Notes for March


W/E 27/03/2022

posted Mar 21, 2022, 3:01 PM by John O'Sullivan   [ updated Mar 21, 2022, 3:01 PM ]

Cumann na mBunscoil Handball.
Colm Whelan (u13 Singles) and Conor Coffey with Cillian Cummins (u13 Doubles) represented Toonagh N.S. at the Clare Cumann na maBunscol Finals last week. Conor and Cillian defeated a strong side from Scariff N.S., Daithi Madden and Charlie Collins, pairing to win the u13 Doubles title. 
They now go forward to the Munster Final against the County Champions from the other schools in the province.

Camogie.
The adult camogie team had a win over Clooney Quin in the first round of the League at the weekend, which was played in Clooney.

World Down Syndrome Day.
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated annually on day 21 of the third month of the year, as an awareness day that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. This date symbolises the extra copy of the triplication (trisomy) of the twenty-first chromosome that people with Down Syndrome are born with. This year the theme is "What does inclusion mean?"
 Local woman, Laura Cahir from Ballygriffey, featured on Clare FM's  "Morning Focus" on Monday morning, representing Down Syndrome's Clare branch Committee as did Louise Craig, organiser of the "Odd Socks Cycle" which takes place on Sunday, April 24. Laura spoke eloquently of the difference this volunteer organisation has made to the lives of children with Down Syndrome, and their families, in the County, stating the their main aim is to enable these children to become valuable members of society. 
This they try to achieve by fundraising to cover the costs of various therapies the children need, such as physical, speech and language and occupational therapies, therapeutic horse riding and swimming which strengthens the muscles which can be weak in children with Down Syndrome. They also take part in singing and music groups to enable the children to feel included and to bolster their self esteem. 
The cycle which takes place in April is a fundraiser for the Clare branch of Down Syndrome and all information may be found on Down Syndrome Clare facebook page, where links are provided for anyone wishing to donate to this worthy cause.

"A Hurling Life".
Ennisman, Ollie Byrnes, launched his tenth hurling book last week, and the subject was the legendary hurler, the late Jimmy Smyth. It covers Jimmy's exploits on the hurling field with his Ruan Club, St. Flannan's College, Clare and Munster hurling teams from 1947 to 1971. The launch was celebrated in the Templegate Hotel and was attended by members of Jimmy's family, former players and club members and hurling enthusiasts, who reminisced with stories of Jimmy and his hurling prowess.

Under 17 League Hurling.
Ruan under 17s did not get off to the best start in this league, having been defeated by Scariff Ogonelloe on St. Patrick's Day in Ruan and losing to Crusheen Tubber on Sunday in Corofin, however, they are missing three of their county minors and, once the championship starts later in the year, they will be more competitive.

W/E 20/03/2020

posted Mar 14, 2022, 4:04 PM by John O'Sullivan

Up the Banner.
Banner Equestrian Centre was awarded Centre of the Year 2021 at the Mullingar Park Hotel recently. Despite the upheaval of the past two years, Banner Equestrian Centre faced up to the challenges it encountered and its supporters are delighted for the Barry family winning this Award.

Camogie.
Members of the local Club were in action at the weekend. Aoife Anderson and Aisling Moloney played with the Clare Minors which lost to Waterford in the Tesco Minor A Championship.
Sinead Hastings and Aisling Moloney started, and Kate Forde came on as a substitute, with Colaiste Muire in the All Ireland Final against Colaiste Bhride, however, they were beaten by a stronger side on the day. It was a great achievement to get to the final, representing, not only their school, but their families and club.

The u14's  played against Newmarket on Fergus in the first round of that grade in Ruan on Saturday, with Newmarket coming out on top. This was the first game of the season for these girls and they gave it their all, however, Newmarket were stronger on the day

Munster Champions.
Ella Casey and Tara Lucas, members of Toonagh Handball Club, were crowned Munster Champions on Sunday. They defeated a Tipperary duo in the under 13 Munster Final and are a credit to their club.

