Notes for May


W/E 29/05/2022

posted May 24, 2022, 9:58 AM by John O'Sullivan

Booklet Launch.
On Friday afternoon, the children in the senior classes in Ruan school, were the recipients of a booklet which is dedicated to "the schoolchildren of Ruan district, their parents and teachers." It was compiled by Michael O'Loghlen who lives in Australia and whose great, great, grandfather, Sir Michael O'Loghlen​ who, in January 1837, was appointed the Master of the Rolls for Ireland, one of the most senior of the Irish Judges, the first Catholic Judge in England or Ireland since the 1680s.​
The Mausoleum in Ruan Graveyard, built around 1845, is dedicated to Sir Michael, and was erected by the people of Clare as a mark of the esteem in which he was held. The O'Loghlen family had connections with Cahermacrea, Port, Rockview and Drumconora, townlands around Ruan. A statue of Sir Michael, wearing the robes of Master of the Rolls, still stands in the Courthouse in Ennis.​
The launch of the booklet was addressed by Frances O'Halloran, with Linda Hogan showing slides relevant to the O'Loghlen family and Edward O'Loghlen from Athenry, a cousin of the O'Loghlen family also addressed the gathering, calling attention to particular parts of the booklet.
It was a very interesting and entertaining afternoon, enjoyed by the children and a number of adults.

Recent Wedding.
The wedding has taken place in St. Mary's Church, Ruan of Rachel, daughter of Sean and Marian Lyons of Ballytigue, Ruan and Conor, son of Bernard and Marie Mullan from Ennis. Celebrant was Fr. Pat O'Neill. Bridesmaids were Annette Lyons, Lisa Conlon, Orla Keane, Aisling Dillon and Michaela Lyons. Best man was Dylan Casey and groomsmen​ were Tom Mullan, David Russell, James Leonard and Daniel Sexton. Laura Mullan was flowergirl and pageboys were Harry Mullan and Conor and Jack Lyons.​ The reception was held in Hotel Doolin and the couple will reside in Ennis.

Recent Death.
There was widespread sadness last week when it was announced that Michael Moloney had died, after a short illness, in University Hospital, Galway.​ Michael was one of life's true gentlemen - a kind and generous friend to many and a man who loved being among people.
Michael started out as a barman in the Diamond Bar in Ennis, following which he worked in The Galway Arms. When the opportunity arose, he bought McGann's Pub in Ruan in 1967 and he and his wife, Teresa,​ began trading as The Dalcassian in 1968. They then opened a small supermarket and petrol station and, as the business grew, in the 1980s he knocked down the shop and built the larger supermarket, which still stands today. He loved big events and brought the Dublin City Ramblers to play at the official opening. He and Teresa gave employment to many local people over the years, they​ made a huge contribution to the Parish and they always acknowledged that their success was owed to the support of the people of the parish and surrounding areas. Michael retired from business in​ 2015 having spent forty seven years in the trade.
He was a great supporter of the local GAA Club, and the Club formed a Guard of Honour at his funeral, as a mark of respect. He played through all levels with the Club and played Minor for the County. In 1986 Michael organised a reunion where the five Senior Hurling teams of Ruan (1948-1962 were reuinted and honoured. He managed the Senior Ruan team up to the County Final in 1988 and sponsored a trip to Spain for them, something which was talked about over the days of his funeral, which is remembered fondly by those who travelled at that time. He also enjoyed golf and he won many competitions over the years. The location of the Boy Scouts Jamboree in Nooan was due to Michael's efforts, having shown them many sites, he convinced them that Nooan was their best option.
Michael was an active member of the Vintners Federation of Ireland and was elected President in 1995. In this position, he travelled the highways and byways of Ireland to meet with other VFI members. Michael loved to travel and he organised an annual golfing holiday for years, for golfers and non-golfers alike, where the mark of its success lay in the fact that the same people travelled with him year after year.
Michael's reposal took place in St. Mary's Church, Ruan and, following concelebrated requiem Mass on Monday, he was laid to rest in the adjoining Cemetery. He was predeceased by his wife, Teresa and is survived by his partner, Mary, daughters Marcella, Bernie (Cassidy), Ursula and Eilish (Duffy), sons in law Mark and Michael, the Brooks family, grandchildren, sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces, nephews relatives and many.

