The Clare Echo 12/10/23 by The Clare Echo

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Oct 12 2023

‘STOP THIS MAD DEVELOPMENT’ Business people and residents make noise with silent march by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BY HOLDING one of the county’s first silent marches, Save Ennis Town upped the volume in their opposition to plans of the Ennis 2040 strategy to build on riverside car parks. Up to 200 people partook in a silent march from Abbey Street Car Park to the offices of Clare County Council where Ennis Mayor, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) was presented with a petition containing over 3,500 signatures opposed to plans to construct a development on Abbey Street car park as part of the strategy. Representatives of Save Ennis Town were optimistic their demonstration would prompt engagement with Ennis 2040 DAC Photo by Tom Micks

while a spokesperson for the DAC told The Clare Echo, “comprehensive public consultation” will be held “before any proposed development takes shape”. Gerry Connnellan of Abbey Newsagents told The Clare Echo, “we need to move on and stop this mad development from going ahead. We have to stop this at all costs, we have one white elephant in the Market and we’ve seen what it has done”. Chairman of Save Ennis Town, Gearoid Mannion said, “There is plenty in the Ennis 2040 plans that we agree with, we’re for progress in the town, we believe in the town and we believe in the future of the town, we’re very concerned about the car parks being basically obliterated”.

Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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CONTENTS

NEWS .............................2-16 GREEN CLARE............18-19 BUSINESS ...................21-24 FOOTBALL ..................25-35 SPORT..........................36-41

Clare FM wins IMRO nod

36C Abbey St., Ennis, Co Clare Call: 065 - 6719021

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

kieran@clareecho.ie ross@clareecho.ie denise@clareecho.ie This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

l LOCAL RADIO: Clare FM’s Darragh Dolan, Padraic Flaherty, Colum McGrath and Fiona Cahill celebrate their win with IMRO Chairperson Eleanor McEvoy

ENNIS reporter John Cooke scooped two gold awards while Clare FM was named local station of the year at the IMRO Radio Awards, writes Páraic McMahon. For the second time in his career, Cooke was awarded news reporter of the year at the IMRO Radio Awards held in the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny. On the night, he claimed not one but two awards, taking home the gong for ‘news story’ following his reporting for RTÉ Radio One on the Creeslough tragedy in Co Donegal. John joined RTÉ Radio One in August 2015 after more than a decade in local radio including with Clare FM and North West Radio in Sligo. His time as presenter of Morning Focus and Head of News and Current Affairs saw him collect multiple different awards down through the years. He said he was “honoured” to win both awards which he dedicated to all those who lost their lives in Creeslough and those “still coping with one of Ireland’s worst disasters, thanks to everyone in Donegal for their trust and cooperation”. Clare FM claimed the coveted local station of the year award for the third time. This was the fifth year in succession that the station had been named in the top three local commercial radio outlets in the country. 2011 was the first time Clare FM was named local station of the year, when the awards were then known as the PPI Awards. Among those paying tribute to the Francis Street based station for their success were Clare County Council, Clare Arts Office, Ennis Chamber, Clare TD Cathal Crowe (FF), Senator Timmy Dooley (FF), Cllr Mary Howard (FG) plus former Morning Focus producer Ben Sweeney.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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putting Ennis Christmas Village Leaks Doonbeg at won’t go ahead this year 'breaking point' by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ CHRISTMAS VILLAGE will not proceed this year, The Clare Echo has learned. Since 2019, the Ennis Christmas Village was held in Abbey Street car park with the exception of 2020 to the pandemic. An estimated 10,000 people attended the inaugural threeday Christmas Village in 2019. Several local traders sold their various goods at the Christmas Village which also included a large carousel, Santa’s Grotto, Christmas style amusements and an illumination show. Event Ready in the past fortnight informed traders who had stalls at the 2022 Christmas Village that they would be taking a break from organising the event in 2023 but remained hopeful of a return in 2024. A spokesperson for Clare County Council confirmed to The Clare Echo that the Christmas Village was to be shelved for this winter. “Due to rising costs year on year and a reduction in the number of traders participating in 2022, Ennis Municipal District opened up discussions with the provider. It was jointly

concluded that the markets had been an enjoyable experience, but it was timely to explore alternative forms of entertainment”. Other avenues are to be ex-

l Ennis Christmas lights

plored but difficulties have been encountered by the local authority. “Ennis MD has been engaging with other providers of Christmas entertainment, however very high costs (main-

ly due to insurance costs for providers) are proving challenging,” the spokesperson added.

LEAKS are putting the people of Doonbeg at “breaking point,” a West Clare councillor has claimed, writes Páraic McMahon. Cross native, Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) said the people of Doonbeg were becoming agitated with the ongoing disruptions to water services in the West Clare village. In a proposal before Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, he requested Uisce Éireann “as a matter of urgency” to “address the constant issue of water leaks on the N67 where the old pipeline needs to be replaced in the interest of householders, farmers, business and industry who are being left without a water supply on a regular basis including three recent leakages which are of a recurring nature”. Senior engineer with the Council, Cyril Feeney explained that “considerable work” was completed with the replacement of the watermains through Doonbeg village (N67) and another section of the watermain on the N67 at Bealaha was replaced in 2019. He said they would continue to liaise with Uisce Éireann “to resolve the outstanding sections of watermains in particular south of Doonbeg which are still in need of remediation”. Cllr Keating commented, “the people of Doonbeg are at breaking point because there are so many leaks”. Last year alone there was 38 leaks in Doonbeg with three in the one week a fortnight ago, “it is causing problems for businesses, people and farmers. We have restaurants and B&Bs who are inconvenienced with the leaks, a lot of them are happening on weekends”. He continued, “time is of the essence and funding is required, the road needs to be dropped so that it can take a fresh pipeline, it would cost quite a bit of money”. Irish Water’s change of name to Uisce Éireann was welcomed by Cllr Keating, “maybe they will change their way of working now, both can fund the project and it will be done for all time, we owe it to the people. Imagine a farmer without water in summer time, let it be the last time that I as a councillor have to raise this”.

Fuel prices ‘going out of control’ FUEL prices across the country are “going out of control”, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) has said, writes Páraic McMahon. A planned increase in the fuel excise rate applied to petrol, diesel and marked gas oil has been postponed by the Government. The temporary excise rate reductions, which were introduced last year in response to higher fuel prices caused by the war in Ukraine, had been due to expire on October 31. However, as part of Budget 2024, which was announced on Tuesday by Minister for Finance Michael McGrath (FF), the temporary excise rate reduction has been extended until March 31, 2024. Petrol had been due to go up 8c, diesel by 6c and green diesel by 3c. In a motion before Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr O’Callaghan had sought a deferral of the tax. From July 1st to October 1st, fuel prices have already gone up by 37c “without any increase and conservatively you could say the Government have 24c of

that 37c” he noted. “It is very frustrating, we’re battling for school transport at the minute, how will they keep getting our kids to school. I hope they will see sense and row back on this increase, it is going out of control,” the Kilmurry based managing director of O’Callaghan Fuels added. Builders have been reluctant to put prices on new builds because of the increase, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) said. “The retailers on the ground suffer and the reality is the prices go up,” said Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF). “It is another challenge to the way we live and do things,” observed Cllr Pat McMahon (FF). Sinn Féin’s proposal to ask the charges not proceed were rejected in September, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) told the meeting. Voicing her support, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) commented, “Cllr O’Callaghan has direct knowledge from his expertise, this is not a budget issue so there is time for the reversal”.

Cratloe set dancers raise €4,000 for local charities On Monday 2nd October Cratloe Set Dancers presented cheques totalling €4,000 to three charities. The charities were Slainte an Chlair, Cratloe Benevolent Fund and Bunratty Search and Rescue. Pictured are – Front L to R – Martin Mc Mahon, Slainte an Chlair, Kathleen Brislane, Cratloe Benevolent Fund, Martin Elliott, Eamonn Donergan, Kevin O’Mara, Bunratty Search and Rescue. Back L to R – Committee are Michael Mc Inerney, Maureen Gleeson, Michael Cuddihy, Mary Phelan, John Mc Donnell, Sheila Mc Donnell and Jim Liddane

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12 , 2023

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Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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BUDGET 2024 - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW by Adam Maloney news@clareecho.ie

BUDGET 2024, WITH measures totalling around €6.5 billion, has been confirmed. A cut to the Universal Social Charge, mortgage interest relief for some and a deferral of an excise duty increase on petrol and diesel to next year have been confirmed in the Budget given Minister for Finance Michael McGrath (FF) and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe (FG). BUSINESSES: lThe minimum wage will increase to €12.70 in January. l The Research and Development tax credit's percentage will rise from 25% to 30%. lThe Employment Investment Incentive Scheme now allows investors to deduct up to €500,000 from their four-year commitments. l The retirement relief upper age limit has been raised from 65 to 70, and beginning at age 70, the reduced relief that was previously provided on disposals from the age of 66 will be in effect. LONG-TERM INVESTMENT: l The Future Ireland Fund, a new fund with the potential to reach $100 billion by the middle of the 2030s, will be established. From 2024 through 2035, 0.8% of GDP will be contributed yearly, around €4.3 billion, together with €4 billion in seed money from the previous National Reserve Fund. l The exemption from personal in-

GIVE THE

come tax for households that sell any unused electricity back to the grid will treble to €400. EDUCATION: l Funding for 1,200 special needs assistants and 740 extra teachers. ENERGY CREDITS: l Three household energy credits worth €150 each, which are due between the end of this year and April of the following year. It will be another year until the lower 9% rate of VAT on energy products expires. FAMILIES: l Undergraduate tuition for families with incomes under €100,000 will be cut in half this year, from €3,000 to €1,500. lThe ability to take advantage of the Group B C.A.T. threshold will help foster children's importance considering legacies. l A one-year extension of the cost abdication for students taking State exams, as well as a fee waiver for school transport services. HEALTH: l The amount of money available to implement new policies as opposed to maintaining the same level of services has decreased from €250 million to merely €100 million. To address the difficulties brought on by increased demand and inflation, a new health resilience fund is being formed.

GIFT OF HEARING

HOUSING: lThe €500 rental tax credit will become a €750 credit. lThe credit will be available to parents who pay for their student children to live in full-time housing. l The local property tax rate for empty properties will increase from three to five times. lThe Help-to-Buy programme has been extended to the end of 2025. MORTGAGE: l Homeowners whose payments have drastically increased as a result of interest rate hikes intended to combat inflation will be the focus of a one-time measure costing €125 million. MOTORING: l In 2024, employees who use company electric vehicles will receive an overall benefit-in-kind market value reduction of €45,000. lThe Vehicle Registration Tax relief for battery electric vehicles will be extended for an additional two years, until the end of 2025. SECURITY: lThe first Garda reserve recruitment will be furnished, €12 million will be allotted to opposing domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence. lAn supplementary acquire 400 military soldiers will be presented in 2024. PRICES: lA pint of beer or a bottle of wine won't get any more expensive.

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l Minister for Finance Michael McGrath and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe (Photo: RTE) lCigarettes will cost 75c more per packet. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: lThe eligibility age for half-price prices on public transport will be elevated to consist of 24- and 25-year-olds. The 20% discount on mature fees will be extended for another year. TAX CUTS: lTax reductions contain a increase of €100 to €1,875 in the personal, Pay As You Earn, and gained income tax credits. l The Standard Rate Band has increased by €2,000 to €42,000. lThe inferior 2% rate of the U.S.C.

will now be pertinent on wages up to €25,760, an increase of €2,840. l From now until the end of 2025, the Universal Social Charge reduction for persons with medical cards who mark less than €60,000 yearly has been extended by two years. WELFARE: lA living alone allowance of €200. l€400 for the Domiciliary Care Allowance, Blind Pension, Disability Support Grant, and Invalidity Pension. lThe Working Family Payment is €400.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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Clare breaks into top 40 of Global Destination Sustainability Index CLARE is officially one of the most sustainable destinations in the world after it was confirmed that the county has broken into the top 40 of the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, writes Páraic McMahon. Standing at number 38 in the world’s leading sustainability benchmarking and performance improvement programme for destinations, Co Clare is now in illustrious company alongside Paris, Singapore, Copenhagen, Melbourne, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, Berlin and Helsinki. An intensive audit of the county whereby it was assessed under 60 separate indicators across four key areas was facilitated by the Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau, with input and support from Clare County Council, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, the Burren Ecotourism Network, Fáilte Ireland and the local tourism trade. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) commented, “Fantastic work is being undertaken by local agencies and the tourism trade on an individual and collective level to further improve the sustainability strategy and performance of County Clare as a tourism and events destination. I hope Clare’s inclusion in the Top 40 list will inspire and

lTOURISM: Doonagore Castle, Doolin Photo by Brian Morrison engage the tourism sector to Manager of the Shannon Region explore new ways of becoming a Conference and Sports Bureau The Brendan O'Regan more regenerative, flourishing, and said, “ThisRestaurant is a huge achievement resilient place to visit, meet, for Cooccasions. Clare andThe is menu testament to is idealand for special live in. This is already afeatures key focus the huge amount ofa work ongoing traditional cuisine with modern of Clare County Council working in the county as evidenced by the creative twist. with key stakeholders to day implement recent establishment, through the key objectives of Clare Tourism the implementation of the Clare Strategy 2030”. Tourism Strategy 2030, of a Green Karen Ronan, General Team to reinforce the validity of

policies and infrastructure, such as climate change commitment, carbon emissions, renewable energies, resource and water management, public transport, and air pollution levels. Social Progress Performance indicates the performance of a destination against indicators of SDG integration, Corruption, Personal Safety, Access to Information and Communications, Health and Wellness, and Inclusivity, using external sources such as the Social Progress Imperative Index, and Corruption Perceptions Index. Supplier Performance addresses the sustainability commitment and performance of the local meetings' industry supply chain, including The Poet's Corner Bar events agencies, hotels, airports, is a traditional Irish puband thatrestaurants. opens venues, Destination its doors onto the main town street ofManagement Performance indicates the Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bitecommitment to eat or of the sustainability traditional IrishConvention music session.Bureau, including questions pertaining to maturity of Clare's commitment in transitioning a destination’s sustainability and to becoming more sustainable”. regeneration strategy, leadership, In the auditing process recently communication of sustainability supervised by the Shannon Region initiatives (to support client Conference and Sports Bureau, planners), and the accuracy of Clare was assessed in four key their reporting on sustainability areas. operations. Environmental Performance focuses on a destination’s performance pertaining to its Visit www.gds.earth for more.

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Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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Flynn lets fly at Minister O’Gorman for issuing ‘insult to the people of Clare’ by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A SHANNON Councillor has hit out at the Department of Integration for ‘insulting the people of Clare’. At the June meeting of Clare County Council, a proposal from Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) was passed which called on the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister for Justice and Minister of State for Integration “to have consideration for the impact of placing huge numbers of people seeking asylum in Clare from a number of countries”. The proposal added, “Clare is one of the counties hosting high numbers and the constituents contacting me feel that the county of Clare has accommodated enough at this point in time, and they are of the opinion that the Government need to adequately address the deficiencies in support services available and put in place additional measures to help the inte-

gration of people seeking asylum in Ireland and the numbers placed in Clare,” He stated, “the motion is requesting the Government to consider the impact through Clare which is one of the highest receivers in Ireland and to accept that Co Clare has taken enough at this moment in time”. Correspondence issued to Clare County Council from Lisa Hughes, the private secretary to Minister for Integration, Roderic O’Gorman (GP) responding to Cllr Flynn’s motion was issued in the past three weeks. Ms Smith outlined, “Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ireland has seen an unprecedented number of people arrive here fleeing the Russian aggression. In addition, there has been a huge increase in people seeking asylum from other countries. Since February 2022 to date, we are providing almost 93,000 people seeking refuge with

state‐sourced accommodation, and that number continues to increase. This consists of almost 70,000 people who have fled the war in Ukraine and over 23,000 people seeking international protection”. She added, “Given the scale and urgency of the operation to source accommodation for unplanned new arrivals, manage and process them appropriately, and transfer and settle them into their new homes and communities, there has been a requirement to act at pace, with developments often happening at very short notice”. Officials in the Department are “working to improve how new accommodation is sourced, and how these developments are communicated to local communities. Our aim is to enhance communications and engagement and give communities more access to information and updates on what is happening in their community”.

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competitions. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form panels for the areas set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

• IRISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT/ COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 12 noon Wednesday 1st November 2023

• TECHNICIAN GRADE 1 (CIVIL, ARCHITECTURAL & BUILDING) PANEL 2023 Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 12 noon Thursday 2nd November 2023

• TEMPORARY ARCHIVIST Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 12 noon Thursday 2nd November 2023

• CARETAKER/CLEANER PANEL 2023 Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 12 noon Friday 3rd November 2023 Applicants should note that in the event of a large volume of applications being received, desktop short listing may take place based on the type, length, and relevance of previous experience. Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846250, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community. Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

lADDITIONAL MEASURES: Cllr Gerry Flynn Photo by Natasha Barton

'We're expecting a lot more from a lot less people' Gardaí feeling the pressure CLARE’S GARDAÍ are finding it increasingly more difficult to do their job with less resources, writes Páraic McMahon. Speaking this week, Superintendent John Ryan highlighted that Gardaí across the county are struggling to do their job with no sign of increasing resources. Since the amalgamation of the Clare and Tipperary Garda Divisions, Ennis based Supt Ryan is the only one of the six superintendents in the two counties located in Co Clare. “We have reduced numbers so we’re expecting a lot more from a lot less people,” he said of the pressures on Gardaí in Clare. “I’d love to see more Guards on the street and out and about more but because of the processes we have and the numbers we have I can’t do anything about it. I walked past the Courthouse today, we have quite a number of Guards there because of the amount of cases we have,” he added. Supt Ryan added, “The demands on us are increasing, to

run Ennis takes a minimum of six Guards, we keep two cars going all the time but that is just dealing with the calls, the new model is bringing us to areas like Tulla which we wouldn’t have had to respond to previously”. Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) in response to the comments of Supt Ryan at Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, stated, “we have nothing but the highest of regard for An Garda Síochána, it is quite obvious to me that ye are under-resourced, I’m also conscious that there are the issues with rostering, the Minister for Justice has to come back to the Goverment and look at this”. Kildysart native O’Callaghan added, “I am in favour of engagement, we are trying to protect a town of 40,000, the issues have changed so dramatically of what was there ten years ago, children vaping now, we didn’t know about it ten years ago”. Security and Garda resources will be “a major for the General Election next year,” Cllr Clare

Colleran Molloy (FF) predicted. She asked Supt Ryan what numbers he would like to see based out of Ennis Garda Station. In response Supt Ryan commented, “I am a strong sports advocate, I’ve played on teams and been involved with teams, I see the team I have around me in Ennis as the same as a team in the dressing room, if I don’t have young people coming in then the energy and the team fades, we need to get the young people back and interested in joining An Garda Síochána”. He continued, “How many it takes will be difficult, I’ve three members in community engaging, it is not sufficient for a town with 40,000 plus people, we need a minimum of six, we work shift work too”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 12 ,2023 2023

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Clare breaks into top 40 of Global Destination Sustainability Index

CLARE is officially one of the most sustainable destinations in the world after it was confirmed that the county has broken into the top 40 of the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, writes Páraic McMahon. Standing at number 38 in the world’s leading sustainability benchmarking and performance improvement programme for destinations, Co Clare is now in illustrious company alongside Paris, Singapore, Copenhagen, Melbourne, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, Berlin and Helsinki. An intensive audit of the county whereby it was assessed under 60 separate indicators across four key areas was facilitated by the Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau, with input and support from Clare County Council, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, the Burren Ecotourism Network, Fáilte Ireland and the local tourism trade. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) commented, “Fantastic work is being undertaken by local agencies and the tourism trade on an individual and collective level to further improve the sustainability strategy and performance of County Clare as a tourism and events destination. I hope Clare’s inclusion in the Top 40 list will inspire and

7 9

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A traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session..

