The Clare Echo 31/05/2018 by The Clare Echo

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31 May 2018

FAN FAVOURITE

POSTERS

Calls to police graphic campaigns PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

RAPHIC images erected outside pre-schools in Clare have led to calls for campaign posters to be strongly policed. Offence taken with the graphic posters used in the recent Eighth Amendment referendum campaign and their placement outside polling stations, pre-schools and Montessori’s has led to two Clare councillors tabling motions for the upcoming June meeting of the local authority. Cllr Johnny Flynn wants a ban on the use

of posters in the 2019 local elections except at designated locations while fellow Fine Gael member, Cllr Mary Howard is requesting that Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy commence a review on their legislation nationally during referenda and elections.

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31 2018

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8-PAGE

MOTORING FEATURE INSIDE

Shane O’Donnell with fans Ivanna Costelloe and Ava Gallery. Photo: Martin Connolly

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

Index CINEMA FOR SHANNON

KILLALOE BRIDGE

WILDFIRE AT THE HAND

9 11

REFERENDUM ENTERTAINMENT

12-13

182 CAR GUIDE

17-24

SPORT

34-35

CLASSIFIEDS

36/37

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

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

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

l G’WAN THE LADS: Cousins Rory and Daniel Chaplin from Sixmilebridge support Clare in Cusack Park Photo by Martin Connolly

Burren traffic is ‘making life hell’ PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

RAFFIC in the Burren is making lives hell for residents and farmers.That was the view expressed by Cllr Pat Hayes who sought an update on a proposed traffic management plan at the May meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District. Cllr Hayes says a number of farmers and residents living in the area told him “their lives were hell because they can’t get in and out of their farms or can’t go to work on different times”. Tourism is of course welcomed in the region but the Fianna Fáil councillor feels the abandonment of cars by visitors is one of the main reasons for the issue. “The Burren and North Clare area gets an awful lot of tourists this time of year, particularly walking tourists and people that are parking cars and trying to get into the centre of the Burren. They bring their cars in with them and abandon them really in the nearest corner where they can park off the road and that lends itself to traffic issues”. He is worried about the risk of emergency services not being able to pass through roads by the Burren and states he first flagged the traffic problem two years ago. The lack of progress is frustrating for Hayes. “It seems to be now the norm and that’s no good for the people that live there and the issue for people living in that area is

that it’s a sparsely populated area and there’s no real shout to get them to do anything so that’s why I’ve raised this issue... I’m disappointed with the progress from all the agencies, would they not bite the bullet and try resolve the issue?”, he questioned. In response to the motion, Clare County Council’s Director of Rural Development, Leonard Cleary outlined that the local authority’s Rural Development Directorate will convene a meeting in June “of key State agencies delivery services in the Burren with a view to developing a vision on which to begin a process on which to prepare a Visitor Management Plan in the Burren”. “Once such a vision and pathway forward is agreed with statutory partners, consultation with wider community and tourism stakeholders will be considered. It is important that such a Burren Visitor Management Plan process is in dialogue with the imminent preparation of the new Clare Tourism Strategy and the Cliffs of Moher Strategy.” Cllr Hayes was not overly impressed with the Council’s reply. “There were a grand shower of words used in the reply in terms of they’ll have a new strategy but you’re not really resolving the issue. “In any meeting we’d have quick solutions and we’d look at pinpointing those roads with traffic bays, parking areas or junctions to make the place more accessible because if you come out with machinery along that main road you’ll meet a whole host of vans, cars and buses and there’s really no place for you to go and that’s what’s making life very difficult”.

NEWS

Bathing restriction lifted as lifegaurd cover begins

Relief for Clarecastle over Latoon by PÁRAIC McMAHON

PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE County Council, on the advice of the Health Service Executive (HSE), has lifted restrictions relating to public bathing at Whitestrand Doonbeg. Public bathing notices indicating that swimming is prohibited at the beach were originally put in place on Wednesday (23 May 2018) due to the detection of elevated levels of bacteria (e-coli) in the bathing water. On the advice of the HSE and following analysis of water samples taken on Wednesday and Thursday, Clare Council today announced the lifting of all restrictions relating to bathing at Whitestrand Doonbeg. The suspected source of the e-coli is run-off from surrounding land during heavy rainfall on Sunday evening and Monday morning. Clare County Council says bathing water testing protocols will continue

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

l KEEPING IT CLEAN: Ennis Mayor Paul Murphy; Carmel Kirby, Clare Co Council; and Clare McGrath, Clare Water Safety; raising the Green Coast Flag over Ballyalla Lake last week

throughout the bathing season. Meanwhile, lifeguard cover at Clare’s Blue Flag beaches, including Whitestrand Doonbeg, commences during the June Bank Holiday Weekend (11am to 7pm). Cover will continue on Saturdays and Sundays during June. There

will be full-time cover at these locations as well as at Bishops Quarter (Ballyvaughan) and Seafield Quilty during July and August, and during the first three weekends of September. More from www.blueflagireland.org and www.cleancoasts.org.

CLARECASTLE residents will breathe a sigh of relief at the news that Latoon Creek Bridge has reopened. Located on the R458 between Clarecastle and Exit 11 of the M18, the bridge has reopened in line with the six-month construction period and road closure as works have been substantially completed. Some works still remain to be completed and L&M Keating has indicated that they may carry out these works within a temporary traffic management plan at the bridge over the coming weeks. The previous bridge was not able to carry full bridge loading (18 Tonne limit was in place) but now we will have a state of the art bridge structure capable of carrying maximum allowable vehicle weights. Concerns had been raised by the business community in Clarecastle following the closure last year and Clare County Council acknowledges the patience of local people and business owners and also wishes to acknowledge the funding provided by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, which made this project possible.

RNLI fundraiser at Brady among stars Fr Ted's favourtie pub headed to Doolin for Folk Festival

VAUGHAN’S Pub, Kilefenora will forever be associated with Fr Ted, but The Irish Fivers, a vocal trio from North Clare, are hoping to leave their own mark with their RNLI fundraising party night on Saturday, June 16. The Irish Fivers began as a casual singsong meeting up of North Clare friends Padraig Cleary, Peter Fitzgerald and John Hogan in O’Loghlins Whiskey Bar, Ballyvaughan in 2015. They were spotted in 2017 by the Clare RNLI Fundraising supremo, Joe Quelly, who twisted their arms to record a CD for RNLI. The Irish Fivers are now raising funds for the RNLI Lifeboats with their “2018 World Tour of Clare and Other Interesting Places”. The Fivers sit with patrons encouraging them to sing along with their acoustic programme of early pop classics and Irish ballads. To date the Irish Fivers CD project has raised €12,500 for RNLI in Ireland and the U.K., playing in several Clare venues, Cork City and Port Talbot, South Wales.

STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

THE Doolin Folk Festival, now in its sixth year, takes place on June 15-17 having established its place as a firm favourite on the summer festival calendar, and one of the countries finest traditional and folk music gatherings. Set in the intimate and idyllic surrounds of Hotel Doolin, between the Burren and The Cliffs of Moher, Doolin Folk Festival takes inspiration from the great festivals of the 70s and 80s like Lisdoonvarna. This year's year's lineup is the most stellar to date, with headliners including Paul Brady, BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winners Lankum; Lúnasa, Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill, Iarla Ó Lionáird and Steve Cooney, as well as European festival circuit favourites Vasen, Ímar and Jiggy. Speaking about this year's event, festival programmer Conor Byrne said: "I'm thrilled that my musical wishlist has come together this year for three days at this great festival in the heart of County Clare. The addition of a brand-new, purposebuilt covered venue in the courtyard of Hotel Doolin has allowed us to think

bigger, due to its state-of-the-art acoustic design and increased ceiling height, which allows for a better sound and sightline experience for festival goers, while still maintaining the intimate atmosphere which has made Doolin Folk Festival so special". Hotel Doolin Manager Donal Minihane added "I'm really excited to be christening our new barn venue, which has been several years in the planning, with the wonderful lineup Conor Byrne & The White Horse Sessions have brought together this year, we are again looking forward to presenting powerful music in an intimate setting and ensuring that audiences and musicians can feel at one and enjoy the unique communal spirit of The Doolin Folk Festival." Doolin festival regulars will be familiar with the wonderful family-friendly setting which continues this year with the usual mix of great day-time events, artisan food stalls and laid-back hay-bale seating between gigs in Hotel Doolin's sunny courtyard setting. This boutique festival in traditional music's natural home in County Clare, in mid-summer is the one not to miss. Details and Tickets from www.doolinfestivals.ie.

NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

Killaloe bridge damaged by passing truck to be repaired

PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

HE damage caused at Killaloe Bridge by a passing truck will be repaired in the coming weeks, following concerns over the health and safety threats it posed. At the May meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Tony O’Brien asked for works to be carried out immediately at the busy South East Clare bridge. Last month, a truck collided with the corner of the bridge damaging its structure and posing minor health risks for pedestrians walking past the area, which is often congested by heavy vehicular traffic. Senior Executive Engineer with Clare County Council, Hugh McGrath confirmed that works

would be sanctioned and he was hopeful they would commence in the coming weeks. Cllr O’Brien stated that he was very happy with the response of the local authority and outlined the main reasons why he put forward the motion. Cllr O'Brien said: “I was urging the Council to get the repair work done as soon as possible as well as being a touristy attraction, it’s a health and safety hazard at the moment right on the corner of the bridge where a lot of young kids and pedestrians pass and that was the main reason”. No traffic delays have resulted because of the damage according to the Fianna Fáil councillor. He added, “There hasn’t been any traffic interruptions or anything but primarily as a health and safety risk we really need to get something done with it, we need to get it repaired as fast and as quickly as possible”.

l TROUBLED BRIDGE OVER WATER: The bridge which connects Killaloe to Ballina will be repaired in the coming weeks following damage by a passing truck Photo by Martin Connolly

National award for Clare firm STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

HANNON-based Get the Shifts Ltd. has won the Best Start Up Business Award at the 2018 National Enterprise Awards in a competition organised by the Local Enterprise Offices at the Mansion House, Dublin. Backed by Local Enterprise Office Clare, Get the Shifts is an online staffing solutions business which matches temporary hospitality workers with relevant employers using an on-demand web and mobile platform. The announcement was made in the Mansion House by the Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen T.D. Minister Breen said: “The National Enterprise Awards are a fitting way to recognise the contribution of Ireland’s most innovative, strategic and adaptive businesses, and to put their success stories into the national spotlight as an example to others. I would like to congratulate all the micro-enterprises and small businesses that are being celebrated. “This year’s winners, like all those in previous years, represent the backbone of Ireland’s enterprise success and contribute hugely to the economic vibrancy of their respective regions. All this year’s finalists and winners have been supported by my Department through the Local Enterprise

l CELEBRATION: At the 2018 National Enterprise Awards in the Mansion House, L-R: Liam Conneally, Director of Economic Development, Clare Co Council; Hannah Wrixon and Gillian Wrixon Rijke of Get the Shifts Ltd; Minister Pat Breen; Mayor of Clare Tom McNamara; and Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Clare

Office network. I would like to pay tribute to the hard work and vision of the network, and would encourage those with business ideas to get in touch with their local office for expert guidance and advice,” added Minister Breen.

Congratulating Hannah Wrixon and Gillian Wrixon Rijke of Get the Shifts Ltd., Mayor of Clare Tom McNamara said, “Startup companies like Get the Shifts Ltd are at the leading edge of the economic growth and development of Clare. This award suc-

cess is further evidence of the strong spirit of entrepreneurial activity underway in the county and that local business people are capable of generating a range of new business ideas and consequently, new employment opportunities for the wider community.” Liam Conneally, Director of Economic Development, Clare County Council, commented, “This awards scheme further illustrates that Local Enterprise Office Clare is in the front line in delivering business growth and jobs, providing direct support and pulling together all the players – agencies, the local authority and the private sector – to support everyone with a good business idea and strengthen the enterprise sector in Clare. I want to congratulate Get the Shifts Ltd. for flying the flag for business across Clare.” Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Clare, said: “The National Enterprise Awards are an annual celebration of the achievements of Ireland’s small businesses and it is great to see a business like Get the Shifts Ltd. getting recognition for their innovation and success they have achieved so quickly in their chosen sector. This award recognises that their services have the potential to grow internationally and become a market leader. Local Enterprise Office Clare is proud to support and facilitate Get The Shifts Ltd.” The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities celebrated ‘20 Years of Winners’ at this year’s National Enterprise Awards, which was originally set up in 1998 to celebrate the achievements of Ireland’s micro-enterprises and small businesses.

