Hoping for a ‘Banner’ return

AS the county gears itself up for this weekend’s big match against Limerick, an Ennis hotel is hoping for a different kind of ‘Banner’ comeback.

Cheeky thieves have made off with a massive good luck sign for the Clare players, which had been on prominent display outside Treacy’s West County Hotel since the beginning of the championship.

The hotel is hoping that whoever made off with the banner will show some ‘sign’ of regret and return it to its rightful owners in time for Sunday’s match.
The sign was removed sometime between Sunday night and the early hours of Monday morning.

At six feet by four feet, the white sign with saffron and blue lettering is certainly something that would be difficult to hide.

The sign was emblazoned with the slogan, “Best of Luck to Clare from Treacy’s West County” and the hotel is anxious to have it returned to so it can show its full support for the team.

According to Siobhán Hassett, sales manager at Treacy’s West County, “We are all behind the Clare team and, while we still have flags outside the hotel, the sign really did make it. The banner was firmly tied up at each corner with rope so it would have taken some effort to remove it. It was there when the managers left on Sunday and when we came in on Monday morning, it was gone.

“Our new owners are from Waterford and they have got behind the Banner and are supporting Clare. If whoever took the sign would return it, we would be very appreciative. They can do so confidentially.”

Siobhán also urged people to look out for the sign around the town. “Because of its size, it’s something that couldn’t really be put out of sight. If anybody comes across it, we would be delighted if they got in touch with us so we can have the sign returned to us.”
She added, “We’re all going to be watching the match on television to see if the sign appears in the crowd, but hopefully whoever took it will give it back to us.”