The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant Ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

Book now on +353 65 682 8127 or email sales@oldgroundhotel.ie | Find out more www.oldgroundhotelennis.com/dining

Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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Notes

QUIN TIDY TOWNS LAST Friday, Oct 6th, the Tidy Towns results were announced and Quin Village Tidy Towns came up trumps, gaining an extra 15 points and winning a Bronze Medal in our category. Ably led by Gabriella Hanrahan the local TT group is going from strength to strength and the huge number of volunteers willing to help makes the hard work much easier to do. The Community spirit is well and truly evident all around the village. X-PO OCTOBER BOOK CLUB OUR monthly book club at X-PO kicks off this month! Come join us on Thursday 19th October at 8:00pm. This month we will be meeting to discuss ‘Normal People’ by Sally Rooney. The library in Corofin has some additional copies of ‘Normal People’ for anyone who does not already have a copy. New members are very welcome! For further information please contact: 0858680123. KINVARA DRAMA NIGHT ‘THE Cheque’s in the Post’ an hilarious comedy by Alice Lynch will be staged in Kinvara Community Centre, on Saturday October 21st at 8.00pm. Set in 1970’s rural Ireland, it tells the story of two sisters, Maggie and Mary, who run their small farm without any help - as far as anyone knows. Presented by Clann Machua Drama Group, from Kiltimagh, this is a performance not to be missed. Tickets at €15 will be available on the door or from ‘Be Yourself ’ Boutique in Kinvara. Curtain up at 8pm. Doors open at 7:30pm Tell all your friends & family! ENNIS SINGERS CLUB ENNIS Singers Club @ The Grove host our annual Fundraiser for Sláinte an Chláir, Kilnamona on Friday, 20th October at 9.15 pm. in The Grove Restaurant, Roslevan. Special Guest: All-Ireland champion storyteller/singer Frances Kennedy of Listowel. EDDIE LENIHAN AT BANNER BOOKS BANNER Books to host storytelling event with Eddie Lenihan on Sunday October 15 as part of Irish Book Week 2023 celebrations. The event, with local author and one of the last practicing seanchaí Eddie Lenihan, will run from 2pm – 3.30pm and offers attendees the opportunity to enjoy tales of Irish Folk heroes! Tickets for this unique event are available now on the website, https://bannerbooks.ie/ For further information on the event at Banner Books contact Dee Kilkenny, Events Co-Ordinator at Banner Books on 065 908 0745 or email: events@bannerbooks.ie CLARE ROOTS SOCIETY TALK THE next Clare Roots Society talk will take place on Thursday 19 October 2023 at Clare Education Centre, Kilrush Road, Ennis V95 F782 at 7.30p.m. Larry Brennan will speak on ‘putting meat on the bones of your family tree’. This presentation will follow on from Clare Roots Society’s first talk of the year by Clara Hoyne where she introduced how to put together your family tree. Larry considers these names and dates associated with a family to be the bones of the tree. Annual Membership is available for €20 euro or admission is €5 at the door on the night. AOIFE SCOTT AT CÚLTURLANN SWEENEY FRESH from her triumphant 7-week tour of the United States, Aoife Scott brings her unique blend of contemporary folk music back to Ireland when she kicks off her upcoming 2023 Irish Tour at the Cúlturlann Sweeney, Kilkee on October 20. Live music lovers will have the chance to experience Aoife Scott's mesmerising live performances, promising an intimate and unforgettable musical experience that showcases Aoife's captivating vocals, heartfelt lyrics and the rich cultural tapestry of Irish folk music. Visit https:// culturlannsweeney.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/ shows for tickets.

Ennis Tennis Club sleep out for Focus Ireland by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

MORE than 100 members of Ennis Tennis & Badminton Club will volunteer or participate in a sleepout event this weekend. With 12 members sleeping out on Friday night, there will be a showcase of tennis and badminton on Friday evening from adult and junior members, along with Food and Drink. The sleepout is part of Shine A Light in aid of Focus Ireland, which provides services for people who are homeless and people at risk of homelessness in Ireland. Organiser Dervilla Moloney told The Clare Echo that she is endeavouring on her seventh sleepout. “It’s something close to my heart from past experiences and wherever I have worked, I have tried to do the sleepout for Focus Ireland. “My company is now abroad so I thought the tennis club was a great fit for the event.

Homelessness continues to be highlighted because it’s getting worse in Ireland and in the Clare and Limerick area. Some people think homelessness is just the poor soul in the shop door you can visibly see but the forgotten souls are the parents and children sleeping in cars. That’s where I would like to see it highlighted, families.” It is now more important than ever to show your support for Focus Ireland. The latest government figures released in August 2023, show that there’s over 12,691 people who are homeless and relying on emergency homeless accommodation in Ireland, an increase of 17.5% in the last year. Of these, 1,886 are families and 3,895 are children.   Latest Homeless Figures are for August 2023 in the Midwest showed there are 396 Adults Homeless (65 in Clare & 331 in Limerick) along with 139 Children. Ennis native Dervilla says the event is “a great way of get-

l WORTHY CAUSE: Ennis Tennis Club

ting the Ennis tennis and badminton community together as one” adding that she’s hoping the event will raise €4,000. Proceedings kick off on Friday evening (Oct 13) with an adult blitz event. On Saturday morning, Breakfast will be served to the Sleepout Team,

sponsored by Callinan Murphy (Berwick) Solicitors of Clare Road, Ennis. The event will culminate with a Tennis Showcase event from some of the top players in the club. To show your support for the event, visit joinus.focusireland.ie/fundraisers/etbc

Fianna Fáil to select Ennis candidates FIANNA FÁIL will select its candidates its local elections in the Ennis Municipal District on Monday night for next year’s local elections, writes Páraic McMahon. Party members will convene in Hotel Woodstock on Monday evening to cast their vote to determine who will be on the ballot paper for Fianna Fáil as it bids to retain the three seats it won within the Ennis Municipal District in 2019. Sitting trio, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Pat Daly (FF) and Cllr Tom O’Callaghan have been nominated alongside Antoinette Baker Bashua and Amanda Major. The Clare Echo understands that three candidates will be put forward. For the 2019 local elections, Fianna Fáil ran three candidates in the Ennis MD with the county’s youngest candidate Mark Nestor their top performer. The Clough-

leigh man was the second candidate elected after poll-topper, Cllr Mary Howard (FG). Nestor has since left politics to join the priesthood with Cllr O’Callaghan co-opted to the local authority as a result. In 2014 when the Ennis MD had the longest ballot paper in the country, Fianna Fáil had five candidates with Tom McNamara, Pat Daly and Clare Colleran Molloy elected while Bernard Hanrahan and Brian Meaney were unsuccessful. That 2014 election was Quin native Colleran Molloy’s first entry into politics and memorably just three votes separated her and Ger O’Halloran (FG) from the final seat. She has since gone on to serve as Mayor of Ennis on two occasions and had a brief stint as Mayor of Clare following Cathal Crowe’s election to the Dáil in February 2020 until she was succeeded

l LOCAL ELECTIONS: Cllr Pat Daly (FF) is the current Mayor of Ennis MD. He is pictured with Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) Photo by Eamon Ward

by Cllr Howard in June 2020. Within the Ennis MD, Cllr Daly is the longest serving of the councillors following his election to the local authority in 1999. Born on Parnell St but now living in Gallows Hill, Pat is a former parliamentary assistant to ex Clare TD, Tony Killeen (FF), Daly was elected Mayor of Clare in 2012. He was the last of the Ennis MD councillors elected on the tenth and final count in 2019. He is currently the Mayor of the Ennis MD. Of the 28 county councillors, Tom O’Callaghan is the most recent addition following his co-option to the County Council in December. Since then, he has clashed with his party colleague Cllr Colleran Molloy and Cllr Howard particularly regarding the Ennis 2040 Strategy and the General Municipal Allocation. The Kildysart native is Chairman of the Independent Postmasters Group. O’Callaghan fought off competition from publican Darragh McAllister, former councillor Hanrahan and Amanda Major to get the nomination last year and he will be renewing rivalries with Ms Major once again. Living in Co Clare since 2007, Amanda contested the 2019 local elections as an Independent candidate before joining Fianna Fáil last year. She is aspiring to become the first Nigerian candidate elected to Clare County Council. She became an Irish citizen in 2015 and has previously lived in Monaghan, Scariff and Shannon before settling in Ennis. Antoinette Bashua Baker completes the list of nominations. The Ennis woman lives in Cloughleigh with her husband Museliu a local soccer referee and their two sons. She is a a cancer survivor and is very involved in the Nigerian community and traces her Fianna Fáil roots back to her grandfather John who was a proud Charles Haughey supporter. A first cousin of All-Ireland winner, Ollie Baker, Antoinette has worked as a special needs assistant at St Anne’s SS in Ennis for over two decades.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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Local group Save Ennis hopeful talks Town march possible with draws crowds 2040 DAC by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

E P R E S E N TATIVES of Save Ennis Town are hopeful their silent march on Tuesday morning will lead to the commencement of talks between them and Ennis 2040 DAC, writes Páraic McMahon. Formed following a public meeting in May, Save Ennis Town is opposed to two of the nine transformational projects identified in the Ennis 2040 Strategy, namely plans for mixed-use office and retail developments on car parks in Abbey Street and Harvey’s Quay. In the region of 200 people partook in a silent march from Abbey Street Car Park to the offices of Clare County Council on Tuesday morning. Chairman of Save Ennis Town, Gearoid Mannion said they were “delighted” with the turnout. “There is a large number of retailers who closed their premises for an hour or two just to support the cause, we’re delighted with that. “We have taxi drivers, concerned citizens, the elderly and some councillors, we’re very happy with the turnout. It is a silent protest but we want to make our concerns known to all and sundry, we’re very concerned about the proposal to build on the car parks in the centre of town, that is our primary concern”. Save Ennis Town support the majority of the aspirations of Ennis 2040 except the building on car parks. “There is plenty in the Ennis 2040 plans that we agree with, we’re for progress in the town, we believe in the town and we believe in the future of the town, we’re very concerned about the car parks being basically obliterated, the car is part of the future whether people like it or not, we may be driving electric cars into the future but many of us will still be driving cars, we need places to park for people coming to work, shop or visit the town, we need parking”. In order for the group to support the plans, parking must form a central part, the travel counsellor stated. “It would want to be a significant modification and some parking provided but they seem to have a blind spot for parking, that is where we’re at now at the moment, it remains to be seen how this transpires

in the end”. Along with the taxi drivers and business owners, ordinary citizens rowed in behind the cause on Tuesday morning. “There is a lot of what I’d call Townies and elderly citizens of the town of Ennis, it is great to see them here, they are concerned for the town of Ennis, we’re delighted with the support we are getting from them, the weather has been kind to us but we need to make our voices heard and that is what we’re doing here today,” Gearoid stated. Both Save Ennis Town and Ennis 2040 DAC have clashed on their differing viewpoints with the labelling of Save Ennis Town as “a protest group” by a spokesperson for the DAC a previous bone of contention. “It’s pretty clear that we’re not rioters and we’re not protesters per se, I don’t believe they will ignore us, I believe it would be foolish of them not to take our concerns on board, our concerns are very legitimate and very measured, we have the future of the town of Ennis at heart, Ennis 2040 claims to have the same and I believe they do, I believe we will be listened to eventually”. Mannion told The Clare Echo there has been no offer from Ennis 2040 DAC to date to meet with representatives of their group to discuss their concerns. “We are hopeful that it will happen in the near future”. Their petition with over 3,500 signatures opposing the plans made him optimistic that such a meeting will be held. In response to queries from The Clare Echo on whether it would be willing to meet with representatives of Save Ennis Town following on from the silent march, a spokesperson for Ennis 2040 DAC stated, “Clare County Council and Ennis 2040 will hold a comprehensive public consultation before any proposed development takes shape once draft plans become available, giving everyone the opportunity to submit their feedback and share their views. Ennis 2040 D.A.C. / Clare County Council will be happy to meet with interested parties and stakeholders during the consultation phase when draft designs are available to inform meaningful discussions. Feedback received during the consultation process will be considered in any future proposed design and development”.

IN THE region of 200 people attended a silent march in Ennis on Tuesday morning. Organised by Save Ennis Town, the protest saw the sizeable group march from Abbey Street car park to the headquarters of Clare County Council where a petition containing 3,500 signatures was presented to the Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF). They are opposed to the building on the riverside car parks of Abbey Street and Harvey’s Quay, both of which have been identified for transformational projects in the Ennis 2040 Strategy. Included with the petition was a call to all twenty eight county councillors not to allow such developments to proceed. Each of the councillors also received a letter on behalf of Save Ennis Town with Bridget Ginnity presenting a framed letter at the Council offices while Michael Corry gave the Mayor a framed aerial photograph of Abbey Street. As they walked, they carried a ‘white elephant’, a symbol they do not want a repeat of the building erected in the Market which now primarily functions as a car park and was built at a cost of €500,000 as part of a

€1.75m redevelopment. Billed as a non-political event, the protest was attended by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) and Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF), both of whom are involved with Save Ennis Town while Shannon based Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) also joined the march. Business personnel present included Mike Dennehy of Knox’s Storehouse, Gerry Connellan of Abbey Newsagents, Dervilla Evans from Ennis Bookshop, Martin White of the Taxi Federation, Alfonso D’Auria of Enzo’s Chipper on Parnell Street, Tina Grogan of Bambino’s, John O’Connor from Custys Music Shop, Barry O’Driscoll of Precious Pets, Frank Holly from Holly’s Haven Pharmacy, Tommy O’Donnell, Tony Honan, Martin O’Brien and Noel Tierney. As the silent march descended on the offices of the Council, Mayor Daly was there to welcome them where he later accepted the documentation containing all signatories of the petition by retired school teacher, Joan Duggan. Held in advance of the monthly Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) and Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) did not come outside the Council offices to meet the near

lWE MEAN BUSINESS: Save Ennis Town chairman, 200 strong group while Cllr Ann Norton (IND) attended the meeting online with Cllr Mary Howard (FG) arriving late, they also did not engage with Save Ennis Town. Addressing the gathering before they departed from Abbey Street, Chairman of Save Ennis

Town, Gearoid Mannion praised the “fantastic turnout”. He explained, “it is a silent protest so we won’t be rioting. We don’t want to disrupt traffic so keep in, we don’t want to disrupt anyone, we just want to show that we mean business. There’s plenty in the

‘We’re here to protect our town’ risk of demolition warns local

l PEOPLE POWER: Mayor of Ennis MD Pat Daly (FF) receives the petition Photo by Eamon Ward

SAVE Ennis Town are confident their show of “people power” can stop ambitious plans of the Ennis 2040 strategy from proceedings, writes Páraic McMahon. Launched in October 2021 by then Tánaiste Leo Varadkar (FG), the economic and spatial strategy aspires to make Ennis “one of the best places in the world to live, work and visit”. Aspects of the strategy have caused controversy including the Ennis Data Centre with Save Ennis Town formed in response to plans to develop on car parks in Abbey Street and Harvey’s Quay. Cora McNulty was among one of the main speakers at a meeting in The Temple Gate Hotel which led to the creation of Save Ennis Town. Speaking to The Clare Echo at Tuesday’s silent march, she outlined, “we’ve a great mix of Ennis

people, business people and a great group from the community, it is very important and it is the first of a few events we will plan. It is a very important march, we have to save our riverside car parks, save medieval Ennis and the destruction of our town”. Such future events could include a rally on a Saturday, she said. “We know a Tuesday morning is an awkward day for people, it is a working day but the reason we’re going this morning is to present our petition to the Mayor of Ennis before the Ennis Municipal District meeting. We’re now walking through Abbey

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Gearoid Mannion speaks to the crowd Photo by Tom Micks Ennis 2040 document that we agree important person in any business is a with but we’re against the building in customer and they have to be able to the car park, we want progress and to- park, I can see people are very upset day is the first of the days that we will by this”. show that we mean business”. He committed the petition to the Speaking outside the Council head- executive of the Ennis MD. “Ye know quarters, Cllr Daly said he was “delight- how I stand on it, I voted against it,” ed to accept” the petition. “I’ve been a Cllr Daly reminded the crowd, his combusiness man myself and I know car ments earning a large round of apparks are very important and the most plause.