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

Star of Doolin says au revoir to France STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

OURISM in North Clare is set for a major boost next Tuesday as the largest, fastest and most environmentally friendly cruise vessel every to break waves at Doolin arrives. The ‘Star of Doolin’, commissioned by the Garrihy family-run Doolin2Aran Ferries, is set to turn into Doolin pier for the first time at around 8.30am on Tuesday morning having made a 650 nautical mile journey from the shipyard in La Rochelle. Boat skipper PJ Garrihy and his brother Eugene have travelled to France for final checks ahead of bringing home the 26m vessel, which was built at a cost of €3m and is the biggest private transport infrastructure investment on the Wild Atlantic Way. The vessel was built by shipbuilders OCEA in La Rochelle and is the first ship to be built for the port of Doolin this decade, the last one being the ‘Doolin Discovery’, also commissioned by the Garrihys in 2009. The honour of naming the boat was given to Eugene’s father-in-law, renowned

l PLAIN SAILING: PJ Garrihy, skipper of the €3m Star of Doolin on board the departing vessel in La Rochelle, France where the boat was built

concertina player Chris Droney (94). The boat will sail out of La Rochelle at the weekend and will stop for refuelling in Brest and then Dingle before making the final leg of the journey to its Doolin home. Speaking from La Rochelle, Eugene Garrihy said: “It’s very exciting to be out here ahead of bringing her home and there’s a lot of excitement in Doolin, the Aran Islands and generally in the

tourism industry in Ireland as well about this. This is a major investment and will give fantastic service to our passengers, to tourism in Doolin, north west Clare and, of course, the islands.” He added, “We’ve already had her on water out here in France and she’s everything we had hoped for. We just can’t wait now to get her back. She’ll be a tourist attraction in her own right.”

NEWS 7

Prices in Clare just dental...

FEES charged in the county for dental consultations, in clinic teeth whitening, dentures and veneers are all above the national average. Of these treatment areas, there has been an increase in cost nationally for teeth whitening (7.19 per cent) and dental consultations (1.96 per cent) since 2014. The price of teeth cleaning in the country has risen by 15 per cent in four years. In clinic teeth whitening costs €383.33 in Clare which is €100 more than the national average of €280.83. Similarly works on dentures full upper and lower is €830.00 compared to the average of €731.27. Procedures for amalgams, metal filings, white filings, teeth cleaning, extractions, crowns and root canal treatment in the Banner County are more value for money as they fall below the national average. Despite the varying high and low prices for different methods of treatment, none of the costs in Clare are either the most expensive or the cheapest. Figures obtained by The Clare Echo in the 2018 Irish Dental Report show that 75 per cent people in Ireland are very cost sensitive when it comes to their teeth. Kerry ranks as the dearest county to receive dental treatment with Monaghan the most inexpensive.

NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

1,000k took me 66 hours; you have to keep moving Noel Cusack tells Páraic McMahon about pushing himself to the absolute limit

l ONE MAN AND HIS BIKE: Noel Cusack (pictured below with Joe Barr) during his 500 Mile cycle in Donegal last month, being followed by his support team Photo courtesy of Team Joe Barr

my friends. I travelled most of the counties in Ireland doing a lot of events. "I cycled a half trip around Ireland last year which was actually 1,000km and that took me 66 hours, you just have to keep moving forward”. Despite the difficulties and pain of pushing himself for such long

‘‘

I realised I was okay with the long distance and mentally you have to be very strong through rain or hail to keep going.

‘‘

T THE beginning of May in only his third long distance event, Noel Cusack cycled five hundred miles nonstop in the Joe Barr 500. Mental toughness doesn't do the feat justice - it took the Clare man just over 42 hours non-stop in the saddle to get to the finish line. A sore bum, for sure, and that's just the beginning. But Noel's journey from Saturday leisure cyclist to endurance athlete is one that came upon him, in many ways, by surprise. The recent sunshine has prompted several people in Clare to spend more time outdoors enjoying leisurely activities such as running, walking and cycling. But doing this for hours and miles on end can often diminish the appeal, however Noel doesn’t fall into that bracket and cycles for hundreds of kilometres at a time regardless of the weather. He explains how the attraction of long-distance cycling developed. “I started cycling with Clare Crusaders every Saturday morning and started liking doing mileage and gradually liked doing a lot longer mileage, enjoying being out in the fresh air and I just wanted to set a challenge”. In 2016 the Ennis man upped the ante racing around the Isle of Man “basically for four hours [you] do as many laps as you can and I did that two-and-a-half years ago." From that day, Noel admits that he officially caught the bug and began the process of training for longer races. For each race that Cusack competes in now, a group of friends also cycle behind him for safety purposes but also to provide essential food and water. In preparation for the Donegal event Noel enlisted the help of Joe Barr. “I did a lot of training for that, five, six or seven hour spins going out with my club and a few of

distances, the 39-year old finds the exertion quiet relaxing. “This day and age you’re always on the go on computers and phones, myself would be the same way. I love switching off and going out. With the race what you’d be worried about is to keep eating and drinking every hour, enjoying the scenery and everything around but it’s very good for the brain and the mind to relax." He continues, "The long hours when you’re out for maybe 24 or 40 hours, it can get very draining but you have to toughen it through and enjoy the scenery”. Pushing himself to the limit brings major satisfaction to Noel as he never competed in different sports growing up. “It’s a sense of achievement, I never had sports or trained for anything, I never did hurling or soccer. I realised I was okay with the long distance and mentally you have to be very strong through rain or hail to keep going. "Obviously I have a crew behind me, I’ve three or four friends that bought into it too and they’ve to follow me”.

It’s back to Donegal in four weeks' time for the Donegal Atlantic Way Ultra where Noel will cycle 55 kilometres, which he has previously completed in 27 hours. Supports from friends, sponsors and supporters help Noel get across the finish line, live trackers are provided for these events and

the positive comments are often relayed during the cycle. For Noel, the little things make a big difference and it all counts. The Proclaimers may have sung about walking five hundred miles but for Noel Cusack, he is content to be the Ennis man cycling five hundred miles.

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

NEWS 9

27 fire personnel fight gorse fire near Miltown Malbay PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

VER forty acres of gorse was burnt in a fire across West Clare on Tuesday afternoon. A road closure was implemented along the R474 Ennis to Miltown Malbay Rd between the Hand and Inagh following the outbreak of the fire on Tuesday morning. Twenty seven fire personnel from Kilrush, Ennis and Ennistymon had to deal with the gorse fire which required three fire tenders, two water tankers and two jeeps. Emergency services successfully stopped the fire before it reached any forestry in the area and no property was damaged. No cause has been given for the blaze which started close to the main road at the R474. Following Tuesday’s events, Clare Chief Fire Officer Adrian Kelly is reminding individuals of the dangers of uncontrolled burning of waste and other materials. “Uncontrolled burning can result in loss of life as well as damage to property,” he warned. “It is often mistakenly seen as a cheap method of managing waste and it is presumed not to be harmful to the environment, but nothing could be further from the truth. Controlled burning should follow the procedure of ensuring that any burning is pre-planned and takes place in a controlled fashion. “The Fire Service must also be notified through the 999/112 system prior to any burning taking place,” Mr Kelly added. Landowners were also reminded that Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2012 prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife. According to Adrian Kelly, Clare Chief Fire Officer, “The highest risk period occurs between ongoing dry spell of weather will do little to reduce this risk.”

Food Start-Up Programme Programme Overview 3 Day Programme followed by 6 hours of 1-to-1 mentoring Dates: June 20th & 27th, July 11th, 2018 Cost: €100 (highly subsidised)

Who should do this programme? ∆ Anyone who has a food business idea to be explored ∆ Anyone starting food production (early stage) ∆ Anyone that has a small scale food business

∆ What is required to start a food business ∆ How to avoid the pit-falls associated with this journey ∆ Developing a business plan ∆ Understanding Irish food sector and trends ∆ Food safety and labelling ∆ Financing your food business ∆ Starting from home and scaling up ∆ Costing and pricing ∆ Packaging and branding Participants will be given the opportunity to meet a local retailer. Guest Speakers to attend the Programme

Places limited so early booking advised. To book www.localenterprise.ie/clare or call 065-6821616 for more details.

l WARNING: The gorse fire in West Clare

Photo courtesy of Clare County Council

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

Cinema gets green light PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

N OMNIPLEX cinema is on its way to Shannon after the granting of planning permission. Management at SkyCourt Shopping Centre submitted plans to develop a four-screen cinema in the old foodcourt, to include one large 207-seater auditorium along with three smaller auditoriums ranging from 90- to 50-seaters. The projected capacity would cater for 388 people, excluding staff. They recently received consent from Clare County Council to begin work on the project, once certain conditions are

met. This includes the operation of opening hours from 1:30pm to midnight Monday to Friday and 10am to midnight on Saturday and Sunday. Another stipulation is that SkyCourt pay a contribution of €2,669.04 to Clare County Council’s planning authority prior to the commencement of works. This is in accordance with the development contribution scheme made under Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. A traffic and transport assessment was carried out by developers prior to submitting plans. It found that no extra parking spaces will be needed in the shopping centre. The impact that the proposed cinema is forecast to have on link flows on the surrounding road network does not exceed five percent. It is anticipated that works on the Skycourt Shopping Centre Omniplex Development will begin in the autumn.

Saturday June 2nd Meeting at Kilrush Marina 10 am

l WORTHWHILE CAUSE: Microsemi employees raised €2000 towards Ennis Darkness Into Light campaign for their charity of the year Pieta House. Pictured at the presentation were Microsemi staff L-R Sarah Murphy, Tracy Connellan, Michelle Roughan, Pauline Laffey, Agnieszka Sosnowska, Carolina Nowak, Olive Walsh (Darkness into Light Ennis) Sylvia Keane, Paul O'Sullivan and Marlena Stoinska Photo by Arthur Ellis

Council can’t remove caravans LOCAL authorities won’t be given the power to remove or impound illegally parked or unclaimed caravans. This information emerged as Clare TD, Dr. Michael Harty received written response from Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross on the matter. In his question, Harty asked the founder of the Independent Alliance “if the necessary powers will be provided to Clare Co Council and each local authority to address the illegal parking of caravans and camper vans on public and private roads, rights of way and non-designated camp sites; if powers to remove and impound illegally parked caravans and to confiscate unclaimed caravans in a timely fashion similar to unclaimed motor vehicles will also be provided; and if he will make a statement”. Minister Ross outlined to the Indepen-

dent TD that “The Road Traffic (Removal, Storage and Disposal of Vehicles) Regulations 1983 (S.I. 91 of 1983) empower the Gardaí and, in certain circumstances, a road authority to remove, store and dispose of unlawfully parked vehicles. The regulations also empower a road authority to take similar action in relation to vehicles which have been abandoned on a public road, or in a ‘car park’ as provided for under section 101 of the Road Traffic Act 1961”. Under these regulations, a campervan is covered but Ross pointed out in his reply, “The definition of ‘vehicle’ is provided for in section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and does not include caravans. I have no proposals at this time to amend the definition of a vehicle”. Road traffic legislation, including the 1983 regulations do not apply to private roads, rights of way or camp sites.

l WINNERS: Pictured left to right from the winning team are Chloe Tubridy, Zoe Curry, their teacher Ruth Morrissey, Megan King, Erin Howley and Avril Donlon, GLT Executive

Kilmihil students in it to Bin It

Help clean our shorelines. Rubbish bags, pickers and gloves provided.

www.kilrushmarina.ie | www.cleancoasts.org | www.clarecoco.ie

STUDENTS from St. Michaels Community College, Kilmihil, Co Clare have won this year’s Bin It! Buddies competition. Bin It! Buddies’ forms part of the Gum Litter Taskforce campaign which aims to teach 14-16 year olds about the issues surrounding littering to empower them to take personal responsibility for correct litter disposal by creating their own media campaigns to help change behaviour. It is also designed to reinforce what they have learned when taking part in the Gum Litter Taskforce’s “Bin it Roadshow!” and to encourage them to mentor those currently taking part in same. This year’s winners were team “Therapy for Endangered Animals” from St. Michaels Community College, Kilmihil. Each member of the first-place winning team received a €100 One4All voucher.

