 LMX 515kgs - €1,085 - €2.10/kg

1 LMX 695kgs - €1,750 - €2.53/kg 1 CHX 720kgs - €1,695 - €2.36/kg 1 HEX 700kgs - €1,460 - €2.09/kg

3 CHX 441kgs - €1,140 - €2.58/kg 2 AAX 465kgs - €965 - €2.07/kg 1 CHX 500kgs - €1,290 - €2.58/kg 1 LMX 555kgs - €1,340 - €2.41/kg 1 BAX 595kgs - €1,470 - €2.47/kg (cow/hef) 1 BBX 765kgs - €1,670 - €2.18/kg 1 LMX 690kgs - €1,410 - €2.04/kg 1 CHX 800kgs - €1,500 - €1.88/kg

18 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, JUNE 21 2018

BUSINESS

Western Herd release Whiskey Stout WESTERN Herd Brewing Company, a craft brewery based in Kilmaley Co. Clare has released a first of its kind collaborative stout. The Dolmen Irish Whiskey Stout is brewed with ingredients sourced within County Clare and matured in casks from neighbouring whiskey bonder the Chapel Gate Irish Whiskey Co. The stout contains single origin coffee beans from Anam Coffees nd single origin cocoa nibs from Hazel Mountain Chocolate. The brew began in late 2017 and was removed from tank on December 24th & decanted into whiskey casks which formerly held 15 year old malt whiskey which was used in the first batch of the J.J. Corry The Gael Blend. The stout matured for five months before it was bottled and is now on national release. This complex and layered stout offers a delicate balance between bitter coffee and sweet chocolate up front culminating in a delicious warm finish from the whiskey casks. Western Herd Brewing Company are a brother and sister team from Kilmaley who converted an old hay shed on their family farm into a brewery a little over 2 years ago. Their award-winning beers are available nationally and through McHugh’s Bar in Ennis, home of the Western Herd. “A lot of breweries collaborate together to release beers but we wanted to do something different. Most of our sales are in Clare so it made sense to build on that and bring out something uniquely Clare. The other producers immediately got on board and the results speak for themselves. It was a great experience for all involved and something we will look forward to trying again.” explained Michael Eustace co-founder of Western Herd Brewing Company. Louise McGuane from Chapel Gate Irish Whiskey

l LOCALLY SOURCED: The newly released Dolmen Irish Whiskey Stout is brewed in Kilmaley and ingredients are sourced in County Clare Co. said “This is a totally unique and innovative twist on whiskey finished beer which is a well-established category. Western Herd has taken it to the next level by collaborating not

only with us, a fellow craft drinks producer but also with other local food entrepreneurs. Co. Clare has serious credentials as a food and drink producing county and these kinds of

collaborations only cement that reputation further. Watch this space for a County Clare Stout finished whiskey.” County Clare is fast becoming a destination for Irish foodies. Clare food producing trail blazers such as Siobhan Garvey from St. Tola’s Goat’s Cheese and Brigetta Curtin from The Burren Smokehouse led the way for a whole range of local food entrepreneurs with an international outlook. Anam Coffee founder, Brian O’Briain returned to his native Clare after years of a busy London life and started the Burren Roastery. Brian ethically sources single origin coffee from farms all over the world and then roasts, grinds and blends it in his on-site roastery in North Clare. Hazel Mountain Chocolate are Ireland’s only bean to bar chocolatier. They source single origin coffee beans and produce exquisite chocolates in Bellharbour, Co. Clare. Since 2014, they have produced award winning chocolates and sell them through their retail outlets in Clare, Galway and internationally through their online platform www.hazelmountain.com The stout is named Dolmen, an icon immediately associated with Clare after Poulnabrone in the Burren. The label features 33 stars above the megalith representative of our 33 ancestors resting in this ancient burial site. The Limited Edition Dolmen Irish Whiskey Stout is available in Clare at Next Door Ennis, Kilrush and Kilkee, Donnellan’s Centra Ennis, Hazel Mountain Cafe and the Stonecutters Cottage Liscannor, and in Dublin at Carry Out Tyrellstown, The Blackrock Cellar, The Brickyard Dundrum and The Hill Bar Ranelagh.

l WOMEN IN BUSINESS: Celebrated chef, entrepreneur and food writer Domini Kemp provided useful tips to attendees of a Women in Business Networking Event at the Woodstock Hotel in Ennis last Wednesday. The event was organised by Local Enterprise Office Clare as a platform for women in business to establish new contacts while widening networking opportunities to benefit their business. Linda Earlie, Senior Enterprise Development Officer at Local Enterprise Office Clare, said, “We are delighted to have Domini come to Clare and meet with our women in business network. She has achieved so much in her career as a business woman and is a wonderful role model for any business. We have an excellent reputation in Clare for Food enterprises and the development of food enterprise is part of our strategic plan for the future.” Pictured L-R are Julie Hyde, Julie Hyde Yoga, Linda Earlie, Domini Kemp and Liz Fogarty, William Halpin and Co. Photo by Arthur Ellis

THURSDAY, JUNE 21 2018

RECRUITMENT

6 quick tips for a great CV The CV: there are so many conflicting recommendations. But having a good one may be your best chance to make a good first impression, so you’ve got to get it right. Here’s how. 1. Open strong: The first 15-20 words of your CV are critical. Start with a brief summary of your expertise. You’ll have the opportunity to expand on your experience further down in your resumé and in your cover letter. For now, keep it short. And be sure to avoid clichés. 2. Get the order right: If you’re switching industries, don’t launch into job experience that the hiring manager may not think is relevant. Add an accomplishments section right after your opener that makes the bridge between your experience and the job requirements. 3. Be selective: It’s tempting to list every job, accomplishment, volunteer assignment, skill and degree you’ve ever had. But don’t. 4. Share accomplishments, not responsibilities: “I managed a team of 10” doesn’t say much. You need to dig a level deeper. Did they exceed targets? 5. Make it readable: Nowadays, two or three pages are fine, but that’s the limit. You can supplement what’s on the page with links to your work. 6. Get help: It can be hard to be objective about your own experience. Many people overstate – or understate – their achievements. Consider working with a CV writer, mentor, or a friend who can help you.

