Notes for January
16/01/2022
Toonagh Walk Goes Ahead. The organisers of the annual charity Toonagh Walk, regret that they are unable to hold their usual raffle, or provide refreshments in Toonagh Hall on Sunday, January 17, due to the current surge in virus cases, however, the walk still goes on and those intending to walk are invited to register using the online fundraising page - idonate.ie/Toonagh Walk 2022, and people may also give their donation on that page. People are also asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines on the day. The walk starts at 11am, setting off from Toonagh Hall. The three routes 2k/6k/10k will be signposted and it is hoped that it will pass off safely for all taking part to raise funds for the Huntingtons, Parkinsons and Motor Neurone Associations. The support of the community is hugely appreciated by the organisers at this time, as all charities are feeling the effects of not being able to run their usual fundraisers, but the calls on their services by families affected by these diseases are still huge.Wedding Bells. Wedding Bells rang out over the Christmas Season for Trisha Meaney, daughter of Monica and Michael Meaney, Rineen, Ruan and Fintan Conway, son of Mary and Francie Conway of Carron. Fr. Pat O'Neill was celebrant and Bridesmaids were Carrie Ryan and Roberta O'Halloran. Groomsmen were John Marrinan, Pat Conway and Rory Meaney and flowergirl was Una Conway. The reception was held at L'Arco in Ballyvaughan and the couple will reside in Rineen. Recent Deaths. The death occurred, just before Christmas, of I.J. Shannon, Bealacana, Ruan, in his 94th year, peacefully, surrounded by his family. I.J., who was originally from Willbrook, came to Bealacana seventy years ago, where he worked on the land, raising cattle, ponies and horses and making friendships which have endured from the older generations, who were there when he first arrived, down to their children and grandchildren who still had a great rapport with him right up to the time of his death. In 1962, I.J. married Mary Garry, from Ballynacally and, together, they raised their family of four children, encouraging them and fostering in them a great love of and respect for their own place, for animals and music, particularly traditional Irish music. He bred Connemara ponies and he and Mary travelled all over the place with the family, as children, bringing them to Gymkhanas, pony shows,music classes, ceilis and Fleadhs. Over the days of his funeral, I.J. was described as "one of nature's gentlemen, a man of the land, having a smile and a kind word, encouraging people, having a keen knowledge of animals and enjoying the liveliness of his grandchildren and proud of all his family". He was one of the "regulars" at Morty Kellys on the Friday nights for the game of cards up to a few years ago. One of his last outings was to join his family in Glor in November, when The Shannon Family was awarded the MoRglor Award for 2021 in an evening of great music and reminiscences, in which I.J. and his late wife, Mary, were regularly mentioned. His requiem mass was a moving musical tribute to his long and fruitful life and as he was laid to rest beside his wife, Mary, the music continued in the graveyard, lifting the hearts of all present in their farewell to a dear father, grandfather and friend.I.J. is survived by his son Garry, daughters Mary, Sharon, Majella, their spouses, eleven grandchildren, nephew, nieces and friends. The death has also taken place, in New Jersey, of Maura Moore, nee Donnellan, sister of Eileen Roughan, Kilcurrish, Fountain |
W/E 02/01/2022
Hunting the Wren. Many members and supporters of Ruan Camogie Club staged a virtual 'hunting the wren' on the Club's website on St. Stephen's Day, featuring people from nine years of age to over ninety, singing, dancing and showing a variety of talent from home and abroad.It's a hugely entertaining and enjoyable piece and well worth a viewing, with a host of talent on view. The Club has a 'gofundme' link where people may donate. The Club which has members, from under six to adults, training and participating in learning camogie skills and making enduring friendships along the way, playing games at all levels, which are overseen by dedicated coaches and officials, is a credit to all those involved. Champions. The amalgamation of Corofin and Ruan hurlers in the u21A Championship has been hugely successful, culminating in the winning of the first ever 21A Championship in Gurteen on Wednesday evening last, when they overcame Newmarket. The Ruan contingent of