Notes for August
W/E 14/08/2022
Wedding Bells. The wedding took place in St. Tola's Church, Dysart on Friday of Brendan O'Leary and Kerry McMenamin, who, along with family and friends, returned from England to marry in Brendan's home parish. Brendan is a son of Michael and Cathy O'Leary of Dysart and Kerry is a daughter of Tracey and Michael McMenamin from Dunstable in England and Fr. Pat O'Neill officiated at the ceremony. Bridesmaids were Jess Downes, Rachel O'Meara, Aisling Mortimer, Emma Ditzle and Kelley and Collette O'Leary. Bestman was Kieran O'Leary and Groomsmen were Caimin Haukes, Michael Caulfield, Tadgh Kelly, Stephen Burke, Timmy Haugh and David Clancy. Flowergirl was Saoirse O'Leary and pageboy was Darragh Haugh. The reception was held in the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon. The couple will return to England, where they both work. New Doctor. Many people from this parish attend the Burren Medical Centre in Corofin. Dr. Tom Daly has now joined the team there and will work on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Dr. Paraic will continue to work on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Dr. Marese will work on Mondays and Tuesdays and Dr. Elaine works there on Thursdays. Success at All Ireland Fleadh. A number of locals took part in the All Ireland Fleadh held in Mullingar last week. Liam Jones took the spoils in the over 18 lilting and whistling competition. The Burren group came 2nd in their category, and amongst them were local musicians Aoibhe Lecathelinais, Leah Griffin, Cliodhna Jones, Sara and Jack Browne, Anna O'Halloran, Rory Meaney and Colm Whelan. Great credit must go to Garry and Majella Shannon for this wonderful achievement, with help from Sinead Heagney and Aine Griffin. O'Dea Clan Gathering. The triennial O'Dea Clan Gathering took place in Dysart O'Dea Castle from July 8 to July 11 when they celebrated the twelfth such International coming together since the Clan was revived by Risteard (Dick) Croinin in 1990, with restoration work having been completed on the old Castle of the O'Dea family since 1987. The delegates, who hailed from all over the globe, including the U.S.A. and Australia, were treated to a Civic reception by the Mayor of Clare, Cllr Claire Colleran Molloy on the Friday evening, followed by a talk on medieval life given by Kate O'Brien. Dick spoke on the history of the O'Dea Clan and Dysart, and Shane O'Dea of Dublin and Ennis was installed as the incoming Chieftain with Kevin O'Dea from the U.S. installed as the Tanaiste. The weekend events included Mass at Ennis Cathedral, trips to Corofin, Bunratty, Ballyvaughan, Corcomroe and Ennis. The evenings ended with a visit to O'Dea's Pub on O'Connell Street in Ennis and the event proved to be a very enjoyable and lively weekend and it is hoped plans to organise the July 2025 Gathering will progress in due course. Hurling. The Minor Academy team drew with Kilmaley last week and they play Bodyke/Mills on Friday next. The Intermediate team lost to Parteen in Newmarket on Fergus and they go on to play Sixmebridge on Sunday. Camogie. The under 18 team beat Feakle/Killanena in the championship last week. They meet Sixmilebridge in the next round, details yet to be confirmed. A bus travelled to Dublin on Sunday to the All Ireland Camogie Finals. Three young camogie players from the Club paraded with Clare Camogie at half time in the Intermediate game. They were Ava Casey, Isabelle McInerney and Aoibhinn O'Toole, who also played with the inder 14 inter county competition. All who travelled had a really enjoyable day and credit must go to the organisers who ensured everything went smoothly. Recent Death. The death has taken place of Rita Ryan nee Meehan, of Summerhill, Ennis, who was a sister of Mary Byrt, Ruan Summer Camp. The Camogie and Hurling Camp hosted by Ruan GAA was a huge success last week, with 100 children participating. The coaches were all young enthusiastic and passionate members of the Club who passed on their knowledge and skills in a fun and enjoyable way to the children over the week, which was bathed in sunshine. Rebecca Crowe from Dysart, Kate O'Gorman, Niamh Mulqueen, Sinead Hogg, Muireann Scanlon, Ciara Grogan and Caoimhe Carmody, members of the Clare Junior and Senior Camogie teams and Paul Flanagan, Clare hurler, visited the Camp, showing what can be achieved by persistence and passion and they received an enthusiastic reception from the children. Great credit is due to the organisers and those who, voluntarily, give of their time and expertise and it bodes well for the future of GAA in the parish. Camogie. Ruan Juniors had a win over Truagh in the first round of the championship last week. They are away to Scariff/Ogonelloe on Saturday August 27. Hurling. The under 17 Academy team lost, away, to Bodyke/Mills and the Intermediate team lost in Clarecastle to Sixmilebridge, by the narrowest of margins,1 point, at the weekend. |