SEAT TO FILL?

Be seen in The Clare Echo recruitment section. Call 065 671 9021 or email ciara.farrell@clareecho.ie.

Take the pain out of sharing news of your vacancy today.

BUSINESS

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

COUNTRY COTTAGE

Property

LISCULLANE, COROFIN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 WN60 €229,000

RADITIONAL farm cottage completely renovated and extended in 2005/2006 to give a spacious family home with 4 bedrooms (2 en-suites) set on 1.3 acres. Large paddock area to the side with 5 built-in stables and fenced sand arena. Located within 15 minutes of Ennis, 30 minutes from Shannon. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents. PSL No. 002295

Outside: Two paddock areas to the side and the rear., enclosed sand arena and 5 purpose built stables to the rear. Features: New biocycle treatment plant, oil fired central heating, 2 solid fuel stoves, built in 1940 Contact: Douglas Hurley, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

Exclusive development 23 ARD AOIBHINN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 C9YW

N Bright & spacious detached bungalow CLOONEY QUIN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 HDN8

ONVENIENTLY located in Clooney, just a 10 minute drive from Ennis Town Centre and positioned on a stunning circa 0.5 acre site, this bright, spacious well proportioned detached bungalow presented for sale in turn key condition making it an ideal family home/ investment with the luxury of country style living and yet all local amenities such as national school, convenience store, church and GAA facilities just a 5 minute walk and

€220,000

additional amenities in the town of Tulla and Ennis and the M18 link road within equal distance. This home is a must view and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents. PSL No. 002295 Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

OT often does a home come to the market in this exclusive town centre development of stunning detached homes. On approaching the property, the brick front boundary wall and brick paved drive sets the standards for what is featured throughout this home. The granite arched entrance doorway leads into the main entrance hallway which gives access to the main reception, and open plan kitchen/ dining. From the main reception double doors connect to the open plan kitchen/ dining which further extends to the first of two rear sun lounges. From the kitchen is the utility room which gives further access to the second sun lounge, this room was previously the gym featuring a separate shower and extensive tiling and access onto the raised decking. Completing the ground floor accommodation is a downstairs WC and the second reception/study/ground floor bedroom. To the first floor are five bedrooms with the master bedroom boasting master

€350,000

en-suite with walk-in wardrobe and all bedrooms are bright, spacious and well proportioned. The current owners have maintained the property in impeccable condition with quality timber flooring, tiling and quality fixture and fittings throughout, with stylish kitchen, wood surround feature fireplace and integrated appliances also featuring. To the outside the railed raised timber decking leads to a landscaped rear gardens and lawns with a host of mature trees, shrubbery and hedgerows. In addition to the two garden sheds the detached home office/recreational room sums up the extensive property that is on offer and all within a short stroll of Ennis town centre. This home is a must view and 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

PROPERTY 21

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

Bright and spacious OPEN VIEWINGS: THURSDAY, 21ST JUNE - 5.00PM TO 5.30PM SATURDAY, 23RD JUNE - 10.00AM TO 10.30AM 24 WOODHAVEN, KILRUSH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 W89P

S Mature development OPEN VIEWINGS: SATURDAY, 23RD JUNE - 11.00AM TO 11.30AM 1 ABBEYLAWN, ENNIS, CO CLARE, V95 K5PN

O. 1 ABBEYLAWN is a 5 bed detached bungalow in an excellent mature development of homes on the Kildysart Road in Ennis. The property is the first house on the right as you turn off the Kildysart road. It has a private mature garden on either side of the house including a private patio. This beautiful home comprises an entrance hall, living room, bedroom 1/office with en-suite, kitchen, dining room, 4 addi-

€269,000

tional bedrooms (all with fitted wardrobes) and a bathroom. Abbeylawn is within easy access of Ennis and Clarecastle and is only a short walk from the local convenience store and petrol station. Viewing recommended. 137.3sqm. 1,477.34 (sq.ft) BER Number 111161055 BER D2 Contact: Tiernan O’Malley, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866

UPERB 5 bedroomed detached home situated in a quiet culde-sac development just off the Kilrush Road. 24 Woodhaven is situated to the front of the Woodhaven development and is within easy walking distance of Ennis Town Centre. There is quick access onto the town’s western bypass from the Kilrush road interchange. This property would make a fine home or investment property. The ground floor comprises an entrance hall, living room, bedroom/office, kitchen/ dining area, utility room, WC and a storage room under the stairs. On the first floor

€245,000

there are four bedrooms (one with an ensuite) and a bathroom. Externally to the front there is a cobble-locked driveway with ample space for parking. The property boasts an large back garden that is mainly in lawn and has a large paved patio area with sleeper surround. There is access to the garden at both sides of the house. Viewing is highly recommended. OFCH. 135 sq.m. (1,452.6 sq.ft.) approx. BER D1. BER No. 111143921 Contact: Diarmuid McMahon, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

CUTTING EDGE ROAD TEST: FORD EDGE ST-LINE

ERE’S the thing. I have a bit of a fetish for cop cars, police transport, whatever you want to call it. Blame it on too many wasted teenage evenings watching reruns of The Sweeney (yes, I still crave a metallic-brown MkI Granada, what of it?) or the sheer thankfulness that comes from being rescued by a motorway police Volvo V70 when that Alpine A310 did its head gasket on the M3… Anyway, that could help to explain why I’m so keen on the Ford Edge. Certainly in this ST-Line spec, in black paint with dark-finish alloys, it certainly has the glowering looks and patrician mien of a proper police cruiser. The radiator grille even looks as if it’s been specifically designed for little blue lights to be concealed within. Whether that’s deliberate or not (and Ford certainly has its track record when it comes to supplying police cars) it’s the best thing I’ve driven since the old Toyota Camry for clearing the outside lane of a motorway. So, how do we turn a standard Edge into an ST-Line? Well, you add 20-inch alloy wheels, deeper front and rear bumpers with aero-style sections, chunky side-sills, fit a powered tailgate, a Sony-designed touchscreen infotainment system with DAB and Ford’s latest SYNC3 software,

