Notes for May
W/E 20/05/2018
Traditional Music Class. The traditional music classes held in Ruan Community Centre on Monday evenings are proving very popular. The classes which are held between 8.30-9.30pm aim to encourage interested teens and adults to enjoy playing popular ‘session’ tunes, with the help of an overhead projector. All musicians are welcome. Mary Wynne @ 0863149261 has further information. Community Games Athletics. Ruan Community Games Athletics will be held in Ruan G.A.A. Field on this Sunday, May 20, with registration from 12 noon. The first event will be held at 12.30pm. Competitions are for boys and girls aged under eight to under sixteens and are open to call children of those ages living in the parish. There will also be fun activities for tiny tots and for children who are not taking part in the competitions. BYC Youth Activities: On next Thursday, May 17, Dr Maureen Griffin, will present a talk on Safe Internet/Social Media Usage to Imeall Boirne Youth, 1st Year to 3rd Year in Ruan Community Centre from 8.15 pm to 9.30pm. All youth from the cluster are invited to attend, and parents are asked to encourage their young people to attend the talk which will help equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary in today’s world. This talk will be followed up with a presentation for the adults of the cluster on Thursday June 7th in Ruan Community Centre. Last Saturday morning, a large group from Ruan BYC, and their families, took part in Darkness into Light walk in Ennis to raise awareness and funds for Pieta House. It was an uplifting experience for all those who sacrificed a few hours sleep to unite with people in New York, Perth, Sydney and other far-flung places all walking for the cause. Re-Enactment of Battle of Dysert O’Dea. A large crowd came to Dysert in Saturday last to see a re-enactment of the Battle of Dysert O’Dea, in which local historical and dramatic groups came together to commemorate the battle which took place in 1318, when the Normans were defeated by local Clans led by Chieftain Conor O’Dea and his Allies. A number of the O’Dea family were invited to join in the ‘Battle’ and it added another dimension to the 10th International O’Dea Clan gathering, for which over 200 members converged in Clare over the past week. Apart from the re-enactment of the battle, which was dramatised in three parts, there was a medieval pageant and various crafts on show - archery, butter-making, copper work, wood-turning, spinning and weaving, thatching and basket-making and the Crafts Class which takes place in Toonagh Hall Wednesday mornings had a stand showing their knitting and crochet work. It was a very enjoyable day and the visitors enjoyed mingling with ‘the locals’, finding they had much in common, even though they lived in different continents. |
W/E 13/05/2018
Battle of
Dysert O’Dea This year is the 700th anniversary of the Battle of
Dysert O’Dea, which took place in 1318, when a gathering of the Clans of
North Clare, led by local Chieftan, Conor O’Dea defeated an
Anglo-Norman invasion led by Richard de Clare.
Over three hundred O’Dea’s who are direct descendants
of the O’Dea family of the Castle, will travel from all over the world,
celebrating their heritage and join in the commemoration on this coming
Saturday, May 12, when the re-enactment of the battle will take place
at the Castle at 12 noon. A medieval pageant will take place and Crafts
on show will include butter churning, woodturning, pottery, thatching,
basketmaking, a working blacksmith will attend and there will be many
more attractions on the day. It promises to be a very entertaining and
informative family event.
Camogie.
In the final round of the u14A Championship Ruan played
Scariff/Ogonelloe on Wednesday of last week. Ruan put in a determined
second half which delivered a hard-fought victory over their opponents.
Ruan is now top of the table and proceeds straight to the final, which
is yet to be confirmed by the County Board as a semi final is to be
played to determine Ruan’s opponents in the final which is set for May
30.
Our Lady’s Grotto
The Crowning of the Statue of Our Lady at the Grotto in
Fountain takes place on Monday evening, May 14, at 8.30pm. The local
community comes together to recite the Rosary at the Grotto every
evening for the month of May. |
W/E 06/05/2018
Award for Teach Spraoi.