W/E 22/08/2021
Defibrillator Training. There was a great turn out for the Defibrillator Training held in Toonagh Hall Monday evening of last week, led by Denmack Safety. The code for the Defibrillator in Toonagh Hall is held by Monica Tierney, Pamela Vaughan and Mairead Culliney, should it be needed. A person has an extra 75% of survival when a defibrillator is used. Credit must be given to all who took part in the training and to Grainne Barry who organised it. Recent Death. The death has taken place, in London, of James O’Leary, son of John Joe and Alice, from College Grove, Ennis, nephew of Michael O’Leary, Dysart. The death has also occurred of Sr. Ethel Normoyle, of Lissycasey. Sr. Ethel had many supporters in the parish, a number of whom travelled to Missionvale in South Africa over the years to help build the family centre and school and became friends of the intrepid nun over the years. Work on Toonagh Hall. Toonagh Hall and Sports Complex has been the heart of the community for many years bringing young and old together, hosting concerts, music sessions, craft mornings, and meetings. It is also a centre for Camogie, hurling and football training and is used by the children of Toonagh School for concerts and youth club activities. A large room over the kitchen, which was the girls classroom during the time it was a school, and has been out of use since 1977 when the Youth Club vacated it, is now being renovated. Toonagh Group Water Scheme is spearheading these works, being undertaken by John O’Dwyer, Procon, assisted by participants of the local Community Employment Scheme. The works include an office (which will be used by the Group Water Scheme), two toilets, new stairs, fire doors and windows and will be a great addition to the Centre. Noel Tierney, who worked in maintenance and administration for the Water Scheme for forty years and has been Manager for the past thirteen years, is to retire in October and he will be replaced by Matthew Rynne who has been appointed Manager. Hurling. The under 15 hurlers were beaten by Eire Og in the Academy final in Crusheen last week. It is the second year in a row the boys reached the final, which did not go ahead last year due to Covid-19. They now look forward to taking part in the under 15 Feile, taking place at the weekend. |
W/E 15/08/2021
Tour de Munster. The visit of the ‘Tour de Munster’ cyclists to Clare, travelling from Killaloe to Quin, Ennis and Kilrush was a phenomenal success on Saturday. Just over €19,000 was raised, every cent of which will go towards paying for speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, therapeutic horse riding, home tutoring and swimming for the eighty members in Clare. Molly O’Donoghue, Ronan Barry, Daniel Clancy, Geraldine Cahir and all the ‘bucket shakers’ were so friendly, approachable and appreciative, making it easy for the public to give so generously, and with such good hearts, to total strangers. Musicians Holly and Emer O’Loughlin, Rachel O’Mahoney and Mary Hanrahan played in O’Connell’s Square, where the cyclists gathered, their lively tunes bringing a festive atmosphere to the event. In these times of restrictions and uncertainty, the event brought great life and excitement to the town, and credit is due to everyone involved, and the support of all who helped out in any way is deeply appreciated by Down Syndrome Clare. Camogie. Local Camogie stalwart, Brid MacNamara completed her 1,000,000 steps for Clare Camogie on Tuesday evening of last week, ending with a visit to Ruan, where she was greeted by members of Ruan Camogie Club and well-wishers and supporters. Brid spent the past month fitting in her steps between work and Camogie activities. She paid a visit to all the Camogie Clubs in the County and got great support along the way. The u14 girls had a win over Clarecastle in the u14 semi final on Friday evening last, and are now through to the final. (I have no details of who, where