Heavily depends, since you mentioned clays being a primary reason you want one I'd say a decent semiauto would do you well.

Less recoil than a double barrel(either U/O or SxS), and with a bit of weight it is a gun you could happily blast clays all day with.

Depending on the type of clays, an U/O with adjustable chokes might be preferable, but up to you. A heavier rather than game shooting oriented gun would be better though to reduce felt recoil, as would going down a gauge(ie from a 12 to a 20) if you want lighter recoil.

Best bet would probably go to your local gunshop and see what they have in stock. And also shop around a bit further afield, clay guns are pretty common overall and you might get a better deal on one in a smaller gunshop than a bigger one with more foot traffic.

As far as reliability goes, have a look around to get your bearings on something you like that is within your price range, fits yourself well(ie mount the gun in the shop a few times and see whether it feels comfortable or not, and be sure to try a few), etc and then have a google or ask here for reviews of that gun and you'll likely find at least a dozen.

Preference for reviews with a higher round count on the gun too, as that'll be what you'll be doing with clays, and you wouldn't buy a car based on a review where the guy drove it home and then reviewed it, so don't take an unboxing as being a good review either 😉

Some brands are higher quality than others, but brand is far from everything. Don't be afraid to go with a cheaper or used option and a pile of cartridges rather than a new/expensive gun at the top of your price range, simply because with a cheaper gun by the end of a few hundred rounds you'll be in a better position than a more expensive gun which is shot less. At least that is the path I took, and I'd recommend it highly 😁

So basically, head to a shop and try a bunch, pick them up, mount them, have a feel and see what might be right for yourself, then do your research and go with your gut.

If you'd be comfortable sharing your county I'm sure some folks here would be happy to recommend dealers within or nearby which might have what you'd be looking for.

For myself I can recommend Delaney's in Portlaoise for U/O, and CillDara hunting had a few semis last time I was in.

If you are closer to Kilkenny Connolly's Red Mills has a good selection from what I hear, and are decent to deal with.

Hope that helps and if there's something else to narrow down the selection of what you're looking for just say so.

No problem at all, happy to help! :)

I wouldn't worry too much about the medical issue. The main thing they are looking for is to determine whether you will be a danger to yourself or others with said firearm, and especially since that issue has now receded sufficiently to not need medication(kudos well deserved on that :)) then I can't see it being an issue.

If you're in any doubt you can always bring it up with your gp and they are usually very understanding.

My own gp knows that when I shoot it is akin to relaxing meditation for me, so is all for it ;)

And if the guards do enquire about it just be honest and they will likely be satisfied that you don't pose a danger.

A medical condition, previous refusal of a licence, etc isn't a deal breaker at all, it can simply trigger some additional enquiries.