- medieval Ennis at voluntary group Street, a very historic part of the town, it is of the utmost importance that we protect our town, I’m a native of Ennis and a very proud Townie, I want to protect my town and that is why I’m so involved with this issue”. Personnel involved in the Ennis 2040 Designated Activity Company “are completely removed from what Ennis people want,” Cora claimed. “They have no idea what Ennis people want, they are completely out of touch from the feelings of the people, it is time for them to wake up and listen to us, there has been no consultation whatsoever, they don’t listen to the people, they have made all these decisions regardless of how we feel, it is unacceptable, today we’re showing some people power”. Presenting a petition with over 3,500 signatures showed the support for their cause, Cora maintained. “Ní neart go cur le chéile. We have nearly 3,800 signatures, the petition is

still open so people can still sign, there is a lot of people still who said they would love to be here but they said they had to go to their jobs, we know we have great support in the town, again I say ní neart go cur le chéile, there’s strength in unity”. A spokesperson for Ennis 2040 DAC told The Clare Echo “comprehensive public consultation” will be held before any proposed development takes place. “The Ennis 2040 Economic & Spatial Strategy is a long-term strategy for the future viability of Ennis. “The Strategy seeks to safeguard, invest in and maximise Ennis’ strategic assets that are critical to its future growth. “With this strategy, Clare County Council want to create a vibrant and thriving Ennis, where sustainable development, balanced economic growth, and a high quality of life are at the heart of its transformation as Ennis becomes Ireland’s first climate adaptive town”.

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60 seconds with... Rosie McMahon 40 BUSINESS & RECRUITMENT

Electric win T

With six weeks to go before the Clare Business Excellence Awards 2023, we speak to Rosie McMahon from Shannon Estuary Way Retreat

2. Tell me about your business? We are a husband-and-wife team who both shared the dream to build a Health and Wellness day retreat center here at home in Ballynacally where we are elevated on sacred land called Ardnagla meaning the High Stream, looking out onto the Fergus estuary waters, islands, mountains, native Irish woodlands and the rolling hills of county Clare. Our mission is to create a safe space for people to relax, recharge and restore their minds and bodies. Our aim is to empower people to learn more about ways to improve their health and wellbeing during our exclusive day retreat or train with us under our recently approved ITEC world accredited Training academy for complementary therapies and yoga teacher trainings. 3. Is there anything that might surprise readers about Shannon Estuary Way Retreat? We have a woodburning hot tub, sauna and a whisky barrel ice bath and we are one of Ireland’s hidden gems and recently selected for Clare FM’s top 5 best experiences in County Clare. 4. What was your first job and what age were you? The West County Hotel aged 16 (before that I worked on the farm with my grandfather from as young as 9 years old). Few babysitting jobs for neighbours and family. 5. What are your strongest memories of that?

The brown envelope with my first pay cheque

6. Weirdest job you ever had? Picking Daffodils late December in a field in Cornwall UK

7. If you could have chosen a different career path, what would it be? A doctor . 8. Is there anybody in business that has inspired you? My Dad. 9. What has been the most challenging thing you’ve encountered in business? Initially finding time to do what I love recreationally climbing mountains, delighted to say I’m making that time now that we are over one year in Business. 10. If you could start again, is there anything you would do differently? Don’t sweat the small stuff. Ask myself would I be worrying about what I’m worrying about in one years’ time if not don’t give it 5 minutes of my time in my head. 11. Can you give advice to anybody considering going into business? If you have the drive and the will and it’s your passion nothing but yourself will stop you! Only the stories in your head can hold you back. It hard at the start messy in the middle but sweet when it starts to soar. 12. What is your favourite book? Any book to do with self-help, healing, growth, Mindset, I love. Now currently

HE final of Clare Business Excellence Awards, hosted by Ennis Chamber took place at glόr last night (November 24), Ennis-based CSGL Electrical Whole13.What is your favourite film? salers, founded in 2011, were the big winners on the night, with a trio of awards. CSGL Any true story and history especially Irish won ‘Best Micro Business’ and ‘Business Suphistory. porting Community, and from there went on to scoop the overall award for ‘Clare Business the Year’. 14. What was the first CD / tapeof/This was the 12th year Clare Business Exrecord your purchased? cellence Awards took place and the independent judges said the standard was back to Nirvana. pre-Covid days, with excellent submissions and tight competition across all categories. 15. Who is your sporting hero? Clare County Council is the awards main sponsor and supporter. Leas Cathaoirleach, My Grandparents – my grandfather ran Cllr. Ann Norton congratulated the finalcross country competitively to win hisiststitle and winners on the resilience they have shown to survive recent challenges including and my grandmother cycled from Clare those brought about by Covid-19, and she to Limerick junction got on the train with wished them well as they face new challenges her bike and went to Cork to competebecause of the war in Ukraine. Commenting on the results, Ennis Chamin the county championship cycling race ber President Colin Ryan said, “This year’s and won and returned home to Clare Clare Business Awards Gala was a great afterwards on the same day by bicyclenight andof celebration and optimism. The finalists represented the best qualities you find train. She also won horse jumping sport in Clare businesses; commitment, drive, an openness to new opportunities and a comchampionships. My heroes. mitment to training.” Winners on the night included, EI Elec16. What was your favourite tronics, Temple Gate Hotel, Caherconnell Stone Fort, Oar Restaurant, Eva’s Café, Seoiholiday? din, Torpey, Clare Drains Environmental, San Francisco with my husband. We both Shannon Springs Hotel, O’Connor’s Bakery, l OVERALL WINNERS: L-R John Burk Cliffs of Moher Experience, Sweet N Green Chamber, Liam Conneally, Clare County drove a Harley Davidson on the Pacific café and Cuimhneamh an Chláir. highway. Summing up what impressed most about has developed robust best practice syst the overall winner, CSGL Electrical Whole- Rosie l RELAX & RECHARGE: McMahon salers, the judges said, “CSGL has a clearly and procedures to ensure a quality pro 17. If somebody could play you in a defined growth strategy which embraces cus- and it is exceptionally well-managed.” film, who would it be? Commenting on her company’s win, tomer satisfaction at its core. The company

reading Breathing for Yoga and hooked.

Angelina Jolie.

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18. Three things you’d bring to a desert island? An endless supply of drinking water, a quad bike to get around, sunglasses and protective sun gear and screen

2023

1. Where are you from? County Clare - Originally Ruan now living in Ballynacally.

19. What is your favourite saying / quote? GREEN & BEST USE OF DIGITAL and Your Health is Your Wealth – My grand-BEST SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES MARKETING/SOCIAL Sponsored by Rengen Power MEDIA mother used say that a lot.

BEST VOLUNTA COMMUNITY G Sponsored by St F Winner: EI Electronics Sponsored by the Clare Echo Union Winner: Cliffs of Moher Winner: Cuimhnea BEST MICRO BUSINESS (Clare Memories) (employing 10 or less) JUROR’S SPECIAL Sponsored by Clare Local EnterRECOGNITION AWARD BUSINESS SUP prise Office Winner: O’Connor’s Bakery COMMUNITY Winner: CSGL Electrical WholeSponsored by Ess RETAILER OF THE YEAR saler Winner: CSGL Elec Sponsored by Ennis Chamber salers BEST SME (10-250 staff) Winner: Seoidin (Ennis) Sponsored by Cup Print AGE-FRIENDLY CUSTOMER SERVICE Winner: Torpey Sponsored by Clar EXCELLENCE Council and Ennis PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Sponsored by McKeogh GallaWinner: Sweet N G EXCELLENCE AWARD gher Ryan Accountants Sponsored by Vitalograph Winner: Shannon Springs Hotel ‘CLARE BUSINE Winner: Clare Drains EnvironBEST PLACE TO EAT (Bistro THE YEAR 2022 mental Winner) or Café) Sponsored by Clar BEST TOURISM tributed so generously to this event auctionSponsored total”. by AIB Council EXPERIENCE Winner: Eva’s Café (Ennis) again - we urge the people of Clare She urged schools to “Make team Winner: CSGL Elec Sponsored by TUS BEST PLACE TO EAT salers to check out the auction and Stonepride a difference! Register Winner:items Caherconnell Fort make (Restaurant) (Kilfenora) Sponsored by AIB make everyday and luxury purchas- at jerseyday@ennislionsclub.ie. All HOSPITALITY Winner: OAR (Doolin) es from groceries toBEST art pieces to schools participating will enter a Sponsored by Shannon Group support these members ourGate so-Hotel draw Winner:of Temple (Ennis) sponsored by Boru Sports for

Ennis Lions Club encourage public to ‘browse and bid’ WHAT have tickets for Hermitage Green and a Leg of Lamb got in common? Well! Both are up for auction this week to support Clare Haven Services and Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre. Whether you are up for a night out or need to provide a family dinner you can find something to bid on in the second Ennis Lions Club/Clare FM Online Auction. David Goodstein, project leader, remarked “Last year this event was an amazing success raising over €30k for Bushypark to develop their Family and Wellness Centre. This

year the auction is supporting both Clare Haven and Bushypark but has a central theme focussed on children in difficult circumstances.” Both service providers have spoken of the needs of children in situations where they have no voice or control over the decisions made or actions taken by significant adults in their lives. However those decisions and actions influence children for many years to come. Bushypark, which now offers extended services to families impacted by a loved one’s substance misuse or addiction re-

lated negative behaviours have targeted family wellbeing again for auction funds. Clare Haven are committed to using their share of funding for the development of a specific young people's space for those aged between 12 and 17 to have a place to call their own within the service where they can explore, with guidance, resilience, healing and therapeutic tools to assist them towards a stable adulthood. President of Ennis Lions Club Michael Sheedy said “Clare businesses and professions have con-

ciety who are so much in need of it” Susan Ward added “In tandem with the auction is a Jersey Day which schools across the county can participate in. Taking place on the final day of the Auction, October 20th, schools (and workplaces) are invited to wear their favourite team Jersey in exchange for funds towards the

a set of Jerseys – great set of kit!”

Browse and Bid at https://www. biddingowl.com/Auction/index. cfm?auctionID=28356 Or go to https://ennislionsclub.ie/ auction and follow the links Art items on display at Kaffeine café at the Queens Hotel.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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CLARE AGE FRIENDLY STRATEGY (2023-2027) Workshop at Treacy’s West County Hotel

Guide For Older Persons Unveiled At Clare Age Friendly Strategy Workshop The Clare Age Friendly Programme and the Clare Older People’s Council have developed a comprehensive guide to the essential services and supports available for older adults and their families in the county. The Directory of Services for Older People features contact details for public services, community and voluntary organisations and some community based social groups across the county, as well as guidance around entitlements, safety and security, transport and health. The Directory was distributed to attendees of a workshop held at Treacy’s West County Hotel in Ennis where older residents of the county gathered with key service providers from the statutory, voluntary and community sectors to discuss and share ideas on the Clare Age Friendly Strategy 2023–2027. Round Table Discussions took place on World Health Organisation (WHO) themes, the feedback from which will help to form the content for the new strategy. Speaking at the workshop, Cllr. Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, stated “As Elected Members, Age Friendly is a key consideration in how we develop policy and is a key objective of the renewed Clare Rural Strategy 2030 and our County Development Plan, while it also is a key consideration of the Clare Local Economic and Community Plan that is currently being prepared.” “Age Friendly Initiatives under these plans have a clear focus and will develop an Age Friendly built and social environment that will enhance the lives of our communities for the benefit of all,” added the Cathaoirleach.

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Chair of the Clare Age Friendly Alliance and the National Age Friendly Chairs of Alliances commented, “The workshop, which coincided with Positive Ageing Week, was about building on the momentum and on what has been achieved to date and working together to form actions that can be developed in the forthcoming Clare Age Friendly Strategy”. Emer Coveney, National Programme Manager, Age Friendly Ireland attended the event and outlined the role of the Local Government Shared Services and stated that the Older People’s Council represents the ‘voice’ of older people at local level, reflects the diversity of older people in the community, represents older people on the Age Friendly Alliance Board and identifies older people’s issues through consultation. Maurice Harvey, Chairperson of the Clare Older People’s Council, commented, “As life expectancy increases the onus is on society to adapt in a manner that provides our older people with the physical, economic, and cultural opportunities to ensure they enjoy the best quality of life.” Visit www.clarecoco.ie for more on the Clare Age Friendly Strategy 2023–2027. Copies of the Directory of Services for Older People are available from local library branches, local authority offices and GPs. Further copies of the Information Guide can be obtained by telephoning (065) 684 6240 or by emailing; agefriendlyclare@ clarecoco.ie.

Cathal O’Neill, Clarecare and Monica O’Loughlin, Clare Older People’s Council

Ann Daly, Mary O’Callaghan, James Gallagher, Mary Hogan (Members of Clare Older People’s Council), Bernadette Haugh, Senior Executive Officer, Brendan Boyce, Clare Age Friendly Programme Manager, Helen Moloney, Clare Age Friendly Programme, Monica O’Loughlin, Larry Hally (Members of Clare Older People’s Council), Jason Murphy, Director of Service. Front Row L to R: Susan Harvey (Clare Older People’s Council), Emer Coveney (National Programme Manager, Age Friendly Ireland), Maurice Harvey (Chairperson of the Clare Older People’s Council), Cllr. Joe Cooney (Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council), Eithne Mallin, Consultant, Carole Head (Clare Older People’s Council) Photos by Eamon Ward

Dr. Emer Coveney, National Programme Manager for Age Friendly Ireland

Mary O’Callaghan, Carole Head and Ann Daly of the Clare Older People’s Council

Kay Murphy, Active Retirement Ireland and Jean Dunne, Clare Cultural Companions

Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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O FURTHER boost Shannon Airport’s status as the gateway for the Ryder Cup, Clare County Council have been encouraged to introduce travel discounts at local authority owned tourism sites for passengers that fly into the International Airport, writes Páraic McMahon. At Monday’s Council meeting, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) tabled a proposal urging the Council to provide “an incentive of 10% discount to any passenger travelling through Shannon Airport to any of the Clare County Council managed tourist facilities and that Clare County Council in conjunction with Shannon Airport would also put a package in place to incentivise people to travel through Shannon for the Ryder Cup”. Adare Manor will host the 2027 Ryder Cup in what will be one of the biggest sporting events to take place in the Mid-West of Ireland. Shannon Airport’s status as a key access point for visitors to the county is underlined in the Clare Tourism Strategy, Director of Tourism Development, Leonard Cleary noted, “this avoids a long unnecessary trek across the country from Dublin Airport”. Director Cleary committed to work with the Shannon Airport Group and test the “discount concept” with the provision of a QR code for nominated local authority operated tourism sites. Potential means of accessing this include presenting a Shannon Airport boarding pass or the QR code in the Arrivals Hall. Using Shannon Airport for the Ryder Cup is a top priority, Cleary stressed. “Substantial advertising of this access route” will be evident to international travel operators and the commercial private aviation sector, he said. Speaking on Monday, Cllr Ryan stated, “My inten-

tion was to promote traffic through Shannon Airport, everyone in this chamber knows Shannon Airport is the engine of this county, it generates massive employment and brings massive numbers into our county”. Travel agents in North America need to be brought on board, the Cratloe representative said. Crowds of 40,000 per day attended the Ryder Cup in Rome, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) noted. “It is massive,” he exclaimed, “all hotels of Clare, Galway and Cork are nearly sold out already I’m told and a lot of B&Bs too”. Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) commented, “We have the product and it is about getting people to come to this area”. An opportunity for Shannon to retain passengers following the Ryder Cup is massive, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) maintained. “During the last year looking at social media, those using Shannon Airport for the first time have said they will never go back to Dublin, we could get people in for the first time and keep them coming back”. There are endless avenues for Shannon Airport to capitalise, Cllr John Crowe (FG) stressed, “Everyone is on a winner here. The most important thing in is a business is to get people through the door. We’re business people now because we have all the sites to run”. Every bit of promotion will help Shannon, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) flagged. “We know large events were on in Co Clare that Clare County Council were to the forefront and Shannon Airport didn’t market itself. Clare is a fantastic county, we have shown how we can manage large events and everyone wants to come here”. Memories of visiting Australia and getting a discount book with the subse-

quent determination to use it were recalled by Cllr Mary Howard (FG), “Give ourselves the designation of being the airport for the Ryder Cup”. Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) observed, “The good side of being in control of things is to be able to offer things, the creative use of that going forward will bear really good fruits”. While Cllr Howard went Down Under with her comparisons, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) sailed across the Atlantic, “It can be summed up in a couple of words, we need to sell, sell, sell in the words of the New York Stock Exchange, we need to keep doing it”. Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) believed, “We need to change the mindset and stop people flying from Dublin”. Plenty of activity will be visible for the Ryder Cup, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) predicted. “Going on the price of houses for a week around the time it is supposed to be massive so I look forward to seeing the amount of private jets flying in”. Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) commented, “Anything we can do as a local authority to promote Shannon in the run-up to 2027 would be much appreciated by everyone in the tourism, restaurants and hotels”. Lahinch hosting the 2019 Irish Open was a “lost opportunity” for Shannon Airport, the bigger stage of the 2027 Ryder Cup cannot see this replicated, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) stressed. “It is example of creative thinking which leads to successful achievement,” observed Cllr PJ Kelly (FF). Discounts from Shannon will help people “remember their trip to Clare,” Cllr Ann Norton (IND) added. l Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) Photo

by Martin Connolly

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

Columnists

Thought for the week: Candle of hope Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY

E’VE all had days, weeks, months even years when life just doesn’t seem to be going our way! We feel at a loss, and despair for our future about what might happen to us. At times turning to different types of addiction or falling into different spiraling levels or symptoms of depression, and fear of being found out or fear of seeking help and support from family, friends and caring organisations. I’ve had some long days in my own life especially over the last few years where I felt like nothing was working and everything seemed to end in disaster and I’ve had many painful days of desperation where I just couldn’t seem to get anything finished. We’re in this life to learn from every experience we have and then to use those teachings to grow, evolve, and become the best version of who we are or who we really want to be. Life is not stagnant, we are always changing, this is the nature of life. CANDLE OF HOPE And if you aren’t going through any of this but know a friend or a family member or a colleague who is, talk to them, be with them, listen to them, guide them, help them, get help for them, show them where they can

get help, be there for them, care for them and help them to show up and find that hope that you hopefully have in your life. I will have that candle of hope lighting for us all today, tonight and tomorrow and everyday that we will all find that hope we need in our lives. I wish much hope and prayers for us all and especially for any families or friends or colleagues who are searching for a loved one who is missing, or who is unwell or is suffering in any way. Respect and love yourself completely. Walk away with humility, courage, and grace from people, places, situations and things that do not serve your highest ideal in life. We didn’t come hereknowing everything, so when we learn and know better, we ultimately have the power to do better, which will lead to our growth, success, and happiness. Every single chapter of our life is a learning experience. You deserve the utmost respect, care, and kindness, so never treat yourself with anything less, and never accept any other behaviour from others. To the givers and forgivers out there, keep being you and keep doing what you’re doing, and don’t ever let this cold and sometimes very ugly world change you. If you’re feeling tired, give yourself permission to rest, chill, reflect and take advantage of every little moment you are given. If you’re giving all the time and never filling back up, you’re going to be depleted.

l Be light for someone you love You’re good to others, so why don’t you be good to you? You’re kind and caring to others, so be kind and caring to yourself. Be generous, loving and compassionate to yourself. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK As your thought for the week, pray for hope for the

people in your life and know that hope never abandons us. We abandon hope. The only appropriate response to life is hope and gratefulness. May hope and gratefulness fill our hearts. May its light dispel the darkness of hatred and fear. May the hope in it lift us up. May the love therein guides

and embraces us. May the peace in it permeate our beings. May each of us be fully centered and rested in it always. Consult not your fears but your hopes, your gratefulness and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you

tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do. Hope is the basis of existence and we should never give up hope. Hope should be our true companion of all times. I am sure if you allow it, your hope will light many candles in your life. For when you light up the candle of others, in the days of adversity you will receive strength and capacity to overcome all of your fears. I pray that your candle of hope may start to shine brightly again!! A prayer of Hope and gratefulness I like to say to keep me going - Dear Lord, I try so hard to be your humble servant, I come before you today in need of hope. There are times when I feel helpless and lost. There are times when I feel weak and addicted. I pray for hope. I need hope for a better future. I need hope for a better life. I need hope for love, care, shelter and kindness. Some say that the sky is at its darkest just before the light. I pray that this is true, for all seems very dark in my life at times. I need your light, Lord, in every way. I pray to be filled with your light from head to toe. To bask in your glory. To know that all is right in the world, as you have planned, and as you want it to be. Help me Lord to walk in your light, and live my life in faith and support to those most in need. “God keep me well with acceptance of your will”. In your name I pray, Amen.

