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. |
Notes for August >