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

NEWS 11

Down with that sort of thing

Councillors want posters to be policed following aggressive 8th amendment referendum campaigns PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

WO Fine Gael councillors are tabling different motions seeking action on how election and referendum posters are policed. Cllr Johnny Flynn wants “to ban the use of posters for the local elections in 2019 except at designated official locations” while Cllr Mary Howard is seeking a review “with a view to tightening legislation on postering during referenda and elections. The review should include such matters as the content and location of posters and also the period during which posters are displayed.” Mary states she has flagged the issue before and explained why she is putting it back on the agenda. “In the last local elections we had the biggest amount of candidates in Ireland in the Ennis Municipal District. There were posters every which way you turned and if there was any bit of a storm posters could come down, they could be quiet dangerous and equally after the election ... cable ties are left on the poles”. As a member of the Ennis Tidy Towns Committee Howard remarked that the

posters are “unsightly” and struggles to see if the presence of posters can alter a voter’s mind in the case of referenda. “We’ve local elections next year, maybe restrict each candidate to 20 posters in an urban area - obviously they would need more in rural areas like the West Clare constituency but I just think that we need to sit down and talk about this and make some changes”. Like his Fine Gael counterpart, Cllr Flynn points to the growing rate of posters for the election and is concerned from a safety perspective. “As a former fire chief, I was concerned that a lot of posters have gone up around road junctions and I noticed a number of them in the last week had actually blocked out the view of stop signs on junctions. I would have tried to contact people who were postering to get them to remove them. There’s a safety point of view and some of them are very low so that if pedestrians or children are on bicycles or cycle lanes they’re too low they’d cut you.” He is not in favour of a complete ban and is on the same page as Cllr Howard regards a confined area. “I think for new candidates it’s important that their name and people

would be aware of who they are so the proposal I’ve put forward is that there would be a designated official area where a certain number of posters would be available per candidate at certain locations.” Cllr Flynn is optimistic that he will receive the backing of fellow councillors for this motion. “I would hope that there would be support for it because the money that is spent on it could be better spent and the environmental impact on it could be reduced.” Cllr Flynn, who was unaware of Cllr Howard’s initial motion, added. “From what I can understand [Cllr Howard’s motion is] more about asking the Minister for Housing and the Environment to look at the regulation of posters and the content of them whereas I’m asking my fellow councillors in Clare to agree to either a voluntary banning of them throughout the county except at designated locations. “Mary Howard is looking at a national solution for all referendums and elections whereas I’m looking at next year’s local elections where I believe we could set a local code and agree it among all candidates.” Both councillorsalso said they were

l UNSETTLING: Posters like these located at the Club Bridge in Ennis were a familiar sight Photo courtesy Cllr Johnny Flynn

disappointed with posters from the No campaign. “I was disturbed to see some very graphic posters on the no side located close to preschools and Montessori schools as well as primary schools, I don’t think that was necessarily appropriate and pretty upsetting to young children and their parents”, Cllr Flynn said. Ms Howard commented, “I felt they were quiet distasteful I know they were getting a message across and it is their democratic right to do that, I just think that they’re needs to be criteria’s or guidelines as regards that kind of postering into the future”. Both motions will be discussed at the June meeting of Clare County Council.

‘People realised things had to change’

64% say Yes

PÁRAIC McMAHON

VOTERS in Clare made it known that “dire treatment of women is not good enough” as 34,328 people used their ballot to repeal the Eighth Amendment according to the county’s Together for Yes Spokesperson, Alanna Wurm. In her view the results “show that divisions in attitudes no longer exist between rural and urban voters, between young and old, between men and women. For too long, Irish people have been crippled by the archaic teachings of the Catholic Church, who turned a blind eye to the needs of women and girls in Ireland.” Alanna revealed to The Clare Echo the turning point for her in deciding to become an active member of the campaign. “After reading a story of a woman whose pregnancy was diagnosed as a fatal foetal anomaly. She went to Liverpool and had the ashes sent back, and the ashes got lost in the post. I was so horrified by that story, and by the fact that a country that claims to love children would accept such a horrific fate for that woman’s baby. It was at that point that I realised how desperately we needed change in Ireland”. Her involvement started in October and when canvassing began in April, the workload increased to “between twenty and thirty hours a week roughly”. The Newmarket-on-Fergus UL graduate, said that it was when individuals acquired more facts and information that Alanna feels the yes campaign became stronger. “We did our best to meet people, to answer their questions, and to give them the correct information. When we began our canvassing efforts, many voters were undecided. However, as people learned more about the dire ramifications of the Eighth Amendment on women and their families, they realized that things had to change.”

CLARE voted in favour of repealing the Eighth Amendment on a margin of 64.2% to 35.8%. With an electorate of 83,225, a total of 54,576 individuals in the county casted votes in the Referendum. This margin of 65.5% is an increase on the 59.4% who used their democratic right in the 2015 Marriage Equality Referendum. 34,328 people voted YES with 19,079 saying NO in Co Clare. Donegal was the only constituency in the country to vote NO in what was a rout for campaigners looking to amend the constitution. Shannon was the venue for the count and even though a boxing ring was constructed in the middle of Treaceys Oakwood Hotel, there was no real battle between the sides with a comprehensive difference in the margins. It had been expected that the NO side would put up a closer fight in the county but only Furglan, Shragh and Labasheeda had overall majorities for retaining the part of the constitution. The Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Act 1983 amended the Constitution of Ireland by inserting a subsection recognising the equal right to life of the pregnant woman and the unborn. Abortion had been subject to criminal penalty in Ireland since 1861, the amendment ensured that legislation or judicial interpretation would be restricted to allowing abortion in circumstances where the life of a pregnant woman was at risk. It was approved by referendum on Sept 7 1983. For that referendum, there was a 48.9% turnout in Clare with Yes the prevailing side with 73.8% of the vote. Last week, Ireland voted to repeal the constitutional ban on abortion.

news@clareecho.ie

l POSITIVE RESULT: Together For Yes spokesperson Alanna Wurm

‘It’s a sense of disappointment, dismay’ PÁRAIC McMAHON news@clareecho.ie

l DISAPPOINTED: Bishop Fintan

BISHOP Fintan Monahan was surprised, dismayed and disappointed with the result of the referendum on the Eighth Amendment. Speaking to The Clare Echo, he recalls his shock upon hearing the exit polls first released on Friday night. “I was very surprised at the extent of the yes vote, I thought it was going to be much much closer, the opinion polls were showing that there was forty or something percent yes but there was a lot of undecided’s and I would have thought that a lot of the undecided’s would have been no votes so I was very surprised when the vast majority of them were yes”. “Everybody on the No side would feel that it’s a step back for the rights of the unborn child, it’s a tragedy really because our belief would be that thousands of lives were saved by the existence of the Eighth Amendment in the constitution which protected I think the lives of so many unborn babies, that’s the point I’m coming from, it’s a sense of disappointment, of dismay”. His personal views aside, Bishop Monahan fully accepts the outcome. “This is the result the will of the people and in the long term the church will continue to be pro life and the people that voted no will continue to fight for the pro life cause and to have a sense of pastoral care for both mother and babies and to encourage people to take other options and in the case of a crisis pregnancy that you eliminate the crisis and not so much the pregnancy”.

12 FOOD & DRINK

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

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Food&Drink

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PERFECT PLACE TO ENJOY A BBQ

instagram.com/theclareecho lSPACIOUS AND SUNNY: The beer garden

The Clare Echo’s Ciara McEntee headed to The Old Lodge Gastro Pub to check out the new BBQ menu

THE OLD LODGE GASTRO PUB

HEADED to The Old Lodge Gastro Pub to check out the new BBQ menu and beer garden which opened late last summer.

lTASTY: I opted for the burger and it didn’t disappoint!

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Ballycasey, Shannon, Co. Clare

Since the refurbishment of The Old Lodge Gastro Pub, locals have welcomed the re-design and were impressed by the new beer garden, particularly the new menu that has accompanied it. The beer garden is the perfect spot for a tasty BBQ and really is the hidden gem of Shannon. I’m here at 3:30pm on a Friday and there is a buzz about the place with a good mix of people, young and old enjoying some late lunch or an early pint. The location of The Old Lodge Gastro Pub is second to none. Conveniently situated just off the main Limerick to Ennis Road in

Shannon, The Old Lodge is an ideal spot for customers travelling from Limerick or Ennis. The updated décor gives a ski lodge feel while the new outdoor area gives off old-timey vibes. There are various BBQ packages on offer. The options are: 1 meat plus salad and sides, 2 meats plus salad and sides or 3 meats (chicken, burger or sausage) plus salad and sides. You simply book in advance for the BBQ and they can cater for large groups.

I went for the burger as it was recommended to me by a friend. It didn’t disappoint! The meat was cooked to perfection, the bread was perfectly toasted and the salad was so fresh. The chips were chunky and impeccably done. The combination of all of the above was a pure delight for the senses. I was so glad I stopped by! VERDICT: The Old Lodge Gastro Pub is the perfect place to enjoy a BBQ in the perfect setting. I highly recommend!

lTUCKED AWAY: The hidden gem of Shannon and (below), the delicious burger and fries

Entertainment

MAKING A SPLASH AT SCARIFF FESTIVAL

AUG BANK HOLIDAY @ SCARIFF HARBOUR HE final touches are being made to a most impressive line-up being announced as part of the 16th Scariff Harbour Festival programme. The East Clare town will come alive over the August Bank Holiday weekend when visitors come in their thousands to enjoy what’s on offer. Waterways Ireland Marina will be the venue for the Official Opening by former Armagh footballer and sports pundit, Oisin McConville. He will be joined on stage by the CEO of Waterways Ireland, Dawn Livingstone. It is 20 years since the Good Friday Agreement which resulted in the establishment of Waterways Ireland Regional Office in Scariff that went on to become the raison d’etre for Scariff Harbour Festival. ‘We are very cognisant of that connection between Scariff and Northern Ireland with the support

of Waterways Ireland,’ said Committee Chairman, Mike Rodgers. ‘It was a happy co-incidence going back to 2003 and we have since enjoyed a highly-productive relationship with the inland navigable waterways body. Not only has it kept our connection with the North alive, but its support has also helped to sustain the festival and maintain continuity,’ he said. Oisin McConville will also read from his book, The Gambler at Scariff Library. Topping the bill is Dancing with Stars winner Jake Carter. Harry O’Meara added, ‘We expect a huge interest in Jake Carter following the RTE series and with Bressie, former TV coach on the Voice of Ireland and his band The Blizzards, The Kings of Connaught and The Star of Munster Céilí band, we reckon it’s one of the best musical line-ups we’ve ever had.’ For more go to scariffharbourfestival.ie.

SHANNON LNG IN FOCUS AT FUTUREPROOF CLARE EVENT

JUNE 12/14 @ GLÓR

INTERNATIONAL thought leaders descend on Ennis this June for sustainability gathering Futureproof Clare. From Germany comes top environmental campaigner Andy Gheorgiu, who has been leading the campaign against the building of Shannon LNG. He speaks at glór, June 14th – one of two FREE public events. Everybody is welcome. Shannon LNG, a proposed processing plant for imported fracked gas, has attracted the attention of Brussels and plenty of concerned groups. Futureproof Clare is about bringing together everyone who cares about our environment. It is a meeting of government officials, NGOs, environmentalists and ordinary people. Organised by People’s Climate Clare, with support from Clare County Council, Futureproof Clare will host a delegation of European civil servants and decision-makers, who are themselves involved in important environmental projects. They will tour Clare, visiting the Burren Eco Tourism Network, Irish Seed Savers, the Scarriff Co-Op and other leading-edge sustainability projects. On June 14, Germany’s Andy Gheorghiu (left), of Food and Water Europe, will lead a Q&A on why he and dozens of groups have been campaigning against the building of Shannon LNG in the Shannon Estuary. Shannon LNG had been effectively shelved until recently, when Brexit jitters about fuel security put it back on the table. The proposed plant has an enormous cpotential environmental impact; this is a hugely important debate for all Europeans, and especially the people of Clare. Andy speaks at one of two FREE public nights at glór: Tuesday, June 12th, 7-9pm: Stories and conversations for a community-led future Thursday, June 14th, 7.30-10pm: Andy Gheorghiu – For a Fossil Free Future. Also features a Cool Planet climate talk, refreshments and LIVE PEFORMANCES from the great Anne Rynne, Mel White and more. For more information see: www.glor.ie. Facebook: Futureproof Clare

lECLECTIC FEAST: The Scariff Harbour Festival is one of Clare’s premiere festivals

14 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

LOVE IS NEVER LOST

ECENTLY I attended a beautiful mass to celebrate our wonderful elderly and retired people in our parish and in our country and we were all so thankful for all of them, for they have helped shape and pave the way for all of us so that we have the gifts, jobs and type of parish and country we have today. One thing also that I have noticed from my many years living in Africa and Asia is that in tribal cultures the elderly and the people that have gone before them play and have played an important role. They are the keepers of that cultures memories and the holders of wisdom and proclaim their wishes and dreams for the future for the children and their children’s children. As such, the elderly in these far off places are honored and respected members of those societies and cultures because they have paved the way for the future for their young. But what I find now in many modern cultures, however, this is often not the case, especially when we see and read lately of how some of our elderly have been treated so appallingly in some elderly homes or establishments. Many elderly people that I know say they feel ignored, left out, lost, under valued and disrespected. This is a very sad commentary on modernization, globalization and urbanization. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can change this situation by taking the time to examine our attitudes about the elderly and taking action for the betterment of life for them and for all our senior citizens and especially for those most in need. Modern societies tend to be obsessed with ideas of newness, youth and progress and thast is a good thing but should not happen at the expense of our beautiful elderly. Scientific studies tell us how to do everything, from the way we raise our children to what we need to eat for breakfast. As a result, the wisdom that is passed down from older generations is often disregarded. Of course, parents, grandparents and retired persons have more than enough information to offer the world. Their maturity and experience allows for a larger perspective on

‘Each day is a gift and that many of our elderly and aged parents, friends and relatives helped to provide us with such a gift’

ELDERLY PEOPLE: Should be celebrated more

life, and we can learn a lot from talking to elderly people. It’s a shame that society doesn’t do more to allow our older population, our elderly to continue to feel productive for the rest of their lives. We can all play a part in changing this. I was guest at a retirement group get together recently and they were so inspirational to me and were full of life and ideas about how to help people. The elderly make wonderful storytellers and creating programs where they could share their real life experiences with others is another way to educate and inspire other generations. Take stock of your relationship with the elderly population. Maybe you don’t really listen to them because you hold the belief that their time has passed and they are too old to understand what you are going through. You may even realize that you don’t have any relationships with older people. Try to understand why and how our cultural perception of the elderly influences the way you perceive them.