Teach Spraoi, the Toonagh preschool, run by Nora Custy,
entered their garden in the Community pop-up section at the Ennis Garden
Festival. The theme this year was ‘Gardening For Mental Wellbeing’, and
the brief laid down to schools’ who entered was to interpret
“Gardeners’ Friends’ Garden”. Teach Spraoi set up an interactive sensory
garden, where worms, butterflies, ladybirds and honey bees are ‘best
friends’ and the children are ‘best friends’ as they plant, water, talk
nice to the plants and weed the garden. With great help from the
parents, the children were encouraged to plant in the Dome at the
preschool in February, and given the slow growth that has taken place
this year, they had to have great patience and look after the seedlings
very well. Their hard work paid off and, with great delight, they’ve
seen their seedlings sprout in recent days.
When they entered the competition the garden had to be
inspected, then they had to take it into the show on Sunday last. Gary
Graham from Bloom was very impressed with the children’s efforts and
everyone was thrilled and delighted when they were awarded first prize
in the Schools’ section.
Nora appreciates the help they received from parents
who gave of their time and ideas for the garden, and the preschool and
after-school children who enthusiastically looked after it.
First Holy Communion.
First Holy Communion was celebrated in St. Mary’s
Church, Ruan on Saturday last. The theme of the ceremony centered on
“God’s Beautiful World”. Fr. Pat O’Neill facilitated a beautiful
ceremony with the children - Isabella Baxter, Luke Curtis, Orla Cusack,
Jack Duson, Paige Linnane, Molly McGibney, Emma O’Connor, Ross O’Connor,
Anna O’Halloran, Ciaran Parnell, Gerard C. Queally, Isabel Ryan and Sam
Sheehan. He encouraged the children and their parents to be active in
the life of the church and to be present at mass as much as possible.
All the children participated in singing, reading and
prayers and were ably prepared by Ms. de Bruin and Ms. Corbett. The
choir was led by Ms. Ni Chonaighle. Mr. Lyons, Principal and Assumpta,
school secretary were also thanked for their help and support with the
ceremony. The Parents Association laid on a fabulous tea in the school
afterwards. It was a memorable and very happy day for all who
participated.
Wedding Bells.
On Saturday last, in St. Tola’s Church, Dysart, Sinead,
daughter of John and Mary Cotter of Knockreagh, Maurice’s Mills married
John, son of the late James and Mary Whelan of Barefield, Ennis.
Bridesmaid was Noelle Cotter and Bestman was Aidan Whelan. The
reception was held at The Bellbridge Hotel, Spanish Point.
Fundraiser for Zara.
Local girl, Zara Cronin, from Dysart and a pupil at
Toonagh National School, was recently diagnosed with a rare condition,
Ehlers Danilo’s syndrome, which is a genetic connective tissue disorder,
and she is currently in a wheelchair. Zara is on a waiting list to
attend the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dublin. Her mother, Ann
O’Gorman, and friends of the family, have embarked on a fundraising
campaign to help defray costs which Zara will incur in travelling to
London for a specialist MRI and for further treatments. The local
community has gotten fully behind her cause, as Zara has touched the
hearts of everyone whom she’s ever come into contact with, she’s a
happy, content girl with a positive outlook, which has gained her many
friends of all ages.
There’s a huge night planned for Treacy’s Hotel on
Friday, May 4, from 8pm, when ‘Twice Shy’ will provide music, followed
by a disco. Tickets are available locally, and from Donnellan’s Centra,
Loughville, Minihan’s Centra, Corofin and Lynch’s Centra, Gort Road,
Ennis. |
W/E 28/05/2017
G.A.A. Summer Camp:
Ruan Hurling & Camogie Clubs are holding their own Summer Camp from
August 22-25. The camp is for Primary School children and promises to
be a great week of fun, hurling, camogie and a great way to finish off
the summer holidays. The Registration nights will take place in Ruan GAA
Field on Mon May 29th & Wed May 31st from 7.00 to 8.00. All children must be registered by May 31st at the latest.