or when they’re playing, if u know by the time you get this you might put it in please, otherwise just leave it as I’ve written, thanks, Rose). Ruan hosted an u10 blitz between themselves and Kilkishen at the weekend, where they played two games each. They showed the skills which they are practising at training and at home and really enjoyed the experience. Louise McDonnell and Rebecca Crowe are members of the Clare panel who were to play Kildare on Saturday last, however, Clare was given a walkover by Kildare, so they now go forward to the next stage of the competition. Recent Death. The death has taken place of Michael O’Connell, Drimeen, Ruan in Milford Hospice. During the funeral mass to celebrate Michael’s life, Fr. Pat O’Neill alluded to the fact that the O’Connell family’s attitude ‘to work is to pray’ was the way of life they followed. Michael and his late brother John Joe, farmed the land on which they were born and reared. They were men of a deep faith who were great neighbours and a source of inspiration to those who knew them. Michael had a great sense of humour and was blessed with good health until recent times. When John Joe died two years ago, Michael felt his loss keenly. Following the requiem mass, he was laid to rest in the local graveyard. Michael is survived by his cousins, neighbours and friends. |
W/E 08/08/2021
Tour de Munster. The 21st annual 600km “Tour de Munster” takes place this year from August 5 to August 8. Over 150 cyclists will travel the length and breath of Munster raising awareness and funds for the local Down Syndrome Clare branch. The committee of Down Syndrome, its members and supporters will be “bucket shaking” in Ennis on Friday August 6, when the cyclists arrive. There will be music in The Square to welcome everyone. People may also donate by entering the raffle at https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/DSClarefundraiserTdM, where the prize is a fantastic racing bike valued at €1,599 sponsored by Planet-Tri in Killaloe. All support will be greatly appreciated as the funds raised will be put to good use to provide children with speech therapy, essential therapeutic services, occupational therapy, home tutoring, sports and social activities. Walking Tour. Following on to her last walk in July, Mary O’Halloran will lead another walk around the archaeological sites of Dysart O’Dea on Sunday, August 8. This walk will take in the Soup School, Rath Medieval Church and a hill fort. Mary may be contacted at 0872830950 or maryohalloran@hotmail.com, for further information. Recent Death. The death has taken place of Dolores Courtney (née Donnellan) Ardcarney, Ruan, formerly of Coore, Doonogan, Mullagh at U.H.G. Dolores came to Ruan in 1979, when she and Jimmy were married. She endeared herself to all who know her with her sense of humour, her outgoing personality and good nature. She worked with FAS in the community and in later years worked with Clarecare where she became a home help to a number of parishioners. She brought lightheartedness and encouragement to the families she worked with and they, in turn, looked forward to her visits. Dolores lived for her family, and during her illness over the past eighteen months she remained positive, always looking forward, keeping busy knitting, baking and making the best of the time they had together. Fr. Pat O’Neill celebrated her funeral mass after which she was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Dolores is survived by her husband, Jimmy, sons Aidan and Owen, daughters Donna, Martha and Lisa, their partners, grandchildren, her sisters Mary, Josephine, Ann and Teresa, brothers Gerard, Michael, Frank, James and Damien, brothers in law, sisters in law, extended family, neighbours and friends. The death has also occurred of Mary Rock (née Quinn) Cregboy, Gort and formerly of Tiernea House, Ruan, sister of Joe Quinn. Camogie. The u12s on their game against Clooney on Saturday last. The u14s progress to the u14 semi final in the next few weeks. The adult team finished strong beating Feakle/Killanena last week. Louise McDonnell and Rebecca Crowe played with the Clare team who beat Roscommon and they now go on to play Kildare at the weekend. Cliona Jones, Aoife Cummins and Tara Moroney play with the Clare u14 Development squad, and they played Limerick. Aisling Moloney played midfield with Clare u16s who met Waterford on Monday afternoon in Toomevara in the u16A shield