Camogie Success.

Aoibhinn O'Toole, Tara Moroney, Cliona Jones and Ciara Punch, members of Ruan Camogie Club,​ played with the Colaiste Muire camogie team which had a victory over St. Flannan's College in the Clare Junior A final. This game was played in Fr. McNamara Park on Monday afternoon. Joe Cooney, President of Clare Camogie presented the Cup to the winning team.
Rebecca Crowe and Aoife Anderson played with Clare when they beat Mayo in the 1st round of the Championship at the weekend.​ The next round will be in two weeks time in The Ragg against Tipperary.
Ava Casey, Sophie Haugh, Aoibheann O'Toole and Isabelle McInerney were part of the Clare panel which played their first blitz in Eire Og on Saturday last. Its great to see so many young girls doing so well in camogie, a credit to all involved.

Clothes Collection.​
Toonagh School Parents Association will hold a clothes collection on Thursday, June 9. Toonagh hall will be open from 9-10am, 2-3pm and 6.30-7.30pm for drop off, so with the change in the season coming, people are encouraged to think of what their bags of clothing would mean to the fundraising efforts for the school.​

W/E 22/05/2022

posted May 17, 2022, 2:09 PM by John O'Sullivan

First Holy Communion.
First Holy Communion took place in Dysart Church on Saturday for the children of Toonagh School. Beautiful singing and music was provided by Monica Morgan and Michael Hennessy. Celebrant was Fr. Damien Nolan. The Holy Communion class was​ a credit to the school, their parents and, especially their teacher, Aoife Garrihy.​
They participated in readings, singing and bringing up gifts.​
After the ceremony the Parents Association of the school provided a beautiful spread of home baking and refreshments in Toonagh Hall. The Communion class​ was Michael Cahir, Oisín Clancy, Grace Coffey, Emily Culliney, Kate Flanagan, Luke Gleeson, Ava Lavan, Sophie Lynch, Tadhg Lyons-Rid, Noah Mullins, Ava O'Reilly, Adam O'Rorke, Millie Ryan, Sadie Ryan and Teagan Rynne.

Camogie Success.
Two Ruan Club players, Rebecca Crowe and Aoife​ Anderson,were team members on the Clare team which beat Waterford in the Munster Junior Camogie Final in Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday.​
Ruan/Toonagh School camogie team was active on Monday playing in school matches. They beat Crusheen + Clonlara.
Six Ruan Club members, Sinead Hastings, Kate Forde, Aisling Moloney, Aoife and Niamh Glass and Ciara Sutton played with Colaiste Muire School which had an eight point win over Scariff in the School Senior County Final,​ played in Gurteen on Monday.

Recent Death.
The death has occurred of Jeremiah (Jerry) Hayes​ Pine Grove, Ennis and formerly of Cappinakella, Fountain in St. Joseph's Hospital, Ennis. Jeremiah was an avid walker and was a familiar figure walking in and around Ennis where he lived. He was a kind and thoughtful friend and neighbour.
Jerry lived and worked in Hammersmith in England from 1955 to 1985, and when he retired he returned to his home place, where he enjoyed his retirement, following rugby and rekindling his family ties.
Reposal was at Kennedy's Funeral Home and, following requiem mass in St. Joseph's Church, Jerry was laid to rest in Dysart Graveyard. He is survived by his brother Morty, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Hurling.
Piaras O'Se and Frankie Lyons were the local interest, playing with the Clare Minor team against Tipperary last week. It was an exciting game which went to extra time and penalties, a cruel way to finish and, unfortunately Clare was beaten. Clare plays Galway now in the All Ireland quarter final series in a week's time.
Robin Mounsey, Ballygriffey,​ played his part in the Clare draw with Limerick on Sunday last. The under 15A Academy team have reached the Academy A semi final, for the third year in a row, having overcome Clooney/Quin by one point in a dramatic fashion at the weekend.

Crowning of Our Lady's Statue.
A large crowd gathered at the Grotto of Our Lady in Fountain on Friday evening last to recite the rosary, sing hymns dedicated to Our Lady and listen to a short homily given by Fr. Pat O'Neill. The rosary is recited every evening at 8.30pm for the month of May.