CAN WE HELP

Some time ago, my Mam asked me to take her shopping to the shopping centre in town. I dragged along my two daughters as well with the offer of a surprise if they helped out. While we were

on the way on foot from the car park of the shopping centre, my Mam suddenly slipped and fell. I knelt down and tried to lift her up but was not strong enough, and while I pulled, she lay spread out on the floor. My two daughters ran over to us all worried and upset for Nana. “Can we help? Will Nana be okay?” they asked worriedly. Together, we gently lifted Nana to her feet. She was a little bruised, tired and embarrassed, but otherwise unhurt. The girls then played away after they saw that Nana would be okay. Their service lasted only a few minutes, but the memory of it will never leave me. In a world where children and young people are often accused of being self-centered and oblivious, here was proof that many wonderful children and young people have great empathy and love for our elderly and for their loved ones who have paved the way for them. The girls showed me even at their young age that they understood a fundamental truth about human dignity: The elderly deserve our respect, our admiration, our gratitude, our assistance and most of all our love and care. Our elderly were once children and young people themselves, and then they poured out their lives for the generations of their children who would follow them. The wear and tear on their bodies

and minds is a testament to all they gave of themselves, every year, every week, every day of their lives so that we could have a better life than in someways they had. The hands that washed thousands of dishes now struggle to hold a cup. The eyes that looked on their families with love now strain to recognize the faces of their children. The feet that once danced around the kitchen now stumble in awkward, unbalanced halfsteps. They gave all they had, and now they depend on the ones who were born after they were, to be there, to walk with them as the sun sets on the long day of their lives. These amazing people have such admirable strength, so much wisdom, so much to teach us. We should be flocking to them as people flock to celebrities, sitting at their feet and listening to their stories and learning all we can from them while they are still with us! And yet, many old people are lonely. In the book, “Mother Teresa: In My Own Words”, Saint Mother Teresa tells a story of a time she visited a “magnificent” home for senior citizens. The residents lacked nothing materially, but Mother noticed that no one smiled, and “they were all attentive to the door.” “Why doesn’t anybody smile? Why do they

look constantly at the door?” she asked the religious sister who ran the place. “The same thing always happens,” the sister answered. “They are always waiting for someone to come visit them. They dream of a son or daughter, some member of the family, or a friend coming through that door to them.” Mother Teresa goes on to explain that the poverty of these residents was their loneliness. “The poverty of having no one coming to visit them is the poverty that older people feel the most,” she says. Growing old is not easy for any of us. Just as my two daughters lifted up my Mam when she fell, we can help lift the spirits of the elderly when their spirits fall. If only we remember the elderly here on earth and ease their loneliness with our visits, we come closer to heaven by being with them. Even when it seems like they can’t communicate with us, recognize us, or know we’re there, we can show them our love, hug them, smile at them, talk to them, sit with them and most of all love them. No effort spent in love is ever lost. How much we gain simply by being in the presence of these people who have lived and given so much, these wonderful people who near the end of their journey, who are filled to the brim with life and want to pass it on to so many of us so that we can hopefully God willing have a better future.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for this week, remember that each day is a gift and that many of our elderly and aged parents, friends and relatives helped to provide us with such a gift. Resolve to be more aware of the elderly in our society for they are our mothers, fathers, grandparents, family, mentors, work colleagues, wise folk and the pioneers that came before us and paved the way for our future and we must now also do the same for our own children’s future.

OPINION 15

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

Sheila Lynch Solicitor

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Legal Matters

Enduring power of attorney

Have you ever given thought to what would happen if you were no longer mentally capable of making decisions for yourself, for example if you developed dementia, or an acute brain injury? An Enduring Power of Attorney is a legal document that sets out who you would like to manage your legal, financial affairs and personal care decisions if you reach a point in your life where you cannot make these decisions for yourself. It only becomes operational if you actually become incapacitated and have lost the ability to make such important decisions for yourself. Creating an Enduring Power of Attorney is a straightforward legal procedure. You must appoint one or more Attorneys to “step into your shoes”, usually close family members, to manage your finances, pay your bills, maintain your house, to include selling it, if necessary. You may authorise your Attorneys to make personal care decisions on your behalf such as where you should live, whom you should see, etc. As part of the process you can name a person or persons you would like the Attorneys to consult for their views on your best interests or feelings and you can also place restrictions on what the Attorneys may do. In the course of preparing the legal document to create the Enduring Power of Attorney, your Doctor will have to sign a Medical Statement confirming you have the mental capacity to understand what you are doing. Your nominated Attorneys will have to sign documentation confirming they are accepting their roles, and notice is also given to certain

family members. If you become incapacitated in the future, your Attorneys must make application to the High Court to register the Enduring Power of Attorney before they can “step into your shoes”, In doing so, they must follow a certain procedure, to include obtaining confirmation from your Doctor that you are no longer mentally capable of managing your affairs and notifying you and family members giving opportunity to object to the registration if you or they feel it is appropriate to do so. Importantly, the Enduring Power can be revoked if you subsequently become capable of managing your affairs. All too often, we leave it too late to put in place the proper structures to best protect us in the future. Creating an Enduring Power of Attorney when in good physical and mental health is a very wise move and will make life easier for you and your loved ones in the unfortunate event of becoming mentally incapacitated. This article does not constitute legal advice. For further info, contact Cashin & Associates Solicitors, 3 Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare. Tel: 065 6840060. Email: slynch@cashinlaw.com

Ireland saw spate of Trumpian tactics

Y FIRST Clare Echo column began with the words “Where Clare leads, Ireland follows”. On Saturday, that mantra held true as the county’s voters pointed the way for Ireland with a resounding Yes vote. Where as many thought the proposal to repeal the 8th amendment would win, no-one saw the scale of that win coming. With a higher turnout than that in the Marriage Equality referendum three years ago, a 2-to-1 majority saw fit to overhaul our 35-year-old constitutional ban on abortion. Only two ballot boxes in all of Clare returned a No vote. The adage of Clare being a conservative county is truly dead and buried. In all, 54,576 Clare people cast a ballot of the 83,225 eligible. This gives us a turnout of 65.58%, more than 5% higher than the last referendum. The 63.1% Yes vote in the Banner county was in line with 66.4% nationwide. It draws a close to a bitter campaign that saw some of the worst Trumpian style tactics brought to Ireland for the first time. Thankfully, the Irish electorate rose above such sly campaigning from certain No advocate groups that tried to muddy the waters and spread misinformation from the get-go. What was clear is the fact that the Yes side brought voices from across the political spectrum to their side, but it was largely a civic society campaign as opposed to a political one. Of Clare’s 33 elected politicians, the overwhelming majority stayed silent about the referendum in public. Only a handful spoke out advocating either side in the debate, however, some of them, particularly from the County Council ranks were supporting a No vote. Those who openly supported a Yes vote included Timmy Dooley TD (FF),

Dr. Michael Harty TD (IND) and Senator Martin Conway (FG). Each of these either made public calls for a Yes vote and/ or got up and active about securing one. They were found to be the three most in tune with their electorate on this issue and not afraid to stand on the side of liberalising our abortion laws when many would have told them they were committing political suicide. Fine Gael Minister Pat Breen had stated he would vote Yes with the Government position but that he did not fully support the underlying legislation. His party colleague, Joe Carey’s silence throughout the campaign was utterly deafening. This may have been a difficult issue for a lot of people to come to a personal decision over but in the end 54,576 Clare people did. They ought to know how their elected representatives in the national legislative branch of Government thinks about the issue too. There were activists from other parties as well who worked their socks of for a Yes including Labour’s Seamus Ryan and Sinn Féin’s Noleen Moran. Cllr. Mike McKee (SF) and Cllr. Johnny Flynn (FG) were also advocating a Yes vote online in the immediate run up to the referendum. Most people will not be basing their votes in the next election solely on the outcome of this poll but, the timing of that election will decide what prominence the issue has on voting intentions. An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, and the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, have promised that legislation will be enacted by the end of the year. The Fianna Fáil leader, Michéal Martin has called for a special sitting of the Oireahctas over the summer to deal with the issue. It’s clear that the major parties want to get on with the process and get

the legislation in place so that it doesn’t come up on the doors at election time. There remain significant questions though that need answering first. How will it be funded? Will the GPs administer the service as planned and will they need additional funding? How much will the contract between the State and the pharmaceutical companies for abortion pills be worth? How will the administration of the service work between public and private patients? These sound like scary questions to still have after the campaign is over, but the reality is, these were questions that were never going to be realistically asked until the 8th amendment was repealed. It’s up to the Oireachtas and the Government to answer them now. During the campaign, many new voters joined the register and cast a ballot for the first time. Many people involved in Clare Together for Yes became politically active for the first time. I hope, for the sake of democracy, that these are habits that they keep up. With LGBT rights and abortion referenda now won, the question is posed, “what will the next referendum be”? Certainly, a tidy up of article 41.2.1, describing a woman’s natural place as ‘in the home’, is on the cards, as are many other supposed dead ringer referenda. There’s always the possibility that Brexit may throw up the need for a referendum depending on the content of any treaty with the UK. Then again, another potentially Brexit related referendum would be one on a United Ireland. There’ll be plenty of people saying that such thoughts are “too soon” and such a poll would be destined to fail. However, were these not the reasons we were left waiting so long on a referendum to repeal the 8th amendment? Stranger things have happened.

16 COLUMNIST

Caroline Bourke

MAKE-UP AND STYLE lSTRONG BROWS: I use clear mascara to keep them in place

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

MAGIC METALLICS

TOP TIPS TO ACHIEVE THE PERFECT DAYTIME METALLICS LOOK

Prep the eyes and lightly apply foundation. Using a wet small brush, apply a strong silver pigment all the way across the lid, stopping just under the brow bone. Using a wet thin brush, apply an antique gold pigment under the eye, close to the lash line. Apply a creamy white pencil to the inner rim of the eye. This is great for tired eyes as it will open them up and make them look brighter. Curl lashes, and apply black mascara to the top lashes only. Use a cream blush to make the skin look dewy (this also refreshes tired-looking eyes). Apply a berry lip stain to the lips.

2 3 4

TIPS

It is very important to do the mascara only when you are completely happy with the eye shadow

because of the fallout. I have a thing for shiny eyebrows! So I use a little clear gloss; it's also great for keeping your brows in place.

USING TRANSLUCENT POWDER

Even if you hate powder, you'll need this for blending and prepping your eyes. Beware of any powder that has titanium dioxide (even though it's essential for sunscreen); it's completely safe for everyday use; however, it will play havoc if you're going to a special occasion where a camera flash may be involved. The reason for this is that titanium (in its pure form) will photograph pure white, so if it's in your powder it can whiten your foundation by up to five shades. On the other hand, titanium has great sunscreen benefits.