Recent Death.
The death has occurred of Sean Cotter, Dysart, Maurice's Mills. The huge crowds which attended his funeral was testament to the esteem in which he was held by all who knew him. Sean is survived by his mother Mary, father John, brothers Michael, Oliver, Declan, Padraig and Donal, his sisters Mary, Pauline, Sinead and Noelle, sisters and brothers in law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Following requiem mass in Inagh Church, Sean was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

The death has taken place of Mary O'Leary (nee Hand) of Knockanroe, Dysart and formerly of Collops, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, peacefully at her home in Dysart, only three months following the death of her husband, Michael. They would have been married sixty years on Shrove Tuesday, having met in Holloway Road, in England,  where they were both working in the 1960s. They married in Islington in 1962 and returned to Dysart in 1964, when Michael took over the family farm and they lived in the home they built while they were in England, while his parents lived in the original farmhouse. They looked after Michael's parents and they reared their family on the farm.
Mary was a very stylish woman, loved fashion and loved meeting people. She had a flower garden that she worked and took great pride in, as she did in her home. When her family moved out, a number of them moved to New York and she enjoyed travelling to the Big Apple and also to England where the couple had many friends from their time working there. Mary had a great rapport with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and she enjoyed her time spent in their company, as they did in hers.
Mary's remains reposed in St. Tola's Church, Dysart and, following requiem mass, she was laid to rest in Dysart Graveyard. She was predeceased by her son Brendan, and is survived by John, Michael, Vincent, Dennis, Kevin, Mary, Kathleen, Carmel, Eileen and Caroline, brother John Hand in Luton, grandchildren,, great grandchildren, brother in law, sisters in law, sons in law, daughters in law,, extended family and friends.

Toonagh Handball Club.
Members of Toonagh Handball Club were busy over the weekend competing in various competitions. In the County Juvenile B Championships sixteen club members took part, with many reaching quarter-final, semi-final and final stages.  Four members have reached the County B Finals, including Darragh Casey (u13), Jack Browne (u14), Daniel McInerney (u15) and Jimmy Marrinan (u17). The final dates are to be fixed in the coming days.
 Two Club members were on the teams representing Clare in Ballydesmond, Co. Cork on Sunday. Christian Cummins was part of the u16/u17 Clare GAA Handball team which lost, in a closely contested Munster semi-final, to Cork, who were the eventual Munster Final winners, Cathal Noonan played on the Clare GAA Handball u14/u15 team which beat Cork in the semi-final and defeated Tipperary in the Munster Final. Cathal's team now progresses to the All-Ireland series on March 26, where they will take on the other provincial winners.

Mass Times.
Vigil Mass for St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated in St. Mary's Church, Ruan at 8pm on Wednesday evening. The Mass of Anniversaries for the parish will be celebrated on Saturday evening at 8pm.



W/E 28/03/2021

posted Mar 27, 2021, 2:41 PM by John O'Sullivan

Camogie Club.
Members of our local Camogie Club posted their contributions to the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on its Facebook page last week, featuring music, Camogie skills and sending St. Patrick’s Day wishes. Elvis and Bella, a local horse and pony, bedecked with festive ribbons and bows in the green, white and gold, with their riders Brenda and Anne, members of the Camogie club, ambled along the roads in Larchill and Ballygriffey, bringing a smile to all who came across them on the day.

Toonagh NS Rock your Odd Socks
March 22 has been observed by the United Nations as World Down Syndrome Day since 2012, to challenge perceptions of Down Syndrome and to enable people with Down Syndrome to speak up, be heard and respected as valued members of society as they strive to achieve their goals and passions.
 On Monday, Toonagh School celebrated this day, and, to raise awareness of the differences that make us all unique, the school children wore odd socks coming to school. They also took part in the Mace 'Lots of Socks' colouring competition in conjunction with World Down Syndrome Day 2021, using their talents in a fun way to bring awareness to Down Syndrome in their community.

Clothes Collection.
Toonagh School Parents Association is holding a clothes collection as a fundraiser after the Easter holidays on Thursday, April 15. Drop off times on that date are 9-10am, 1.45-3pm and 6.30-7.30pm. 
Should anyone wish to drop off bags outside of those times, Noreen Cummins may be contacted at 0866030005 and she will make suitable arrangements.

Recent Deaths.
The death has taken place, in England, of Nonie Conlon, sister of Tom Roughan, Fountain and Mary Cahir, Dysart.

W/E 07/03/2021

posted Mar 6, 2021, 2:31 PM by John O'Sullivan

Baptisms Ceremonies.
The Parish Office has received a number of queries as to when Baptism Ceremonies can take place. Unfortunately there are no timelines at this time, and, as soon as clarification is received, the information will be passed on. Mass in Ruan Church this coming Saturday, March 6 at 8pm is the mass of anniversaries for Dysart and May be viewed online on the Imeallboirne Facebook page. 
Trocaire boxes are available in the churches in the parish and people are urged, this year,  to think of the people of South Sudan who are displaced and struggling, and help in any way they can.