Alzheimers Tea Day.
A group of women hosted the Alzheimers Tea Day in Ruan Hall on Thursday, May 5. It was the first gathering in Ruan Community Centre for two years and people were delighted to be back together for a good cause. A total of €531 has been donated to the Clare branch of Alzheimers which is based in Cahercalla, to be used for the benefit of people with Alzheimers and their families.

W/E 15/05/2022

posted May 10, 2022, 3:54 PM by John O'Sullivan   [ updated May 10, 2022, 3:54 PM ]

Circus Corvinni.
in 2019, Circus Corvinni, one of the oldest circusses in the country, visited Ruan, intending to perform for three evenings, however, a storm blew up at the time and the last performance had to be cancelled. Anyone who was disappointed to have missed it that time will now have an opportunity to enjoy it when it returns to the Ruan Gymkhana field on Friday May 20, Saturday May 21 and Sunday May 22, when it is hoped it will run, this time, without a hitch.

Retirement.
Michael Lyons of Kilcurrish, Fountain has recently retired, after fifty years service at Mangans/BWG, Clonroad, Ennis. Michael began working there in May 1972 and over the following half century got to know an incredible number of people from all over the county. He was always extremely popular with both staff and customers. His retirement party was held in the Old Ground Hotel, where work colleagues, both past and present, gathered to wish him well in his retirement.

Our Lady's Grotto.
The Rosary is recited each evening for the month of May at Our Lady's Grotto, in Fountain. On Friday, May 13, at 8.30p.m. the Crowning of Our Lady's Statue will take place, with the recital of the Rosary and hymns to Our Lady being sung and all are welcome.

Hurling.
Corofin/Ruan lost out to Inagh/Kilnamona in Corofin last week in the u15B league. The Corofin/Ruan Academy A team were also defeated by Doora/Barefield in Barefield.

Dysart Castle Re-Opens.
Having been closed for the past two years, due to Covid, Dysart Castle has now re-opened to the public in time for this year's summer season. The castle, which was built in 1480, was the stronghold of the O'Dea Clan and has a very interesting history, which can be seen in the castle. It is now the Clare Archaeology Centre, opened in July 1986 and has been the recipient of numerous national awards. Apart from the Castle itself, there is a six kilometre archaeological walking trail around it, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The trail includes the Romanesque Doorway over the church doorway in Dysart Graveyard, the Round Tower and the High Cross and walks on the quiet country roads of Dysart. This time of year, it is also one of the places the cuckoo has already been heard announcing the coming of summer.

Camogie.
Aoife Anderson and Aisling Moloney played with the Clare team in the Minor A final where they were beaten by Cork, in Cahir GAA, at the weekend.
The local Camogie Club hosted a blitz in Ruan on Sunday where a large number of girls aged under ten played. Apart from the home Club there were teams from Kilkishen and Feakle/Kilanena and they had great fun.​ The girls have been really enjoying these friendly competitions over the past few weeks and its a great credit to the various Clubs which have taken part, in organising these blitzs and travelling to the games.
On Saturday, in Cork, Aoife Anderson and Rebecca Crowe will play in the Munster Camogie Final against Waterford.

First Holy Communion.
The children from Ruan School received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion in St. Mary's Church, Ruan on Saturday, from Fr. Pat O'Neill. They were Maeve Quirke, Cody Sheehan, Evan Masterson, Brian Quirkle, Lucia Hayes, Archie O'Halloran, Anna Callinan, Daniel O'Connor, Rosie Lyons and Aaron Page. The children and their parents were invited back to the school for refreshments after the ceremony, the first time in over two years they had gathered as a group and it was very heartening to see the enjoyment it brought to everyone.

W/E 08/05/2022

posted May 3, 2022, 3:08 PM by John O'Sullivan

Tidy Village and Graveyards.
The committee of the local Tidy Village and Graveyards is holding a 'clean-up' of the village and its environs, and the graveyards, every Monday evening at 7pm.​ They would like to invite as many as possible to help out in this community work which fosters a pride of place in people who take part and make the area a pleasant place in which to live and visit.