Clár faoi cheantar na Boirne ar TG4 san oíche amárach Programme about the Burren on TG4 tomorrow evening Macalla an Chláir

Imeachtaí/Events:

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

ÍGÍ i gcomhluadar Dermot Somers san oíche amárach, Dé hAoine, an 13ú lá de Dheireadh Fómhair, ag 19:30 ar TG4. Beidh sé i gcuid Chondae an Chláir de cheantar na Boirne agus aolchloch faoina chois. Ar ndóigh, tá draíocht ar leith san áit agus leigheas ar dhaitheacha fiacal freisin, más fíor / Join Dermot Somers tomorrow evening, Friday the 13th of October, at 7.30pm on TG4. He’s in the Burren, on dry limestone and visits a local well to cure his toothache.

lDermot Somers sa mBoireann, amárach ag 7.30pm ar TG4

• ENNIS/INIS – RANGANNA GAEILGE/ ON-GOING IRISH CLASSES, Ennis Education Centre, Dé Céadaoin, 6pm agus 7pm, spraoilegaeilge@gmail.com, 085-1295594 • CILL INÍNE BAOITH - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm • INIS – Músaem an Chláir, Taispeántas dhátheangach ag ceiliúradh saol & saothar an Ollaimh Tomás Ó Máille, an chéad ollamh le Gaeilge in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe. Ar siúl go dtí an 27ú Deireadh Fómhair. • INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com • RAIDIÓ CLARE FM - ‘’Cúl-chaint’’ le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile mhaidin Dé Sathairn, 9am. Seol nuacht chuig: Donal@ clare.fm

Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

GREEN CLARE

Marine mammal observer training programme announced for Kilrush A MARINE mammal observer (MMO) training programme has been announced for Kilrush, writes Páraic McMahon. ESB are to fund the programme which is open to graduates, final-year undergraduates and postgraduate students who are studying or working in the area of marine science or related disciplines. The aim of the programme is to assist in developing marine ecology education and skills to support successful applicants at the early stages of their careers in the marine environmental profession.   Five places will be awarded by ESB on the MMO training programme, all applicants must be available to participate in person for training at Kilrush on November 4th and 5th with the deadline for application submissions on October 12th. Industry-approved training courses and medicals will be funded to bring individuals up to the standard level of competency for offshore work. These courses include Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), United Kingdom’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) MMO training with Irish Guideline certifi-

cations, and Offshore Energies U.K (OEUK) approved medical and Fit-to-Train certifications. The training programme is being endorsed by the Marine Mammal Observer Association, which will offer one-year complimentary affiliate membership to successful candidates and provide further advice and mentoring support for pursuing a career as an MMO. The programme is also being endorsed by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), which will offer one-year complimentary associate membership and one-year access to its career development pathway. MMO training will be provided by the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group and will include classroom-based training, two nights’ accommodation and a half-day at sea experience onboard the research vessel, Celtic Mist. IWDG will also offer one-year complimentary membership to programme participants. Simon Berrow, Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, said, “Over the last 30 years the IWDG has been at the forefront of whale and dolphin conserl Dr Simon Berrow

vation in Irish waters. Now, with increasing pressures on our seas, especially the coastal zone, there is more demand than ever for trained and experienced marine mammal mitigation experts. The IWDG is delighted to be working in collaboration with the ESB to provide pathways to joining the offshore industry in an environmental capacity, to ensure the continued safeguarding of marine mammals in Irish waters”. Ashleigh Kitchiner, Chair of the Marine Mammal Observer Association, commented: “MMOA believes that investing in devel-

oping emerging professionals is vital for the growth and sustainability of our industry. We are confident that this MMO Training Programme coupled with our endorsement and support will contribute to the success of each candidate”. Qualified MMOs are environmental professionals who specialise in monitoring marine megafauna species and ensure the implementation of mitigation requirements during various industry operations. Such roles will play an important part in the delivery of offshore wind projects.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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GREEN CLARE

Clare County Council launches Draft Climate Action Plan for consultation CLARE County Council has published its Draft Climate Action Plan 2024-2029. Under the plan, Clare aspires to become a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy by 2050. The actions of the plan not only look at how Clare County Council can transform its own operations and services, but also addresses what other organisations the Council can partner with and what supports it can give to local communities and individuals. The Draft Climate Action Plan 20242029 is available to view on Clare County Council’s engagement platform, ‘Your Say’, where feedback can also be provided through an online survey which will be open until 23rd November, 2023. Individuals, communities, and organisations can also provide written feedback directly to Clare County Council (referencing ‘Climate Action

Plan’) or emailed feedback to climate@ clarecoco.ie A copy of the Draft Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 with associated Strategic Environmental Assessment Report and Natura Impact Report will be on public display until 23rd November, 2023, and is available to view online and may also be inspected during normal opening hours at the following locations, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Shannon Municipal District Office, Town Hall, Shannon, West Clare Municipal District Office, Town Hall, The Square, Kilrush, Ennistymon Area Office, Ennis Road, Ennistymon, Killaloe Municipal District Office, Mountshannon Road, Scarriff, and Public libraries in Ennis, Kilrush, Ennistymon, Shannon and Killaloe during opening hours. Publishing the plan is “a significant milestone in our commitment to addressing climate change and securing a

sustainable future for our county,” said Cllr Joe Cooney (FG), Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. “This vital document represents a roadmap to address the pressing climate challenges we face and enhance the well-being of all our residents.” Consultation evenings will be held where staff will be available during the hours 5:00pm to 7:00pm to provide guidance on the Draft Climate Action Plan and on the consultation process. The dates and venues are as follows, West Clare Municipal District Office Kilrush, Town Hall, Kilrush (November 6th), Shannon Municipal District Office, Town Hall, Shannon (November 6th), West Clare Municipal District Office Ennistymon, Ennis Road, Ennistymon (November 7th), Killaloe Municipal District Office, Mountshannon Road, Scariff (November 7th) and the Civic Room, Buttermarket Building, Drumbiggle Road, Ennis (November 8th).

l Pictured launching the Draft Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 are (l-r): Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council; Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council; and Siobhán McNulty, Acting Director of Physical Development, Clare County Council Photo by Eamon Ward

Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Samaritans in Ennis answering over 20,000 calls per year by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

SAMARITANS in Ennis are urging people who feel isolated approaching the winter months to pick up the phone and call them. Every 61 seconds, a person makes contact with the Samaritans in Ireland. In Ennis last year alone, local volunteers picked up the phone more than 24,000 times. Margaret MacMahon has been director of Samaritans Ennis for the last three years, a role which she admits has been a privilege to serve in. This weekend, she passes the baton to Pat White, both of

ing with farmers to spread awareness about the Samaritans’ services. Margaret explains, “We’re conscious that people who work on their own are vulnerable, particularly men, such as construction, farming, that kind of thing. And from calls we get, we know people are really isolated. We’re concerned here in Clare about it and a message we’d like to go out is that this is confidential, you can ring us and talk about anything. “Another of our very vulnerable communities are the LGBT+ community, if you’re sexuality is something that you’re hiding, it’s such

Margaret MacMahon and Pat White

whom have been volunteering in the centre for the last 10 years. While the primary function of the Samaritans is to reduce cases of suicide in Ireland, Margaret stresses that the service is there for everybody, not just those with suicidal thoughts. “I’ve had people call who say, ‘it took me three of four calls before I was able to talk’. You have to acknowledge that sometimes it’s really hard to pick up the phone and it’s hard to acknowledge that you are struggling. I’d like to encourage people to ring us - even just to hear the voice is really important.” The Samaritans’ recently published impact report puts great emphasis on people suffering in silence in rural areas. The Ennis Samaritans has partnered with the GAA and with ACRES, meet-

a lonely space and you have nobody to talk to about it and again, this is a safe space to talk to somebody. We’re non-judgemental, it’s confidential and we believe you can make your own choices. The fact is, we’re here for you.” Pat outlines that a pool of more than 100 volunteers work in three-hour shifts continuously in the Ennis branch from 8:30am to 2:30am each day. Samaritans’ primarily support people over the phone

lines however they also engage in email support and in exceptional instances faceto-face support. In his role of Director, the scope of Pat’s responsibilities have widened. “The peripheral activity is publicity, outreach, recruitment, retention. There’s a huge amount of stuff going on. There’s a lot of governance that the director is responsible for.” At heart, answering phones is what gives him the most satisfaction from volunteering with Samaritans, and making a difference. “The visible metric is suicide rates but the invisible metric is not tangible and you can’t see it. “The caller and the volunteer are both human at the end of the day, both have stuff that we’re all dealing with and to a certain extent you’re learning from each other and that’s the process.” Margaret adds, “People have called us to thank us saying, ‘you have kept us alive’.” “People talk to you about stuff that’s going on in their lives and it’s such a privilege that you’ll have conversations that you wouldn’t have in your own life because there’s a real honesty over the phone.” Samaritans are always looking for volunteers and Pat and Margaret are urging anybody interested to get in touch. “The training is excellent and very rigorous and after the training you are mentored. To have somebody with you when you take the calls is great, so the training is really important.” “If we have more volunteers we can do more, the key message is to call 116123. It’s free, it’s confidential, please call us. Don’t feel that you have to be on your own, you can talk to us about anything.”

Recovery through community

Peer support groups for anyone experiencing mental health issues. Ennis meeting- Maria Assumpta Hall, Monday night 8-10pm

Contact Celia 086 1526966/ www.grow.ie

CLARE’S FARMERS WEAVING STORIES TOGETHER SCARIFF

G.A.A. Hall / Derg Active Alliance Club Monday, 16th October 2023 at 6 - 8pm If you’re a farmer in the Scariff area and would like to participate in a creativity project, please contact Dawn on 065 684 6276 or agefriendlyclare@clarecoco.ie Clare’s Farmers ‘Weaving Stories Together’ project is targeting 5 Mart areas across County Clare (Ennis, Kilfenora, Kilrush, Scariﬀ and Sixmilebridge), and working with the farmers in those areas to graphically capture Past, Present and Future farming from our farmers perspective. •

•

THE PROJECT INVOLVES

Cuimhneamh an Chláir (Clare Memories) facilitated sessions with the local farming community who will be discussing their experiences and views of past, present, and future farming in their area. This information will be creatively captured by a graphic harvester and collated into a co-created Clare’s Farmers ‘Weaving Stories Together’ booklet (in October). This booklet will be launched in Glór on Monday, 13th November Refreshments Included at each event

For more information and to register online please visit https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/farmers-weaving-stories-together

Supported by Clare County Council’s Healthy Clare, Age Friendly Clare and Creative Ireland Clare programmes

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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Business & Recruitment

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Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Business

Fashionable Genes

57 YEARS @ N° 57

While the story of County Boutique in No. 57 O’Connell Street, Ennis, established by Merty and Frank Culligan on October 14, 1966, in its 1760s limestone building, the seeds of retailing were sown much earlier, in the 1870s when Gwen and Maeve’s great, great grandfather, John Moloney, operated

two drapery stores in High Street (currently The Kilkenny Shop) and O’Connell Square. Their daughter, Minnie, married a Merchant of Ennis, Denis Roughan of Bindon Street, in 1892. He operated Roughan’s Hardware store on Abbey Street and their daughter, Rita Roughan continued until the 1980s.

Since 1966 was also a trend-setter in the Midwest, sourcing the finest fashions from Europe. From a young age, Maeve and Gwen watched closely as their mother ran The County Boutique. Gwen says, “She was very tactile. Every time mum went to buy something, she touched it before she bought it. Everything was about how things felt and we both have that, the more important thing to us is before you look good, you have to feel good. We just love fashion and both of us love spotting a trend.”

the

trends €335

An eye for spotting trends and translating them for their customers is one of the key ingredients to the success of Gwen and Maeve at County Boutique. At the core of the business is providing investment pieces that customers can wear year after year and will see them returning to up-date key pieces in their wardrobes. “It is essential that customers look at the cost per wear of their clothes, creating wardrobes that cost them less in the long run and buying into a sustainable ethos,” say Maeve. The trends for this autumn include wearing cream from head to toe, pared back, every day clothes made in good fabrics, trouser suits, variations on combat trousers, wide leg pants, sequins and dresses are still popular.

Pennyblack Faux Fur Coat

Use a fabric shaver on your favourite knitwear and coats to give them a new lease of life! Avoid impulse purchases by buying items that work with pieces in your existing wardrobe or matching pieces if buying more than one item.

Molly Bracken Metallic Knit Top

image001.jpg

Translating

Top Tips

10/10/2023, 16:13

Merty Culligan hailed from County Kildare and brought her love for beautiful clothes to County Clare, via Arnott’s and the Shannon Airport Duty Free in the 1950s, before opening the store in 1966 with her husband, Frank. She had a great eye for fashion, which Gwen and Maeve believe they too have inherited and enjoy sharing with customers every day. County Boutique built a reputation as a go-to store in Ireland early on, with a regular American clientele too, who regularly wrote to Merty, looking for the most up-to-date fashions from Ireland and Europe. Merty was known as an excellent businesswoman and

€75

Drawing by Hilary Gilmore

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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Maeve & Gwen Maeve and Gwen are advocates of sustainable fashion and their mantra, inherited from their mother, is ‘buy less, buy well, make it last’. “We believe in good quality at the best price, something that will last you,” notes Gwen. They go as far as recycling packaging for sending out online orders. Gwen officially started in The County Boutique in 1990 and oversaw a significant expansion of the store in 1995, extending their premises to the rear where once the Foresters’ Club operated. Gwen was joined by her sister Maeve in the business in 2001 and together they have grown the business in Ennis, whilst also establishing a sister store in Nenagh in 2014. “The manager there is Gemma (Flannery) McSherry and her mum was our mum’s best friend, so there’s a strong connection there.” In 2021 they introduced a new up-dated website www.countyboutique.ie to allow customers nationwide and further afield to shop online. Maeve admits that it’s a privilege to work alongside her sister in running The County Boutique. The pair place great importance on providing exclusivity and their main brands are exclusive to them in County Clare. “It’s great to have each other in times of difficulty, we bounce things off each other and we do all the buying together, mainly to London, Paris, or Copenhagen.” Speaking about The County Boutique’s offering, Gwen is grateful of their loyal support base, with customers who started

shopping at No. 57 aged in their 30’s continuing to shop there into their 80’s “and a whole new customer base that the passage of time and our online website has brought us”. She stresses, “The customer drives everything – all our decisions are based on what people are asking for. We like to think that we offer our customers great quality at the best price, affordable luxury in other words.” Maeve continues, “We are so grateful to the wonderful colleagues we have and have had, many with us for a long number of years such as Mary O’Dwyer, Moira Hill, Bridie Hanrahan and Catherine Shannon. We would not have survived and thrived without them.” “Most of all, we would not be where we are today without our fabulous customers so a massive thank you to them for shopping with us and trusting us,” adds Gwen.

