Notes for November
W/E 22/11/2020
Camogie Club A.G.M. Ruan Camogie Club had a good year, given the COVID-19 pandemic. The girls got a lot of training, and matches, when restrictions allowed, when they performed with great enthusiasm. Many competitions ended prematurely due to the Level 5 lockdown. Officers elected for the coming season are as follows: Chairman Aidan Hastings, Secretary Ellen Jones, Assistant Secretary Niamh Ni Mhuiri, Treasurer Rebecca O’Donoghue, Assistant Treasurers Mary Wynne and Niamh Lyons, P.R.O. Rebecca Crowe, Registrars Alice Casey and Natasha Hynes, Child Protection Officers Grainne Barry and Geraldine Burke, Data Protection Officer Alfie Jones. Miriam Strand, who stepped down as Treasurer was commended for her many years of excellent financial management. The next outing of the Club will be their annual fundraiser, when they will be out ‘hunting the Wren’ on St. Stephens Day, bringing much needed cheer to the parish, all the while keeping within the restrictions, and they are eagerly looking forward to 2021 when, hopefully, COVID 19 will be less and matches will be more! Hurling Club. The Hurling Club will hold its AGM on December 7, online. Nominations are being sought for the positions of Chairpersons and Secretaries for both the Senior and Minor Clubs. Any nominations or motions must be submitted to secretary.ruan.clare@gaa.ie before November 30. Churches. St. Tola’s Church in Dysart and St. Mary’s Church, in Ruan, are open for private prayer, with sanitiser in place for use as one enters and leaves. Masses may be viewed online from Ruan, however, as there is no coverage in Dysart, it is not possible for Masses to be streamed from there. |
W/E 17/11/2020
AGM of Gaa Club. Ruan Gaa hurling club AGM will be held online on Monday 7th December at 7.30pm due to Covid-19 restrictions. Further details to follow nearer the date. Any nominations or motions to be submitted to secretary.ruan.clare@gaa.ie by Monday 30th November. Nominations are being sought for the positions of Chairperson and Secretary in the Senior and Minor Clubs and may be sent to the Secretary, as above. Christmas Food Appeal. This Christmas, more than any Christmas to date, has people experiencing it in very different circumstances - due to the impact COVID 19 has had in their lives. They may be out of work or working reduced hours, this putting a strain on their family finances. This year the Imeall Boirne Parishes, of which Ruan/Dysart Parish is part of the group, has decided to hold a food appeal across the various parishes. In this parish, the new XL shop in Ruan is a collection point, where a box is located, where people can give non-perishable goods, such as tea, coffee, sugar, tinned foods, cereals, jams, rice, pasta, biscuits, sweets. All the items collected will be distributed by local voluntary groups and charities in the surrounding areas and the support of all who contribute will be very much appreciated. Multiple Scelerosis 100K Run. Local lads, Shane Punch, Jack McDonagh, Ryan Power, Jason Power and Darragh McInerney have completed the challenge to run 100K in 10 days, in the locality, to raise, much needed, funds for Multiple Scelerosis. To date, the boys have raised €4,400 for the Charity and, should anyone still wish to donate, they may do so by donating on the GOFUNDME page in Ruan GAA Facebook page. It is heartening to see the youth so in tune with what is needed in these challenging times and they must be commended for their challenge. Recent Deaths. The death has taken place of Theresa Cassidy (née Morris) of Ballymacrogan, Ruan, peacefully at U.H.G. Theresa was was one of the 221 women involved in the Cervical Smear Campaign, set up by Vicky Phelan, and has been ill for the past four years. Theresa and her husband, Pat, were married forty six years last June and had one son, Martin. Over the years, Theresa worked in Braids, the West County Hotel, Microsemi, and in recent years, she loved her Tuesdays in the Cahercalla Hospice Charity Shop in The Market in Ennis, where she worked as a volunteer, until illness forced her to retire. Theresa loved nothing more than walking with her husband in Dromore Woods, finding solace in nature, particularly since her illness. Theresa also looked forward to her holidays, travelling all around Ireland, enjoying what the country had to offer. Theresa is survived by her husband, Pat, son, Martin, Martin’s partner, Michelle, brothers, Pat and Brendan, brothers in law, sisters in law, extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her sister, Mona, only last December, and really missed their daily phone chats. Following requiem mass, celebrated by Fr. Pat O’Neill, In St. Mary’s Church, Theresa was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. The death also occurred, unexpectedly, of Martin Casey of Hazelgrove, Ruan, at the Galway Clinic. Martin was very well known around the county from his forty years working with the E.S.B., until he retired seventeen years ago. Prior to that Martin had worked various jobs - he delivered post in Ruan, worked on an Oil Rig off the Clare Coast and worked in Porte House. In his early days he loved the outdoor life, particularly shooting wildlife. Martin and his wife, Mary, had two children, Melissa and Martin, and their children brought new light and love into their lives in recent years. He is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter, Melissa, son, Martin, grandchildren, sisters, Marion and Margaret, brother, Tom, brother in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends. Fr. Pat O’Neill celebrated Martin’s requiem mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ruan, following which he was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. |