Cian O'Donoghue, joint captain, Ashley Brohan, Shane Punch, Darragh McInerney, Robin Mounsey, Jack McDonagh, Patrick O'Halloran and James Power were very much involved in the Championship from start to finish and their skills were very much in evidence with their Corofin teammates. The team, with their coaches were warmly welcomed back to Corofin and Ruan and it was a fitting end to a year where they've worked hard in training, with the help of coaches and parents, and all have earned a well deserved rest over Christmas. Toonagh Walk. The Annual Toonagh Walk which, this year, will support Huntingtons, Motor Neurone and Parkinsons Associations will take place on January 16, 2022, with registration at 11am in Toonagh Hall. Further information will be given nearer the time. |
W/E 24/01/2021
Award for Brid. Local woman, Brid McNamara from Ranaghan, Ruan received huge validation for her work with Clare Camogie Association last week when she was presented with “Sports Volunteer of the Year Award 2020 for Clare”. Brid has been instrumental in raising the profile of camogie, both locally and nationally, over the many years she has been involved, in jobs varying from organising blitzes for under 12’s, making tea for players and mentors, reporting on games for Clare FM, presenting medals - anything to support the organisation, all the while keeping down the ‘day job’ in Shannon. Clare Camogie is in a much better place, financially, this year because of the tremendous effort Brid put in last August, in walking 500k, the equivalent of walking from Fr. McNamara Park, the home of Clare Camogie, to Croke Park, and back. In that walk Brid visited all 26 Camogie Clubs in the County and raised €16,000. Brid’s local Ruan Club is very proud to have such a dedicated member in their midst and hope she continues to further the interest in Camogie in the years ahead. Litter at Bottle Banks. The Bottle Banks in Ruan have been a great asset to the area, enabling people to recycle bottles and cans. However, the area around them has been littered with boxes and bags in recent times and a notice has been affixed to the Banks stating that if this problem persists, Clare County Council may be forced to remove the Banks from the location, which would be a shame, as the majority of people who use them do so respectful of the area. Recent Deaths. The death has taken place of Paddy McMahon, Letterkelly, Inagh, formerly of Knockanroe, Dysart, in Ennis General Hospital. Following requiem mass in Inagh Church, Paddy was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. He is survived by his niece Rose Quinn, nephew Stephen, extended family and friends. The death has also taken place, tragically, of Fergal Guilfoyle, Galway and formerly of Toormore, Ruan. Fergal’s requiem mass was celebrated in St. Patrick’s Street, Forster Street, Galway, after which he was laid to rest in Templemaley Cemetery. Fergal is survived by his father Christy, mother Anne, daughters Kimberly and Natasha, sisters Olivia and Claire, brothers Niall and Graham, extended family and friends. |
W/E 17/01/2021
Graveyard Extension. Plans for an extension to the graveyard in Ruan have been lodged with Clare County for the past few months. The Council has asked for an Archaeologist’s report and a percolation report, both of which have been furnished to the Council and the local Parish Council is awaiting a response. Camogie Helping Hands. The local Camogie Club members would like it to be made known that they are on hand to offer help to elderly or vulnerable people in the community, who may have difficulty getting shopping, medicine, fuel, during the latest restrictions. People may contact the Club through the Ruan Camogie Facebook Page or call Rebecca Crowe @0870638554 or Rebecca O’Donoghue @0862489941. All H.S.E. guidelines will be followed. Welcome for Lambs. It used to be the case that lambs were one of the signs that spring was on the way - however, that is not the case anymore. A number of farmers have had sheep lambing in recent weeks, more to do with the market than climate change, and it is the good to see that, even in a pandemic, life continues, bringing hope for the future. Schools Closed. The children of Ruan school are ‘homeschooling’ during these latest Covid restrictions. Each child in the school had a bag of books collected from the school on Monday, January 11. Homework is sent through an App and the child can send back their work to be corrected, ensuring they will keep some connection with school. |
W/E 10/01/2021