G.A.A. School of Excellence: Ruan Hurling & Camogie Clubs are running a School of Excellence from July 5-7 . It is for Secondary School students and the head coach will be leading GAA Coach Kevin Brennan. The Registration nights will take place in Ruan GAA Field on Mon May 29th & Wed May 31st from 7.00 to 8.00. All players must be registered by May 31st at the latest. For
any other information contact a member of the organising committee:
Mike Noonan, Paddy O’Halloran, Gearóid Roughan, Ellen Jones, Miriam
Strand, Ann Marie O’Donoghue, Claire McDonagh or Paul Howard.
Ruan Fun Run.
Ruan School and its Parents Association
have organised a 6km Fun Run on Thursday June 1st next. This is the 4th
year of the event which has seen more competitors take part every year.
It's open to all levels of fitness, and none, and people can walk, jog
or run. Registration takes place on the evening of the Run from 5.30pm
or by contacting the school. It's a fun event, and refreshments will be
served to all in the school afterwards.
Senior Citizens Holiday.
The
annual holiday, where the Senior Citizens of the parish spend a week in
Lahinch, is taking place, this year, from the 20th - 25th June. Anyone interested in taking a place is invited to contact Sheila 0876546637 or Mary 0879776583.
Monster Bingo Nite.
The
Committee of Toonagh Hall & Sports Complex is currently selling
tickets for a Bingo Nite to be held in Tracy's West County Hotel on this
Sat. 27th May at 8.00pm. This fundraiser benefits the hall,
only if tickets are purchased from Committee members ahead of the event,
and Moira O'Loughlin, Ger Barry and Mikey Casey have all the details.
|
W/E 21/05/2017
Monster Bingo Night. The Committee members of Toonagh Hall & Sports Complex are currently selling tickets for a Monster Bingo Nite which will be held in Tracy's West County Hotel on Sat. 27th May at 8.00pm, as a fundraiser for the Hall and Sports Complex. Tickets must be purchased from committee
members, for the hall to benefit, as tickets bought on the door will
not go towards the Hall. Moira O'Loughlin, Sinead Noonan, Mikey Casey or
Ger Barry may be contacted for further details and for tickets. Septic Tank Desludging. Dysart Toonagh Group Water Scheme is taking part in a Desludging of Septic Tanks Programme in conjunction with the National Federation of Group Water Schemes and the E.P.A. Initially the focus was on dwellings located within the catchment area of Ballycullinan Lake: this has now been extended to all the Shareholders of the Scheme. Shareholders are
being offered a reduced rate if they wish to have their septic tanks
emptied as part of this programme. Further information may be had from
Noel Tierney @ 0868245173. Successful Fundraiser. The Parents Association of Toonagh N.S. held a very successful clothes collection recently. Thanks to all who contributed to the event, the sum of €810 was raised, which will be used to the benefit of the children in the school. Camogie. Four teams took part in an u15 Camogie Blitz in Ruan G.A.A. field on Sunday last. The Ruan girls had wins over Parteen and Whitegate and, in a very good game, lost by a point to Cratloe. The enthusiasm and sportsmanship shown by all the teams, and their mentors, augurs well for the future of Camogie in the County. |
W/E 14/05/2017
First Holy Communion. Thirteen children from Toonagh N.S. received their First Holy Communion in Dysart Church on Saturday last from Fr. Pat O'Neill. They were Jack Browne, Joseph Burns, Darragh Casey, Ella Casey, Natasha Denner, Diarmuid Hastings, Tara Lucas, Isabelle McInerney, Kate Moran, Alex O'Loughlin, Amber Roche, Lauren Roche and Julian Travers. The schoolchildren participated in all aspects of the ceremony, reading, singing and music, and the First Communion Class displayed their art work specially prepared for the day, with their teacher Sean Eustace. The children and their families enjoyed a breakfast organised by the Parents Association in Toonagh Hall after the Mass, making it a memorable day for all. The children of Scoil Mhuire, Ruan also celebrated their First Holy Communion in a beautiful ceremony at St. Mary's Church, Ruan, also with Fr. Pat, on Saturday morning. Teachers, Ms. de Brun and Ms. Corbett prepared the boys and girls, who read and sang, making it a very special occasion for them and their families. They enjoyed refreshments in the