W/E 24/11/2019
Minor A Champions visit Toonagh NS: Members of the winning Corofin/Ruan Minor A panel visited Toonagh NS recently. The school children were delighted that the players visited them with the cup and gave of their time to speak to the children. Toonagh NS had a number of past pupils on the panel and the staff and children were very proud of the achievements of the players in winning the Minor A hurling title. Earlier this term in September members of the successful Ruan Junior Championship winning team visited the school. This was an extra special visit as the team captain Mikey Casey is dad to Ella (5th Class) and Fionn (3rd Class). Memorial Stones. Following on from research by Frances O’Halloran and Linda Hogan on Cilins (childrens’ burial grounds) in the parish, a list of Cilins has been etched on Memorial Stones. Frank McCormack, Irish Natural Stone, Boston, has donated two memorial stones to the parish and these are now being fitted by the local Rural Resource Group. One has been laid in the grounds of St. Tola’s Church, Dysart and the second one is is the process of being laid in the grounds of St. Mary’s Church, Ruan, a fitting memorial for children buried in these Cilins. Toonagh Annual Walk. Plans are now being made for the annual Toonagh Walk for Charity which will take place around the quiet back roads in Toonagh on Sunday, January 12, 2020. All the monies raised will be divided between Huntington’s Disease Association and Motor Neuron Disease Association. Anyone wishing to help may contact Denise @ 0876731966 who will be delighted to give further details. Save the Date. Due to the success of the last dance held in Toonagh Hall when Mike Gardiner and Noreen Ferns had the crowd dancing into the early hours, they will make a return visit to Toonagh Hall on Saturday Dec. 14 next, so it is hoped it will be well supported. Monies raised will go towards continued improvements to the facilities in Toonagh Hall and Sports Complex. |
W/E 17/11/2019
Recent Death. The death has taken place of Marcella Kelly, Porte, Ruan, at University Hospital, Limerick, in her 98th year, daughter of the late Frances and Arthur Kelly. Marcella had a great attitude to all life held in store for her - she just got on with living - helping wherever she could to make life easier for those around her. She gave, selflessly, of her talents throughout her life - her love of children, her knowledge of home-making, gardening, embroidery, knitting, crochet, baking, to name but a few. She had a great interest in rugby, attending many games over the years and having an in-depth knowedge of the game and players. Marcella was one of the founding members of Ruan Apostolic Works Society and, indeed, it was she had embroidered the intricate work on the Altar cloth dressing the Altar in Ruan Church for her requiem mass. She was a very able judge at Showjumping competitions over the years. Marcella took on the care of the MacClancyV family, Nigel, Malcolm and Madeline when they were children and remained as part of the family until four years ago when she took up residency in Cahercalla Nursing Home, another change in her life which she undertook with the same good grace and humour as she faced everything in her life. She kept busy with her crafts, crosswords and looked forward to visits from her family and a wide circle of friends. Marcella’s remains reposed in Ruan Church and following concelebrated requiem mass a Guard of Honour of the Ruan Apostolic Society accompanied her remains, which were carried, shoulder high, from the church to the family vault, where she was laid to rest. Marcella is survived by Madeline Burns, Malcolm and Nigel MacClancy, nieces Marcella Marie and Frances, nephew Arthur, extended family and a wide circle of friends. Christmas Fair. As a fundraiser for Tidy Towns and Parish Graveyards, a Christmas Fair will be held in Ruan Community Centre on Saturday night, Dec.7, after 8pm Mass in Ruan Church. The committee would appreciate donations of home baking, cakes, fuel, bric a brac in good condition, fodder, etc. and anyone wishing to give items may contact Mary @ 0879776583 or Sheila @ 0876546637. Craft Group. The Craft morning which takes place in Toonagh Hall on Wednesdays from 11am to 1pm, is proving very successful. Up to sixteen women gather to knit, crochet, sew, embroider and share tips and hints and encourage beginners, over a coffee and home baking. Anyone interested in joining the group is welcome to call to the hall any Wednesday. |
W/E 03/11/2019