Camogie.
Clare Minor Camogie team secured the Munster final, beating Waterford in the semi final in Sixmilebridge at the weekend. Two players from the local Camogie team, Aoife Anderson and Aisling Moloney, were on the team. They now play Cork in the Munster final.
Eryn Moroney and Emma O'Connor played in the primary game when Clare took on Limerick in Thurles two weeks ago.
The adult team beat Scariff/Ogonelloe​ on Friday evening in a tough game. They now have three wins from three games in the league and are heading into the fourth round in a few weeks time.
The Club will host a mini blitz for the under 12s in Ruan on Sunday. They took part in a blitz in Inagh on Saturday last, when a total of twenty young girls attended - a great outlook for the future of camogie in the parish with the numbers playing at that level.

Handball National Finals.
Adam Casey, his brother, Darragh, and Christian Cummins travelled to Tyrone at the weekend to compete in the Irish 4-Wall Nationals. Adam played in Pomeroy, on Saturday against players from Cork, Wexford, Sligo and Tyrone, This 11+under grade is a fun event and great experience for young players to take on players from other counties.
Darragh played in the 13+under grade in Beragh, Co. Tyrone, where he lost out to the eventual finalist, Wexford's Nathan Lawlor. Christian Cummins also played in Beragh against local player, Ruairi Kerr, in a very closely contested last sixteen match, which just went in favour of Ruairi after the third game. Christian then went on to play in the 15under Plate grade and lost out to the eventual Plate finalist, Tyrone's Shea Munroe.
It was a very enjoyable for the boys and those who travelled with them and a great handballing experience for the players who acquitted themselves very well throughout the competitions.

Recent Deaths.
The death has occurred of Johnny O'Donohue, Beechgrove, Toonagh, following an illness. Johnny was born and reared in Dysart and he spent all his life involved in organisations which brought many benefits to the parish.
Johnny drove a truck for 7Up, after which he got a job with Clare County Council, also driving a truck, and he was known the length and breadth of the County, making friends wherever he travelled.
​ He and his wife, Theresa, would have been married fifty six years this year. They owned Toonagh Stores many years ago and their hard work made it a thriving business where all were welcomed. He was a member of the Board of Management of Toonagh School and helped maintain the school building and grounds. With Muintir na Tire he was involved in the building of the Hall and Sports Alleys. The first meeting to set up the Dysart Toonagh Group Water Scheme was held in Johnny and Theresa's home. He made an outstanding contribution to the parish and his local community, of which he was immensely proud.​
​ When Johnny retired, he and Theresa continued to enjoy their life together, meeting people, set dancing and travelling and continuing to lend a hand in the community, however, in 2016, ill health forced him to pull back from his activities. He became a member of COPD Ennis, and, in that group, he made more friends because of his​ outgoing personality and kindness to people.
Reposal was in St. Tola's Church, Dysart and, following concelebrated mass, Johnny was laid to rest in Ruan Graveyard.
He is survived by his wife Theresa, daughter Madeleine, brother Tom, sisters Mary, Kitty and Nonie, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.
The death has also taken place of Norah Lynch, Kilbrickan House, Clarecastle and formerly of Magowna, Toonagh. Norah lived and worked in Galway for many years until she took on the responsibility for the care of her widowed mother, a role she undertook with great kindness, good humour and dedication. When her mother died, Norah was looking forward to pursuing her love of golf and travelling, however, she was beset with ill health in latter years and passed away in the loving presence of her family in St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin. She has left a great legacy of love and generosity to her family, particularly her nieces and nephews whom she adored and revelled in their progress through their lives.
Norah's remains reposed at Daly's Mortuary Chapel, Ennis, and, following requiem mass in St. Breckan's Church,Doora, she was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery in the church grounds.

GAA.
Corofin/Ruan beat Smith O'Briens in the quarter final and Tulla in the semi final of the U15B feile. They played Clonlara in the final in Cusack Park at the weekend, however, they came up short in that game with Clonlara taking the spoils. The Intermediates were beaten in the League by Corofin.
Local Club hurler, Robin Mounsey, played his part in the Clare Seniorhurling team's win over Cork in Semple Stadium, Thurles, on Sunday last and he and the team are wished well in their upcoming games.