school, afterwards, arranged by the Parents Association and the occasion
was a credit to all involved. May Devotions. The Crowning of the Statue of Our Lady in the Grotto in Fountain will take place on Monday evening, 15th May, after the recitation of the Rosary at 8.30pm. The Rosary is also in Ruan Church at 7.00pm for the month of May. Community Games. Neasa Ni Ainifein won individual Gold at the Community Games National Finals of the u13 Cross Country on Sat. last. She was also a member of the Clare team which won Gold on the day. Local History Display. The local history group which has been meeting over the winter, researching families who lived in various townlands in the parish displayed photographs and information gathered, to date, in Morty Kelly's Bar in Ruan on Tuesday night of last week. Parishioners still living in the areas, and many who had moved elsewhere, met up to share their memories and enjoyed reminiscing over the photos. The group is
still seeking information or photos, which will be carefully scanned and
returned to their owners, on the townlands of Ruan Commons (the
village), Bealnalicka, Nuan, Lisduff, Caherclancy, Erinagh,
Ballynagonnaghta and Kilcurrish. |
W/E 07/05/2017
Crafts Mornings Break. The Craft Mornings which have been held in Toonagh Hall since Oct. last have had a very beneficial impact on the community. The group which met every Wed. morning, not only enjoyed a chat and a 'cuppa', shared tips on knitting, crochet, sewing, etc. but the €2 each person paid, over the weeks, made up a kitty which paid for paint which the local Community Employment Scheme used to paint the kitchen, hall and alley in the Complex. The group held demonstrations on how to make Christmas wreaths, Christmas table arrangements, St. Bridget's Crosses and plant window boxes. A Banner was made for Toonagh School and Ruan/Toonagh for school and parish events. Tea Cozys and Easter chicks were made. Hats, blankets and baby outfits were made for a neonatal unit and, on the last day, two window boxes planted by Miriam Strand were raffled and won by Martina O'Donoghue and Mary Cahir. The group has now taken a break until
next September. Janet Remembered. On Saturday last, Ruan Camogie Club hosted the inaugural Janet Neilan Memorial Feile C Competition in honour of their late friend, and secretary, Janet Neilan, in Ruan G.A.A. Field. Cratloe, The Banner and Ruan played three very competitive and sporting games, with the home team emerging as winners. The Neilan family presented the trophy to
the Ruan joint captains, Ceara O'Grady and Eve O'Connor and it was a
very enjoyable day for everyone involved. Community Games. The parish Community games were held in Ruan on Sat. last and the following are the results: Girls u8 60m - 1 Molly McGibney, 2 Eryn Moroney, 3 Abby Cantillon. Girls u8 80m - 1 Eryn Moroney, 2 Molly McGibney, 3 Abby Cantillon, 4 Emma O'Connor. Girls u10 100m - 1 Tara Moroney, 2 Orla Cusack, 3 Blaithin Barry, 4 Sophie Haugh. Girls u10 200m - 1 Tara Moroney, 2 Orla Cusack, 3 Blaithin Barry, 4 Ceara Punch. Girls u12 100m and girls u12 600m - 1 Anna Steigerwald, 2 Saoirse Barry, 3 Summer O'Brien. Girls u12 Ball Throw - 1 Summer O'Brien, 2 Meave Casey, 3 Anna Steigerwald. Girls u14 100m - 1 Neasa Ni Ainefein, 2 Aisling Moloney, 3 Neasa Ni Lachtnain. Girls u14 800m - 1 Neasa Ni Ainefein, 2 Neasa Ni Lachtnain, 3 Aisling Moloney. Girls u14 Long Puck - 1 Neasa Ni Ainefein, 2 Sinead Hastings, 3 Meave Casey, 4 Aisling