final, however it was Waterford who came away with the spoils on the day. Defibrillator Training. Denmack Safety will run a defibrillator training evening in Toonagh Hall on Monday, August 9, from 6-7pm. Twenty five people may attend and anyone interested is asked to contact Pamela @ 0876224698 or Grainne @ 0878560636. Toonagh Hall Fundraiser. The sale of Toonagh School uniforms and cakes brought in €276 last week, for which the committee is very grateful, and this goes towards the running costs of the hall. There are a number of uniforms, in perfect condition, and children’s books still available and if anyone is interested they should ring Pamela @0876224698. Wedding Bells. The wedding has taken place of Barry Mahoney, Ruan, son of John Joe and Christina and Melissa Quinn, daughter of Jimmy and Sharon, Ruan. Bridesmaids were Melissa’s sisters Sarah and Alannah and the groomsmen were Barry’s brothers Ronan, Karl and John. Fr. Pat O’Neill was celebrant and the reception was held in The Inn at Dromoland. Graveyard Extension. Now that planning permission has been granted, work is progressing in the extension to Ruan Graveyard. The site has been dug, rocks removed and soil refilled to a depth of six feet. The graveyard will also have a Columbarium, a wall where cremated remains will be interred. This is a very much needed asset for the parish at this time, as the graveyard was full and it is to the credit of Fr. Pat O’Neill and the parish team involved that the project is now being developed. |
W/E 01/08/2021
Tour de Munster. The 21st annual 600km “Tour de Munster” takes place this year from August 5 to August 8. Over 150 cyclists will travel the length and breath of Munster raising awareness and funds for the local Down Syndrome Clare branch. The committee of Down Syndrome, its members and supporters will be “bucket shaking” in Ennis on Friday August 6, when the cyclists arrive in Ennis. Anyone who might have an hour to spare and would like to volunteer on the day is welcome to contact Laura Cahir @0872901892, or people may also donate by entering the raffle at https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/DSClarefundraiserTdM, where the prize is a fantastic racing bike valued at €1,599 sponsored by Plane.t Tri in Killaloe. All support will be greatly appreciated as the funds raised will be put to good use to provide children with speech therapy, essential therapeutic services, occupational therapy, home tutoring, sports and social activities. Camogie. Aoife Anderson and the Clare Camogie under 18 panel were unfortunate or lose out to Cork at the weekend. Louise McDonnell and Rebecca Crowe will play with Clare Juniors on Saturday next when they take on Roscommon, in Roscommon. A reminder to those who would wish to come out tomorrow, Friday, evening in support of Clare Camogie, that Brid McNamara is due to arrive at her local Club, Ruan, where she will finish her one million steps for Clare Camogie. Walking Tour. Following on to her last walk in July, Mary O’Halloran will lead another walk around the archaeological sites of Dysart O’Dea on Sunday, August 8. This walk will take in the Soup School, Rath Medieval Church and a hill fort. Mary may be contacted at 0872830950 or maryohalloran@hotmail.com, for further information. Recent Deaths. The death has taken place of Margaret (Ada) O’Reilly (née Roughan), Dublin, sister of Tom Roughan, Fountain and Mary Cahir, Dysart. The death has also occurred of Bridie Carey (née Hannon), Renahamana, Flagmount, Caher, Co. Clare, mother of Roger Carey, Nooan, Ruan. Hurling. Corofin/Ruan u15B team played Broadford on Monday evening in the final group match of the campaign. It was a tight game for the most part, however Broadford had a strong period before the second half water break and won on a score line of 3.16 to 3.10 in what was a very entertaining game. |
W/E 30/08/2020
Camogie. The Minor Camogie team had a tough game against Truagh/Clonlara last week, in Ruan GAA field. Despite spirited and committed play by the Ruan girls, it was the visitors who won out on the night. Local woman and P.R.O. Of Clare Camogie, Brid MacNamara, will return to her Club on Friday evening, Aug. 28, when she finishes her ‘Croke Park to Clare’ walk. All members of the Club, and anyone who would like to walk the last of the 500km with Brid, are asked to be at Ruan GAA Field at 7.30 to cheer Brid on in her fundraiser for Clare Camogie. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Club asks people attending to form a socially distanced line on both sides of the road from The Dalcassian to the GAA field. |