FACTS & FIGURES: Model tested: Ford Edge 2.0 TDCi ST-Line PowerShift Pricing: range starts at €47,995; as tested €55,075 Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel Transmission: six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Body style: five-door, five-seat SUV CO2 emissions: 152g/km (Band C, €390 per annum) Combined economy: 47.9mpg (5.9 litres/100km) Top speed: 211km/h 0-100km/h: 9.4 seconds Power: 210hp at 3,750rpm Torque: 450Nm at 2,000- to 2,250rpm Boot space: 600 to 1,847 litres EuroNCAP rating: 5-star; 85% adult; 76% child; 67% pedestrian; 89% safety assist

Ford’s big SUV has a keen handling edge

a rear view camera, and an active noise cancellation system. For this version, with the 210hp 2.0-litre TDCI diesel engine and the ‘Powershift’ automatic gearbox, you’re looking at an all-up price of €55,075. Which is a lot, for a car with a Ford badge. While it looks suitably mean on the outside, the Edge does seem like a bit of a letdown, initially, inside. The dashboard and cabin are essentially lifted directly from the S-Max and Mondeo, and while it’s all very functional, it lacks the sheen of quality and finish that you might reasonably expect from a car costing north of €50k. Spend some time with it, though, and things improve. The seats are excellent, the controls and displays are workmanlike and clear, and there’s excellent space on offer. Well, sort of. There is a very decent 507-litre boot out the back, but thanks to that heavily-sloping rear screen, no option for a seven-seat layout. That’s less of an issue for Ford in the US, where the Edge is sold alongside the bigger, seven-seat, Explorer, but here in Ireland it’s Ford’s flagship, and it seems like a miss-step for it not to offer seats for seven to allow it to compete with the (more affordable) likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. Then again, you could argue that you can easily spend vastly more on the likes

of a BMW X3 or Audi Q5, both of which are resolutely five-seaters, and that while the Ford badge might struggle to compete with them, the Edge is right up alongside in how it drives. Ford has, since the early nineties, had something of a magic touch when it comes to how its cars handle and hold the road, and the Edge is no exception. OK, so you have to accept that this is a hefty, tall-sided vehicle (knocking on for two-tonnes) and therefore you need to make allowances for body roll and lean in corners. Once you’ve got that square in your head, the Edge is little short of delightful to drive. The steering feels sharp and lively, the suspension is amazingly good at not letting those 20-inch wheels ruin the ride quality (although if you drop one into a drain cover you’ll sure know all about it, and multiple short, sharp bumps can have the Edge dipping and rolling its shoulders a touch too much), and for such a big car it feels genuinely surprising how agile and responsive it is. Up to BMW X3 levels? Yes, pretty much and well ahead oft he more stoic Audi. The 210hp engine does well too. Well, mostly well. It has enough power to keep the Edge feeling easy-going and thanks in part to that active noise cancelling system

(which works on the same principle as nose-cancelling headphones) it’s a very refined car in which to travel. Its 152g/ km Co2 figures isn’t too shabby for one so big, either. The problem comes in its real-world fuel economy. Ford claims 5.9-litres per 100km, or 48mpg, but we could only manage 8.2-litres per 100km, or 34mpg. In fairness to the Ford, that included a lot of stop-start city motoring, and we did get much better economy on longer, country-road drives, but that is still enough to have it sitting on the thirsty side of the fence. Is that as big a stumbling block as its price? That price tag still seems full of lofty ambition for a car from Ford, and I do think that if it were around €10,000 cheaper then we would be able to give it an unequivocal thumbs up. As it is, it’s still hugely appealing, capable, likeable, and even entertaining, but you do need to get your head around the price first. lMAGIC TOUCH: Ford Edge

ill take you b w t a h y su rt e ff rpr o n is e A

0%* Finance and up to €2,000 Finance Deposit Contribution on selected ŠKODA models. Offer must end 30th June 2018. Al Hayes ŠKODA, Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare. Tel: 065 682 2400 • www.alhayesskoda.ie * Typical Example: Superb 1.4TSI 125HP Active €28,900. Deposit €8,783.64. 36 Monthly payments of €259 including fixed price service plan of €12.99 per month. Optional final payment €11,260. Total cost of credit €0. Typical APR 0%. No minimum deposit required. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. ŠKODA Finance trading as Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland is authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. 0% finance is available on Fabia, Rapid, Octavia* and Superb models only. 0% Finance is not available on Octavia 1.0TSI and 1.5TSI models. €2,000 deposit contribution is only available on Superb models valid for customers who finance a minimum of €10,000. Offers available for a limited time only and must be financed through SKODA Finance. This offer does not apply to fleet sales. Contact your local dealer for further information.

24 MOTORING

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

Škoda Kodiaq RS is fastest seven-seater

lCAN HOLD ITS OWN: Skoda Kodiaq RS

VEN before its market launch, the Skoda Kodiaq RS, the Czech car manufacturer’s first high performance SUV, proves that it can also hold its own on the most challenging race track in the world. Racing driver Sabine Schmitz set a time of 9:29.84 in the Skoda Kodiaq RS and secures the lap record for a seven-seater SUV at the Nürburgring’s legendary Nordschleife (North Loop). Fuchsröhre, Schwedenkreuz and Karussell – the sections of track on the Nürburgring’s legendary Nordschleife are well-known to motorsport fans all over the world. No other race track is more challenging and nowhere else are drivers and vehicles pushed to their limits like they are on the 20.8km-long circuit in the Eifel re-

gion. The Skoda Kodiaq RS withstood the track and, at 9:29.84 minutes, set the Nordschleife record for a seven-seater SUV. Sabine Schmitz was at the wheel of the Skoda Kodiaq RS during the record-breaking lap. Schmitz regularly participates in the long-distance championship (VLN) and the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring and in 1996, she became the first woman to win the 24-hour race and won again the following year. Having long been a ‘Ring Taxi’ driver and as a presenter on various car shows such as Top Gear, she has become well-known to a wide audience. Schmitz estimates she has driven more than 30,000 laps on the Nordschleife to date. “The Skoda Kodiaq RS is great fun on the track,” said Sabine Schmitz. “Skoda has made full use of its large SUV’s potential