€105

Emme Fado Bronze Handbag

Business

Vitalograph Team Treks the Burren for Asthma Society of Ireland

A 30-strong team of employees from Vitalograph put on their walking boots to hike the Lough Avalla Farm Loop in the Burren in aid of the Asthma Society of Ireland. The Asthma Society of Ireland reports that, in Ireland, a person is hospitalised every eight minutes with asthma; and many may be surprised to learn that a person dies from an asthma attack every five days. The society recently ran the ‘Take a Breath Challenge’ to promote asthma awareness and raise funds for their vital work. Storm Agnes passed just in time for the Vitalograph team to tackle the 8km hike, which did not disappoint with stunning views at every turn. Each member of the team played a role in fundraising, while local coach company, C&C Executive Travel sponsored the bus to and from the company’s headquarters in Ennis. €2500 has been raised for the charity so far. “Asthma is so common in society that

we often overlook how serious and how preventable it is. Both the hospitalisations and deaths are largely preventable. Vitalograph has supported the Asthma Society of Ireland for many years and our team is proud to be involved with the Take a Breath Challenge this year. We were lucky with the weather on the day. The company, views and conversations were all great.” said Vitalograph CEO, Frank Keane. The charity has a special resonance with Vitalograph, whose respiratory diagnostic solutions, such as spirometers, help clinicians detect, diagnose and mange respiratory conditions like asthma. The fundraising page remains open until 2 November. All the funds go directly to support the work of Asthma Society of Ireland. https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/ VitalographTakeABreath

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney on a visit to ELYE Distribution Facility at the old Finsa Forest Products site in Scariff with Liz Neylon, Executive Director EKO Integrated Services, Cllr Joe Cooney, Mayor of Clare, Cllr Pat Burke and Eugene Keane, CEO EKO Integrated Services Photo by Arthur Ellis

Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

Homestead Cottage offering a real taste of Clare cuisine

lLOCALLY SOURCED: New Doolin eatery is run by Robbie McCauley and wife Sophie (daugher Iris is too young to serve the wine just yet) Photos by John Mangan

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

HOMESTEAD Cottage in Doolin might just be the most exciting culinary experience in County Clare. The showpiece at Homestead Cottage is the evening tasting menu which brings together ingredients from some of County Clare’s finest producers over seven delectable courses. The menu changes with the seasons to ensure the freshest ingredients are presented on your plate, whether it’s fresh lamb from Sean Haugh in Ennistymon, or venison sourced from East Clare approaching the winter months. Opened in late June by Robbie McCauley and wife Sophie, the Doolin-based dining experience is set in a charming, historic cottage which is openly exposed to the Atlantic Ocean’s wild winds. Inside its charming exterior is a warmth of welcome and an impressive substance and understanding of local produce, which culminates in beautifully presented dishes and unique wine offerings. “We decided we wanted to open something that represents local, organic produce, show off what’s in the area and do something different,” Robbie tells The Clare Echo. The tasting menu offers a unique setting to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary. In their first few months in business, Homestead Cottage is already receiving rave reviews including a write-up in The Irish Times which catapulted their summer trade. A native of Scotland’s capital Edinburgh, Robbie served his chef ’s apprenticeship in London while his attention to detail and culinary skills were fine-tuned at Gregan’s Castle. In Ballyvaughan, he worked for nine years, serving as Head Chef for the last three-anda-half years. This is where he also met and worked alongside his future wife Sophie, a native of Burgundy in France, who now operates front of house at Homestead Cottage. The pair have established a life together in North Clare. Having married in November 2021, they are now parents to two-year old Louise and three-month old Iris. Alongside their tasting menu, Homestead Cottage offers a daily lunch menu; while on Sundays a Sunday lunch menu offers visitors flavoursome roasts with various local cuts such as rib of beef, served alongside Yorkshire pudding, horseradish cream, beef-fat potatoes and glazed carrots. Robbie notes that Sunday offers an opportunity for a family-friendly setting with high quality food and atmosphere. Homestead Cottage grows their own organic vegetables, while they also link in with local suppliers such as Sean Haugh in Ennistymon (beef), vegetable growers including Liz Griffiths in Edenvale and Moyhill Farm; CS Fish, Anam Coffee, cheese from Cratloe Hills and St Tola’s; and bread from Hazelwood Bakery in Ballyvaughan to name a few. Robbie’s obsession with showcasing local produce should come as no surprise. His mother’s family are from Barefield where they operated Marlborough Milk, the muchloved dairy producers from decades past. He acknowledges, “When the family had the dairy business they were big on quality of produce, it was a premium product. I’ve been visiting them from when I was young.” When asked to describe the experience at Homestead Cottage, Robbie explains, “It’s good cooking, showcasing the best of what’s in season locally, good service, nice wine list, somewhere to come and relax. It’s a set tasting menu.” Sophie adds, “Just come, relax, enjoy.” A seven- to eight-course dinner is €80. From October to April Homestead Cottage will open Thursdays to Saturdays and from 1pm to 7pm on Sundays. From April to the end of September it’s open from Wednesday to Sunday. For more, visit https://www.homesteadcottagedoolin.com/ or call 085-8613103.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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CLARE SFC CHAMPIONSHIP ROAD TO THE FINAL Group 1 Round 1: Kilmurry Ibrickane 2-10 St Breckan’s 2-9 in Cusack Park Ennis on 4th August St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 1-11 Corofin 0-12 in Shannon on 5th August Round 2: Kilmury Ibrickane 3-11 Corofin 0-7 in Lissycasey on 19th August St Breckan’s 1-15 St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 0-8 in Páirc Finne, Corofin on 19th August Round 3: St Breckan’s 2-6 Corofin 1-6 in Cusack Park on 2nd September Kilmurry Ibrickane 0-17 St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield in St Michael’s Park on 2nd September Group 2: Round 1: St Joseph’s Miltown 1-14 Doonbeg 0-14 in Cooraclare on 4th August Éire Óg 1-15 Clondegad 0-7 in Cusack Park on 5th August Round 2: Doonbeg 1-12 Clondegad 2-9 in Cooraclare on 20th August Éire Óg 1-13 St Joseph’s Miltown 0-8 in Cooraclare on 20th August Round 3: St Joseph’s Miltown 1-11 Clondegad 1-9 in Cusack Park on 3rd September Éire Óg 0-11 Doonbeg 0-5 in Lissycasey on 3rd September Group 3: Round 1: Ennistymon 2-10 Kildysart 0-9 in Páirc Finne on 4th August Cratloe 0-12 Lissycasey 1-7 in Clarecastle on 5th August Round 2:

Lissycasey 0-13 Ennistymon 0-7 in Cusack Park on 18th August Kildysart 2-14 Cratloe 1-14 in Cusack Park on 19th August Round 3: Cratloe 2-11 Ennistymon 2-5 in Gurteen on 2nd September Kildysart 0-13 Lissycasey 0-8 in Clarecastle on 2nd September Preliminary quarter-final: Lissycasey 3-13 Doonbeg 2-6 in Cusack Park on 10th September Relegation semi-final: Ennistymon 1-8 Corofin 0-9 in Lissycasey on 16th September Relegation final: Corofin 0-11 Clondegad 0-10 in Clarecastle on 1st October Quarter-finals: Cratloe 1-7 Kilmurry Ibrickane 0-9 in Cusack Park on 16th September Éire Óg 0-15 St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 1-11 AET in Cusack Park on 16th September St Breckan’s 1-9 Lissycasey 0-5 in Cusack Park on 17th September St Joseph’s Miltown 1-8 Kildysart 0-8 in Cusack Park on 17th September Semi-finals: St Breckan’s 1-12 St Joseph’s Miltown 0-14 AET in Cusack Park on 30th September Cratloe 1-17 Éire Óg 1-17 / Cratloe win 4-2 on penalties in Cusack Park on 1st October Final: Cratloe vs St Breckan’s in Cusack Park on 15th October.

Sport

Unity & maturity has strengthened Breckan's bond, says O'Brien

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

GROWING maturity and a close bond has helped St Breckan’s form a path to reach the Clare SFC for the first time in 27 years, according to defender Colm O’Brien. Kilshanny’s Colm will line out at wing back on Sunday as they bid to become the first North Clare club since Kilfenora in 1950 to win the senior football championship. It’s a much brighter picture for Colm now considering St Breckan’s were relegated from the senior ranks in his debut season back in 2018. Bouncing back up a year later was a turning point, “It was always the challenge, getting relegated to intermediate led to a big push to try get us up which we were lucky enough to do, it was exciting getting all the way to a Munster final and having a home semi-final was very exciting, we got to the U21A final which we lost but all coincided at the same time of year, it was great”. Exits at the semi-final stage (2020 and 2021) followed by a quarter-final loss (2022) buffered the momentum of St Breckan’s at senior level but this season they have bounced back with aplomb from their opening round one-point loss to Kilmurry Ibrickane. Pain associated with their respective exits to Cratloe, Éire Óg and Ennistymon since returning to senior has strengthened the side. “I’d say the last three years, 2020 against Cratloe was our first year back up from the intermediate, there wasn’t much expectation within the group to get as far as we did, to look back and see how close we were that day to getting to a county final that does hurt, then in 2021 the previous year would have given more confidence that we weren’t that far away, we weren’t overly lucky in terms of injuries and lost to

a good Éire Óg side in the semi-final. Last year hurt, I don’t know would you say it hurt the most because we lost to Ennistymon, we knew on the day that we didn’t perform to near our level and we only lost by a point at the end of the day, those three games really hurt us”. Departures of first-choice players like Dale Masterson (injury) and Aiden Davidson (emigration) may have lessened the expectation from external sources on St Breckan’s. “Other teams might have said with so many players gone they might not have paid as much attention to us but I don’t think that is the case either, we got as far as the Cusack Cup final this year so it is hard to come in under the radar when you progress so far in the league”. Twenty four year old Colm believed the bond within the St Breckan’s panel was “unique”. He told The Clare Echo, “it comes with the age profile of the team as well, a couple of years ago we were called a young exciting team, I’d say we’ve lost that tag. "The majority of our team is between early to mid-twenties with a few outliers that are north of thirty and below twenty. We’re all best friends, we do everything together whether it is a swim in the sea or rounds of golf, we always say we’re very lucky that if you picked names out of a hat and went off to do a random activity we’d all have the best of craic, we’re lucky. "Being teammates has brought those friendships closer, losing together has definitely brought us together too, nobody really understands how hard the losses are other than your teammates aside from family, the lads that you are playing with know the most about you really”.

Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Captain Cian Burke setting the standard by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ST BRECKAN’S bid to lift the Jack Daly for the first time in their history on Sunday and in captain Cian Burke they have a leader who continues to give every last drop for the club. A member of the senior panel since 2016, Cian’s first year was restricted due to a broken bone in his hand so it was a year later when he began to make the corner back spot his own. Their response to being relegated in 2018 was immediate, winning the intermediate title under Donie Garrihy’s watch in 2019 and coming back a stronger senior side than before. With St Breckan’s rising status in the top tier, the growth of Cian’s involvement with the team has also grown parallel to this. This season, he has been moved from corner to centre back and been appointed captain. Getting the nod to captain the side came as a shock to the 24 year old. “There’s many lads on the team that should and could have the role that I have, I feel very honoured and I feel like it gives me more of a responsibility to hold up to a standard that I think a captain should be. I’m definitely not one of the loud-

est speakers in the dressing room, it is more Alan (Sweeney) and Colm (O’Brien), I just try to keep the standards high, it’s an honour, I love that I’ve been given the responsibility”. When it comes to what standards the captain has to set the way on, Cian explained, “Hard work, discipline, different things like helping out with the Club Executive, selling tickets for fundraisers, coaching young players, showing up to training on time, gym work, food, being a good teammate and club member”. He has certainly practiced what he preaches, for the past four years Cian has been a member of the club Executive, serving as the player’s representative while he has involved with the club’s minor side this season having

been coaching the U13s in 2022. “It’s nice to be able to help out, it is

just finding the time to do all of these things, when I’m older it is something I will go into more because there was a lot of people who have helped us out during the years”. Leading his friends into battle is an honour, he said. “There’s many lads doing more than me for the club, Mark, Alan, Padraig Kelly do more with the underage teams than me so it could be anyone doing it so it makes it more special to me that I can do it, it is an honour, it really is, I almost don’t feel worthy because there is so many amazing people in this club growing up and I look up to so many of them older lads”. Noting the extra hype surrounding the county final, Cian had attempted to try limit the amount of football talk in the Burke family WhatsApp but it was a futile effort. “I sent in a text to the family WhatsApp after the Lissycasey game saying ‘well done and stuff ’, they are all very proud which is 100 percent honest but I sent in a text saying ‘can we just limit the football talk for the next few weeks’, I try not to think about it too much, I’m into my own space and my own time, they all respect that but they’re still talking about it so I just let them off. I came home into the driveway after work on Thursday morning, Mam was putting out flags on the car, I was laughing away thinking that she was keeping it very calm”. Fortunately “making fun” of his younger brother Fergal has limited some of the football talk in the chat. TULLAMORE Originally from Tullamore in Co Offaly, the Burke family moved to Toovahera in Lisdoonvarna when Cian was “10 or 11”. He recalled, "it was pure soccer until we moved down here and then the football took over”. He explained, “My great-great granddad was born in a house in Toovahera so there are family roots here, we used to always come down every summer to cousins and eventually we decided to make the trip down”. Their journey to become one of the top senior sides in Clare since winning promotion from the intermediate ranks in 2019 has been impressive. This according to Cian is “really down to a few people, the lads on the Executive are really committed, Donie Garrihy, Declan O’Keeffe, Pat Haugh, Jersey O’Loughlin

have instilled a belief and a passion for our club and that we can get better and start winning games, it is really down to them and the bond we have as teammates. All the lads there are my best friends and all my best friends are the lads I play football with, it might be a bit sad but I just love all my teammates, they are just class men and it is a special place to be”. BELIEF Setting out in their journey for this season, St Breckan’s had a new manager with Declan O’Keeffe moving from coach to bainisteoir while the side was also reeling from the emigration of several players such as Aiden Davidson, Micheál Flanagan, Evan Barrett, Ciaran Flanagan and Tristan O’Callaghan while former county player Dale Masterson was sidelined with an anterior cruciate injury. Reflecting on this time, Cian remarked, “At the start we lost lads that you’d look up to, there was boys than when I started they were the only men I looked up to and they’ve parted ways with injury and emigration, you’re hearing off other people that we’d find it hard because we were missing so many players, we don’t really feel that way because although we’ve lost these men we still everybody else and we’ve put in all these years of hard work so it didn’t feel like we lost as much. Within the Burke family, Cian is the second youngest of five boys. Danny (32) is the eldest followed by Conor, Ryan, Cian with Danny (22) the youngest. Older brother Conor will line out at corner back but is also the founder of the Gentian Press and is putting Lisdoonvarna on the map as a centre of excellence for a renaissance of printing skills. As part of his preparations for the final, Cian said he plans to delete social media and do more meditation. “Social media in general keeps your brain moving too fast and doesn’t allow you to live life and relax, I won’t be doing it just for a game perspective, I’ll be doing it for myself, it will keep me calm and allow me do my work better”. This social media ban will not include him leaving the Burke family WhatsApp, despite the football talk, he confirmed. “My brothers are hilarious in it sometimes they just give me a laugh, making fun of Mam or each other so I won’t be leaving yet”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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Sport

Prize of first county title within reach

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

EVENINGS may be dark when it comes to preparations but St Breckan’s can see the light in their bid to win a first-ever Clare SFC title, fuelled by the painful lessons of near-misses and championship exits over the last four years. Since 2019, Declan O’Keeffe has been involved with the Lisdoonvarna club which also has players from Doolin and Kilshanny. His initial role was as goalkeeper coach to Tristan O’Callaghan, a year later he became the team’s main coach and this year succeeded Donie Garrihy as manager. “You wouldn’t stay as long if you didn’t feel welcome, there’s no doubt about it but they are stone mad about their football, I was brought up with the game and where I came from it is everything, we are like-minded in that

way, they are very genuine people and I’ve made good friends,” he admitted. On what has led the club to reach their first senior decider since 1996, Declan said, “It is a combination of the four years, you can’t buy that experience, we were very disappointed in the first year back up to lose the semi-final to Cratloe in a free-flowing high scoring game, we were there or thereabouts at some stage of that game, Cathal Guerin had a chance to wrap it up but didn’t take it and Cratloe’s guile and experience outdid us in the last seven minutes of that game but it gave the lads confidence that they knew they could reach that level. “The following year we came up against a very good Éire Óg team on their way to winning the first of a two in-a-row. Last year, losing to Ennistymon cruelly, we were two points up with six

l Declan O’Keeffe addresses players from behind the wire in Páirc Finn

or seven minutes to go, there is an awful lot of educating

and learning in that, we were crushed.”

Burren Eye Photography

For four years, O’Keeffe was goalkeeper coach to

the Clare senior footballers when Collins was manager. “I know what I’m coming up against and it will be very difficult, it is another match at the end of the day, it just happens to be a final.” One constant companion for Declan whether it was with Clare or St Breckan’s has been his son Paddy. “Paddy is with me all the time, he is a great support to me and great company in the car. My other young fella Sean comes and goes too, it is great for them to be around the environment. To be fair that is one thing about Colm, he is very good family wise and inclusivity, I learned that from him too, he was always coming with open arms to Paddy in the Clare squad, he got on so well with the lads and no more than the lads up here, they’ve welcomed him with open arms, it is a good sign of lads when they can bring a young fella like that under their bosom”.

Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

AIDAN O'LOUGHLIN

ALAN SWEENEY

CONOR SHANNON

CATHAL GUERIN

CIAN BURKE

COLM O'BREN

CONOR BURKE

CONOR O'NEILL

DENIS O'CALLAGHAN DIORRAING McNAMARA

EOIN FITZPATRICK

EOIN GUERIN

JACK SHEEDY

JAMIE STACK

JOE McGANN

LIAM TIERNEY

MACCON BYRNE

MACDARA GARRIHY

MARK O'DONNELL

PADDY DOHERTY

PADDY HAUGH

PAIDRAIG KELLY

PAIDRAIG O'DWYER

RAPHAEL CONSIDINE ROWAN DANAHER

SHANE FITZPATRICK

TRISTAN O'CALLAGHAN

COLM HAUGH

DECLAN O'KEEFFE

JERSEY O'LOUGHLIN

JOHN PETTY

ODRAN O'DWYER

JOHN EARLS

PAT HAUGH

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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Sport

AIDAN CROWE

CAIMIN DEEGAN

CATHAL LOHAN

CATHAL McINERNEY

CONAL O'HANLON

CONOR RYAN

DAVID COLLINS

DENIS MUNDY

DIARMUID RYAN

EMMET COSTIGAN

ENDA BOYCE

JACK DANAHER

JACK McINERNEY

JAKE MOYLAN

JAMIE COSTIGAN

KEVIN HARNETT

LIAM MARKHAM

LUKE HEALY

MICHAEL HAWES

MICHAEL MUNDY

MIKE BRENNAN

PADRAIGH CHAPLIN

PODGE COLLINS

RIAIN McNAMARA

RIAN CONSIDINE

SAM SHEEHY

SEAN COLLINS

SEAN GALLAGHER

COLM COLLINS

SEAN RYAN

SHANE NEVILLE

TOMMY ROONEY

BRIAN O'CONNELL

SHANE MARKHAM

DERRY O'DONOGHUE GER CROTTY

JODY O'CONNOR

KEVIN BROWNE

SEAN O'DEA

OSCAR O'DWYER

Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Cratloe role is 'no chore' for ever-committed Colm Collins

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

AN INVOLVEMENT with Cratloe’s senior footballers is far from a chore but a rather a very enjoyable task for long-serving manager, Colm Collins. As Cratloe put the finishing touches to their preparations for Sunday’s TUS Clare senior football championship final, they do so in the belief that they should have more to show for their efforts since they became a senior football club. “We feel that we should have s bit more won. We didn’t get the rub of the green, we had injuries and we were missing key players. There is a really good appetite there now to try and win another title”, manager Colm Collins said this week. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Colm added, “This is where everyone wants to be, it’s great to be there. We didn’t expect to be there but thankfully we are and hopefully we will do ourselves justice on the day”. League form has never been an accurate barometer with regards to Craltoe’s championship aspirations and 2023 was no different. “We had a very tough league, we struggled, numbers were tight and it was a matter of fulfilling fixtures. The league was over before we got our act together”. They opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over Lissycasey but they then lost to Kildysart and many pundits doubted if they would qualify for the knock out stage of the competition. “Things didn’t look good but we had a few out due to injury and

l Cratloe manager Colm Collins flanked by his sons David, Padraic and Sean

we knew that if they would be back we would be stronger. Thankfully they returned to fitness and we have played well since then,” he acknowledged. A final round win over Ennistymon in Gurteen saw the 2014 champions seal their spot in the

quarter-finals. They have improved with each outing, beating Kilmurry Ibrickane and then dethroning county champions Éire Óg following a penalty shootout. “We had nothing to lose. Going toe to toe with Éire Óg is never easy but we showed up on the day and compet-

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

ed”. Sunday’s final pits a novel pairing as the two-time champions meet St Breckan’s who contest their first decider since 1996. “St. Breckan’s are a good side, they have had a good few players on county panels. Their manager Declan (O’Keeffe) was

with us in the county for some years and they also have Odran O’Dwyer in their backroom team. They are a good young team and they provide a formidable challenge”. For their last three encounters, Cratloe have been the underdogs whereas for the final they now wear the favourites tag. “This is a 50/50 game. Thankfully we have a clean bill of health and a full strength panel from which to select,” Colm stated. Conor Ryan’s return to the panel has been “a massive lift. It came out of the blue and I didn’t realise that it was on the cards. He has done well since returning and we are delighted to have him”. Also of delight to the Cratloe boss is to have former Clare defender Kevin Harnett as captain. “He has done a fantastic job as captain, both on and off the pitch. We all know what a warrior he is”. On why he continues to be involved at club level, Colm said, “I have been very fortunate to have been dealing with a great group of players with both Clare and Cratloe. When you have three sons on your tail you don’t get much opportunity to rest. This is not a chore, rather very enjoyable task”. It’s sure to be another busy weekend for the Cratloe boss who will travel to Doonbeg on Saturday evening to watch his native Kilmihil with whom he won a senior championship medal in 1990, play Kilrush in the intermediate championship final. “A good competitive game is expected there” he concluded.

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Sport

Harnett eyes up 'final to remember' by Eoin Brennan news@clareecho.ie

THE MOST over-used terminology in pre-match interviews with a player or manager is that they ‘are only taking it game by game and not looking beyond the upcoming game in question’. However in Kevin Harnett’s case it’s actually true as having been dogged by injuries over the past few years which only accelerated his retirement from inter-county action at the backend of 2022, the Cratloe captain is literally taking it game by game. “Injuries do give me a lot of trouble still. Look, I’m grateful for every day I’m moving really, just to be able to get out there and enjoy it is great. A bit like our run in the championship this year, it’s game by game in terms of managing injuries and I’m just lucky and privileged to be still playing at this level at 35 years of age. I’m just enjoying every minute I do get on the field these days so it’s great”. That is a common thread

l Kevin Hartnett

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

through the squad as it’s no coincidence that once Colm Collins has had a full hand to pick from, Harnett and Co have powered through the championship to reach a first final in three years. “We know that we have a good side when everyone is fit as there are leaders all over this group. Okay there are lads pushing on but the longer you play, you more you know about the game and lads aren’t afraid to say things when they need to be said. It’s

a very easy group to captain actually because there are loads of people leading it”. To be named captain in only his third year with the club is an honour for the Newmarket-on-Fergus resident. “It’s a great source of pride. When Colm asks you to do something, you do it and you take great pride when he asks you to take on a role like that. I haven’t captained a team in a number of years so I’ve just been embracing it as it’s an honour really to captain such a great bunch of players like this." Harnett has played in two Junior A deciders and a Junior B final with his native side Meelick but while he is really looking forward to leading out Cratloe in his first senior decider, winning trophies hasn’t been his priority. “I play because I enjoy it so everything is just a bonus after that. To be part of this group is fantastic as this is a group of real determined players and I’m just happy to be a part of that. The sim-

ple intention is to win every game and if you do that, it’s the cherry on top to be preparing for what’s ahead of us on Sunday in Cusack Park. So fundamentally I just play for that enjoyment more so than to win things but if you can pick up a cup or two along the way, it’s a great bonus. “I mean this is my third year here now and they’ve

really welcomed me with open arms. I played minor with Cratloe so I kind of knew a lot of the lads anyway and would have trained up along with them at times but now that I’m part of the setup, I get to appreciate how lovely and welcoming the club actually are”. So what about Sunday’s unique final against St Breck-

an’s? “It’s a great opportunity for both sides and that’s the real beauty of this final. It will make for a great game please God and I suppose that’s what everyone wants, a great final that you remember. And I’m sure that when presented with such a chance, that both sides can deliver on it”.

McInerney brothers in fifth final together IT’S THEIR fifth county senior final playing together but for Cathal and Jack McInerney, victory in Sunday’s football decider would mark a historic first for their family, writes Eoin Brennan. You see, while Cathal has been an integral part of Cratloe’s emergence at the backend of the noughties to this re-emergence to soar to two senior football and two hurling titles, Jack, eight years his junior, is still seeking his first senior championship medal. “I suppose I’ve kind of grown up with Cathal winning a lot of medals,” outlined 24 year old Jack. “I don’t have many myself, at senior level I think I’ve been part of four finals and we’ve lost all four so hopefully we can make if fifth time lucky on Sunday. It would be a nice achievement for our family but we’ll have to see how it goes”. It has gone swimmingly so far as Cratloe have not only powered to a first final since 2020 but did so by means of the toughest route as last year’s finalists Ennistymon, 2020 winners Kilmurry Ibrickane and back-to-back champions Éire Óg were all grittily edged out by the rejuvenated South Clare side. “We’ve played the best teams we could have and that is something that we spoke about after the semi-final amongst ourselves,” began Cathal. “We’ve played some very, very good teams but we also know that the toughest test is still to come. It’s a long time since they [St Breckan’s] have been in a final whereas we have played in a few so it’s two very different sides of the coin that we are coming into this final on”. “Looking back now, it was probably the best route to get to a final,” continued Jack. “It started with Ennistymon which was a knock-

out game straight away and then Kilmurry Ibrickane were up next, a team that just seemed to get the better of us every time we played them in recent years. “That win gave us a huge boost and we were on a real roll going into the Éire Óg game, even though we were underdogs. Look, it had to take a penalty shoot-out to finally decide the semi-final which isn’t a nice way to decide a game but credit Éire Óg they have been super champions over the past two years.” Speaking of penalties, the McInerney brothers both took one but while regular penalty taker Cathal managed to score his, Jack’s one was saved by Shane Daniels. “He has been hitting them here [in training] to be fair and kicking them better than that,” exclaimed Cathal. “Looking back now, it was funny because at the end of the game, we said we’d pick our spot, hit it hard and hope for the best. Jack probably thought he was Pirlo at the time but in his defence, Podge [Collins] did the same and his went in. Seriously though, you have to admire five lads that actually stand up to kick a penalty.” So considering that he was neither one of the more experienced players and was only off the bench, what did make Jack put his hand up? “I would be confident enough. I played a bit of soccer growing up and obviously we also take a few penalties here in training and as Cathal says it does take a bit of courage to step forward and take one. So while mine didn’t go in the last day, if the need arose I’d probably still stick my hand up. "It was a poor penalty anyway, there’s no question about that so I’m just happy that Chappie [Padraigh Chaplin] gave me a dig

l Jack and Cathal McInerney celebrate with

Sean Collins Photo by Gerard O'Neill out,” Jack joked. “It’s a pure lottery anyway,” responded Cathal. “It’s a real game of inches when it comes down to penalties.” Having not garnered a senior crown in football or hurling since 2014, was there a nagging doubt that their chance to get back into the winners enclosure had gone? “I suppose we’d never admit that but the older you get and especially once you hit the 30 mark, people tend to suggest that your chance has gone.” outlined Cathal. “The thinking from them is I suppose that you’ve played in a few finals, you’ve won a few and lost a few too and maybe now the opportunity has passed but in Cratloe, we’ve such dedicated players really that if we stay fit, we always feel like we have a real chance. “We’ve nothing won yet and face a massive challenge against St Breckan’s on Sunday but you can thrive off momentum too and in the last three matches we’ve shown a bit of mettle and we’ve one more step to take now”.

Indeed, both sides of the divide will be relishing this glorious opportunity at lifting the Jack Daly now that all four of last year’s semi-finalists are out. “It’s funny, I got a text message from St Breckan’s,” admitted Cathal. “And I won’t name any names but it was sent before the Éire Óg game but I obviously only saw it afterwards which wished me the best of luck as the only hope that Breckan’s have of winning the final was against Cratloe. Obviously they are also delighted that Éire Óg are gone too as they were hot favourites to win the championship again, everyone knows that. “We’ve only actually played St Breckan’s once in championship and that was in the semi-final three years ago. We were very very fortunate to get out of it on top as I think we got a last minute goal that day to clinch it. They probably should have beaten us being honest about things so there’s a big focus going into the game on Sunday.” So what will be the ultimate difference on Sunday Jack? “Look there’s a huge crossover between hurling and football, we’ve four sets of brothers too so it’s a very tight knit group and that makes it even better when qualifying for a final. Hopefully we’ll have the whole community there in Cusack Park. “I suppose we’ve faced the toughest teams that there is and there’s no better route to a final than that. So we are not short on confidence but I’m sure St Breckan’s are the exact same so It’s a 50/50 game and will just come down to a bit of luck on the day”. One doesn’t have to remind the McInerneys about the wafer-thin margins of fortune anyway after their contrasting penalty experiences last time out.

Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Friendly neighbour Dillon hopes to lead Kilmihil to senior ranks by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

KILMIHIL turned to a friendly neighbour to help them in their quest to bounce back to the senior ranks at the first attempt and to do that they must take down a nearby club. When Doonbeg’s Brian Dillon was first approached to manage Kilmihil’s intermediate footballers, it didn’t take too long to answer in the affirmative. “The decision was made easy by the fact that Kilmihil were in a different division to my own club, Doonbeg. I know their club chairman Paul Reidy well and Kilmihil is close to my home. It ticked all the boxes”, the Ennistymon based secondary school teacher told The Clare Echo this week as he put final touches to preparations for Saturday’s eagerly awaited final clash with Kilrush, a game that will be played on a pitch he knows well, Shanahan McNamara Park in Doonbeg. Helping Kilmihil hit their optimum was the focus for Brian. “Kilmihil are passionate about their football. I felt that there was a talented group of players there but for whatever reason they weren’t performing to their best”. Looking ahead to Saturday, he knows Kilmihil “face a stiff challenge from Kilrush who are our neighbours. It’s a West Clare derby. It’s been as very good year for Kilrush to date. They have won the league and they had a big win over Cooraclare in round one. They have got better as the championship progressed and they took a huge scalp when beating Wolfe Tones in the semi-final. We are under no illusions as to the challenge were are facing”. On the strengths of the side who last won the intermediate championship in 2017, the Doonbeg native stated, “we have a good mix of youth and experience. The average age is 24/25 and players like Marty (O’Leary) and David (Egan) bring a small bit more experience. The intermediate

l Kilmihil's Gearoid O'Grady

championship is a difficult one to win. I spoke to a few before I took on the job, it’s a dog fight, a different brand of football. The Kilmihil players have shown great resilience, when they weren’t playing well they have found ways of getting over the line and we will need that on Saturday”. Noting that the club’s junior team has qualified for the junior B final which will take place on Sunday, he said “it’s great for the club to have two teams in county finals and remember the ladies were very unlucky last week when losing out after extra time in their semi-final.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

“There is a great buzz in the parish ahead of this week’s finals. Our goal from the start has been to get back to senior. Hopefully the weather will be fine and that there will be a big West Clare crowd. Thankfully we have a clean bill of health with Dan Keating and David Egan recovered from the injuries which kept them out of the semi-final”, he concluded.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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O'Leary eager for Kilmihil to deliver best performance by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

KILMIHIL believe they have yet to produce their top performance and joint captain Martin O’Leary is aiming for them to deliver it this weekend. Being relegated from senior last year was “a huge disappointment” for Kilmihil, team captain Martin O’Leary said this week when looking ahead to Saturday’s intermediate final clash with Kilrush Shamrocks. He told The Clare Echo, “Having played at senior level, we were all bitterly disappointed last year when we were relegated. That said, having failed to win a game in the group, by right we were the team to bite the bullet at the end of the day. The margins are pretty small. Look at Miltown who beat us

last year to send us down, they got to the senior semi-final this year. Brian (Dillon) and Paul (Reidy) have instilled great intensity into the training this year and they have stressed the importance of looking after the bodies outside of training. They are very meticulous”. Paying tribute to Dillon and Reidy, the talented forward also noted the input of backroom team members such as Michael Doran, a native of Armagh who lives in Kilmihil and who has thrown his lot in with the club. “We set out our objectives at the start of the year and getting a team management in place was a priority. We hadn’t a whole pile done going into the league. We started the league well and built a good base of fitness and we

l Martin O’Leary challenged by Conor Magner

Gerard O'Neill

had consolidated our league position early on”, Martin explained this week. O’Leary continued, “We have a lot based away from home so early in the season we could only do a certain amount during the week. We lost a few players due to injury which meant that we had to use more of our squad and this actually helped overall as these players got more game time”. “Within our own camp we feel we haven’t hit our top performance yet. Like us, Kilrush have done their job up to now in getting to the final and they will come with all guns blazing. It’s all about Saturday now. It’s great to be togging out at this time of year. It’s an absolute honour for myself and Fionn Febrarro to be joint captains of this team. It’s going to be 50/50.

Kilrush are a very proud club also with some really good players”. A noted dual player, he has played a key role in the senior championship successes of Ballyea in recent seasons. “It’s a privilege to be able to play both and thankfully there have been no serious injuries as a result. Brian and Paul were good when we were playing both in allowing us time to play both. It didn’t go to plan in terms of the hurling this year but that has given us more time to focus on the football”, he concluded. Marty hopes that he and his team’s corner bsck Fionn Febrarro will be bringing home the Talty Stores cup on Saturday evening.

Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

CLARE INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: KILMIHIL V KILRUSH

CIARAN DOWNES

COLM PENDER

CONOR CROWLEY

CONOR FINUCANE

DAMIEN LINEEN

DAN KEATING

DAVID COUGHLAN

DAVID EGAN

DAVID KELLY

DAVID LERNIHAN

FIONN FEBRARRO

GAVIN DOWNES

GEAROID O'GRADY

JACK BROWNE

JACK KEATING

JOHN FINNUCANE

MARTIN O'LEARY

MICHAEL COTTER

MIKEY KEATING

NIALL REIDY

PADRAIG LYNCH

PAIDRAIG O'GRADY

SEAN CROWLEY

SEAN JOHNSTON

SEAN SCOTT CAFFERKY

SHANE DOWNES

STAN LINEEN

Kilmihil management: Colm O'Gorman, Paul Reidy, Conor Crowley (captain), Brian Dillon, Michael Doran

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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Sport

CLARE INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: KILMIHIL V KILRUSH

BILLY CLANCY

BEN CODY

CIARAN BERMINGHAM CONOR FENNELL

CONOR ROCHE

DAMIEN CAREY

DAVID JONES

DEAN NEARY

DON O'DRISCOLL

DYLAN O'BRIEN

EVAN POWER

EWAN KELLY

GEAROID O'BRIEN

HARRY O'LOONEY

JAMIE GRIFFIN

KEITH CROWLEY

NIALL BRENNAN

PADRAIG BROWNE

RONAN GILBRIDE

ROSS CULLINAN

ROSS PHELAN

SEAN CANNY

SEAN KEANE

SEAN MADIGAN

STEPHEN RYAN

CON PRENDEVILLE

TADHG LYSAGHT

THOMAS MOLONEY

JOE MINITER

DARRAGH BOLTON

CONOR ROCHE

SEAN PURTILL

Kilrush management: John Keane, Daniel Ryan, Conor O'Brien, John O'Mahony, Noel Ryan

Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Ryan and Kilrush aspire to 'get back up to where we belong' by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

SEALING A RETURN TO the top tier of the Clare football ranks is the goal for Kilrush Shamrocks, the roll of honour leaders in the senior championship, when they face Kilmihil in Saturday’s intermediate decider. Daniel Ryan is a Kilrush Shamrocks man through and through. He played all his football with them through juvenile and up to and including senior. Now in his second season in charge, he took on the task of team manager because he “felt that was something there. Football followers will always associate the club with the five in a row winning team. I played all my football with Kilrush but, unfortunately, we didn’t win a whole lot. In my time we lost two senior finals, both after replays. We lost to Kilkee in 2003 and to the Faughs in 1994”. According to Daniel, “there have been some serious teams representing the club that never got the rub of the green. Generally, the team that beat Kilrush went on to win the championship. Kilrush and West Clare in general has been hit severely by emigration while a lot go away to college and drift away from the game”. The team manager believes that “our underage teams playing at A level has been a huge benefit”. Some years ago, Kilrush and neighbours Killimer amalgamated for underage competition and the combination team has contested a number of finals including two at minor A level. “Last year four came through from the minor A team and they went straight into the heat of battle. There have been three or four again

this year and two of these, Tadhg (Lysaght) and Conor (Fennell) are in the starting team. We have a lot of quality young players and we have a good few that are on county development squads”, explained Daniel. “We set out our stall from the start of the year. Con O’Brien joining the management team was a big addition as was John Keane who is also the club secretary. We have an all Kilrush management team and the lads would know that we have pride and passion in the jersey”. While Ryan is confident in the ability in his panel he says “There will be nothing easy here. Kilmihil are an experienced team with good people in charge of them. They have been around for a while and they were unlucky last year. Any team that comes down from a higher grade is expected to go straight back up and that brings a lot of pressure”. The Kilrush manager believes that he is in charge of “a good panel who have a game plan which we try and stick to. We were behind in the early stages of the semi-final but we didn’t panic. We have lads who came off the bench and made a difference. There is a good mix there and they get on well together, there is great character in the team. We are expecting a big following, there is a great buzz around. We are a club with a great tradition and we hope to get the rub of the green and get back up to where we belong”. Kilrush will be picking from a full panel as Euan Kelly and Ciaran Bermingham have recovered from injury and have returned to training. Kilrush Shamrocks manager Daniel Ryan and Cathal Carrig Photo by Gerard O'Neill