W/E 23/08/2020
Camogie. The under 16 girls met, and overcame, Newmarket on Fergus at the weekend. This is a great panel of girls, passionate about their game and showing fine skills, turning an 8 point deficit into a 7 point win and allowing their opponents to score only once in the second half. Archaeology Walks. The walks around the archaeological sites in Dysart O’Dea have proved very popular and local woman, Mary O’Halloran will guide a further walk on Sun. Aug.30. This walk will start at 12 noon at Dysart Romanesque Church and Round Tower and return there, taking in around 4 miles and lasting approximately 3/4 hours. Mary may be contacted at 0872830950, and booking is essential so that social distancing may be adhered to. She will lead another walk on September 13, taking in different t monuments. To Croke Park and Back. Brid MacNamara’s fundraising walk is gaining momentum, as she visits Camogie Clubs around the County, covering the length from Clare to Croke Park and back, to raise monies for Clare Camogie. She has had an enthusiastic welcome from the Clubs she has visited, to date, with members accompanying her on some of the fundraiser. Over the next two weeks Brid will visit thirteen more Clubs, including her own, Ruan, on Fri. August 28, and it is hoped a large crowd will turn out to welcome and support her and Clare Camogie. Recent Death. The death has taken place, following an illness, of Fiona Colleran Quinn, Johnstownbridge, Co. Kildare, formerly Of Loughrea, Co. Galway, wife of Declan Quinn, Tierna, Ruan. |
W/E 16/08/2020
Confirmation. Confirmation was administered to the children of Ruan School on Saturday August 8, in St. Mary’s Church, Ruan at 11am. The children who received the Sacrament from Fr. Pat O’Neill were Conor Parnell, Cormac Ryan, Evan O’Donoghue, Joe Meaney, Joshua Ryan, Lee White, Oisin Punch, Pearce Wynne, Rory Meaney, Javier Gomez, Aoibheann Le Cathelinais, Aoibheann O’Toole, Ava Quirke, Ciara Punch, Cliodhna Jones and Kya Mounsey. Principal, Cyril Lyons, was their teacher. At two o’clock Saturday afternoon it was the turn of the children from Toonagh School, Blaithin Barry, Sarah Browne, Ronan Barry, Daniel Clancy, Grace Corcoran, James Cullinan, Alice Cummins, Clarissa Gilmore, Leah Griffin, Daniel Guineans, Sean Healy, Ethan Lucas, Billy Marrinan, Tara Moroney, Cathal Noonan, Ellen O’Leary, Lennon Rushton and Jamie Ryan. Their teacher was Claire Cullinan. Monica Morgan and Michael Hennessy provided the singing and music for both ceremonies, after which the school had laid on an ice-cream van, which went down a treat with everyone, given that the weather was so beautiful on the day. Tour de Munster. Down Syndrome Clare's annual Tour De Munster cycle fundraiser was another huge success thanks to the wonderful people who helped and supported it over the weekend. A very special mention to some fantastic young musicians Eimear and Holly O'Loughlin, Aoife Mcinerney, Tierna Casey, Sarah Jane O Halloran, Rachel Mahoney, Niamh Lynch, Mary Hanrahan and Lily Price, along with their organiser Geraldine Cahir, who entertained the cyclists and crowds at O’Connell Square in Ennis on the day. The support of all who contributed, in any way, to the fundraiser is hugely appreciated, as these monies will be used throughout the year for various activities for children with Downs Syndrome such as speech therapy, horse riding classes, home tutoring, mother and toddler group, music therapy and informative talks for parents. Camogie. The local Camogie teams, u14s, u18s and the adult team were on the losing side of their games last week, however, they were happy to be out, meeting their friends, playing their games in the fresh air. During this pandemic, it’s these occasions that bring a sense of ‘normality’ to life for which everyone is grateful. Ruan Intemediate team On Sunday last, the Ruan Intemediate team bowed out of the championship after a spirited display against an impressive Smith O’Briens. Well done to all players and management for the commitment they showed in difficult circumstances this year. |
W/E 09/08/2020