Halloween Parties. The children of Toonagh School had great fun in Toonagh Hall on Friday night last, where they enjoyed party tricks and treats laid on for them by the Parents Association. There were prizes for best costume and also for an Art Competition in which a child from each class in the school was awarded a prize. It was a fun-filled and happy occasion for all involved and the work of all who made the evening such a success is much appreciated. In Ruan Community Centre over 100 children from Ruan School were entertained with fun and games and treats and spot prizes for both children and adults. The children wore fancy dress and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Again, the success of the evening depended on the work of those who decorated the hall and organised everything to make the event so enjoyable. Recent Deaths. The death has taken place of Nuala Keane (née Marrinan), Tullyodea, Ruan, late of Kincora Park, Ennis and formerly of Lisdoonvarna, peacefully, at the Galway Clinic. Nuala was a well respected and well loved teacher, teaching in Fanore and Sixmilebridge during her career, always seeing the good in people. She was a quiet and gentle lady, devoted to her family. She was up to date with technology, keeping in touch with family and friends through her iPad, and she loved her style. She also loved nature and feeding the birds over the winter gave her much pleasure. Nuala and her husband, Joe, were keen supporters of community events and, indeed, one their last outings together was to support Cahercalla Hospice Coffee morning in Ruan Community Centre in September. Nuala’s remains reposed at Daly’s Mortuary Chapel and, following concelebeated requiem mass in St. Joseph’s Church, she was laid to rest in Drumcliffe Graveyard. Nuala is survived by her husband, Joe, daughters Sinead, Patricia and Emer, sons Alan, Conor, Joseph and Mark, sisters Rose Munelly, Dublin and Mary Donoghue, Galway, her brothers Oliver and Michael Marrinan, Lisdoonvarna, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. The death has also taken place of Nora Sheehan (née Bourke), Sixmilebridge, mother of Lourda Flanagan, Ballygriffey, Ruan. Senior Citizens Party. This year the Senior Citizens Christmas Party will be held in Morty Kelly’s Bar on Sunday, Dec. 1. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Sheila @ 0876546637, Linda @ 0868748845 or Mary @ 0879776583 - this is necessary to ensure that sufficient meals are available on the day. Blessing of Graves. Blessing of the Graves for November will take place in the parish on Sunday, Nov. 3, as follows - Ruan 12 noon, Kyle 12.30, Dysart 1.30, Kilcross 2pm. Mass of Anniversaries will be celebrated in Dysart on Sat. evening Nov. 2 at 8pm. Lay led Liturgy will be celebrated in Ruan Church on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 10am. |
W/E 25/11/2018
60th Anniversary Celebrations.
Ruan Apostolic Works Society will celebrate sixty years
in existence on Friday, November 30 next. The evening will begin with a
Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ruan at 6.30pm, followed by refreshments and
reminiscences in the Community Centre afterwards.
All are invited to see the contribution this group has made to the
Missions over the years.
First Holy Communion Preparation.
The children from Ruan and Toonagh Primary Schools, who
are making their First Holy Communion next summer, will have their first
preparation Mass in Ruan Church on this Saturday, November 24, at
8.00pm.
Recent Deaths.
The death has taken place of P.J. Howard of Toormore,
Ruan, peacefully, at his home. P.J. was a son of the late Christopher
and Maura Howard of Ruan and, like many of his generation, travelled to
England where he worked for many years. On one
of his trips home he met Mary Haugh from West Clare and after getting
married they lived for ten years in England, where their four children
were born. They always had a longing to come home and they returned to
Ruan in 1975.
Outside of his working life, driving heavy machinery and
carpentry, P.J. had a great love of traditional music and he played the
accordion with a band in England. On their return to Ireland he joined
his brothers Chris and Francis in their
group. He was a skillful hurler in his day, hurling with the Ruan team
of the time. One of his proudest memories were being honoured as a
member of the Ruan hurling team of 1959-1962 in April 1986 by the, then,
President of the G.A.A. Dr. Mick Loftus. He
also had medals for running and was considered a very good 100m
sprinter. His great love of music led him to buying musical instruments
for his three older grandchildren and it was a proud moment for his
family when they played a tribute at his requiem mass,
which was concelebrated by Fr. Pat O’Neill and Fr. Peter O’Loughlin.
Afterwards, he was late to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
P.J. was predeceased by his son, Frank, and he is
survived by his wife Mary, son Mark, daughters Caroline and Helen,
daughter in law, sons in law, brothers Gerard, Chris and Francis,
sisters Sr. Kathleen, Anna and Mary, grandchildren, extended
family and friends. The death has also occurred of Michael Lyons, Larchill, Ennis, brother of Sean Lyons, Dromore, Ruan. |
W/E 18/11/2018
Defibrillator Course.
Now that a defibrillator is being installed outside
Toonagh Hall, it is important that there are facilitators who may be
contacted regarding its use. There is a course being run in Ruan
Community Centre and people, particularly from the
Toonagh/Dysart/Larchill areas, are invited to attend. Further details
may be had from Ger Barry @ 0866066888.