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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'Intermediate championship is one of the toughest to win' by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

LINING OUT in the senior championship is the goal for all members of the Kilrush Shamrocks panel and they are sixty minutes away from returning to the top tier. Kilrush Shamrocks had two goals at the start of the season, to get out of Division 3 in the league and to get back up to senior. They are one step away from realising both aims. “I remember my Dad bringing me to the games and watching teams with Peadar McMahon and Stephen Sweeney playing for Kilrush and I wanted to be doing what they were doing. I want to play at the highest level with the club and all the players involved in this panel want to do the same”. So said star forward and the team’s top scorer Gearoid O’Brien this week ahead of the team’s inter-

l Gearoid O'Brien gets away from Jayme O'Sullivan

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

mediate championship final meeting with Kilmihil. “The intermediate championship is one of the toughest to win. There are four or five teams there who want to get up to the top grade. The Banner who are building a fine young team have joined that group now. There are tough teams there and it’s getting tougher to win this title”. In the semi-final Kilrush overcame a fancied Wolfe Tones team. “Because of the bad weather, we went to Meelick at short notice. We fully believed in ourselves, we stuck to our game plan and we never panicked. We have listened to our coaches all year and it has paid off ”. Looking ahead to Saturday’s final Gearoid accepts “Kilmihil are a good team. They have been favourites all season. They have experienced players in Ciaran Downes, David Egan and a few who have

been with the county”. Gearoid believes that Kilrush has “a management team that has great pride in Kilrush. Daniel Ryan, Con O’Brien, Noel Ryan, John Keane and our lucky charm John O’Mahoney are all Kilrush clubmen. John O’Mahoney was part of the management team when Kilrush last won the title which was in 2018”. O’Brien believes that Kilrush have a good mix of youth and experience. “We have a lot of young players that are developing. They are used to playing at higher grades”. Gearoid was part of the team which won this title five years ago along with goalkeeper Stephen Ryan, Ross Phelan, Padraig Browne and Darragh Bolton.

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Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Final for 'Nothing won yet' for Clonlara Corofin TUS CLARE SHC SEMI FINAL Clonlara 0-23 Feakle 0-15 Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis Compiled by Adam Moloney

STORY OF THE GAME

TUS CLARE IHC SEMI FINAL

Corofin 2-21 Ruan 1-18 Venue: O'Garney Park, Sixmilebridge Compiled by Páraic McMahon

CLONLARA FEAKLE Frees for: 14 (7/7) Frees for: 11 (3/8) Wides: 7 (4/3) Wides: 12 (7/5) Spread of scorers: 6 Spread of scorers: 5 Scores from play: 0-16 Scores from play: 0-10 Top scorer: Micheál Top scorer: Shane McGrath O’Loughlin (0-8 7f) (0-7 4f) Bookings: None Bookings: None Own puckouts won: 16 from Own puckouts won: 21 from 27 (59%) 30 (70%) REFEREE: Jim Hickey (Cratloe)

“

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Clonlara manager Donal Madden

congratulates Colm O’Meara and Paraic O’Loughlin Photo by Gerard O'Neill

MANAGER COMMENT

Donal Madden, Clonlara:

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Damien O’Loughlin claims the ball above Robin

Mounsey Photo by Gerard O'Neill

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Joe Cahill, Corofin

“It certainly helped us, we had pushed ourselves and spoke about getting a quick start, we have a lot of dual players and we felt if it came down to the last fifteen or twenty minutes that we’d be in a right battle, we’ve started well in all the games this year, we realty capitalised on it today but credit to Ruan, they really came back into it and brought it back to a couple of scores but we finished it out in the end”. “We were in control for most of the game which is a plus for us, some of these guys have been out for 24 or 25 weekends without a break, it was good to get through today, next weekend we’ll have a free weekend for the first time in a long time which will help us to regroup and recover”. “We won out the league and got eleven games in the league which was brilliant, we’re now in a final and going to meet a Bridge team who are laden down with senior stars so that is going to be a big challenge, we’re lucky to be looking forward to it”. “We’ve been senior before as a dual club, 2002 was the last time we won this title so it is good to be there, a lot of people said we should be up playing senior but I think you have to earn the right to play senior, you’re not entitled and you have to earn the right, hopefully we will get a chance to do that the next day”. “They are high achievers who want to do well, the one thing they do is set standards in training, as a management team we can find it difficult because they demand high standards and we have to respond to that but it is a good thing because it keeps us on our toes as a management team”.

STORY OF THE GAME COROFIN Frees for: 18 (7/11) Wides: 7 (2/5) Spread of scorers: 6 Scores from play: 2-8 Top scorer: Gearoid Kelly (0-12 12f) Bookings: Matt Shannon (10), Own puckouts won: 18 from 26 (69%)

REFEREE: Joe Mullins

RUAN Frees for: 15 (10/5) Wides: 7 (7/) Spread of scorers: 7 Scores from play: 1-9 Top scorer: Shane Punch (0-10 9f) Bookings: Shane Punch (58) Own puckouts won: 18 from 30 (60%)

“We’ve nothing won yet, there’s no trophies, there’s no cups, but look, this is just unreal for our club. It’s special guys, it really is special. “Feakle are a great side, but I’d say one thing about Feakle, they’re so decent, they’re so honest, over straight away shaking hands. We’ve great battles with them, there is never a dirty belt and I’d have huge respect for Ger Conway and all those guys, and the O’Connor family. I was down shouting for them when they were playing with

Tulla, I’m a past pupil myself and I was on the line driving those lads, they’re just a really good club, we would look up to a lot of those guys, the way they handle themselves. “We probably gave Crusheen the kick they needed and they’re performance was head and shoulders above what we did today, they were outstanding and look it, they’ve obviously came back and got their house in order, but we’ll go back and we’ll prepare and see where it takes us you know”.

Ger Conway, Feakle

“They were the better team. We hit a few wides in the first half and if these chances had been converted they might have brought us a bit closer. Look we weren’t able to deal with their sweeper on the day, we weren’t able to deal with them on the day. “Some of our lads were disappointing and for us to have a chance all would have to be at their best.

Look, the lads gave everything. Con Smyth did a great job on John Conlon and managed to hold him scoreless but the reality is, Clonlara were better. “Very few would have expected us to get to the semi-final, to get out of the group was the target at the start but having done that doesn’t soften the blow. You have to be at your best."

Crusheen's hard work pays off TUS CLARE SHC SEMI FINAL Crusheen 1-24 Scariff 0-19 Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis Compiled by Páraic McMahon

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

STORY OF THE GAME CRUSHEEN Frees for: 10 (6/4) Wides: 10 (6/4) Spread of scorers: 10 Scores from play: 1-17 Top scorer: Breffni Horner (0-6 4f) Bookings: None Own puckouts won: 23 from 30 (77%)

SCARIFF Frees for: 7 (3/4) Wides: 11 (8/3) Spread of scorers: 6 Scores from play: 0-13 Top scorer: Mark Rodgers (0-8 5f 1’65) Bookings: None Own puckouts won: 24 from 35 (69%)

REFEREE: Niall Malone (Éire Óg)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Michael Browne, Crusheen

“We were trying to come out, get down to business straight away, and then just try and keep it going for as long as we possibly can. "Look at our 6 backs, weren’t they just amazing and our goalkeeper, my God. Like, I know Scariff probably had three, maybe four goal chances, another day they might’ve worked for them, but they didn’t and that was all down to the hard work and determination of our backs, number one, but not alone just that, look at the work that our midfielders, half-forwards did to stop the good supply of ball going in, because if the good supply went in, it was curtains. “We came from a low place and we gradually had to build and a few things have gone our

way, we have been lucky, let’s face it, we have been lucky, we’re building on it and we’re trying to build match on match and try and build the confidence and try and keep it going for as long as we can. “There’s pressure every day you go out and the day there isn’t pressure when you go out, you’re playing a team that shouldn’t be playing, it’s simple as that. At this level, when you’re in a semi-final or a final, you’re up against the best that’s in the county and that’s it, so I mean we knew that today, and we are so proud of those lads and so proud of the way they took this on, and so proud of the way they have taken the fight to whoever has come"

l A bloodied Daniel Treacy battles with Breffni Horner

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Mark McKenna, Scariff

“We treated them the same as we treated every opposition in that group we were in this year. We thought we were progressing, we thought we came within a chance, of course we did, we expected a fight, but by God they really, really did. The bottom line is we were outworked and outfought, by a team with experience like that, you will not win, so it’s disappointing. We’ve addressed

them, we’ve spoke to them. They’re very young a lot of them, there’s some unbelievable people in that dressing room and like 12 months ago we comfortably won a relegation final, did we think we’d be in a county semi-final today, no, so going forward, let them take another step. "I’ve always said I’m very proud of them and that doesn’t change today”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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Banner Ladies favourites to beat West Clare Gaels by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

IT WILL be a gala occasion for Clare ladies football on this Saturday at Miltown when the senior championship final will be the centrepiece. Hennessy Memorial Park in Miltown Malbnay has been chosen as the venue as it was here, 40 years ago, that the Clare ladies football association was formed. Clonbony and Michael Cusacks were the first finalists with Clonbony winning by a point and the members of both teams will be present on Saturday along with the referee of that game, Maureen Davoran. In this year’s senior final Banner Ladies will be chasing title number 14 having won their first in 2008. They retained the crown in 2009 but were denied in 2010 by West Clare Gaels who will provide the opposition this year. Banner Ladies were back as champions in 2011 and they went on to win eight in a row but their bid for a ninth successive title was stopped by Kilmihil in 2019. They regained the title in 2020 and on Sunday will be hoping to complete four in-a-row. Manager JJ O’Dea has been with the

team through all of their 14 successes and six members of the panel have also been there for all fourteen wins. They are Louise Henchy, Emma O’Driscoll, Niamh Keane, Louise Woods, Laurie Ryan and Niamh O’Dea. As they head into Saturday’s final there are doubts about Grainne Nolan and Emma O’Driscoll who are both on the injured list while Laurie Ryan may not be available due to her involvement with Athlone Town soccer team who are in cup action on Saturday. Naoimi Carroll is also doubtful due to her involvement with the Irish hockey team. There is a wealth of experience in the Ennis side and it will be a surprise if they are not ahead at the final whistle. West Clare Gaels will pick from a full panel as they chase their first title win in 13 years. The team is jointly managed by Naomh Eoin footballers Gearoid Lynch and Niall Bonfil and is captained by Shauna Harvey who along with her sister Ciara played in the last title winning team. They are joined in this year’s team by their other sisters Grainne and Caoimhe while Fidelma Marrinan is the leading scorer for the West Clare outfit.

'Bridge thrilled TUS CLARE IHC SEMI FINAL Sixmilebridge 2-19 Tulla 2-14 Venue: Clarecastle Compiled by Seamus Hayes

“We were last in the senior final in 2020 when the Banner won well. We won the senior B title last year”, club chairman David Nagle told The Clare Echo this week when confirming that the team will be selected from a full panel for Saturday’s eagerly awaited final. The final takes place on Saturday at 3pm at Hennessy Park with Kilmurry Ibrickane and Kilmihil doing battle in the Senior B final at 12pm.

INTERMEDIATE CROWN FOR PARISH, RUAN WIN JUNIOR & BLUES RETAIN U14A TITLE AS SENIOR ROLLS ON

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

CAMOGIE ROUND-UP

l Cillian Custy controls the sliotar ahead of Niall Bolton

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

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MANAGER COMMENT

Pat Keane, Sixmilebridge

SCAN FOR ROUND-UP

Newmarket-on-Fergus U14 side

Jim McInerney, Tulla

PERSEVERANCE THE KEY FOR BLOSSOMING INAGH/KILNAMONA MINOR A TRIUMPH MINOR A HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

“I’m thrilled. Anyone that works as hard as the lads did out there today will always have a chance. Fourteen points we were beaten by in the semi-final last year. The bench has helped us out every day and they did so again today. “It’s been a disappointing year for the seniors, There could be five or six of these playing senior next year. “We had a huge belief every day we played this year. We never panicked. When they got the goal in the first half and it was unlucky on the goalie, we were completely on top and to be two or three points down when we were doing all the hurling, it felt unjust. I think we were on top for the bulk of the match. We are looking forward to the final now and I don’t mind who we will meet”.

SCAN FOR ROUND-UP

“We didn’t hurl to our ability at all today. We were flat and I don’t know why. We thought we had it right but we did not play to our usual form and we paid the price for it. “While Daragh Corry and David McInerney were a huge loss to us as they are experienced players I still felt that a lot of other players didn’t hurl to their ability. Freetaking has been our achilles heel for the last couple of years. I think we missed five scoreable frees and you can’t afford that. It’s back to the drawing board now and start all over again."

STORY OF THE GAME

The victorious Inagh/Kilnamona side

SIXMILEBRIDGE Frees For: 11 (5/6) Wides: 5 (3/2) Scores from play: 2-14 Spread of scorer: 9 Top scorer: Sean Lynch (1-6 2f) Bookings: Alan Mulready (25), Red Card: Cian Gleeson, water carrier (45) Own puckouts won: 21 out of 27 (78%) Photo by Nicholas Rynne

TULLA Frees For: 15 (8/7) Wides: 11 (5/6) Scores from play: 2-6 Spread of scorers: 5 Top scorer: Sean Withycombe (0-9 8f) Bookings; Dan Withycombe (41) Own puckouts won: 20 out of 26 (77%)

REFEREE: John Bugler (Whitegate)

Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

'Shut up and work hard' - Donie excited as Clare return to Oscar Traynor action by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DONIE GARRIHY has announced his Oscar Traynor squad with an international style camp to be completed by Clare’s players in advance of next Wednesday’s opener against the Limerick District League. Doolin’s Donie returned as manager of the county side having previously led them to back to back titles in 2015 and 2016. A first get-together of the squad and management took place in Frank Healy Park on Wednesday night. Garrihy is joined on his management team by Denis Hynes, Barry Ryan, Aaron Ryan, Robert Clancy and John Earls (physical therapist). Speaking to The Clare Echo, Donie said “I’m happy with the squad I’ve assembled”. Eoin Hayes, Daragh Corry and John Mulready have worked with Garrihy before but apart from that, it is a completely new-look squad. He said, “I named the squad, I followed the same with what I did in 2015 and 2016, I talked to a few managers and people in the know, I named the squad and I’ll see who comes along, we’re playing out of a league that has the FAI champions in Newmarket Celtic which is a plus straight away, not far away from them is Avenue and that’s another plus, I’ve been very impressed with Bridge Utd and their coaching, then there’s one or two players dotted all over the league, I hope they can gel together”. Pitted in a group of three, Clare are in action for the opening rounds (October 18th and November 11th). “To play inter county football you know will know coming off the pitch what type of player you are, if you want to know what footballers you are play in the Jackman Park, we will know what type of a team we have after that game, Limerick District League are probably the best in the busi-

ness, we’ll see where we go but I am looking for a result. I’m glad it is coming along fast because I hate long run-ins”. Explaining his rationale for conducting “a mini-camp” prior to next week’s outing, he said they will run it akin to an international camp. “We will bring the players in and make them familiar with us and the management, it’s a small league and everyone knows who is who, the players know the manager, the coaches and where best pitches are, they know who plays with Limerick and their best players, it won’t be nothing new. Let’s have a go on Weds night, I am really looking forward to the challenge, I don’t want scooby doo football, I don’t want to be playing shit teams, I want to play proper teams and see can we cut the mustard”. Missing a competitive edge enticed him to the role after an approach was made by CDSL Chair, Jason Ryan. “I missed the competition, I was out of gaelic football for eight months, I felt I needed to do something, I’m emotionally attached with St Breckans, I was with them for four years and 365 days a year not 364 days a year, it was an amazing transformation going from an AGM in 2018 talking about amalgamating with another junior team in North Clare to a county final in 2023, it shows what you can do if you work at something. “We will work hard at the Oscar Traynor, I’m a firm believer that the definition of genius is hard work, roll your sleeves up, work hard and shut up just work hard. Watch the Newmarket Celtic boys, they worked hard last year, they worked their socks off, that is the way Paddy was and is with them, shut up and work hard, it is what St Breckans have done for last five years and they have always been humble”. That the Oscar Traynor returns for the first time since 2019 poses questions on whether will regain the respect it once had. “I haven’t

OSCAR TRAYNOR SQUAD: Newmarket Celtic Eoin Hayes Harvey Cullinan Shane Cusack Jack Kelly Aaron Rudd Ethan Fitzgerald Nathan Boaventura Avenue United Luke Woodrow Nnabuike Nneji Elias Kunz Cullen McCabe Conor Hehir Thomas Hehir Witness Kilrush Rangers Jamie Griffin Kiril Atunov Tulla United Daragh Corry thought about it, I’m not ducking the question. I love the competition and I loved playing it, the Avenue, Newtown, Newmarket and Bridge boys loved playing in the competition. I do hope it gets back its characters, there was great characters, Gerry Davis is over the Irish amateur side, he managed AUL to the title for a couple of years in a row, he earned his stripes there with AUL, then he became international manager and he has done a good job. On the back of our Oscar Traynor wins in 2015 and 2016, Stephen Kelly and Eoin Hayes both became junior international players of the year, Eoin has got thirty international caps since, as Mairead Healy would say back in Lisdoon ‘Hello’,” Donie concluded.