W/E 23/05/2021

posted May 22, 2021, 2:23 PM by John O'Sullivan

Student of the Year.
Local girl and past pupil of Toonagh National School, Tierna Casey of Drumeer, Ruan was awarded student of the year in Music for 2021 in St. Flannan’s College last week. Tierna is a talented fiddle player and singer and has lent her talents to many concerts and sessions in Toonagh  Hall over the years. She has made a positive contribution to St. Flannan’s College in the years she attended the school and it is hoped that she will have success in whatever she chooses to do in the future, as it is for all the students who graduated from the secondary schools in the county in what has been a challenging year for students, teachers and parents.

Recent Death.
The death has taken place of Bernadette (Benny) Woodford, née Phillips, late of Ashfield Park, Ennis. Benny’s requiem mass was celebrated in St. Tola’s Church, Dysart on Friday last and she was laid to rest in Drumcliffe Graveyard. She was a regular in attendance at mass in Dysart over the years and a great supporter of any event held in conjunction with Toonagh School, where her grandchildren were pupils,  and she endeared herself to all with her winning smile and gentle ways. Benny was predeceased by her husband, Alan, son, David, daughter in law, Miriam and is survived by her son Aidan, daughter, Anne, daughters in law, son in law, grandchildren, great grand daughter, relatives and friends.

Baptisms Return.
Baptisms may, once again, be celebrated, after the lockdown. Baptisms take place on each Sunday of the month at 12.30pm, rotating between all nine churches in the Imeall Boirne cluster. Anne, in the Imeall Boirne office, may be contacted at 0656890865 or by email: imeallboirne@outlook.com, and she will have all the details.

W/E 16/05/2021

posted May 12, 2021, 3:06 AM by John O'Sullivan   [ updated May 12, 2021, 3:10 AM ]

Masses Return.
The parish churches in the Imeall Boirne Cluster, of which Ruan and Dysart is included, are open since Monday, May 10. Weekend and weekday masses may accommodate 50 people, Baptisms 10 people, Weddings 50 people, Funerals 50 mourners.  First Holy Communion and Confirmation are not taking place during this current phase. Mass will return on Wednesdays to St. Tola’s Church, Dysart at 9.30am with Fr. Damian and will be celebrated on Mondays, and Thursdays in St. Mary’s Church, Ruan. 
Saturday evening masses and daily masses from Ruan will still be available on the Imeall Boirne Facebook page.
Eucharistic Adoration has also returned to Ruan Church on Wednesdays and Thursdays in Dysart Church, at the usual times.

Recent Death.
The death has taken place of Nora Griffin (née Quinn), Carrowvere, Ennistymon, mother of Kevin Griffin, Ruan Village. 
Following requiem mass in Rath Church on Monday, Nora was laid to rest in Inagh Cemetery.

The death has also taken place of P.J. (known to all as Bub) Leyden, Carrowkeel, Crusheen. Bub was laid to rest in Ruan Graveyard, following requiem mass on Friday last. He is survived by his family and friends.

T.V. Debut for Local Girl.
A young girl from the parish, Lisa O’Connor, daughter of Mary and Matthew from Cloona, is making a name for herself in the world of Drama. Lisa is a past pupil of Toonagh National School who graduated from The Cork School of Music with First Class Honours, and moved to London in 2017 to further her career. Her latest venture was playing the part of a mother, Jacinta O’Malley, in the very popular series, Call the Midwife, which aired on BBC 1 on Sunday night. It is hoped that this is the start of a successful career for Lisa who loves what she has chosen to do in her life.

Young Entrepreneurs.
Fifth and sixth Classes in Ruan National School participated in the Junior Entrepreneur Project this year. They came up with the idea of producing a jersey in the Ruan colours and are now selling them. During the project they picked up skills that will serve them well as they go forward in their lives - teamwork, research, costing the products and eventually the satisfaction of coming up with something that, hopefully, will be profitable. Great credit is due to the children, their teachers and all involved.

Tidy Towns.
With the ‘stretch’ in the evenings the members of the Tidy Town Committee have organised a clean up of the village and surrounding areas on Monday evenings. Anyone willing to help will be warmly welcomed.