Motoring Clare Echo THE

FEATURE THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

SKODAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SUV SUCCESS HONDA UNLEASHES 182-REGISTRATION OFFERS

TOYOTA SAYS YOU CAN UPGRADE TO A HYBRID FOR FREE, THIS JULY

18 MOTORING FEATURE

Toyota says you can upgrade to a hybrid for free, this July TRADE-IN PACKAGES WORTH UP TO €4,500 AVAILABLE

OYOTA has launched its ‘Upgrade to Hybrid for Free with Finance’ campaign, which makes it even easier for Irish consumers to switch to hybrid. The campaign kicks off Toyota’s 182 sales drive in the run up to Showtime, the national sales event which takes place in all dealerships from Wednesday 6th June until Saturday 9th June. With higher resale values on hybrids, low-rate finance and ‘Trade In, Trade Up’ packages of up to €4,500, it’s never been easier for Irish drivers to make the move to hybrid. Hybrid is going from strength-to-strength with 50 per cent of Toyota’s car sales in 2018 being hybrid. A recent national iReach survey, commissioned by Toyota Ireland, showed that hybrid will soon be the second

most popular car choice in Ireland after petrol, projected to pass out diesel in the next 12 to 24 months. So, across the Toyota range you can have; on the RAV4 — €4,500 ‘Trade In, Trade Up’ package, consisting of up to €2,500 trade in booster and €2,000 price reduction on the Luna Sport Hybrid with finance from 3.9 per cent. For the Auris – upgrade to hybrid for free (no finance required) with a €3,700 Trade In, Trade Up package consisting of up to €2,000 trade in booster and €1,700 of free specification on Auris Luna Sport Hybrid. finance from 3.9 per cent. For the Toyota C-HR, there’s a trade in booster of up to €2,000 and finance from 3.9 per cent while for the Yaris, a trade in booster of up to €1,500. Finance from 3.9 per cent.

lGREAT PACKAGES: Toyota

For the Prius you can have a trade in booster of up to €2,500 and finance from 3.9 per cent and for the Corolla you can upgrade to a Luna Sport Petrol and get a €2,500 Trade In, Trade

Up package, plus €1,500 worth of additional luxury spec on the Luna Sport. The new ‘minor change’ Aygo is launching in June and is available from €30 per week

on finance from 2.9 per cent. Finally Proace van customers can choose from either a HP offer with finance from 1.9 per cent or a trade in booster of up to €3,000.

OPENING HOURS: MON – FRI: 9AM TO 6.30PM SATURDAY: 9AM TO 3PM Old Mill Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland

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20 MOTORING FEATURE

Skoda’s SUV success is all but pre-ordained

T’S ALWAYS dangerous to assume an imminent victory. Ask any general, politician, or even football manager. Nothing is guaranteed and nothing is ever definite until the last shot or the final whistle. Mind you, if ever a car could be assumed to be, ahead of the fact, a big success, and one which it’s not some 300kmh+ Italian supercar, nor a stentorian saloon from Germany, but a simple, humble Czech 4x4. Skoda, of course, has been steadily and cleverly building up its reputation since the 1990s Volkswagen bought Czechoslovakian Communist state’s car maker. It started with the not-terrible Felicia, got even better with the 1998 Octavia and really snapped into focus with the current range of Octavia, Fabia, Superb, and the old Yeti. Skoda has come a long way from rear-engined Communisat rust-buckets (which, actually, were better designed than you might think but just

never had the budget to be any good) and it’s now a badge which can generate its own publicity. For proff of which, just see the anticipation surrounding this, the Karoq, Skoda’s new mid-size SUV (but not it’s Yeti replacement — that comes next). The Karoq, if you peeled off the bodywork (not recommended) shares all its oily bits with the Volkswagen Tiguan (pricer and really only arguably classier) and the Seat Ateca, with the Spanish car actually being a little cheaper, depending on how you juggle the specs. In terms of image, the Karoq bypasses the VW’s middle-class appeal, and doesn’t even try to mimic the Seat’s sportiness, and instead goes for something a little more family oriented — practicality.

That, as anyone who regularly carries small people in the back, is really what’s important. So, the boot is big: At 521-litres with the rear seats in place, it’s really big. Certainly it has more loadspace than what you get in major Karoq rivals, such as the Hyundai Tucson (which to be fair is only a little smaller in the boot than the Karoq) and the Nissan Qashqai (which is actually quite a lot smaller). Fold the back seats flat, and you get a decent 1,630-litres but wait, there’s more — those back seats can also be individually folded and taken out of the car completely. A little tricky they may be, and heavier than you might think, but when you’ve got the out the Karoq is converted to a van and you have some very nicely-upholstered picnic seats. The cleverness continues.

There’s a compact folding umbrella in a compartment under the passenger’s seat, which is handy, but the compartment also has drainage holes so that if you put a wet brolly in there, the Karoq’s cabin won’t end up stinking of damp. There are little Velcro-bottomed divider panels for the boot, meaning you can section it off the to keep shopping separate from sports kit. The larger Kodiaq SUV, which is also closely mechanically related to the Karoq, but it has a rather flat, and uninteresting looking dashboard. The Karoq’s is a little more sculpted and visually interesting, and you get the biggest 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. Well, you do if you go for a top-spec Style model, with the 2.0-litre TDI 150hp diesel engine, four-wheel drive, and a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Now, that means it comes with a price tag above the €38k mark, which is pretty stiff for a Skoda, but which isn’t too terrible considering the equipment levels. Worthy of all the publicity and excitement, though? Well, I guess that’s debatable, but personally I think it’s rather delightful that such a sensible, useful and (spec-dependent) affordable Czech-built family car can

generate the sort of fuss among customer that you’d expect of a Ferrari. There’s something wonderful about the Karoq’s mix of sense and sensibility.

FACTS & FIGURES:

Model tested: Skoda Karoq 2.0 TDI DSG 4x4 Style Pricing: €38,365 as tested; Karoq range starts at €27,715 Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel Transmission: seven-speed automatic, allwheel drive Body style: five-door, fiveseat compact SUV CO2 emissions: 132g/km (Band B2, €280 per annum) Combined economy: 55.3mpg (5.1 litres/100km) Top speed: 207km/h 0-100km/h: 9.1secs Power: 150hp at 3,500rpm Torque: 340Nm at 3,000rpm Boot space: 521 litres (seats up), 1,630 litres (seats down) Euro NCAP rating: fivestar; 93 per cent adult, 79 per cent child; 73 per cent pedestrian; 58 per cent safety assist

For expert advice on car insurance visit your local branch FBD Insurance, Lifford, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6822300

FBD Insurance Group Ltd trading as FBD Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

FBD-Ad714-Ennis-Car-260x157mm-May18-v1.indd 1

Protection. It’s in our nature. 30/05/2018 12:21

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.

22 MOTORING FEATURE

Honda unleashes A 182-registration offers 3.9 per cent finance and free leather seat upgrades available

lHOT DEALS: Honda are leading the way with a choice of offers on all 182 vehicles ordered before the 30th of June and registered by the 31st of July

CROSS Honda Dealers nationwide for this 182 buying season, Honda are delighted to be bringing ‘Powered by Adrenaline’ a carousel of offers to the Irish market. Customers can drive away in any one of the ultra-reliable Honda models coming with the latest innovative safety systems as standard, class-leading interior space, record setting fuel economy, unrivalled driving pleasure and customer satisfaction for which Honda has long been renowned. Offering great deals on low rate finance coupled with their new innovative technology, Honda are leading the way when it comes to 182 with a choice of the following offers on all vehicles ordered before the 30th of June and registered by the 31st of July. The headline offers for Honda in July are; 3.9 per cent APR finance available across the range; free service plan on all diesel models; complimentary road tax for all Jazz models; and customer choice of one of the following options: complimentary leather upgrade or €1,000 ‘deal booster’ or €4,000 guaranteed minimum trade-in value or complimentary road tax and service plan, available on all CR-Vs These incredible offers mean there is a deal now available on every award-winning Honda model for 182. Including the

Irish Compact Car of the Year, the Honda Civic from €23,750 available in both the punchy i-VTEC petrol and the Guinness World Record setting i-DTEC diesel engines all with Honda Sensing as standard. The overall best-selling SUV in the world, the Honda CR-V already a hit with Irish SUV buyers thanks to its award-winning economy and reliability. The Honda Jazz, designed to be small on the outside, yet spacious inside, the Jazz sets new standards for small car design and the versatile HR-V, the compact SUV packed full of equipment and technology. Speaking at the launch of Honda’s 182 campaign, John Saunders, Sales and Marketing Director of Universal Honda Commented; “2018 is a very important year for us, which will see us delivering a full range of entirely refreshed and all-new cars into Honda showrooms nationwide. The Honda Civic Family is now complete with the 4-Door Sedan due to arrive into Ireland in August, followed by the all-new CR-V available in both hybrid and petrol engines at the end of the year. We are delighted to be offering ‘Powered by Adrenaline’ to our customers making an offer on every vehicle available to them. This is an exciting time for Honda and we look forward to welcoming customers into our showrooms nationwide.”

Dacia Duster 5 million happy Dacia owners. Will you be next?

Available this 182 with: 4.9% APR & ZERO Deposit

HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE TEL 065 6821704 WWW.HOGANMOTORSENNIS.IE Model Shown: Duster PRESTIGE 1.5 dCi 110. RRP €20,090. Finance example: Duster ALTERNATIVE 1.5 dCi 110. RRP €16,890. Deposit €0. Term 36 monthly payments of €308. APR 4.9%. Total cost of credit €1,734 inc doc & completion fee €75 each. Optional final payment €7,398. Excess mileage plus excess wear and tear charges may apply upon return of Vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See Dacia.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Dacia Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes. *Sales worldwide since 2004.

S MAY 24 IN CINEMA

Renault KADJAR Take the alternative road

To celebrate 120 YEARS OF RENAULT we’re gifting you with... 1.20% APR €1,200 CASHBACK 3 YEARS’ SERVICING PLUS

Test drive any Renault before 9th July 2018 and be in with a chance of winning a SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY Italian Adventure* Model shown: KADJAR Signature Nav Energy dCi 110, starting RRP €31,290 (excluding Renault i.d. metallic paint, RRP €675). Finance example: KADJAR EXPRESSION+ TCe 130, RRP €25,490. Deposit €8,917. Term 36 monthly payments of €189. APR 1.20%. Total cost of credit €425 inc doc fee €75. Optional final payment €10,120. Offer exclusive to Renault Bank. Excess mileage plus excess wear-and-tear charges may apply upon return of vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. *Any Republic of Ireland customer who takes a test drive in a new Renault car (Retail customers only) at a Renault approved dealership by 9 July 2018 will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win the Italian adventure for two adults or one family (2 adults and 2 children under 16). Over 18s only. For full terms visit www.renault.ie/solo

HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065 6821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie

Book a test drive

24 MOTORING FEATURE

New Citroen C4 Cactus arrives in Ireland

lADVANCED COMFORT: The new C4 Cactus combines the personality of the original C4 Cactus with the class-leading comfort of the C4

Once an SUV, the Citroen C4 Cactus is now a hatchback

ITROEN’S new C4 Cactus hatchback launches in showrooms nationwide this month, with pricing starting from €19,995. Benefitting from the Citroen Advanced Comfort programme, the new model represents a European premiere for the brand’s new suspension system with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions and a world first for its Advanced Comfort seats. The new C4 Cactus combines the personality of the original C4 Cactus with the class-leading comfort of the C4. The Cactus launches in showrooms across Ireland this week, featuring a host of exterior and interior styling, engineering, technology and connectivity updates. There are three core trim levels to choose from – Touch, Feel and Flair, and pricing for the new C-segment hatchback starts from just €19,995. The Citroen Advanced Comfort programme is at the very heart of New C4 Cactus, with features and technologies designed to emphasise a feeling of reassurance, comfort and calm. This fresh new model takes driver and passenger well-being to a new level, setting the standard

for comfort through the world premiere of the brand’s Advanced Comfort seats and the European debut of the eagerly-anticipated new suspension system with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions. There are nine exterior colours to choose from and four Colour Packs giving a total of 31 different exterior colour combinations offering you the opportunity to really personalise your new C4 Cactus. The new compact hatchback comes with a range of technologies and engines to maximise user comfort. The model has received numerous upgrades with 12 driver assistance systems now on offer, including Active Safety Brake, Grip Control and Lane Departure Warning. There are also two connectivity technologies; Citroen Connect Nav, and Mirror Screen functionality (Android Auto/Apple Carplay).