with the Kodiaq RS. I can certainly imagine that I’ll be encountering the Kodiaq RS regularly during my laps around the Nordschleife in future,” Schmitz adds with a wink. The new 2.0 BiTDI engine produces 240HP. This allows for dynamic power delivery and excellent responsive qualities, even at low engine speed. In the Kodiaq model range, the 2.0-litre BiTDI diesel engine is exclusively reserved for the RS, and thanks to Dynamic Sound Boost, the high-torque diesel engine’s power is immediately apparent. With adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) including Driving Mode Select and progressive steering, the all-wheel-drive vehicle – which was still in its camouflage wrap during its appearance in the Eifel region – was perfectly equipped for its

record-breaking lap at the Nordschleife. The Skoda Kodiaq RS will celebrate its world premiere in October of this year where it will be presented to the public for the first time at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Raymond Leddy, Head of Marketing at Skoda Ireland commented, “The RS model line-up has always proved very popular in Ireland. We are delighted to see this range extended beyond the Octavia and now into the Kodiaq. And what better way to introduce the model than with a World record lap of one of the World’s most famous tracks. The Kodiaq RS equally embodies the versatility and spaciousness of a family SUV as well as emotiveness and dynamism. We cannot wait to see this amazing vehicle on Irish roads in 2019.”

Volkswagen launches 2018 snapshot competition

HE Volkswagen Snapshot Competition, powered by The Snapys, is back for its second year. The Instagram based contest encourages photography enthusiasts to discover their creativity and upload photos to Instagram using the #VWSnapshot hashtag along with their chosen category hashtags. The categories for this year’s competition are ‘Design’, ‘Light’, ‘Roadtrip’, ‘Technology’ and ‘Volkswagen.’ For a full list of details and categories, visit VWsnapshot.ie or see Volkswagen Ireland’s page on Instagram. This year there are some fantastic prizes including a trip to Barcelona. Other prizes include an escape to Bubblehouse, Finn Lough, drones and premium photography lighting equipment. Twelve entrants will feature in

the 2019 Volkswagen Snapshot calendar, the sales proceeds of which will be donated to Volkswagen Ireland’s 2018 charity partner Focus Ireland. Earlier this year, €3,000 was raised for Pieta House through sales of the 2018 Snapshot calendar. Sinead Price, Co-Director of Fundraising and Marketing for Focus Ireland commented; “Last year was the worst year for homelessness in the history of the state. More men, women and children experienced homelessness than ever before in our history. There are 9,652 men, women and children homeless across Ireland, up from 3,258 in July 2014, that is a rise of 548 people since January 2018 alone. “The support of Volkswagen Ireland will mean Focus Ireland can prevent more families from falling into homelessness in the first place, and help to ensure

that others already impacted can with the backing of Volkswagen Ireland, exit homelessness.” Mark McGrath, Head of Marketing Volkswagen Ireland commented; “We are delighted to launch the Volkswagen Snapshot 2018 competition which follows a hugely successful first year which gained over 5,000 entrants. We at Volkswagen Ireland are pleased to support this very worthy cause.” Conor Lynch, CEO, Connector, commented; “The team at Connector is delighted to continue our successful partnership with Volkswagen to run Volkswagen Snapshot in 2018. Our goal with the competition is to identify, showcase and reward Ireland’s most talented Instagrammers. Thanks to the generous support from Volkswagen for making this possible.”

EchoSport l WOUNDED WARRIORS: Captain Pat O’Connor and his men marching into battle last weekend Photo by Chris Copley

Páraic McMahon GAA

Clare men carried scars into battle last weekend, but negativity from fans helped spur players to emphatic win over rivals Limerick, writes Páraic McMahon.

‘Jibes and negativity has really hurt these players’

T’S been two very positive outcomes for the Clare senior hurlers in their last two outings, though the inspiration for it has come in part from the criticism levelled at the players admits joint manager Donal Moloney. Speaking on the sideline after their emphatic eleven point win over Limerick, the Scariff man highlighted the scars some players have borne from jibes and criticism of seasons gone by. “This group of players have been hurt, over the last few years they’ve worked their socks off, they’ve worked harder than anyone else and the jibes and the negativity that they’ve been listening to has really hurt them, they’ve tried to put it right and I couldn’t speak highly enough of them as

people, obviously we know them a long time going back to our underage days. I’m so charmed for them because I just knew they were going to back it up today, I just knew”. Thurles last week “was such an outpouring of emotion” according to Moloney and said it “was a major threshold of emotion to cross”. Every day since he’s seeing improvement in the players, “The communication amongst them and the way they’re growing together is incredible, their workrate, their belief in themselves and in each other is growing everyday”. He was most pleased by the fact Clare didn’t panic but feels fatigue set in for their opponents as the game entered its finale. “Playing Limerick here is always going to be a battle, the first quarter was tit for tat and

we just kept working working working and eventually we got that daylight. A big factor here today was that it was Limerick’s third Sunday in a row, I could clearly see in the second half they had nothing in the legs so that was a big plus for us”. An annoyance for the Banner boss will be the dismissal of David Reidy, when asked about the incident, he commented “I haven’t heard and I will look at the recording later on”. Last week appears to have been a turning point both for the team this year and also the supporters in getting behind them. “Our support hasn’t been so great in a number of years and maybe rightly so, maybe they didn’t believe too much in the team. They came to Thurles and I think the crowd sensed the way the lads are working and they

came to Thurles and they gave us a huge lift and they came in here today and filled the place as well, Limerick had a great following aswell and I think the way they got behind the team, it might be one percent and that’s all we need,” Donal said. Now that Clare have another Munster Final to look forward to, Donal is hopeful they will have a stronger following behind them. Semple Stadium is to host the decider nd tickets are due to be released within the next few days. “Confidence is everything in this game, people feed off the crowd. Hopefully in Thurles in two weeks time it won’t be like last year where it was nine to one or whatever it was in terms of attendance, hopefully it will be fifty fifty”.