Camogie.
The girls in the local Camogie club are all delighted to be back training again. Two of the stalwarts of the Club, Rebecca Crowe and Louise McDonnell, are in action on Saturday in the first game of the League, when they will meet Limerick.

Farewell to Fr. Donnelly.
The death has taken place of Very Rev. Fr. John Donnelly, Rathcabbin, Roscrea at  the weekend, in his 99th year. Fr. Donnelly came to Ruan and Dysart from Killaloe in 1980 and he left when he was transferred to Lorra and Dora in 1987. During those years he endeared himself to parishioners with his gentlemanly ways, his wisdom, his quiet manner and his deep faith and many people have fond memories of him. 
Following concelebrated  requiem mass on Wednesday, he was laid to rest in the church grounds in Rathcabbin.

Clothes Collection.
Ruan National School is holding a clothes collection to raise funds for activities in the school. People may drop off bags of clothes, curtains, duvet covers, pillow cases towels, shoes, belts and bags (no duvets or pillows please) to the local GAA pitch changing rooms on Tuesday and Wednesday May 18 and 19 between the hours of 9am-9.30am/1.45-2.05pm/2.40pm-3.10pm. The support of the community is much appreciated.

Hurling.
All underage groups are back hurling training and the Intermediates started back on Tuesday evening. It’s great to see the hurling field bustling with energy again and it is hopes  that people will adhere to the safety guidelines in place, making it safe for all attending.

W/E 31/05/2020

posted May 26, 2020, 1:46 PM by John O'Sullivan

No Summer Camp.
Due to COVID 19, Ruan GAA will not be hosting a Cul Camp this summer, neither will it hold its own local Summer Camp, which, over the past four years has gathered momentum, bringing large crowds of children from Ruan Hurling and Camogie Clubs, between the ages of 6 and 13 years of age, to the local hurling field where they’ve enjoyed practising hurling and Camogie skills with their school friends under the direction of young members of both Clubs.
Anyone wishing to find out where their nearest Cul Camps are this summer, may  do so by checking out Kellogg’s Cul Camps online.

Daily Mass.
Fr. Pat and Fr. Damian take it in turns to celebrate Daily Mass and Spiritual Communion which is broadcast on the Imeall Boirne Parishes Facebook Page from Sunday to Friday at 9.30am and on Saturday evening at 8.00pm.
Signed Mass cards are available every Thursday at the Imeall Boirne office in Crusheen from 10am-2pm, and from Fr. Pat or Fr. Damien at their respective homes, during the week.

Recent Death.
The death has taken place in England of Mary Vaughan, sister of Bridget Vaughan, Toormore, Ruan.

W/E 17/05/2020

posted May 14, 2020, 1:50 PM by John O'Sullivan

Darkness into Light Walk.
Many adult members of the local Camogie Team walked ‘from darkness into light’ on Saturday morning last. They walked in their own localities and shared their pictures on Facebook. They made donations online to Pieta, the organisation which helps people, families and communities affected by suicide and self-harm. Pieta’s three Services are in prevention, intervention and bereavement counselling.  
People have been extraordinarily generous this year, given that the official walk could not take place, and this will help in no small way to bring in valuable funding for the organisation.

Help from Hurling Club.
Due to the fact that children cannot go to the hurling field, or meet their hurling friends in school for a puck around, they’ve been practising at home and, perhaps, didn’t have sliotars, so when Frankie Lyons, Chairman of Ruan Hurling Club, was asked, he delivered sliotars to a number of families. 
Frankie’s mob. no is 0879011945, and, should anyone need a sliotar, he will be delighted to deliver it, thus keeping the children happy and honing their hurling skills while the restrictions are in place.

W/E 10/05/2020

posted May 14, 2020, 1:48 PM by John O'Sullivan

Pride of Place.
It is heartening, during these strange and unprecedented times, to see people taking pride in their localities, while still keeping within the 2km restrictions on movement and on social distancing. A local father and son have stepped up to the mark and taken it upon themselves to ensure that Dysart Graveyard is still kept in immaculate condition, a job usually undertaken by Ruan Dysart Resource Group, which is not operating as normal with the current restrictions in place. 
Meanwhile, on the other side of the parish, three volunteers collected several bags of rubbish on one road in Ruan, observing the same restrictions. Great credit is due to these volunteers for their civic mindedness.