Anger over lamb cuts... STUART HOLLY

news@clareecho.ie

FA National Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy said sheep farmers have reacted angrily and pushed back hard on attempts by the factories to cut lamb prices over the weekend. He said agents were on the receiving end of farmer anger when plants tried to cut the price by another 30c on last week’s price. Sean Dennehy said this attempt by the factories is seen as unjustified and irresponsible when the market is strong with Ramadan set to continue for another three weeks until June 15th. “Farmers see this for what it is: an attempt by the factories to undermine the market,” said Mr Dennehy. He said €6.50/kg plus bonuses to 21kg is being paid this morning in some of the plants. Agents are saying that the number of fit lambs is tight enough on the ground. Top prices of €6.30/kg to 23kgs was paid for hoggets late last week. Ewes are making €3.00/3.10/kg. The IFA sheep farmers leader said farmers should only market lambs when they are fully fit as severe price sanctions are being imposed on underweight lambs and hoggets in nearly all of the plants. Sean Dennehy said farmer don’t need to be reminded of the severe conditions, extra feeding and losses this spring and they should bargain hard when selling lambs.

Cattle prices still on the rise this week

IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said cattle prices are continuing to

l PULLING THE WOOL OVER: Sean Dennehy says that with Ramadan continuing til June 15, this is an attempt by factories to undermine the current lamb price market

drive forward with higher base prices of €4.25/kg for steers and €4.35/kg for heifers being paid this week. He said demand remains very strong and, as supplies tighten, prices continue to increase. Angus Woods said it is very important finishers hold out strongly for price increases at this time as the costs involved in finishing cattle out of the sheds at this time of year

are exceptionally high. The IFA livestock leader said some O grade steers are being bought flat €4.10/kg and P grades at €4.00/kg. Young bulls are also driving on with €4.20 for R grades and €4.35/kg for U grades. Angus Woods said cow prices are also strong with top quality U grade cows making €3.90/3.95/kg, R grade cows on €3.85/3.90/

kg, O grades at €3.65/kg and P+ on €3.55/ kg. The IFA livestock leader said the official Department of Agriculture average prices paid for week ending May 20th were €4.28/ kg for R=3= steers and €4.38/kg for R=3= heifers.

Good weather sparks active Mart ENNIS MART Thursday May 24 Another large entry in Ennis mart with the good weather farmers were very active around all rings. The bullock and heifer trade has remained a steady trade with prices matching those of last week and even increasing for more forward types. Good quality bullocks met an exceptional trade with more forward stores an excellent trade. Heifers again a good trade with heavy heifers and more forward types in excellent demand. Also, today HE and AA cattle both bullocks and heifers were a very good trade with lots of interest from buyers ringside’ Cows were met with a very strong demand with both feeder type cows and beef cows also selling extremely well. Aged bulls sold to a top price of €2,180 for a SI bull weighting 1,100kg. BULLOCKS 3 CHX 335kgs - €1,050 - €3.13/kg 3 LMX 473kgs - €1,380 - €2.91/kg 1 HEX 495kgs - €1,300 - €2.62/kg 2 CHX 452kgs - €1,280 - €2.82/kg 5 FRX 338kgs - €700 - €2.07/kg HEIFERS 1 LMX 440kgs - €1,160 - €2.63/kg 1 LMX 600kgs - €1,580 - €2.63/kg 4 AAX 602kgs - €1,400- €2.32/kg 1 CHX 520kgs - €1,400 - €2.69/kg DRY COWS 1 CHX 655kgs - €1,580 - €2.41/kg 1 LMX 795kgs - €1,960 - €2.46/kg

2 LMX 603kgs - €1,600 - €2.65/kg 1 CHX 735kgs - €1,675 - €2.27/kg 1 AAX 665kgs - €1,670 - €2.51/kg 2 LMX 520kgs - €1,495 - €2.87/kg 2 LMX 665kgs - €1,750 - €2.63/kg 1 CHX 435kgs - €1,180 - €2.71/kg 2 LMX 442kgs - €1,180 - €2.66/kg 2 HEX 395kgs - €840 - €2.12/kg 10 AAX 330kgs - €680 - €2.06/kg 1 LMX 500kgs - €1,200 - €2.40/kg 1 LMX 560kgs - €1,300 - €2.32/kg

1 CHX 800kgs - €1,950 - €2.43/kg 1 LMX 7600kgs - €1,780- €2.34/kg

1 CHX 590kgs - €1,410 - €2.38/kg 1 FRX 495kgs - €940 - €1.89/kg

KILRUSH MART Wednesday May 23 Kilrush mart had another large sale for the time of year and a high clearance rate on Wednesday with only a few lots going unsold. Trade held firm on the previous week with very strong demand for all good quality type. FR calves sold mainly from €40 up to €150. AAX/HEX calves sold from €100 up to €300. Dry cows were in strong demand with more forward type cows in the most demand. DRY COWS 2 LMX 530kgs - €940 - €1.77/kg 1 FRX 495kgs - €675 - €1.37/kg 1 FRX 585kgs - €850 - €1.45/kg 1 CHX 570kgs - €980 - €1.71/kg HEIFERS 3 HEX 295kgs - €650 - €2.20/kg 2 LMX 237kgs - €700 - €2.94/kg 3 AAX 373kgs - €810 - €2.17/kg 1 HEX 6800kgs - €1,260 - €1.86/kg BULLOCKS & BULLS 5 AAX 393kgs - €770 - €1.96/kg 2 HEX 307kgs - €720 - €2.00/kg 2 LMX 405kgs - €1,125 - €2.77/kg 3 FRX 566kgs - €1,140 - €2.01/kg

1 FRX 625kgs - €930 - €1.49/kg 1 HEX 645kgs - €985 - €1.52/kg 1 FRX 700kgs - €1,100 - €1.57/kg 1 AAX 905kgs - €1,640 - €1.81/kg 1 CHX 435kgs - €1,135 - €2.60/kg 1 SIX 335kgs - €855 - €2.55/kg 1 LMX 520kgs - €1,250 - €2.40/kg 1 FRX 420kgs - €770 - €1.83/kg 3 HEX 591kgs - €1,290 - €2.19/kg 1 CHX 250kgs - €790 - €3.16/kg 1 FRX 360kgs - €720 - €2.00/kg 1 SHX 610kgs - €1,350 - €2.21/kg

26 COMMUNITY

Community

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS DECADE OF CENTENARIES WIN FOR ENNIS CBS STUDENT (PICTURE RIGHT) RÓISÍN Kelly, a student in 5th class in Ennis CBS, has been awarded a prize in the All Ireland Decade of Centenaries History Competition 2018. The Competition is associated with UCC School of History, The Department of Education and Skills, History Ireland and Mercier Press. This is the third year in a row that a student from the school has been awarded a prize in the national competition. Róisín received her award from Professor David Ryan, Head of the School of History, at special ceremony in the Aula Maxima in University College Cork on May 21st. Also in attendance were her family and Ennis CBS teacher, Brian Spring. Her project was entitled “Ireland’s Purest-souled and Noblest Patriot” and was based on her great-great-grandfather William Patrick Partridge’s (1874-1917) significant role during the revolutionary period in Ireland. William was railway engineer, Dublin city councillor, trade union activist, 1913 Lockout veteran, 1916 rebel (with the Irish Citizen Army under Mallin and Markievicz). He would have played a more significant role in Irish Independence and politics, had he not sadly died in 1917, following his imprisonment in Dartmoor and Lewes. GOLD FOR ENNIS ST JOHN’S (BELOW) Ennis St. John’s team were gold medal winners of the National Community Games title in the under 13 boys 100m freestyle swimming relay last weekend at the University of Limerick. Picture below with their medals are Ronan Kilroy, Ferdia Hayes, John Touhy, Leo Liu, and Stephen Wang.

Pictured in UCC at Award Ceremony: Front Left to Right: Margaret McCarthy, Gary McCarthy, Róisín Kelly, Kris McAuley, Pauline Kelly; Back left to Right: Stephen Kelly, Dearbhla Kelly and Brian Spring (Ennis CBS). Photo Credit: Tomás Tyner UCC

MUNSTER RIDERS OPEN DAY Munster Riders would like to invite like-minded people to join us on our “Open Day” on the 10th June 2018 at 11am. Our meeting point is in the Clare County Council Office Car-Park, New Road, Ennis Co. Clare. Our Schedule for the day is, 11am to 11.15am, “Presentation” by John Cleary, who Munster Riders are and what we do. 11.30am, A slow riding challenge, led by Mo Garvey. 12 noon, “Presentation on how to stay safe on the roads while riding your motorcycle, from the Police Riders Handbook, by Pat O’Brien. 12.30pm, Lunch in the Peppermill, Ennis, Co.Clare. 1pm, Short Group Spin, led by one of our lead bikers, including a stop to get some feedback about the morning from visitors on the day. The RoSPA, Munster Advanced Riders were originally founded by Declan McEvoy from Quin, Co. Clare and Eoin Stephenson from, Limerick City back in 2010. “Munster Riders” was launched in a bid to promote a way for members of the public with a full motorbike licence to be introduced into the world of Advanced TrainCRUSHEEN GIRLS COMPETE AT AVIVA On Wednesday May 30 2018, the national girls 5-a-side soccer semi final and finals took place at Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Crusheen girls are one of the teams playing having won the Munster final. Pictured left the team is presented their new kits at Crusheen School by representatives of Spar and FAI. The Crusheen Girls School team is Aimee Colleran, Sarah O’Donnell, Siomha Perill, Caoimhe Clancy, Hannah Gleeson, Grace Gleeson, Caoilfhionn Perill and Lily Copley.

ing and Riding. We are a Group of motorcyclists who “Aim” to promote enjoyable, skilful and safe riding. Our members are encouraged, and undertake by joining the Group, the RoSPA Motorcycling Skills Test and to take the re-test in due course. Club Meetings are held once a month on the last Thursday of every month in Alfies Bar, Ballycummin, Co. Limerick. Fun Runs are held on the Saturday or Sunday of the fourth weekend of every month. Yearly AGM is held in March and yearly membership is €25 per person. People that are members must have a full motorcycle licence. We currently have a male and female membership of 25 people. New Members, we would very much like to meet you and welcome you into our club. You are invited to our training days and your name is voted in at the next Club Meeting as a member. For more, find Munster Riders on Facebook.

WEST/NORTH CLARE NORTH CLARE GARDA SCRUMS UP WELL

Congratulations to Garda Gary Crowe (right) of Knockagulla, Lisdoonvarna and stationed in Rathmines who was awarded the Men’s Player of the Year by the Garda Rugby Football Club. Gary gave some of his best years to Ennis Rugby Club and continues to impress.

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

Community

COMMUNITY 27 CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

l READY FOR RUNWAY: Alan Sparling,on left, is presented with the special artwork designed by Tuamgraney’s Mike Hogan, by Liam Wiley Chair of The Clare Drama Festival and Doreen Hanley Festival Director of The Clare Drama Festival Photo by Eoin O’Hagan

EAST/SOUTHEAST CLARE TUAMGRANEY MAN SPARLING RECOGNISED FOR BEST ACTOR ACCOLADE The committee and members of The Clare Drama Festival and The Sliabh Aughty Drama Group came together last Friday, in The Cobbler’s Rest in Bodyke, to celebrate Alan Sparling’s “Best Actor” accolade which he won at the All Ireland Confined Drama Finals in Carnew. Alan, a Tuamgraney native, won this award along with three other Drama Festival Circuit “Best Actor” awards for his role as Joe in the Kim Carney penned play, Moonglow. With a string of awards and nominations, during this years drama festival circuit, for Director, Cast and Crew, The Sliabh Aughty Drama Group brought this emotional rollercoaster of a play to Carnew in Co. Wicklow and the All Ireland Finals. During a speech on Friday, Alan spoke about how he was thrilled to be honoured by his many friends in Drama in East Clare. He spoke about the many faces of drama and actors but most importantly, that a Best Actor Award, whilst given to one member of the cast, is a reflection of the work done by all of the Drama Group, both on and off stage. Alan also reminisced about his years threading the boards for, firstly, The Scariff Drama Group and latterly as a member of The Sliabh

Aughty Drama Group. Alan was saluted in speeches by Liam Wiley Chair of the Clare Drama Festival, John S.Kelly and Ted Harrington who acted opposite Alan over many years as well as Noel Hogan and Geraldine Colleran who were also multi award winners for acting on the festival circuit with Moonglow this year. Alan Sparling was presented with a specially enscribed artwork to commemorate and celebrate his All Ireland Best Actor Award by Doreen Hanley Festival Director of the Clare Drama Festival and Liam Wiley Chair of the Clare Drama Festival. SHANNON MAN IN EQUATION FOR MATHS TEACHER OF THE YEAR A Clare teacher has been shortlisted for Mathematics Teacher of the Year. Shannon native, Niall Murphy is a teacher at Ennis Community College and has been recognised by the Irish Maths Trust who included him on their shortlist for Mathematics Teacher of the Year. With four years teaching experience including a stint in Cork City, Niall returned to the staff of Ennis Community College after completing college placement at the school and once more following his time Leeside. A holder of a first class honours degree from Mary Immaculate College and a first class postgraduate diploma in Maths education from UL, Mr Murphy is a member of the Logged On Programme ran at Ennis Community College which is collaborating with schools across Europe to develop new ways to use technology in education.