26 SPORT

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

Electric atmosphere falls flat as Clare turn out Treaty lights Clare 0-26 Limerick 0-15

Munster Hurling Championship Round 5 at Cusack Park

Hurling JAMES MULVIHILL

LARE have qualified for the Munster Final for the second year in a row, a feat they haven’t managed since 1999 when Ger Loughnane was in charge. A comfortable victory over Limerick was the reward for outstanding work by a number of players, including man of the match Jamie Shanahan at wing back, most notable for his distribution. John Conlon was immense again, scoring four from play and Tony Kelly gave a tireless display at centre forward, scoring five points including four from play. Both sides finished this contest with 14 men following a goal

mouth altercation between David Reidy and Diarmuid Byrnes. Video replays showed that Reidy did not merit a red card and Clare will look to have this overturned ahead of the Munster final. Limerick came to Cusack Park with high expectations however they suffered their most comprehensive defeat of the year. They looked flat throughout, in this their third game on the bounce and became disorganised in the second half. Limerick will travel to either Carlow or Westmeath in a Preliminary All-Ireland Quarter-Final on the weekend of July 7/8. Clare settled into the game early on and led by 0-07 to 0-04 after 22 minutes and while the atmo-

sphere was electric early on, Limerick’s inability to do any damage to Clare’s cushion meant it wasn’t long before that fell flat too. Peter Duggan punished Limerick’s ill-discipline, and accurate shooting from Clare’s forwards left the score at the interval 0-13 to 0-09. Limerick started the second half with more intent. However their momentum slowed, and when Tom Morrissey scored his third point to close the gap to four points with almost 15 minutes remaining, it was to be Limerick’s last score and Clare took control with scores through Duggan, Kelly and John Conlon to leave the score at 0-26 to 0-15 at the final whistle. Clare will look forward with confidence to the Munster final against Cork and will look to win a first title since 1998 and a first Munster final win against the Rebels since 1932.

Clare: Donal Tuohy; Patrick O’Connor, David McInerney, Jack Browne; Seadna Morey, Conor Cleary, Jamie Shanahan (0-1); Colm Galvin (0-1), Cathal Malone; Peter Duggan (013,10fs,1 ‘65’), Tony Kelly (0-5,1 ‘65’), David Reidy; Podge Collins, John Conlon (0-4), Shane O’Donnell. Subs: David Fitzgerald (0-2) for

l FLYING FORM: Tony Kelly sprung into life in the second half, getting five vital scores for the Clare men Photo by Chris Copley Morey (14 mins injured), Jason McCarthy for Malone (53 mins), Ian Galvin for Fitzgerald (61 mins), Conor McGrath for O’Donnell (65 mins), Michael O’Neill for Collins (70 mins). Limerick: Nickie Quaid; Sean Finn, Mike Casey, Richie English; Diarmuid Byrnes (0-1), Declan Hannon, Dan Morrissey (0-1); Darragh O’Donovan (0-1 side-line), Cian Lynch (0-1); Gearoid

Hegarty (0-1), Kyle Hayes (0-1), Tom Morrissey (0-3); Seamus Flanagan (0-1), Shane Dowling (0-4fs), Graeme Mulcahy. Subs: Tom Condon for Finn (13 mins injured), Richie McCarthy for Mulcahy (H/T), Aaron Gillane (0-1) for Flanagan (49 mins), David Dempsey for Hegarty (55 mins), Barry Nash for English (64 mins injured). Referee: James Owens (Wexford).

‘Since that Shane O’Donnell shoulder there’s been a reconnection with fans’ PÁRAIC McMAHON Hurling news@clareecho.ie

UNFINISHED business and a huge carrot of winning a provincial title await the Clare senior hurlers after they comprehensively defeated Limerick on Sunday. One week previous Gerry O’Connor told this writer that prior to the Tipperary game he felt his and Donal Moloney’s management position was under threat, now they’re preparing for their second successive Munster Final and the smile on his face in Cusack Park spoke volumes. “It’s been some turnaround, we’re on a journey, we started this journey last November over in Fenway in Boston, we said that every competition that we entered whether it was Fenway, the Munster League, the All-Ireland series or the Munster Championship, we were going to commit to it fully and pick the best team that was available at the time and ultimately this is another step on that journey and we’re playing Cork in a Munster Final. We have unfinished business with Cork from earlier on this year and from last year and we’re really looking forward to going down and expressing ourselves”, O’Connor said. Clare’s Munster record is poor. Gerry and Donal became the first Clare man-

agement to secure back to back Munster final appearances since Ger Loughnane in ‘98 and ‘99. Six managers have been in the hotseat in the interval. The prospect of provincial success excites the Éire Óg clubman. Echoing Donal Moloney’s sentiments, O’Connor said there has been a disconnect with Clare ans over the last number of years. “The most positive aspect is for us to look around here, see all these people who we recognise from our U21 days and to give a performance like we did in that second half. The thing about playing at home is, you can be under more pressure but our guys fed off that energy that was coming off the terrace and delivered a top class performance”. Throughout their days managing at underage and senior level, Gerry and Donal have swapped the sideline roles of Bainisteoir and Maor Foirne for every second game. Noticeably this year they have broken the tradition, Gerry was ‘Bainisteoir’ for successive games against Waterford and Tipperary with Donal as ‘Maor Foirne’. Then versus Limerick, Donal was ‘Bainisteoir’ and coach Gavin Keary ‘Maor Foirne’ with O’Connor located alongside their extended backroom team. “Myself and Donal are getting a bit old so we said we’d give it to somebody a bit young and fit like Gavin,” explained a smiling Gerry. With both teams reduced to 14 before half-time, each management had time to

plan on how to work it to their advantage at the break. In these discussions Clare decided to make as much space as they could for Clonlara’s John Conlon. “We left that channel free for John to run into and no better man to exploit that space - we could also be a bit critical of him, there were a few runs that Tony Kelly had made where he could have possibly picked him out. Ultimately it was our composure to stick to the game plan, play to the lines, short snappy 20, 40-metre stick passes and that’s what us over the line. He continued, “I have to mention the Clare support. Since we started out here in our first home game, since that Shane O’Donnell shoulder I think there was a reconnection with our supporters and they’ve been just magnificent,

they were magnificent in Thurles but they were superb here today, they really drove on the team when needed”. Last week it was reported that his joint manager, Donal Moloney had been handed down a proposed ban following an incident during the Tipperary game. On whether it would be in effect for the Cork game, he stated “I’ve no idea. That will go through due process, Clare GAA and the County Board are looking after that”. Similarly he wasn’t inclined to say too much on the dismissal of David Reidy but was aware of the reaction that his clubmate was unfairly given the line. “That’s what we’re hearing and that’s what was said to us at half-time. The referees have a decision to make and we’re not going to comment on any refereeing decision.”