Busy as Bees.
A number of people from the parish have been busy making and delivering laundry bags, face masks and ear savers for hospitals, nursing homes, the Red Cross, community groups, meals on wheels volunteers and similar organisations. They’ve put the time they now have, as they aren’t working at their usual jobs, to good use, and have dusted off their sewing machines and brought them into use doing this very important work. The Facebook page - Knitting for premature Babies has the contacts and details of what has been done to date and patterns for anyone interested in helping out.

Ruan Gymkhana.
Among the casualties of ‘COVID 19’ is the Ruan Gymkhana which has, for the past 17 years, brought great crowds and excitement to the village. The Committee has had to cancel the show, which was to be held on June 7. They have thanked their sponsors and exhibitors for their support over the years and hope that they will be back on track for the  2021 Gymkhana.

Recent Deaths.
The death has taken place of Anna Clohessy, Hermitage, Ennis, mother of Seanie Clohessy, Hazelgrove, Ruan and also of David Wooodford, Drumconora, Barefield, brother of Aidan Woodford, Cloona, Dysart.

W/E 03/05/2020

posted May 14, 2020, 1:46 PM by John O'Sullivan

Tara Breen on Nationwide.

Our own Tara Breen from Ruan, a member of The Chieftains, featured on the two part documentary, Nationwide, on RTE 1 last week.  RTE sent reporter, Donal Byrne, to the USA to travel with The Chieftains on their six week tour and to attend the concerts in various US cities such as Nashville, Milwaukee, Chicago, BostonLos Angeles.  The reporter spent time with the band on the road, back stage, and at their concerts, while also conducting interviews with all the band members, including Tara, who told the audience that she hailed from Ruan in Co. Clare!  Both programmes can be viewed on the RTE Player for the next month. Luckily the tour was almost at an end when the Corona virus struck and the band returned to Ireland on March 14, having completed one month of a five week tour.  Unfortunately, they had to cancel the New York, New Jersey and East Coast concerts, however, they were delighted to have returned to Ireland before the USA went into lockdown. They already have plans in place to complete the tour dates which they had to cancel,  and also to visit Canada in 2021.

Tara has been travelling with The Chieftains for the past eight years, and in that time, she has visited many countries including the USA, Canada, Europe and the Far East with the band.


Mass of Anniversaries.

As the nine churches in the Imeall Boirne Cluster are closed, due to COVID 19, the mass of anniversaries for all departed loved ones throughout Imeall Boirne will be celebrated in the third weekend in May, and may be viewed on the Imeall Boirne Parishes Facebook page on Saturday, May 16 at 8pm and on Sunday morning at 9.30am. 

Mass and spiritual communion is celebrated on the same Facebook page by Fr. Pat and Fr.Damian, from Sunday to Friday at 9.30 am and on Saturday evening at 8pm.

Light a Candle.

People in the Imeall Boirne parishes are invited to light a candle and display it on a window on Friday evenings at 8pm to show their support in the fight against COVID 19, to remember those who have lost their lives to the virus.  They are also asked to pray the “Hail Mary” for those currently fighting the virus, and to show our support for all those on the frontline working on our behalf.

Tidy Towns. 

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring has stated that it is not possible, at this time, for communities to work in Tidy Towns projects, saying “I know that many Tidy Towns Committees have been wondering if the competition will proceed this year, and I believe it is important to provide certainty to all of the committees around the country at this stage.  For me, the health and welfare of the volunteers on the Tidy Towns Committees is paramount. Given the current restrictions around public gatherings, travel and adherence to social distancing, it would not be appropriate to ask voluntary groups to work in Tidy Towns projects in their communities at this time.  I have, therefore, decided that the Tidy Towns competition will not go ahead this year”.

Ruan Tidy Village has achieved much over the past few years, gaining a rising score in the competition year on year. Working together, the community has ensured the hard-won successes. Great credit is due to the committee, the Rural Resource Group and all the volunteers for their hard work. STAY HOME STAY SAFE.

1-10 of 47