Recent Deaths.
The death has taken place of Michael King in Swinford, Co. Mayo. Michael was a son of the late Michael and Mary King and a brother to Noel, P.J., Martin, John, Anna, Mary and Aileen. 
The death has also taken place of Bridget McGoldrick, Rosshill, Ballynacally, sister of Mary Whelan, Larchill.

W/E 15/03/2020

posted Mar 9, 2020, 4:47 AM by John O'Sullivan

All Ireland Champions.
Two young members of Toonagh Handball Club brought All Ireland honours to their Club and, indeed, their parish, when they won all their games against very strong opponents on Saturday last. Ella Casey and Tara Lucas travelled to Kingscourt where they took the honours at the National Cumann an mBunscoil Day 2020, both students in Toonagh National School.

Tractor Run Cancelled.
It was with great disappointment that the Committee of Toonagh Hall and Sports Complex committee called off the Tractor Run and Family Fun Day which was due to take place on Sunday last.  The Committee took the decision due to the Covid 19 virus. 
It is hoped that another family fun day will be held sometime in the near future.

Apostolic Display.
Ruan/Dysart Apostolic Society will hold its annual Display in Ruan Community Centre on Saturday, March 14, after 8pm Mass and again on Sunday, March 15, from 12 noon. The members of the group have been busy over the winter so look forward to a good turnout, where refreshments will be served.

W/E 08/03/2020

posted Mar 5, 2020, 6:48 AM by John O'Sullivan

Toonagh Tractor Run 2020

All roads lead to Toonagh on Sunday, March 8, where the Committee of Toonagh Hall and Sports Complex has organised a Tractor, Truck and Vintage Car/Motorbike Run, with registration taking place from 11.30am and the run departing from Toonagh Hall at 1pm.  Contact Ollie 0876039955.

Refreshments, raffle, local produce stalls, bric-a- brac, poster competition, children’s games will take place in the hall and should anyone wish to set up a stall selling local produce or crafts, they may do so for €10 per stall. Chill a @ 0874641253 has all the details.

 There will be a second hand toy and book stall and donations of toys, puzzles, books that are in decent condition may be left in at Toonagh school.  Donations  of home baking will also be welcome.

Children are invited to bring their own pedal tractors, cars and diggers to have a ride around and take part in races.

It promises to be a great community Family Fun Day, with all the proceeds going towards the ongoing improvements to Toonagh Hall,

W/E 01/03/2020

posted Feb 24, 2020, 6:41 AM by John O'Sullivan

Lenten Practice.
During this Lent people are invited to spend 30 minutes in St. Tola’s Church, Dysart on Friday evenings, where they can leave behind the hustle and bustle of the busy lives they are leading.
The Stations of the Cross and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be led on six Friday evenings, at 7.30pm, starting Friday, Feb. 28, ending on April 6. All are welcome.

Apostolic Display.
Ruan/Dysart Apostolic Society will hold its annual Display in Ruan Community Centre on Saturday, March 14, after 8pm Mass and again on Sunday, March 15, from 12 noon. Anyone wishing to donate a sacred vessel in memory of a family member should contact Eileen Roughan, Mary Marrinan or Eileen Hannon. Tea and home baking will be served.

Recent Deaths. 
The death has taken place of Bridget Cullen, Sligo, mother of Eileen Hannon, Dromore, Ruan.  The death has also taken place of Sr. Pauline (Mary) Cahir, Sisters of Mercy, England, sister of Sean and Frank Cahir, Larchill,  Pauline Coughlan, Dublin, Fr. Jerry Cahir, Brazil, the late Patrick Cahir, Dublin and the late Michael Cahir, Ballygriffey.

Community Games Art.
A number of children from the parish participated in the Community Games Art competition recently.  Erin and Tara Moroney and Jack Browne received Bronze medals.  Rachel Pegg came 4th in her category. Well done to all the children who took part.

W/E 31/03/2019

posted Mar 25, 2019, 4:30 PM by John O'Sullivan

World Down Syndrome Day.
The children of Toonagh National School raised €163 on World Down Syndrome Day last Thursday, March 21, by bringing a euro to school and wearing their odd socks in celebration of how unique and different everyone is, and to mark this important day. All money raised was given to the Down Syndrome Clare Branch which offers essential services like speech therapy, home tutoring, swimming lessons and so much more for its seventy three members. 
Great credit goes to the staff and students of the school who really ‘rocked their socks’ for Down Syndrome Clare.