Moloney. Girls u14 Javelin - 1 Aisling Moloney, 2 Sinead Hastings, 3 Neasa Ni Ainefein, 4 Neasa Ni Lachtnain. Girls u16 100m and u16 1500m - 1 Rosie Ni Lachtnain. Boys u8 60m - 1 Sam Sheehan, 2 Kevin Noonan, 3 Tomas Barry, 4 Nathan Steigerwald. Boys u8 80m - 1 Kevin Noonan, 2 Sam Sheehan, 3 Tomas Barry, 4 Luke Curtin. Boys u10 100m - 1 Daniel Guinnane, 2 Sean Healy, 3 Aidan O'Lachtnain, 4 Diarmuid. Hastings. Boys u12 100m - 1 Brian O'Gorman, 2 Frankie Lyons, 3 Daragh Lecathelinais, 4 James Cullinan. Boys u12 600m - 1 Frankie Lyons, 2 James Cullinan, 3 Daragh Lecathelinais, 4 Christian Steigerwald. Boys u12 Ball Throw - 1 Evan O'Donoghue, 2 Diarmuid Hastings, 3 Aidan O'Lachtnain. Boys u12 Long Puck - 1 James Cullinan, 2 Evan O'Donoghue, 3 Diarmuid Hastings, 4 Frankie Lyons. Boys u14 100m - 1 Jamie Cantillon, 2 Darren Punch, 3 Darren Saunders, 4 David Droney. Boys u14 800m - 1 Jamie Cantillon, 2 David Droney, 3 Darren Punch. Ryan Power and Jason Power came 1st in the boys u16 100m, 200m and 1500m respectively. Besides the competitive games, the County finals of which will be held in Lee's Road on June 11th next, there were a number of races which generated great fun and excitement among those who participated, making the day a very enjoyable family day for all who attended. Recent Death. The death has taken place of Val Hogan, Morrissey Avenue, Ennis, husband of Joan Galvin, formerly of Ruan. Tractor Run The Tractor Run which was held on Easter Sunday to raise funds for the
supply and maintenance of grass cutting equipment, used in the parish
graveyards and the village and surrounding areas, was a huge success
with €3,265 raised, plus €400 from Toormore Residents and €550 fro
Hazelgrove Residents. The Tidy Towns Committee appreciates the support
of all involved in organising and taking part in the event. |
W/E 29/05/2016
Fun Run. The family fun run, which has become an annual event for Ruan N. S., takes place on Thurs. 2nd June at 7pm. The route is 6km and participants can run, jog, walk or cycle on the evening. Refreshments will be served in the school afterwards and all levels of fitness are welcome. Senior Citizens Holiday. The summer holiday in Lahinch, for Senior Citizens of this parish, has been organised from 27th July to 1st August. Names of those interested in going should be given to Mary (6837989) or Sheila (6837717). Those who have gone on previous times have been treated royally for the week and entertainment has been thoroughly enjoyed and friendships renewed, making it a week to look forward to over the summer. Tidy Towns. The Tidy Towns Committee is urging people to put up their window boxes and do all they can to enhance Ruan and its surroundings, as the annual judging for Tidy Towns will be happening soon. The support of the local community is vital in making the village and its environs a pleasant place to live and also to ensure it does well in the competition this year. Toonagh School Book Sale. Toonagh School Parents Association is holding a book sale on Thurs. June 9th. They are looking for donations of children's and adult's books, and Toonagh Hall will be open on June 2nd and June 8th to receive books. Monies raised will go towards school supplies. G.A.A. People who wish to be included for tickets for upcoming Clare games are required to be members of Ruan G.A.A. Club. The deadline for inclusion is 31st May. Niall O'Connor, Club Registrar or any Club member will have details. |
W/E 22/05/2016