Clare Camogie Fundraiser. P.R.O. of Clare Camogie, and local woman, Brid McNamara of Ranahan, Ruan has taken to the roads of the county to raise funds for Clare Camogie. Brid started on her quest on August 1 and will finish on August 29, with a visit to her own Club, Ruan. She intends to walk 430k, which is the distance from Clare to Croke Park and back again. Over the month Brid will visit every Camogie Club in the County and each Club will have members walking some of the way. Ruan Club will be the last Club to be visited, on August 29, and all the members are fully behind Brid, supporting her in her fundraiser. Recent Deaths. The death has taken place of Anne Whelan (née Finn) Of Ardcarney, Ruan, in Cahercalla Hospital. Anne was married to her husband, Des, for fifty one years. She had worked in Considine’s Bar in the Turnpike, Ennis and was very well liked by all who knew her. She has lived with Multiple Scelerosis for the past forty years, and for the past fifteen years, Anne has had many visits to hospitals, nursing homes and has received great care from those she came into contact with. Her husband, Des, has been her constant companion over those years and she loved being at home, content in being with her family and enjoying her garden and her home. Anne’s requiem mass was celebrated in St.Mary’s Church, Ruan and she was laid to rest in the adjoining graveyard. She is survived by her husband, Des, son Mike, daughter Martina, brothers Michael and John, sisters Patsy and Peggy, son in law, brothers in law, sisters in law, grandchildren, extended family and friends. The death has also taken place of Michael Craven, in the Galway Clinic. Michael was well known around the roads of the area from his years working with Clare County Council. Following requiem mass in Crusheen Church, Michael was laid to rest in Ruan Cemetery. He is survived by his neighbours and friends. The death has also occurred of Carmel Kelly (née Smyth), Strandhill, Co. Sligo and formerly of Ruan, in the care of her daughter, Siobhan, her husband Tom and their daughters, at their Nursing Home in New Ross, Co. Wexford. Carmel was predeceased by her parents Jim and Mary Kate Smyth, her brothers Micheál, Gerard and Jimmy, and, two years ago, by her husband of 53 years, Eddie. She is survived by her daughter, Siobhan, sons Eamon, Brian and Paul, brother Kevin in Birmingham, son in law, daughters in law, sisters in law, grandchildren and a wide circle of friends. Camogie News. The Camogie season is well on its way again after the enforced delay due to COVID 19. The u12 girls had a win over Ballyea in Ruan last week. The Girls on the u16B Team continued on good form with a win over Crusheen Banner in very wet and slippery conditions in Ruan last week. The Junior ladies lost out to Broadford, in Broadford, on Friday evening in a fast paced game. They meet Inagh Kilnamona this coming weekend in their 2nd game of the Championship in Ruan. |
02/08/2020
New School Appointments. The Board of Management of Ruan N.S. has announced two new school appointments. Ms. Niamh Ní Chonghaile has been appointed to the position of Principal to replace Mr. Cyril Lyons who is retiring from teaching, having held this position since 1996. Ms. Ni Chonghaile is an existing staff member and Deputy Principal since 2003. Mr. Michael O'Neill has been appointed as a mainstream class teacher to fill the vacancy that has been created. Mr. O'Neiil is from Kilmaley and is well known in GAA circles as an outstanding dual player. Both appointments take effect from October 5th. Niamh and Michael are wished the very best in their new roles. Walk in Dysart. Mary O’Halloran, a native of Dysart, with a great interest in, and love for local history, is leading a walking tour of Dysart O Dea archaeological sites, starting and finishing from the Romanesque Church and Round Tower on Monday August 3 next. The walk will cover approximately 5km and will take about three hours. Anyone interested may contact Mary @ 0872830950 to book a place on the walk, as social distancing must be adhered to and places are limited. Mary also hopes to lead walks on other dates if Monday doesn’t suit. Camogie. The girls in the local Camogie club are delighted to be back in action over the past week. The under 16's kicked off their Championship with a win over St. Joseph’s. The under 14's were victorious over The Banner on Wednesday last and the under 8's played their first blitz in Ruan against Crusheen on Sunday morning. Both teams put on a great display of the skills they’ve been learning and finished on two goals apiece. |
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