All roads lead to Thurles SEMPLE Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for the Munster hurling final. All roads will lead to Thurles on July 1st as Clare and Cork compete in a repeat of the 2017 final. In the new look Munster championship, Cork finished top of the table ahead of Clare on scoring difference with Limerick advancing to the All-Ireland series thanks to their third place ranking. Tipperary and Limerick will meet in the minor decider prior to the 2pm clash between the Banner and the Rebels. Tickets will be made available over the

coming days and Clare supporters are being urged to get behind their county in two weeks. In last year’s Munster Final, Cork fans completely outnumbered their Clare counterparts. Joint manager Donal Moloney is hopeful recent victories will inspire their supporters to come out in force in Thurles. “People feed off the crowd. Hopefully in Thurles in two weeks time it won’t be like last year where it was nine to one or whatever it was in terms of attendance, hopefully it will be fifty fifty”.

SPORT 27

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

Still ‘all to play for’ as Clare ladies draw with Limerick Camogie Munster Championship Clare 0-08 Limerick 0-08

Camogie PÁRAIC MCMAHON

LARE and Limerick finished all square in the Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship on Saturday evening. After opening round defeats to Galway and Kilkenny respectively, this outing was a must win for the Clare and Limerick camogie sides. With three teams progressing out of each group, both teams emphasised getting a win, now that this opportunity has passed them by their remaining two games are crucial with scoring difference going to decide who qualifies if it comes down to a battle between the neighbours. In the opening thirty minutes, Clare scored seven points. In the second thirty they scored one point. In sixty minutes, they scored three points from play and last week the tally was five from play. With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that they are without a win in this year’s championship. Improving in this regard is essential.

Two Chloe Morey frees and a Niamh O’Dea effort put Patricia O’Grady’s side into a 0-03 0-01 lead inside ten minutes. Ten minutes later, Limerick were on level terms through a Niamh Mulcahy double and Rebecca Delee single. Three white flags on the trot which included an excellent Orlaith Duggan effort gave the hosts a three point advantage at half-time. Scores were short in supply on the resumption, Caoimhe Costelloe had the first of the half on thirty seven minutes and the next came a further seven minutes later via Niamh Mulcahy. Matters could have been much worse for Clare only for a block from Carol O’Leary in the last line of defence denied a goal chance. Morey slotted over their only effort of the half on forty six minutes and two Mulcahy frees followed to leave it all square. Two years ago in the championship, Limerick had a seven point win over Clare. There are eight survivors left from Clare and seven from Limerick. Don’t go thinking that by cutting this gap back by seven represents an improvement on the Banner’s behalf. Their 2016 campaign was nothing short of abysmal as they lost every single game. This camogie team and that of two years ago should be aiming

lLEADER: Clare’s Chloe Morey gets around Karen O’Leary Photo by Caroline O’Keeffe for the knockout stages and to do that, they must be beating Limerick and matching Galway, so far this year they haven’t done either. Captain Orlaith Duggan was very impressive in the opening half at centre back, a surprise switch from management saw her pushed to midfield at halftime and her influence deteriorated as a result. Niamh O’Dea was the best player in Clare’s attack and possibly on the field yet after conceding a free she

Minors fall just short by JAMES MULVIHILL

HE Clare Minor hurlers suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Limerick on a score-line of 1-21 to 2-17 in Cusack Park on Sunday. The Banner men flew into an early lead with Kealan Guyler and William Halpin impressive in attack. Clare got a goal just before half time when Mark Rodgers finished off a great move involving Robin Mounsey and William Halpin. However, Limerick bounced back with a goal of their own through Cormac Ryan to leave the score at the interval 1-08 to 1-06 in favour of Clare. Limerick started the second half with more intent scoring four points to regain the initiative. However, Clare scored their second goal through the impressive Mark Rodgers. The Limerick attack was very good throughout with Bob Purcell leading from the front. Cathal O’Neill scored the winning point with a well taken ‘65’ to seal Limerick’s place in the Munster Final against Tipperary on July 1st. The Banner men should be proud of their performances throughout this campaign and were very unlucky to lose three games.

l ON THE BALL: Midfielder Aidan Moriarty in control against Limerick Minors at Cusack Park Photo by Chris Copley

Clare: Cillian O’Brien (Clonlara); Jack Enright (Newmarket-on-Fergus), Adam Mungovan (Doora/Barefield), Mike Gough (Smith O’Briens); Darragh Healy (Clarecastle), Dylan McMahon (Clonlara), Jason Griffin (Inagh/Kilnamona); Aidan Moriarty (Clonlara), Gearoid O’Grady (Kilmaley); William Halpin (Tulla) (01), Robin Mounsey (Ruan) (0-3), Kealan Guyler (Inagh/Kilnamona) (0-9,3fs,1 ‘65’); Mark Rodgers (Scariff) (2-1), Shane Meehan (Banner), Conor Hegarty (Inagh/Kilnamona) (0-2). Subs: Tony Butler (Doora/Barefield) (0-1) for O’Grady. Referee: Mark Maher (Cork).

hit the ball away resulting in it being brought forward and slotted over by Niamh Mulcahy, every score and inch matters in championship, this was a cheap one to give away. More support is badly needed for O’Dea in their forward line, elsewhere Clare Hehir and Maire McGrath did well. Limerick were livelier than their opponents, their reactions superior, they finished the stronger and were unlucky not to pull a win out of the bag. Niamh Mulcahy, Caoimhe Costelloe, Rebecca Delee and Judith Mulcahy were most prominent for the Treaty County. In the lead-up to Clare’s draw with Limerick, Patricia O’Grady said it was a “must-win” for her charges, they may not have achieved their objective but she insists still “it’s all to play for”. Two games remain in the group stages for Clare, an away trip to Kilkenny in four weeks which will be followed by a home tie against Waterford. “It’s all to play for, if I was a betting person, and I’m not, I wouldn’t be wagering too much money on results there. If you look at championships in camogie like last year nobody gave us a chance going down to Nowlan Park and we ended up within a whisper of actually qualifying, I think it’s going to come down to the last game to see who will be the last three coming out of it and I don’t think it’s a shoe-in for either Galway, Kilkenny as the top two, there will be a lot of hurling played yet in this championship,” O’Grady commented.