Delivery Service. The owners and staff of the local XL Shop, over the past three months since they came into being, must be credited with bringing much needed ‘life’ back to Ruan village and surrounding areas. They are now offering a delivery service to local vulnerable and isolating customers, so, should anyone need groceries or fuel, they may contact the shop at 0852333939 and it will be delivered, ensuring social distancing and all safety precautions are maintained. Religious Services. During this latest lockdown due to the rising numbers of those testing positive for Covid 19, Fr. Pat and Fr. Damian are playing their part in keeping religious services available to the public. Although the masses are celebrated behind closed doors, in the interest of public health, daily masses and spiritual communion is available on the Imeall Boirne Facebook page, Monday to Friday at 9.30am from Ruan Church, Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 11am from Corofin Church. Months minds, First Anniversaries and the Mass of Anniversaries will be celebrated on Saturday evenings at 8pm from St.Mary’s Church, Ruan for Ruan, Dysart, Tubber and Boston parishes, and from St. Bridget’s Church, Corofin on Sunday mornings at 11am for Corofin, Kilnaboy, Rath and also for Crusheen and Ballinruan parishes. |
W/E 02/01/2021
Senior Citizens. The annual Senior Citizens party which has always been held in Morty Kelly’s Bar fell victim to the Coronavirus restrictions this year. However, the committee ensured that those who usually attended were not forgotten, as they were sent Christmas Greetings, just to keep in contact, and, hopefully, by next Christmas things will be back to normal. Christmas Masses. Just before the school holidays two classes from Ruan National School attended Mass in Ruan where they hung cards from the Advent Tree located in the church, to remember people who would not ‘be here’ for Christmas, whether they were living away from home, in hospital or nursing homes or suffering from addictions. Fr. Pat O’Neill celebrated Mass on Christmas Eve in Ruan Church, and also in Dysart Church on Christmas morning, where all the cards from the Advent trees were placed in baskets on the Altars of both churches to be remembered during the masses. It was heartening to have had masses in the parish over Christmas, as, following the latest restrictions all masses have gone back online, which leaves Dysart Church out of the loop again, due to lack of internet cover. Hunting the Wren. Ruan Camogie Club held its annual fundraiser ‘Hunting the Wren’ in a novel and fun way this year. Supporters, young and old, and members of the Club send video clips in to the Club P.R.O. Rebecca Crowe. There was a huge variety of talent on view, with singers, musicians, dancers, comic clips, artistic skills, checking up on the animals on the farm, and even cats playing camogie. People donated online and in buckets located in the local XL Shop in Ruan and the Club received tremendous support which helped them reach their fundraising target. The organising committee is very grateful to all who took part and helped in any way, and they look forward to the coming season with great enthusiasm. Schools Christmas Festivities. The classes in Ruan National School performed their Christmas plays both in the school and online this year. Juniors and Seniors performed a Nativity Play ‘Bundle of Joy’ on Friday, December 18, really enthusiastically. The story is relayed from the perspective of Grumble, the donkey, who is really cranky and grouchy until the sight of Baby Jesus melts his heart. Although the video was sent home to the parents, the atmosphere of a live audience and the excitement generated from that was missed. The older children also put on their dramas, with children and teachers rising to the challenges this year posed, and all had lots of fun. The children in Toonagh School also embraced technology in sending their production of Christmas singing, dancing and artwork to their parents online. The innovation and imagination of the children and teachers in the parish is to be admired, as it brought much needed laughter and enjoyment to all who watched their presentations online. G.A.A. Lotto. Ruan GAA lotto draw has now gone online to enable the weekly draw to take place. The organisers are indebted to the patrons and supporters who continue to support the Club and are happy that the draw can continue. Patrons may go on to the Ruan GAA Facebook Page and follow the instructions to play. |
W/E 26/01/2020