Shannon native Niall Murphy (left), who teaches at Ennis Community College, has made the shortlist for maths teacher of the year

28 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

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

Thermo King celebrates 40 years FOUR decades of commitment to the Shannon Free Zone has been honoured with a presentation to one of its long-standing operations, Thermo King. The global leader in transport refrigeration units is this year celebrating its 80th birthday but an important Irish milestone has also been reached as it marks 40 years of operations at Shannon. Just two years after it set up its first European manufacturing facility in Galway, where it currently employs 600 people, the company - which started out manufacturing refrigeration units for trucks but today is a world leader in high performance heating and cooling units for trailers, truck bodies, buses, shipboard containers and rail cars - identified the need for a European distribution centre. A visit to Shannon to look at what the already thriving Free Zone had to offer satisfied the requirements of the company’s global executives and all of 40 years later Thermo King remains as committed to and happy with their south east Clare location. Today the company now operates out of a 57.000sq ft premises in the Free Zone – double the size of its initial footprint – with just short of 40 people employed there. To mark the occasion for its four decades of investment in the Free Zone and the region, Ray O’Driscoll, Managing Director of Shannon Group’s property wing, Shannon Commercial Properties made a presentation to the company of a sculpture by Achill Island artist Ronan Halpin. The company also held a barbecue at Durty Nelly’s at

l MILESTONE: Presentation to Michael Stratford, Thermo King After Market Distribution Manager, by Shannon Commercial Properties MD Ray O’Driscoll and Director of Asset Management Gerry Fitzmaurice Photo by Arthur Ellis the weekend attended by current and past employees and contractors. Speaking afterwards, he said: “Thermo King are part of the Shannon Free Zone family for so long now

that it was only right we would mark this anniversary. They are the market leaders globally in their sector and the fact that they have been here for all this time is a huge vote of confidence

in the Free Zone as a location for investment. Thermo King have been a constant here and we look forward to working with them long into the future.” Thermo King’s Aftermarket EMEA Distribution Manager Michael Stratford, who oversees the operations at Shannon, said that the company’s investment in Co. Clare has been mutually beneficial. “Back in 1978 there was a lot of incentives to come here but that’s not the story of why we are here all these years later. We are not here either because of our automation or the level of investment we have made in technology, both of which have been significant. We are here because of the people. “Our people have a huge loyalty and commitment and they think like owners. They have a huge loyalty also to customers and that’s essential as they treat each and every one of them as if they are their own. Customers need that level of care. At the end of the day, our people drive our metrics; they are the reason why we are always in the top quartile.” The Shannon chief said being part of a dynamic business environment has also been hugely beneficia. “We have had a great relationship with the Shannon Group team here and continue to have that positive relationship. We are also very happy to see the advancements that have been taking place here over recent years, to see the level of investment going into the Free Zone and those new buildings being developed, new companies moving in. It sends a very positive signal.”

Caroline has Core values Businesswoman picks up top award

K l AWARD: Valerie Murphy, Valerie’s Breast Care & President of Network Ireland Limerick, with Caroline Dunlea, Core Optimisation, and Rachel Walsh, Discover Digital

ILMURRY native Caroline Dunlea has been announced as one of the main winners at the Limerick Businesswoman of the Year Awards. Caroline won the Arts category and the Best Use of Digital by a company for her work with Shannon-based Core Optimisation at the awards, sponsored by LEO Limerick and AIB, at a special awards evening last Thursday at Savoy Hotel, Limerick. Caroline is director and co-founder of Core Optimisa-

tion - Digital Marketing Agency. Having worked with the hospitality Industry growing online revenue for eight years she co founded Core Optimisation four years ago. Her straight talking approach to digital marketing and online revenue results saw their client portfolio grow. Proud to work alongside clients such as Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Citywest Hotel, Shannon Heritage Compub, to name a few. Caroline is mother to two children and enjoys cycling and hiking and includes climbing Kilimanjaro as one of

her greatest personal achievements. Caroline will now go on to the national finals for Network Ireland which will be announced at a Gala Ceremony in September in the Galmont Hotel, Galway. Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Clare, said: “The growth of Core Optimisation over the last 4 years is testament to the professionalism and high level service provided by Caroline, her business partner David Brett and their team of highly skilled employees.”

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

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

Reporter Páraic McMahon joins The Clare Echo team

THE Clare Echo is delighted to announce it is expanding its team. Following our early success, Clare’s newest and most exciting publication The Clare Echo will be welcoming three new members to our team in the coming weeks. Newmarket-on-Fergus native Páraic McMahon has joined the team as general reporter, providing added expertise to our news desk alongside Editor Stuart Holly and reporter Elaine Tubridy. Páraic has previously worked with Clare FM as a roving reporter and has done freelance work with numerous national publications including The Irish Examiner, The Irish Independent and The Irish Times. Páraic is also a keen hurler and lines out with Newmarket-on-Fergus as a self-proclaimed utility player. The Clare Echo is proud to welcome Páraic on board as part of the team.

The Clare Echo – which publishes 15,000 newspapers every week – also has one immediate job opening; that of sales executive. The ideal candidate for the sales executive role will have previous experience and a proven track record in the field with the ability to meet weekly targets. The sales executive will be self-driven and show the ability to work as part of a team. They will also be expected to have good manner, as they will be meeting with prospective clients on a daily basis. The role will include a basic wage plus commission. Finally The Clare Echo is delighted to welcome production assistant Eoin McCaffrey on board, who is joining the team on placement this summer, starting next week. Please email your CV and cover letter to jobs@clareecho.ie with the role you wish to apply to in the subject line.

ONE

BUSINESS

30 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

Superbly finished CENTRAL LOCATION

14 BRAMBLE LANE, LIMERICK ROAD, ENNIS, CO CLARE, V95 W5D8

RAMBLE LANE is a prime residential location situated just off the main Limerick Road and only 500m from the By-Pass Interchange. Ideally located just 2km from Ennis town centre and close to schools, supermarkets and all the amenities now afforded by Ennis. No. 14 Bramble Lane is a superbly finished, spacious, well laid-out four bedroomed semi-detached property. On the ground floor there is an entrance hall, WC, living room, open-plan kitchen/dining area and a utility room. On the first floor there are 4 bedrooms (all with fitted wardrobes, one with ensuite) and a bathroom. This fine home also has the benefit of a converted attic with rear and side aspect velux windows, this is accessed via an attic stairs. Externally there is a tarmacadam driveway to the front and the back garden is mainly in lawn with a paved patio

€199,000

25 OAK PARK, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 R8X3 €184,000

area, paved footpath that leads to the garden shed at the rear of the garden. This really is a superb family home in an extremely convenient location - viewing is a must. 107sq.m BER C3 BER No. 111099651

Contact: Diarmuid McMahon, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866

HIS is a superb four bedroomed semi-detached property is situated in Oak Park, a popular development within walking distance of schools, shops and Ennis town centre. The accommodation is bright and spacious with well proportional rooms throughout. The ground floor comprises an entrance hall, downstairs bedroom with en-suite, living room, open-plan kitchen/ dining area and a utility room. On the first floor there are two double bedrooms, a single bedroom (all with fitted wardrobes) and a bathroom. Externally the front and back gardens are mainly in lawn and require very little maintenance, there is a driveway to the front and a footpath to the side of the house leading to the back garden. Viewing of this fine property is highly recommended. 110 sq.m (1,183.6 sq.ft) approx. BER No. 110332871

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Properties coming to the market shortly

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PROPERTY 33

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

EXCELLENT INVESTMENT GARRIHYS BAR, MOYASTA, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE V15 A020

OSITIONED along the Wild Atlantic Way “Garrihys Bar” is an established and very popular business with an excellent reputation. Situated in Moyasta which is located between Kilrush & Kilkee this premises offers enormous potential to expand upon an established business. There are many beaches & golf courses locally and the regular passing trade offers a great chance to attract new custom. The entire building is made up of 441.62 m2 / 4753.55 sq/ft approx. BER -D1 (BER No:800632390). This property and buildings offers the incoming purchaser an excellent opportunity to get into the trading hospitality business. Attached to the property is a recently modernised 4 bedroom home that would also be suitable for guest accommodation. (Subject to P.P) The ground floor is made up of a gen-

PRICE ON APPLICATION erous bar/ lounge and separate function room. The residential accommodation comprises of entrance hall, modern new kitchen/ dining room, utility room, 4 double bedrooms (all en-suite) and main bathroom. The sale of the property comes with fixtures, fittings and equipment. FEATURES lEstablished proven business. lModern residential accommodation with possible B& B potential. lSubstantial premises on generous site with private rear parking. l5km from Kilrush/ 7km from Kilkee/ 7.5km from Doonbeg l15 mins from Killimer Ferry Terminal

FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS CONTACT TOMÁS LEES DIRECTLY 065 – 68 68 686

EchoSport l WRECKING BALL: John Conlon showed great leadership throughout last Sunday’s contest Photo by Martin Connolly

Conlon: We agreed to die on field for Banner cause

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE got their Munster senior hurling championship back on track in Cusack Park at the weekend. In their two outings thus far no player has been more influential than Clonlara’s John Conlon who says the Waterford matchup was the game in which the players agreed to “die on the field” for the Banner cause. Speaking in the aftermath of their nine-point win over Waterford, Conlon admitted that the players were fully aware of the importance of getting the right result following their defeat to Cork seven days previous. “We knew we had a lot at stake. We had done a lot right last week, we missed six or

seven goal chances I know, we were giving out to ourselves that we didn’t take the shot to get the goals or didn’t trouble Nash, we got to the final stage and the pass was wrong or we took the wrong option. “This week we said we’re going for the jugular. If you’re going through you’re going straight for goal and if you’re not you’re tak-

‘‘

PÁRAIC McMAHON

The Clare crowd when they get behind you are special; we’re hoping that they will come out in two weeks’ time

ing your scores and we did that today. “We’ve a lot to improve on; 10 minutes before half-time and 10 minutes from the end we lost our shape again and that’s when we need to be powering on. It’s wide open this championship, Waterford will be back next week again once they get the few injuries and things right, there’s nothing between any of the teams in my opinion”. Meanwhile, Conlon also praised the Cusack Park atmosphere for driving on the home side, saying that his Clonlara coach Shane McGrath referenced how difficult teams find coming to Cusack Park. “Shane McGrath of Tipperary is over us this year and he said Ennis was one of the places he hated coming to because they start banging the galvanise and everyone starts going. The Clare crowd when they get behind you are special, we’re hoping they will come out in two weeks’ time to Thurles”.

Emphasis is being placed on how teams manage the recovery periods between games and the St Aidan’s teacher said that the Clare players used their recovery time after the Cork game to refocus for their next Championship game. According to Conlon, Clare laid out their intentions for the Waterford game just hours after being defeated by Cork on Leeside. “It was just basically to tune back in, that the game was over Sunday evening. “We actually had a meeting Sunday evening after the match and just said ‘tune back in, get right for the match next week’ and we went to recovery, tuned in for Waterford. “We used the league the same way, we’d two games in a row and then a break in between and we just used it as a tool towards getting right for championship”. Clare will now rest easier this weekend, knowing that a win ahead of the break was required.