Shannon Town Kieran Hackett James Fahy Daithi Lohan Jack Ryan Moher Celtic Tom Hanrahan Joe Hanrahan Bridge United John Mulready Lee Mulready Liam Buckley

Aideen crowned Irish mid-amateur champion by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: Woodstock’s Aideen Walsh was crowned Irish Mid-Amateur champion at the weekend in Portsalon, winning with a score of -5, one ahead of Emma O'Driscoll Ballybunion. Brian Gilligan won the inaugural Donal Kenny Memorial Scratch Matchplay. Tony Nugent was Brian's opponent in the final played on Sunday afternoon. The competition was a great success with a fantastic field of competitors. Kieran Cunnane Painting Contractors, Ltd sponsored this competition. It is expected that this competition will be a major fixture in the club’s yearly programme of events for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, in the club singles at the weekend Eoin Collins (12) was the winner with 41 points from David Greene (11) with 39 with Ruairi Breen (13) a point further back in third place with 38 points. Aidan Mulcahy (6) won the gross with 32 points. There will be another club singles this weekend SHANNON GOLF CLUB: Anna Corry (34) was the winner of the Rineanna plate at Shannon last week with 35 points. She had one to spare over Joan Hoctor (26) with Dee O’Connell (49) in third place with 32 points Rose doyle (10) won the gross with 27 points. The ladies September 9 hole stableford winner was Maire O’Donnell (20) with 22 points while the FAB 9 hole ladies winner for

l Aideen Walsh and Ruairi O'Connor pictured with their trophies at Portsalon Photo: Fran Caffrey / Golffile

September was Carmel McMahon (24) with 16 points. KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: The winner of the weekend’s men’s open

singes at Kilrush was Malcolm McCarthy (8) with 37 points. Declan O’Donovan (9) won category 1 with 35 points, Pat Shannon 18) won category 2

with 34 points and Mark Cottam (24) won category 3 with 33 points, Dominic Enright (12) won the front nine with the Back 9 honours going to Feargal S. Crowley (12) and both had 20 points. DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: The competition at Dromoland at the weekend was a 3 ball scramble in aid of Cahercalla Hospice. The winners were Enda Hennegan, David Reidy and Diarmuid O’Connor with 53.25. they had one stroke to spare over Padraic Duddy, Brian Hickey and Dermot McMahon with third spot filled by Kyle Neylon, Connor Ryan and Emmet Costigan with 55.75. GORT GOLF CLUB: The men’s singles stableford competition at Gort at the weekend was won by Michael Killeen (16) with 46 points. P.J. McAllen (19) won category 1 with 41 points, Paddy Prendergast (15) won category 2, also with 41 points while Gerry Fahey (24) won category 3 with 40 points. The gross was won by David Quirke (2) with 37 points. In the ladies 18 hole stableford competition category 1 was won by Siobhan Forde (11) with 37 points. Phil Mulkerrins (26) won category 2 with 26 points and Ena Furey (31) won category 3 with 31 points. Shauna Burke (15) won the Friday open singles with 31 points while the 9 hole singles was won by Geraldine Quinn (18) with 20 points.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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Sport

Wins for Ennis Men, women and underage sides by Dearbhla Parry

U14 Boys: Ennis RFC 31 – 31 UL Bohemians RFC Ennis came into this North Munster game unbeaten. In Annacotty, UL Bohemians started strong with a converted try but Ennis quickly struck back with a well-worked try scored and converted by Steven O’Neill. Ennis then had a penalty awarded which was duly converted by O’Neill, who continued to convert another try by Alex Pelczar. By the break, Ennis were leading by 17 – 7. In the second half, UL Bohemians struck an early blow with a converted try. However, Ennis stuck to their game plan and were soon rewarded with a try by Pelczar, converted by O’Neill. A repeat of this scenario left Ennis with a 31 – 21 lead but with 4 minutes remaining on the clock, UL Bohemians brought the score back up to 31 – 31. U15 Boys: Ennis RFC 5 – 37 Waterpark RFC Ennis fielded a few newcomers to league rugby for their game against Waterpark. Ciaran Sheehan man-

aged a try shortly before halftime, but the Waterford side were very skilled in all departments. Ennis showed promise and can look forward to their upcoming fixtures. Great performances by C. Sheehan, J. Moloney (captain), Evan Cusack, O. Considine and C. Earl. Ennis: Diarmuid Egan, Brendan Owen Murphy, Frank O’Sullivan, Cian Earle, Thomas Rynne, Tadhg Bane, Evan Cusack, Ciaran Sheehan, James Moloney, Oisin Considine, Donnacha Begley, Radoslav Petric, James Nihill, Iwan Phillips, Shaun Roche, Donnacha Byrne, Seán Hanrahan, Conor Molloy, Oisin Galvin, Conor Malone and Tom Fitzpatrick.

U16 Boys: Ennis RFC 14 – 7 Nenagh RFC Ennis edged out Nenagh in a tightly contested league match in Lees Road on Sunday. Nenagh started off strong and were rewarded with a try after a series of close quarter drives from the ruck to take a deserved 7-0 lead. Ennis gradually worked themselves into the game and finished the first half well but couldn’t capitalise on a couple of gilt edged opportunities created by the hard running centre pairing of Fahy and Considine. On the resumption, Ennis

l Ennis U14’s

played for territory and kept Nenagh pinned back for long periods. Cian O’Connor crashed over after a sustained period of interplay between backs and forwards. Ennis took the lead after forcing an errant kick. It landed in the arms of Emmanuel Omoridion on the 22 metre line and he then took off for the line. Ennis managed to see out the game in a controlled fashion and took top spot in the pool. Ennis: O. Vaughan, C. Thornton, O. Considine, D. Fahy, D. Nugent, C. McAllister, F. Guthrie, C. O’Connor, E. Omoridion, P. Sweeney, C. Lyons, S. Maher, P. Browne, M. O’Halloran, A. Cam, D. Moloney, P. O’Keefe, C. Thornton and K. McGearailt.

Cooney clan land treble in Limerick by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

MEMBERS OF THE Cooney clan from O’Callaghans Mills had three winners in Limerick track last weekend. There was an extra night’s racing at Limerick Greyhound Stadium for spectators to enjoy in the last week. On Friday last, Killuran Johnny obliged in a novice 525 for O’Callaghan Mills owner Gary Cooney, a son of Pestana and Border Electric, his winning time was 29.71. Daystar, a son of Malachi and Rockalong Aqua recorded a first career success for The McNamara’s from Tulla with a 30.31 victory. The performance of the evening went to Rockmount Skiddo for Shane Flanagan of Ennis, a son of Droopys Jet and Rockmount Royce, he stopped the clock in a career best 28.64. Mary Crotty from O’Briensbridge was in the winner’s enclosure with Inislosky Cher who recorded her second career success in 29.44, Cher is a daughter of Malachi and Fire Height Cher. At the same venue on Thursday last there were five Clare-owned winners, first up was Cloneyogan Bear for Mullagh’s, Noel Moroney, recording career win number two, he stopped the clock in 29.53 in an A6 contest, Bear is a son of Pestana and Cloneyogan Flash. April Rain was to the fore for Ennistymon’s Tom Flanagan with a lively 29.02 victory in an A2 contest, a daughter of Romeo Recruit and Trembling Juliet, for her seventh success. Snuggie Archie landed career win number ten for Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Myles Cummins, with a 29.20 victory. Archie is a son of

Paddys Magic and Miles Girl. There was a quickfire double for kennels of Donal Cooney in the concluding two races of the evening – Melbourne Flyer was never in trouble with a 29.09 victory in an A4 contest, owned by Darren Cooney this son of Good News and White Queen notched his second career success. The double was completed by East Clare Way, owned by Frank O Meara and Padraig Minogue, this son of Pestana and Slippery Jade recorded the fastest run of the evening with a 29.01 effort. COURSING The Ennis/ Clarecastle Coursing Club held their two day Annual Meeting in ideal weather conditions over last weekend. Speaking this week, secretary Johnnie Moroney thanked every member who had worked hard to make the meeting one of the most successful to date. All hares have been released back into the wild under the supervision of the wildlife officers who were in attendance on both days. The Secretary went on to congratulate the winners with special mention to the McInerney Family for the use of their lands. Montepelier Hunk owned by Patrick O’Driscoll and Ethan Moloney won the H.J Murphy & Ryan All Age Cup. Crescent Magic owned by Martin Ryan claimed the Oaks Trial Stake whole Strikin Distance owned by Noel Hehir and Rachel Wheeler won the Martin Ryan reserve derby trial stake. In the working members stake, the winner was Knockdrum Ripper owned by Paddy and John Collins.

U16 Girls: Ennis RFC v Bruff The Ennis girls started off their season with a win in Bruff on Saturday. Bruff started off by going into the corner at the 5 minute mark after some loose tackling by Ennis. The front row of Fia Doody, Kathy Slattery and Lilith Kearney took control of the scrum, and Lucy Kelly and Keira Hanrahan in the second row displayed some strong runs. The backrow of Maebh McCarthy, Kate Howard and Nicole Clark closed down the opposition with great tackling at the gain-line. The first Ennis score

came after a passage of stout defending when centre Abi Kelly broke down the wing and ran the length of the pitch for her first try. Strong running from Faye Ryan at the second centre and clever interplay with winger Eileen Keating created space for Kelly to get in for her second try. Holly Murphy and Siofra Enright came into the attack in the third quarter. Ennis got two more tries before Bruff closed out the game with a try. Ennis: Fia Doody, Kathy Stapleton, Lilith Kearney, Lucy Kelly, Kiera Hanrahan, Maebh McCarthy, Kate Howard, Nicole Clark, Grace Hoyne, Laura Kate Ryan, Holly Murphy, Abi Kelly, Faye Ryan, Eileen Keating and Siofra Enright.

Senior Men: Ennis RFC 26 – 14 Bruff RFC Tries by Brendan Keane, Oisin Mangan, Calum Barret and Jack Scahill, along with three conversions from Mangan ensured a win for Ennis. Keane and Madigan's tries came in a hard-fought first half which saw some excellent defence from the Clare side. With a half-time deficit of 12-0, Bruff spring into action and scored the first try of the second half, which

they converted. However the redemption was shortlived as Jack Scahill broke five tackles, putting Calum Barret away under the post. Mangan slotted the conversion to make it a 19-7 lead. Scahill once again made a strong break for Ennis' last try before Bruff put more respectibility on the board with the last try of the game. Senior Women: Ennis/Kilrush RFC v Bruff RFC The Ennis/Kilrush Senior Women welcomed Bruff to Lees Road on Sunday for a friendly. Ennis/Kilrush were the stronger team on the day, but there were excellent performances from both teams. Machteld Hulsegge lined out at number 11 and Niamh Doyle at number 1 in their first ever game of rugby. Also making their debut for the Senior Women’s team were Emily Fanning, Laura Cooney, Louise Gilsenan and Maedbh O’Driscoll. These players held their own alongside Senior Ennis and Munster players Aoibheann Hahessy and Grainne Burke, and the rest of the seasoned squad.

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COURTS LICENCE NO: QC-12331 REVENUE LICENCE NO: LIPI 100 AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT 1833 SECTION 6 INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT, 1960 SECTION 29 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ENNIS DISTRICT NO. 12 Jack Gleeson as Nominee Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Jack Gleeson as nominee of Gleeson’s Greyhound Bar Limited of Frederick Square, Sixmilebridge, Clare intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Ennis District Court on the 08-Dec2023 at 10:30 for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publican’s Licence (7Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises at Ivorstown, Sixmilebridge, Clare, . in the court area and district aforesaid. Dated 14 sep 2023 Signed Stiofan Fitzpatrick Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, The Square, Sixmilebridge , Clare To the Garda Superintendent, at CourtPresenters.Ennis@garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83 To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@ clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74 To the Health Service Executive Official, at pehoclare@hse.ie To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

Recent Deaths Martyn, Sean Ballyvaughan Clare McGuane, John Kilnamona Clare McGrath, Martin Kilkee Clare Moloney, Noreen Ennis Clare Hickey (née Beville), Claire Ann Ardnacrusha Clare Higgins, John Lissycasey Clare Higgins, John Kilmihil Clare Keavey, P.J. Quilty Clare Kelly (née O’Donnell), Mary Cree Clare Kelly (née O’Donnell), Mary Ennis Clare O’Grady (née Anglim), Mary Kilmihil Clare O’Leary, Christy Ennis Clare Coleman (née Tubridy), Mary Cree Clare Daly, Martin Ennis Clare Griffin, John Inagh Clare McNamara (née O’Brien), Marcella (Cella) Barefield Clare McNamara (née O’Brien), Marcella (Cella) Crusheen Clare

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Planning

PLANNING CLARE CO. COUNCIL KILLANENA, CAHER, CO. CLARE Permission for the construction of an extension to existing dwelling house is being sought by Edward Somerville. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DOONAGHBOY, KILKEE, CO. CLARE Take notice that Sinead Lardner intend to apply to the Planning Authority for outline planning permission to construct dwelling house, connect to public services plus all ancillary site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 1 QUAY ROAD, CLARECASTLE, CO. CLARE Take Notice that Gerard Kierce intends to apply to the Planning Authority for Retention Permission for a variation of design and as constructed two-storey extension as previously granted under Planning Permission Reference P8/24338 at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours

and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL HILL ROAD, BUNRATTY WEST, BUNRATTY, CO. CLARE. I, Adam Kearney, intend to apply to Clare County Council for Permission to construct a two-storey Guesthouse with single storey annex to rear comprising kitchen and ancillary store rooms and plant room along with new vehicular and pedestrian accesses and boundary treatment, parking provision and connections to adjacent services/utilities inclusive of associated site works, all in accordance with documents lodged, at Hill Road, Bunratty West, Bunratty, Co. Clare. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority at Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL RINNAMONA, KILNABOY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Paul & Marie Moroney for permission to construct a dwelling house, detached domestic garage, wastewater treatment system and soil polishing filter together with all associated site development works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ROSE HOUSE, LARKIN’S CROSS, KNOCKBALLYNAMEATH, PARTEEN, CO CLARE I, John Pierce, are applying to the above authority for Permission for the following development on property at Rose House, Larkin’s Cross, Knockballynameath, Parteen, Co Clare: Permission for the conversion of the existing outbuildings into 2 No. 2 Bed apartments, 1 No. 1 bed apartment and 2 No. Studio apartments, demolition of the remainder of the existing outbuildings as indicated, onsite wastewater treatment system, connection to necessary services, together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYVELAGHAN, NEW QUAY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Francis McInerney & Michelle Connelly for permission to construct an entrance, dwelling house, detached domestic garage, wastewater treatment system and soil polishing filter together with all associated site development works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL RATHCRAGGAUN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Amy Warren for permission to construct an entrance, dwellinghouse and detached domestic garage, install a wastewater treatment system and soil polishing filter together with all associated site development works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ANNAGH, QUILTY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Nora Lynne and Fergal Hehir intend to apply for permission to build a storage shed and garage & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL PRAGUE, CUSACK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. EIRCODE V95YVR3 Take notice that Attracta O Loughlin , acting as the executor of the estate of the late Patricia Graham, intends to apply for retention permission for the extension to the rear of the existing dwelling house & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable

cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CRATLOEKEEL, CRATLOE, CO. CLARE Further Information/revised plans Planning Ref: P23-397 Development Description: To Construct dwelling house, domestic shed, entrance, waste water treatment system plus all ancillary site works. Take notice that Richard Murray & Ciara O’ Grady has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P23-397. This information and planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISSANE EAST, CLARECASTLE CO. CLARE Take notice that T. Reidy & M O’Dea intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KELLS, COROFIN, CO.

CLARE Take notice that Ronan & Janine Howard are applying to Clare County Council to make minor alterations to the dwelling house granted under planning permission P22-801 along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FORT ROAD, CAPPA, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Shannonside Building Supplies Ltd are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to demolish existing roof structure & supporting structural frame, reinstatement of new roof frame & structure, elevational changes along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ROSSHILL, KILDYSART, CO. CLARE Take notice that Denise & Patrick McHugh are applying to Clare County Council for retention permission for the change of use of a portion of the existing structure from a garage to part of the dwelling house, retention permission for extensions and alterations to the existing structure along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in

writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MOUNTSHANNON WEST, LABASHEEDA, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Marie & Ignatius Moloney are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to demolish existing house & garage damaged by fire and the construction of a new dwelling house and garage along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE CO. COUNCIL CLOONANASS, KILMURRY, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Christopher Liddy intends to apply for permission for development, the development will consist of a material change of use from a farm store, currently in use as a farm store to a milking parlour, the construction of a new dairy, under-slat tank for collection yard and associated site works at the above address. The planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Thursday, Oct 12, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz The Burren

long ago approximately was How many people live in the 1How the Burren formed? 6 Burren, according to the 2011 census? 250 350 450

7679 8679 9679

is the most common flower is the oldest dated mega2What found in the Burren? 7What lithic monument in Ireland, locat-

Which Irish musician settled in the Burren?

Luke Kelly Christy Moore Sean Tyrell

l QUESTION 1: How long ago approximately was the Burren formed?

which town is the renowned 9In“Matchmaking Festival” held? Carron Lisdoonvarna Ballyvaughan

of the following restau10Which rants received a Michelin Star? Wild Sage Inn Wild Mountain Inn Wild Honey Inn

Spot the Difference Can you spot the 7 differences

ANSWERS 7: Poulnabrone

Moylussa Mullaghmore Keeper Hill

Patrick McGann Peter McGann Jack McGann

8: Jack McGann

What is the name of the most 4 popular mountain trail in the Burren?

local farmer accidently 8Which discovered thee Aillwee Cave?

9: Lisdoonvarna

Rocky Place Rock Big Rock

10: Wild Honey Inn

does the Burren’s Irish 3What name, ”Boíreann” mean?

ed in the Burren?

Poulnabrone Aillwee Cave Bunratty Castle

1: 350 2: Orchid 3: Rocky Place 4: Mullaghmore 5: Sean Tyrell 6: 8679

Orchid Daisy Bluebell

Last weeks answers

. GAA logo missing on jersey . Keepers gloves different colour . Strips on blue shorts missing . Number 2 missing on jersey

Ali and his barber staff outside Barber Ali’s Ennis

. O’Neills missing on shorts . Crest missing on jersey . Brand on top missing

Photo by Tom Micks

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