Recent Death.
The death took place recently, in Cork, of Michael Leahy, formerly of Erinagh. Michael was a former President if Ruan G.A.A. Club and, even though he resided in Cork, he was a staunch supporter of the Club and County over the years. 
A Memorial Mass for Michael will be celebrated this Saturday, March 30, in St. Mary’s Church, Ruan, at 12 noon. 

Camogie.
The Ruan under 14 team took part in the Feile Competition in Eire Og Club grounds on Saturday last. They were up against teams from Kilmaley, Eire Og, and Feakle/Killanena. Showing great teamwork, skill and determination, the girls won two of their three games and they now progress to the next round.
Louise and Claire McDonnell, Niamh Lyons and Rebecca Crowe were on the Clare team which lost out to Kildare on Sunday last in  the Littlewoods Division 3 League in a tough and physical game, however due to their wins in previous games, they have already qualified for the semi-final in two weeks time, with the time and venue yet to be decided.

Bus to Bloom.
The members of the Toonagh Craft Group will organise a bus, from Toonagh, to Bloom in Dublin on Friday, May 31 (Bank Holiday weekend), should sufficient numbers be interested in travelling. Please contact Denise (0876731966) who will have all the details.

History Group.
The Local History Group which meets in Morty Kelly’s Bar at 8.30pm on Tuesday evenings is busily researching the history of the Ruan Barracks for the commemoration in 2020. The members would like to hear from anyone who may have any stories or connections with the Barracks or the people who were stationed in them, and they would be very welcome to call in any Tuesday evening, or drop anything they may have to Morty. 

W/E 17/03/2019

posted Mar 13, 2019, 3:54 AM by John O'Sullivan

Apostolic Works Display.
The local branch of Apostolic Works Society held its annual display in Ruan Community Centre on Saturday night and Sunday last. The work shown by the members included Priests vestments which had been embroidered and sewn, rosary beads, vessels which have been donated by members of the community and items for sale in crochet and knitting. Hanging baskets and plants were also on sale. Refreshments were served and people enjoyed the get-together over a cuppa. On Sunday,  Bishop Fintan Monahan attended and people were delighted to meet him. 
Great credit is due to all who use their talents to help the Missions, and those who help out on the day, providing food and serving it and in the many other ways which made the dIsplay such a success.

Recent Death.
The death has taken place, in Cahercalla Hospital, of Brendan McMahon, Knockreagh, Dysart.  Brendan, as many of his generation, travelled to England for work in his younger days. He worked on the railways there until he returned to run the family farm.   Two of the main characteristics mentioned over the days of his funeral were his kindness and generosity. He had a great rapport with his nephews and nieces, and shared a great love of traditional music with them,  he played the flute and was well known in Corofin where he could often be found playing a few tunes.
Brendan’s remains reposed in St. Tola’s Church, Dysart and at his requiem mass on Thursday last, his family participated fully, in readings, Prayers of the Faithful, Offertory Gifts, and his nephew and two grand nieces provided beautiful music throughout the ceremony. He was laid to rest in Dysart Graveyard, where a musical tribute was also played at his graveside. 
Brendan is survived by his sisters Sarah O’Halloran, Bridie Byrnes, Nonie Wallace and Mai Rynne, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbors and friends.

W/E 10/03/2019

posted Mar 6, 2019, 8:26 AM by John O'Sullivan

First Communion Dates.
First Communion for the children in this parish will be celebrated on Saturday, May 18, at 11am in Ruan Church for the children of Ruan School and at 1.00pm in Dysart Church for the children of Toonagh School.

Confirmation 2019.
Confirmation will be administered in St. Mary’s Church, Ruan on Saturday, June 8, at 11am for the children of Ruan and Toonagh Schools. The final preparation programme “You shall be my Witness” concluded in Corofin last week, for all the seventy children from the schools in the Imeall Boirne Cluster who will receive the Sacrament in June. 

Recent Death.
The death has taken place of Fr. Patrick Carmody, retired Parish Priest of Cooraclare.  Fr. Carmody was appointed to Ruan, as a curate, on his return from England, where he had spent five years. He served in Ruan from July 1961 to April 1972, when he was appointed to Miltown Malbay. He made many friends in Ruan, many of whom attended his removal and requiem Mass in Cooraclare last week. Fr. Carmody’s positive input into the schools, churches, graveyards and Community Centres in the parishes in which he worked was remarked on at the requiem Mass, at which Bishop Fintan Monahan was chief celebrant. 
Fr. Patrick is survived by his brother, James, sister, Sr. Joy, sister in law, Anne, niece, nephews, extended family and friends. 

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