Medal Presentation. The victorious Ruan Adult Junior team will be presented with their medals on this Saturday night the 25th of January at Morty Kelly’s Bar Ruan. This promises to be a great night with music and refreshments being provided from 9pm onwards, as well as the presentation of the medals. All are welcome!! Craft Class Returns. The Wednesday morning craft class has returned to Toonagh Hall, after the Christmas break. All are welcome to come and bring their knitting, crochet or any craft work from 11am- 12.30 pm, even if it’s only for the company and the ‘cuppa’. Death. The death has taken place, in Milford Care Centre, of Angela Donnellan (née Casey), Bealicana, Corofin. Angela was predeceased by her mother and father, Ann and Joe, and her sister Maureen. She was well known in her taxi business in Ennis and surrounding areas, and was always a very obliging person. She was devoted to her family and while in Milford she kept herself busy taking part in Art classes and knitting. Angela’s remains reposed in St. Mary’s Church, Ruan and, following requiem mass on Monday, she was laid to rest in the adjoining graveyard. She is survived by her husband Con, sons Darren and David, daughter in law, Laura, grandchildren Ava and Odran, relations and friends. Toonagh Walk. This year’s walk in Toonagh was held to raise funds for Huntington’s and Motor Neuron Disease Associations. Over 400 walkers registered and many children also took part. The weather on the day brought out the best in people and ensured a very generous outcome for both Charities, with €9,500, so far, raised. The support of all who helped out - baking, parking, in the kitchen, registration, raffle ticket selling, water distribution, signage and all who donated prizes is hugely appreciated. |
W/E 19/01/2020
Cash for Clobber. Toonagh Parents Association is holding a clothes collection on Thursday, Jan. 30 next to raise funds for the school. As usual, clean clothes, bed linen, belts, bags, shoes, towels, curtains are acceptable - NO duvets, pillows, cushions please, as those have then to be taken to the Recycling Centre, and paid for to be disposed by the Association, which eats into the funds which are so necessary for the school. Toonagh Hall will be opened from 9-10am, 1.45-3pm and 6.30-7.30 on that day when bags may be dropped off. The support of the community is much appreciated. Junior Infant Enrolment. Toonagh N.S., located just 5 km from Ennis, is now open for enrolment of Junior Infants for September, 2020. Anyone interested may contact the school @ 0656820143 or toonaghschool@gmail.com for an application form. These forms may also be downloaded from the school website Toonaghns.com. Closing date is Feb.28. Healthy Club Walk. A six-week initiative started in Ruan GAA pitch on Thursday evening last and will continue for five more weeks. Last week around 140 people took part. This is a free activity for young and old, where, from 7-8pm, a walk is held in the hurling field with the motto ‘Get Out and Get Active’. Harty Cup. Three local boys from Ruan GAA Club are on the St. Flannan’s panel for the Harty Cup, Ashley Brohan, Jack Lyons and Patrick O’Halloran. St. Flannan’s defeated Tulla, on Wednesday of last week, in the quarter final played in Cusack Park. St. Flannan’s now go on to meet Our Lady’s, Tullamore in the semi final, on the last weekend of January. Dance Attack Stage Academy. Toonagh Hall is the venue for a new venture in the area where children learn new skills, build confidence and have fun as Dance Attack Stage Academy begins classes. They teach all areas of performing arts in a fun and encouraging environment, including hip hop, musical theatre, drama and singing. On Friday afternoons classes for Junior and Senior Infants are from 2.15-3.15pm, and for 1st class to Sixth class from 3.15-4.15pm. Please contact Yvonne @0868059074 Handball Christian Cummins won the U14A County Championship (40x20) on Saturday in Tuamgraney. There was great excitement within the locality as this was the first juvenile A title for a Toonagh player in 20 years. Great credit must go to the committee, coaches, players and parents for reviving the club within the parish after such a long absence. In County League action the Division 3A team, following an unbeaten run of ten rounds, lost out narrowly in their semi-final against Newmarket on Fergus. The Division 3B team failed to reach the semi-final stage but put in some strong performances throughout the season to finish sixth. The Division 2 team won their last round (Rd.14) against Clooney-Quin on Wednesday last to finish fifth overall. Alan Cummins and Brian Reilly are both in Munster quarter-finals this week with Alan taking on Limerick opposition in Cappagh on Friday evening and Brian meeting a Cork opponent at home on Sunday. |