Clare: 1: Lauran Solan (Whitegate) 9: Ciara Doyle (Scariff/Ogonnelloe) 6: Clare Hehir (Inagh/Kilnamona) 2: Carol O’Leary (Newmarket-on-Fergus) 22: Emma Kennedy (Sixmilebridge) 8: Orlaith Duggan (Clooney/Quin) (0-01) 5: Laura McMahon (Newmarket-on-Fergus) 3: Máire McGrath (Sixmilebridge) 12: Andrea O’Keeffe (Inagh/Kilnamona) 13: Roisin Begley (Inagh/Kilnamona) 7: Roisin McMahon (Newmarket-on-Fergus) 14: Chloe Morey (Sixmilebridge) (0-05 5f) 15: Orla Devitt (Éire Óg) 11: Niamh O’Dea (Kilmaley) (001) 10: Doireann Murphy (Clarecastle) (0-01) Subs: 4: Ciara Grogan (Clooney/Quin) for O’Keeffe (39) 21: Amy Keating (Inagh/Kilnamona) for Begley (45) Referee: Andrew Larkin (Cork)

LOCAL GOLF RESULTS ENNIS Duggan Cup 2018 SPONSORED BY EBS 18 Hole V Par Competition June 16/17 1st Brian O’Gorman(10) +5 2nd Gary Collins(5) +3 Gross: Ronan Herbert(8) -5 3rd Padraig Sutton(13) +2 Cat A Diarmuid O’Connor(8) 0 Cat B: Cillian O’Connor(16) +2 Cat C: Jim O’Neill(25) +2 CSS Sat. = +1 = 71 Sun. = +1 = 71 Friday Open Singles. 15/06 1st Robert Carkill (15)(Templemore G.C.) 42pts 2nd John Cullinan(22) 41pts Gross Dean McMahon(-1)(Castletroy G.C.) 36pts 3rd Conor Tierney(11) 40pts 4th Conor Malone (13) 39pts CSS Home 69 = 37pts Away 71 = 35pts Tuesday Evening Fourball 1st Mark Geraghty & Tony McInerney 37pts 2nd Tom Woulfe & Ronnie Guinnane 37pts 3rd Martin Moran & Peter Lyons 35pts 4th Leo Herbert & Redmond Condon 35pts 5th Tom Greene & George Dilger 35pts Ladies; Blind of Clare 18 hole S/F Wednesday 13th June 2018 1st Joan Murphy (31) 41pts

2nd Ann O’Loughlin (17) 35pts Gross Kitty Morris (12) 16pts 3rd Rita O’Brien (21) 34pts 4th Eithna Murphy (28) 33pts CSS: Sunday 72 CSS: Wednesday 76 9 Hole S/F 1st Loretto Torpey (35) 20pts 2nd Kathleen Pyne (30) 17pts Ladies Seniors Scramble 12th June 2018 1st Mary Glynn Bridie Keane 50 5/6 Phil Butler 2nd Margaret McEnery Mary Leahy 54 Anna Glynn 3rd Mary Rowe Della Burns 55 5/6 Carmel Ryan WOODSTOCK Result Open Singles Weds 13/06/18 1.Alan Butler, Ennis (3) 43 2. Kenneth Buckley, Shannon(18) 40 3. Mel Fitzgerald , Kenmare (21) 39 CSS 38 Upcoming Fixtures Sat 16/06/18 & Sun 16/06/18 Club Singles V-Par(G) Wed 20/06/18 Open Singles (W) Sat 23/06/18 & Sun 24/06/18 Woodstock Cup Qualifier (W)

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30 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

Your Horoscopes Jun 21 Aries

Taurus

Gemini

THAT new -- and quite authoritative -- person you’ve met is probably quite well-outfitted at this point, from head to toe. They’ll enjoy spending money, but if you want to keep up, better check the balance on your credit cards -- and balance your checkbook. If you can’t quite keep up, don’t try. There are better ways to impress them, but even if you end up doing some serious damage to your plastic.

WHETHER it feels comfortable to you or not -- and initially, at least, it probably won’t -- you’re going to be at center stage for a couple of days, and maybe longer. Better accept it, and try to get your sweetheart used to the idea, too, because if they’re in the vicinity, they may also find the spotlight trained on them. Of course, there are definitely worse things than being worshipped by a crowd of admirers.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

THE heavens are primed for encounters of the most delightful kind, and there’s a touch of extremely unexpected romance in the air, too. This is a lovely combination, no matter what sign yours happens to be. In your case, however -especially if there’s someone you’ve been secretly thinking about, and you’re wondering if they’re doing the same -- the news is particularly good. Don’t be surprised if you receive an answer to that question.

IF ANYONE is usually quite sure of what, how and when they want to do what they want to do, it’s you. At the moment, however, you’re torn between being good (preparing yourself for tomorrow and going to bed early) and being bad -- which would basically entail staying up as late as you like and forgetting about anything but tonight. The final decision, of course, rests with your conscience, but with the right two-legged companion.

IT’S indisputable that you have a way with words -- a gift for presenting logical, practical arguments that are awfully hard to disagree with. That talent will come through for you beautifully now, as always, especially at work, and especially if you add just a touch of charm to the mix when you’re chatting with coworkers. After all, you know what they say about bees and honey. Buzz...