SPORT 35

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

Clare clear Déise hurdle Clare 2-27 Waterford 2-18

Munster Hurling Championship Round 2 at Cusack Park

Hurling JAMES MULVIHILL & PÁRAIC MCMAHON

LARE have returned to winning ways in the Munster Championship with a nine-point victory over an injury hit Waterford team at Cusack Park. Registering 30 scores will please Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor but not as much as the result which was required and now places them in a healthier state ahead of their June 10th trip to Thurles. Waterford on the other hand resembled the walking wounded. Austin Gleeson and Pauric Mahony were ruled out prior to the contest and during it they lost Tadhg de Burca, Noel Connors, Darragh Fives and Barry Coughlan to injury while captain Kevin Moran was given a straight red card following an altercation with Tony Kelly. Jamie Shanahan justified his late selection with two points from play and a solid display at wing back. Clare have a bye in the next round, giving the panel a chance to recover after two tough matches in the space of seven days. Waterford scored the opening point of this game through De Burca and soon after gave themselves a three-point lead thanks to the first goal of this contest when a long delivery by goalie Stephen O’Keeffe found Tom Devine and his saved shot was pounced on by Maurice Shanahan. Clare were awarded a penalty midway through the half when John Conlon was brought down by Shane Fives and Peter Duggan rifled the ball into the back of the net to close the gap to a single point. The Banner men scored three of the next four points through Conor McGrath, Shanahan and Shane O’Donnell. Waterford responded with a placed ball from Maurice Shanah-

an before Clare scored their second goal of this game when John Conlon broke through the Waterford defence and made no mistake in dispatching the ball past Stephen O’Keeffe. Conlon put in a man of the match display in the inside line finishing with a tally of 1-03. Arguably their greatest moment came via Shane O’Donnell who left an impressive shoulder on Jamie Barron to make a turnover and then slot the ball between the posts. Along with the attacking pair, Tony Kelly was more himself in the half-forward line, Colm Galvin gave a tireless display and Jamie Shanahan’s scores from distance offer something new. Tougher tests lie ahead for the winners and a stronger presence in the air will be needed for these occasions. Their tendency to favour diagonal deliveries is on course to be a stick that they will be beaten with unless it is perfected on the training field. Clare: Donal Tuohy; Patrick O’Connor, Conor Cleary, Jack Browne; David Fitzgerald (0-1), David McInerney, Jamie Shanahan (02); Colm Galvin (0-2), Tony Kelly (0-6); Cathal Malone, John Conlon (1-3), David Reidy (0-1); Conor McGrath (0-1), Peter Duggan (1-10,1-0pen,9fs,1 65), Shane O’Donnell (0-1). Subs: Podge Collins for McGrath (60 mins), Seadna Morey for Malone (63 mins), Niall Deasy for Reidy (65 mins), Darragh Corry for Conlon (67 mins), Michael O’Neill for O’Donnell (67 mins). Waterford: Stephen O’Keeffe; Shane Fives, Barry Coughlan, Noel Connors; Tadgh De Burca (0-1), Darragh Fives, Philip Mahony (0-1); Jamie Barron (0-1), Conor Gleeson (0-1); Kevin Moran (0-1), Tom Devine (0-1), Jake Dillon (0-2); Maurice Shanahan (16,6fs), Michael Walsh, Shane McNulty. Subs: Colm Roche for De Burca injured (13 mins), Stephen Bennett (0-2) for Connors injured (H/T), DJ Foran (0-1) for Walsh (H/T), Tommy Ryan (1-1) for D. Fives injured (37 mins), Ian Kenny for Coughlan injured (45 mins). Referee: Paud O’Dwyer (Carlow).

lNO STUMBLING BLOCK: Jack Browne evades a challenge while David Fitzgerald offers support Photo by Martin Connolly

10-point win for Minors Clare 3-21 Waterford 2-14

Munster Minor Championship Rd 2 James Milvihill at Cusack Park

AFTER losing their opener against Cork, Seán Doyle’s Clare Minor hurlers had an impressive 3-21 to 2-14 win over Waterford to get their campaign back on track. The Banner men raced into an early lead and were ahead by 2-04 to 0-03 in the opening exchanges thanks to goals from Keelan Guyler (penalty) and Mark Rodgers. Waterford fought back at the end of the half and scored a goal through Caolan MacCraith to leave the score at the interval 2-09 to 1-09. Clare’s defence was very solid throughout the second half with Captain Darragh Healy and Dylan McMahon to the fore. Up front, Clare had nine different scorers and Mark Rodgers finished off this game with a well taken goal. The Banner men will travel to Thurles full of confidence

E Pic: Oliver Fitzpatrick

to take on a Tipperary team who bounced back from last week’s defeat to Limerick with an impressive 10-point win over Cork. Clare: Cillian O’Brien (Clonlara) Jack Enright (Newmarket-on-Fergus) Adam Mungovan (Doora/Barefield) Mike Gough (Smith O’Briens) Conor Carrig (Wolfe Tones) Dylan McMahon (Clonlara) Darragh Healy (Clarecastle) (0-03

3f): Aidan Moriarity (Clonlara) (0-01): Fionn Slattery (Bodyke): Keelan Guyler (Inagh/Kilnamona) (1-04 3f 1’Pen): Gearoid O’Grady (Kilmaley): William Halpin (Tulla) (0-02): Mark Rodgers (Scariff) (2-02): Jack Minouge (Bodyke) (0-01): Shane Meehan (Banner) (0-02) Subs: Jason Griffin (Inagh/Kilnamona) for Slattery (21): Conor Hegarty (Inagh/ Kilnamona) (0-03) for Minouge (40) Tony Butler (Doora/Barefield) for Carrig (46): Robin Mounsey (Ruan) (0-03) for O’Grady (50): Paddy Donnellan (Broadford) for Enright (60) Referee: John McCormack (Tipperary)

Hayes double sinks England PÁRAIC McMAHON

l SCORER: Hayes

l HITTING BACK: Gearoid O’Grady of the Clare Minors Photo by Martin Connolly

OIN Hayes topped off a memorable weekend with two goals from the bench for his country. On Friday, Hayes’s Newmarket Celtic collected the Maloney Garden Machinery Premier Division title with a 6-1 win over Shannon Olympic. Hayes lined out with the Republic of Ireland Amateurs who played England C

in a friendly at Home Farm on Sunday. The 28-year old was the match winner, netting twice when brought on by Gerry Davies as they recorded a 4-2 victory. Speaking after the game, Eoin who also picked up his 14th cap was very happy to get on the scoresheet. “It doesn’t get any better than that. I knew coming on that the game would open up and both goals were put on a plate for me.

“They were a top side, technically very good. Gerry had us drilled from the start not to give them any respect on the ball, to get in amongst them, I thought we did that fantastically well”, he added. Normally, Eoin is joined in the Irish ranks by his clubmate Stephen Kelly but the Oscar Traynor captain is still struggling with an ankle injury and isn’t expected to return for a few weeks.

36 CLASSIFIEDS

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38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

Your Horoscopes May 31 BUCKLE your seatbelt and put your tray table in the upright and locked position, because whatever you had penciled into your planner will be entirely different from what actually happens. That’s not to say you’ll be totally distraught about it -- in fact, since you’re a fire sign, you’ll probably love it. Besides, the end result of this unexpected event will be an unexpected blessing.

Taurus

Gemini

YOU thought the two of you were just friends, and you’ve been conducting yourself accordingly. While you’ve been worried about discretion, caution and not jumping the gun, they’ve been thinking about how to lure you closer. If either of you happens to be unavailable at the moment, however, be very, very careful, even if you’re sure you’re just flirting. You know how quickly an attraction can take off.

A LOVED one who’s always been less than predictable -- to say the least -- will suddenly call to let you know that they’re at it again. Of course, you just love hearing from them, especially because you’re never sure what they’ll be up to, and what kinds of wonderful, exciting stories they’ll have to tell. Ready to hit the road and make some news yourself? See if they’re game for a travel partner.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

IF you need to get away and you can’t arrange to do it right this second, find somewhere to take off to for a day or so. You’re feeling pretty darned rebellious right around now, and not at all game to sit still and let someone think they’re in control of your life. Just don’t take off without letting someone know where you are. They may be irritating, but they love you, and they’ll worry.

SPEAKING of connections: Expect one to develop fast and furiously - but don’t get comfortable. You’re due to meet someone under quite unusual circumstances - someone who’ll make a major impact on your life, even though they may not be around for long at all. Your best bet is to enjoy this person for as long as they’re in the neighborhood, and learn the lesson (about freedom) they’re here to teach you.

PREPARE yourself for fireworks of the most romantic kind. The heavens have arranged for more passion and romance, and your sign is due for the best of it. You might even want to do it up big tonight, just to let that certain someone know how special they are. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to rent a limo or take off for a four-star restaurant. That would be nice, but it really is the thought that counts, not the damage to your plastic.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

YOUR partner seems to have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed, just like your boss. And your coworkers. And your best friend. Oh, dear, doesn’t this mean that it might actually be you who has the problem? Well, not to worry; it’s nothing that dinner and drinks can’t cure. Just be sure you’re with someone who really knows how to enjoy themselves. Like you do.

EXPECT to raise some eyebrows at work now, and a few more tonight, too. You’re in a very rare mood -- so rare that your coworkers and friends are willing to bet they’ve never seen you like this. Rather than exercising caution, playing it safe or avoiding confrontation, you’re ready to rock. If it’s reckless, you’re in. If it’s slightly scary, you’re in. Better warn anyone you expect to be spending any amount of time around.

1/1

Aries

YOU’VE never been big on surprises, especially if they weren’t planned or executed by you. Today, however, you’ll need to adapt to some extremely startling situations, and you’ll do just fine with them. In fact, you may be even more surprised by just how much fun it was to let go and let the universe drive. Giving up control every now and then can be like a vacation: Quite restful -- and necessary.

THE tender issues of love and money will be quite startling to you today -- in fact, they may be tied together. A dear one may decide it’s time for you two to go into business together, or at least check out the possibility. Well, be sure you do your homework before you sign anything and have a trusted professional help out with the arrangements.

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

1 Compos mentis (4) 3 Mixed (8) 9 Hermit (7) 10 Inflexible (5) 11 Derby venue (5) 12 Trig ratio (6) 14 Panegyric (6) 16 Infertile (6) 19 Large prawns (6) 21 Freshwater fish of the carp family (5) 24 Steady, dull and laborious routine (5) 25 Drinker (7) 26 Emphasised (8)

YOU’VE just about had it with being so darned serious. Sure, you had work to do, but it’s done. Now it’s time to play, and since you’ve been saving all your energy for this precise moment, you’ll have a great time. Your only mission is this: Refuse to let go of the steering wheel until you’re sure whoever wants to drive knows what they’re doing. At that point, have some fun.

PREPARE yourself for a flood of emotions. You’re quite ready to talk about that certain issue that’s had you baffled for a while now -- but are your dear ones ready to hear it? Better warn them before you get going, because getting you to stop will be next to impossible. Fasten your seatbelt; it could be a bumpy ride, and it certainly won’t be a boring one.

27 Religious song (4)

DOWN

1 Wizard (8) 2 Small cuts (5) 4 Horrible smell (6) 5 Desert haven (5) 6 Paint solvent (7) 7 Barmy (4) 8 Aromatic spice (6) 13 Pursued by the police (2,3,3) 15 More fortunate (7) 17 Brusque (6) 18 Small (6) 20 King with the

golden touch (5) 22 Mixture of metals (5)

23 A long, long time (4)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, MAY 31 2018

The Clare Echo Quiz GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY AND SPORT IN CO CLARE Which of these has the biggest A volcanic eruption in 804 1County land mass at 3,450 km²? 5 drowned 1,008 people and separated which Island from the mainClare, Samoa, Luxembourg There are an estimated 1,000 feral land. Mutton Island, Scattery Island, Crab 2 goats in the Burren hills – what Island per cent of Ireland’s total population On January 26, 1885, who came is this? 6 to Clare to turn the first sod for 2%, 10%, 20% the West Clare Railway? The record high temperature for Charles Stewart Parnell, Daniel 3 Clare is; O’Connell, Maud Gonne And finally for the sports fans 29 degrees, 32 degrees, 35 degrees 7 How many of Clare’s All-Ireland What town is the birthplace of winning team of 2013 started last 4 Brian Boru, High King of Ireland? weekend against Cork? Kilfenora, Kincora, Kilrush

l QUESTION 2: There are an estimated 1,000 feral goats in the Burren hills – what per cent of Ireland’s total population is this?

6. Charles Stewart Parnell 7. 7 8. Peter Duggan 9. Jamesie O’Connor 10. Kevin Sheedy

l QUESTION 7: How many of Clare’s All-Ireland winning team of 2013 started last weekend against Cork?

ANSWERS 1. County Clare 2. 20% 3. 32 degrees 4. Kincora 5. Mutton Island

3, 7, 5 Who was Clare’s top scorer in the league campaign this year with a tally of 1-48? Tony Kelly, Shane O’Donnell, Peter Duggan Who won man of the match for Clare in the 1997 All-Ireland final? Anthony Daly, Jamesie O’Connor, Seanie McMahon Which Irish international from Ireland’s Italia 90 team has relatives in Ennis? Chris Morris, Kevin Sheedy, Ray Houghton

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Killaloe circa 1860-1883.

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

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