W/E 12/01/2020
Annual Toonagh Walk. There is a lot of talk, at the start of the New Year, of people making changes in their lives, getting fitter and getting out in the fresh air. Plans are now almost finalised for the annual Toonagh Walk/Run which happens on Sunday, Jan. 12, with registration at 11am in the hall. Walkers of all abilities, and none, are invited to take part as well as families. Helpers will ensure that there are home baked goodies with tea and coffee for everyone, and there is also a big raffle for hampers. With funds being divided between Huntington’s Disease Association and Motor Neuron Disease Association, all contributions will be greatly appreciated. Church Gate Collection for Missionvale. Local man, John O’Sullivan, who has been a member of a team helping Sr. Ethel Normoyle in her work in the Missionvale Township in South Africa, held a church gate collection before masses in Ruan and Dysart on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. €1,167 was raised, which will go to Sr. Ethel, and the support of all who contributed is much appreciated. G.A.A. Despite the inclement weather on St. Stephen’s Day, the local GAA field was a hive of activity, with over forty men togging out to play four competitive games of hurling. They were supported by their families and friends, with Ruan South coming out on top this year. Refreshments were served by volunteers and great fun was had by all. |
W/E 27/01/2019
Leader is offering a Community Declopment Planner to 20 Communities. This person will work with our community, if selected, to develop a three year progression plan encompassing our development in economic, social,
environmental and culture.
A meeting will take place to discuss this in Ruan Community Center on Tuesday January 29, 2019 at 8.00pm. Anyone intersted in the progression of our community is welcome to attend. Pony Centre of the Year Award 2018.
Banner Equestrian Centre was one of five Equestrian
Centres nominated for the Pony Centre of the Year Award, 2018. The
nominees were Barnadown E.C., Ballinamona E.C., Cavan E.C., Maryville
E.C. and Banner E.C. It was up to the public to vote
for the winner and, with the help of all the support from Munster and
Clare members, and people from Ennis and great local support, Banner
Equestrian Centre came out in top. They received the Award on Saturday
last at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, when Simone
Barry accepted it on behalf of the Centre.
Local rider, Tomas Barry, Soheen, Toonagh, received two National Awards in the under 10 section.
Apostolic Works Society.
The local branch of the Apostolic Works Society will
hold its annual display on March 9 and 10. Anyone wishing to donate
sacred vessels to the display may contact Eileen Roughan, Mary Marrinan
or Eileen Hannon.
Recent Deaths.
The death took place, on New Years Day, in England of
Pat Meere, first cousin of the late Michael Meere, Ballygriffey and
whose mother was Lizzie Crowe from Dromina, Dysart. The death also took
place, in England, of Mary Crowe, niece of Paddy
(Tul) Crowe, Dromina. The deaths have also occurred of Philomena Barrow
(née Curry), Drumcliffe, Ennis, mother of Aidan Barrow, Fountain;
Michael Collins, Curracloin, Feakle, brother of Pauline Cullinan,
Ballybrody, Toonagh; Maureen Fehin, Freemount, Cork,
mother of Margaret O’Brien, Toonagh and Dawn Croke, sister of Ethan
Croke, Ruan, who was laid to rest in Donegal last week.
Local History Group.
The local history group has resumed its meetings in
Morty Kelly’s on Tuesday evenings at 8.30pm. This year the members are
looking at the history of the old Ruan R.I.C. Barracks, which would be
100 years old on October 20, 2020.
Clothes Collection for Toonagh School.
The fundraising clothes collection for Toonagh School
takes place on Thursday, Jan.31 next. Bags of clean clothes, bed linen,
towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts may be left to Toonagh Hall from
9-10am, 1.45-3pm and 6.30-7.30pm on the day.
The contribution of the community is very much appreciated.
Camogie Registration.
Ruan Camogie Club registration night will take place in
Toonagh Hall on February 1, at 7pm. A special guest will make a
presentation to the U13B and U18C Shield winners and refreshments will
be served afterwards. All donations of home baking
will be very welcome on the night.
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