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

IF YOU’RE still thinking about travel, today’s astrological lineup will make it just about impossible for you to resist any longer. Make the decision. You don’t even have to decide exactly where you’re going - not just yet. All you really have to do, at this point, is to inform the powers that be that you’ll need some time off. Once that’s done, it will make the situation real and put you in the mood to choose your destination.

AFTER all the good work you’ve done lately, asking for that raise, bonus or promotion should be a piece of cake. You’re confident that you’ve earned it, but as usual, you’re feeling a bit on the humble side and wondering why they haven’t yet offered it to you. Well, remember that old adage about the squeaky wheel getting the grease? It’s true. Step right up, tell your superiors that you deserve this, and do it in a startling, sudden fashion. They’ll admire your tenacity.

1/1

YOU’RE about to begin mingling with all kinds of interesting and unusual people, and you’ll love every minute of it. There’s at least one new acquaintance en route who’ll be around for a while, too, thanks to an astrological setup that will keep that parade of people you’d otherwise never have met going strong. Whether they turn out to be friends or partners is up for grabs, but who cares?

YOU’VE been thinking about letting a certain person know just how much you care -- in fact, you’ve been thinking about doing that for some time now. You’re right on the verge of having a ‘state of the relationship’ meeting to tell them how you feel. Well, what’s the holdup? You know they feel the same and you know they’ll be delighted to hear it.

YOU’VE always been the objective type, far more prone toward facts and figures than anything that even remotely resembles nostalgia. At the moment, however, you’re feeling like a regular tissue commercial -- and not at all shy about spouting phrases, you would have made fun of not too long ago. It all comes down to just one thing: That love is, indeed, grand, and that you’re not afraid to express it.

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

1 Despicable chap with female? Yes indeed! (6) 5 Roman garb, so to speak (5) 9 Spotty fruit swallowed by Doctor of Divinity (7) 10 Fool with friend (5) 11 Caught with article in container (3) 12 Something one has to have when pro is in a mess? (9) 14 Set out with number of commandments or principles (6) 16 City that’s large and on a river (6) 19 A rare drug ordered for defenders at the back (9) 21 Swine dropping back for snake (3) 22 Bishop meets mere poet (5)

IT’S OVER -- temporarily, at least. That work binge you were on has finally come to an end. That’s not to say that you won’t be putting in your time and continuing to do what’s necessary to keep your head above water and your reputation on the job intact -- but you may also suddenly find that you need to make time for your siblings and neighbors.

THE universe has officially granted you ‘off duty’ status. Your compassion knows no bounds, but you’ve done absolutely everything you can for the ones you love. It’s time now for them to take care of themselves -- and for you to stop feeling guilty about not being able to do more. Besides, there’s someone out there who could do with a bit more of your time and attention -- not to mention your company, in private. How about it?

23 A dog from Naples I trained (7) 24 Carefully follow second speech (5) 25 Take exception to Sterne novel (6)

DOWN

2 Snake in French tree (5) 3 Place where cargo is removed last (4,3) 4 Equipment, including racket, for travelling (6) 5 Wrote letters in a tall building (5) 6 A convict turned up and tricked a knight (7) 7 Make a statement, for example (3) 8 New cadet with our teacher (8) 13 Sodium chloride in tree top (8) 15 A Roman leader once more

rises and falls (7) 17 Laredo’s rigged trials (7) 18 Cable for her was awkward (6) 20 European river

crossed by nerdy enthusiast (5) 21 Scottish child getting fuddled in bar (5) 22 Robust no-nonsense vehicle (3)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

QUIZ 31

THURSDAY, JUN 21 2018

The Clare Echo Quiz W ITH the World Cup underway this week, here at The Clare Echo we got our thinking hats on and put together a quiz on County Clare and the World Cup (kind of). Obviously, Clare hasn’t a long and storied history when it comes to involvement in the World Cup, so we stretched the rules a bit (a lot). There are a few surprising questions in there, to say the least. Anyone who gets 10 out of 10 here can be considered a genius of pointless knowledge.

Moyasta man scored twice Which Killaloe sporting hero 11934Which for the Irish Free State team in 6 played his last game for Ireland against Hungary? at the 2003 Rugby World Cup?

Damien Varley, Anthony Foley, Keith Wood

Ennis Rugby Player was 7 Which was on the Irish squad - along-

Darragh, Lissycasey, Ennis

Aidan Considine, Marcus Horan, Bryanie Murphy

When Robbie Keane put the ball in the back of the German net at the 2002 World Cup, what Leaving Cert exam was taking place in the halls of schools across Clare? Irish, Maths, English

side Brian O’Driscoll - that won the U-19 World Championship in 1998?

Clare woman represented 8 Which Ireland in last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup?

l QUESTION 2: Ireland soccer legend Kevin Sheedy scored against England in the 1990 World Cup. But where do his parents hail from?

Edel McMahon, Eimear Considine, Rosie Foley

Which priest scored from the 4 penalty spot for Craggy Island’s Name this Ennis woman who won over 75s team in an episode of Fr 9 best dressed at the Dubai World Ted filmed in Ennistymon? Cup?

Fr Romeo Sensini, Fr Jack Hackett, Fr Gerry Carey

Mary Meehan, Mary Behan, Mary Poppins

Ronaldo, Miroslav Klose, Tony Kelly

Hopscotch, Pitch & Putt, Fly Fishing

Corofin man Tommy O’LoughWho has scored the most goals 5 in soccer World Cup history (hint, 10 lin won the 2016 world cup in which sport? he’s not from Clare)?

6. Keith Wood 7. Aidan Considine 8. Eimear Considine 9. Mary Behan 10. Fly Fishing

Ireland soccer legend Kevin Sheedy scored against England in the 1990 World Cup. But where do his parents hail from?

ANSWERS 1. Paddy Bermingham 2. Darragh 3. English 4. Fr Romeo Sensini 5. Miroslav Klose

Paddy Manchester, Paddy Bermingham, Paddy Sydney

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Curving beach of bay, houses in background, people in foreground, Kilkee, Co. Clare.

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

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