Community Games Swimming. The County finals of Community Games swimming were held on Friday last and Sarah Cantillon from Dysart will be representing the County at the All Ireland finals to be held in Athlone in August, having won Gold in Butterfly swimming. Her brother, Jamie, came 4th in Breaststroke. Others from the parish who swam very well were Julien Travers, Diarmaid Hastings, Sinead Hastings and Emma Cantillon. Confirmation. Fr. Pat O'Neill administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to thirteen children from Toonagh School on Sat. morning in St. Tola's Church. Ellen Barry, Ryan Bliss, Shane Bliss, Jamie Cantillon, Nhi Marrinan, Jack McDonagh, Darragh McInerney, Jamie Moore-Quinlivan, Grace Mulqueen, Molly O'Donoghue, Claire O'Gorman, Sarahjane O'Halloran and Ciara Rees with their families and friends had a beautiful ceremony. The children sang, read prayers and played music which lifted the spirits of all who attended. The children from Ruan School were also confirmed by Fr. Pat in St. Mary's Church, Ruan on Saturday afternoon. They were Sarah Quinn, Molly Parnell, Maria Jones, Áíne Shannon, Ylonah Gadd, Gráinne Wynne, Hannah Halpin Fitzpatrick, Chloe Callinan Queally, Katie Duson, Chloe Malone, Róise Ní Lachtnaín, Emma Kelly, Fionn Lyons, Kealan Mounsey, Thomas O'Halloran, Jamie Neilan, Ryan Power, Danny Saunders, Conor Foley and Jason Power. Afterwards the Parents Association laid on refreshments for the children and their families in the school. It was a memorable day for all those who were confirmed on the day. |
W/E 15/05/2016
Crowning of Our Lady. On this Sat., the 14th May, the statue of Our Lady in the Grotto at Fountain will be crowned, after the rosary, at 8.30pm. The local community gathers every evening at that time to recite the Rosary together and all are welcome. Apostolic Works Society. The local Apostolic Works Society held its annual display of work in Ruan Community Centre. Through the past year the members have been busy knitting, sewing, making crochet pieces, embroidering vestments, making rosary beads and planting up pots of flowers. Many people donated sacred vessels and raffle prizes and the honorary members also contributed. On the day the display was visited by the local community and by members of Apostolic Societies around the county, including Mary Duggan from Bridgetown, President of the Apostolic Society, and tea was provided to all. Monies collected, and the sacred vessels go directly to the Missions to help educational and medical needs and the support of all who contributed is very much appreciated. Trip to Tipp! The Ruan u12 panel enjoyed a great day out recently when they, and their team mentors, travelled by bus to play Burgess GAA Club u12 in a challenge match. After a closely contested game they continued on to Thurles where they watched the Clare v Waterford drawn game in the League final. It was a very enjoyable and exciting day out for all who travelled. Alzheimer's Tea-Day. This annual fundraising event was held in Ruan Community Centre recently, when Martha Casey & Mary O'Donnell hosted a very successful tea morning. With generous donations of home baking, plenty of tea and coffee, all who attended enjoyed the get-together and €200 was raised for this worthy cause. Recent Death. The death took place, recently, of Frank O'Halloran of Lisduff, Ruan, at his home. Frank was born and raised on the family farm in Lisduff and worked all his life on the land, until he became ill almost three years ago. His passions in life, apart from his family, were the land, nature and mementos of the past, he valued vintage and took part in vintage tractor runs with his Massey Ferguson. He was a valued member of the local History Group. He loved to travel and prior to his illness he had travelled to many countries. His remains reposed in St. Mary's Church, Ruan and following concelebrated Requiem Mass he was laid to rest in the adjoining graveyard. The newly renovated kitchen in the local Community Centre was a hive of activity on both days, as locals provided refreshments to all who gathered from near and far to reminisce and recollect memories they had of times with Frank. Frank is survived by his wife, Frances, sons Vincent and Michael, daughter Helen, sister Florence Hill, daughter in law, son in law, grandchildren, extended family and friends |
1-10 of 32