Parent and Toddler Group.
Ruan Community Childcare Centre hosts a Parent and
Toddler Group on Tuesdays, from 9.45-11.15am, where parents/guardians
and their toddlers meet up and chat in a relaxed and fun atmosphere,
over a ‘cuppa’. Derryn @ 0894080368 or Anne Marie @ 0868142246 have all
the details.
Recent Death.
The death occurred last week of Eilish Mannion,
Kilcolgan, formerly Turkenagh, Scariff, sister of Ita McDonnell, Dysart
and Frances Heagney, Ruan.
Service of Remembrance.
Among those remembered at the Service of Remembrance
held in the Clare Peace Park on Sunday last were Thomas Christoper and
Michael O’Shea, who were born and reared in Nooan, Ruan. Historian, Dr.
Keir McNamara, paid tribute to all those who lost their lives in World
War 1 and wreaths were laid at the base of the glass memorials.
Thomas Christopher O’Shea, who, as a Sergeant in the
U.S. Army, was fatally wounded at Verzy, France and was buried outside
the town of Pierrefond, in France. His body was exhumed on May 21, 1919
and required in the Military Cemetery in Polish, Aisne, France. He was
remembered by his nephew, Tony Meaney and nieces Mary Anne Casey and
Bridie Morgan and members of their families, at the service. Thomas’
mother, Catherine O’Shea, formally requested that her son’s remains be
returned home and, on May 24, 1922, Thomas was laid to rest in Ruan
Graveyard. They also remembered his brother, Michael, who had also
served in the U.S.Army. He had been severely wounded and was honorably
discharged in April, 1919. He died on September 6, 1942 and is buried in
New York. |
W/E 11/11/2018
Wedding Bells.
Liz Cullinan, Ballytigue, Ruan, daughter of John and
Teresa, married John O’Reilly of Kildare, son of Miley and Mary O’Reilly
in St. Mary’s Church recently. Celebrant was Fr. Pat O’Neill and Liz’s
three sisters, Claire Cullinan, Marie Madden and Teresa Loughnane were
bridesmaids. Best man was John’s brother, Myles, and groomsmen were Omar
Dunne and Colin O’Shea. Emily Loughnane, Liz’s niece, was Flowergirl. The couple with their families and friends enjoyed a reception at
Bunratty Hotel.
U15B Quarter-final.
Ruan was defeated by Crusheen/Tubber in the quarter
final of the u15B championship played in Tubber on Bank Holiday Monday,
despite a gallant performance by the Ruan boys, Crusheen/Tubber
advanced on the day.
Recent Deaths.
Lott O’Halloran of Ballyalla, Barefield, who died
recently, was a well known and liked man who had great ties with this
parish. He was born and reared in Ballygriffey, Ruan and in his early
years was a noted athlete who won many medals in cross country running
with St. Michael’s A.C. He also played hurling with Ruan, and in a pen
picture of 1959-‘60 era appearing in The Clare Champion, when Ruan won
the 1960 Championship, Lott was described as follows - “ a member of
the Ruan team for the past number of years and was a member of the team
which recently won the Senior Championship for the second year in
succession. A nippy forward, he always seems to be in the right place at
the right time”. Through his work with Ryan’s Quarries delivering
building materials, Lott was known far and wide. He was predeceased by
his wife, Margaret, and is survived by his son’s Anthony, Patrick and
Martin, daughters Marie and Mairead, daughters in law, sons in law,
grandchildren, extended family and many friends.
The death has occurred of Teresa Hayes (née Kelly) of
Kilmaley and formerly of Scoole. Teresa was a sister of Morty Kelly,
Ruan, John in Scoole, James and Tony in Ennis and Pat in England. The
death has also taken place of Mrs. Kathleen Downes, Marian Avenue,
Ennis, mother of Caroline Murray, Ruan.
Family fun Bingo.
Ruan G.A.A. has organised a family fun bingo as a
fundraiser in Toonagh Hall on this Friday, November 9, starting at
7.30pm with doors opening at 7pm. They have a great array of prizes
and look forward to the support of the community on the night.
Blessing of Graves.
A large number of people turned out to the blessing of
the graves in the parish on Sunday last, with Fr. Pat O’Neill leading
the prayers. The clement weather meant that people were able to visit
the graveyards in comfort and at ease, making it almost a social
occasion, with people meeting and reminiscing about those whom they came
to remember.
Christmas Party.
The annual Senior Citizens Christ as Party will be held
in Morty Kelly’s on Sunday, December 2. This is usually a very festive
gathering with a sit-down meal, music, singing and dancing and many
gifts given out. All are welcome. |
W/E 04/11/2018
Blessing of Graves.
The blessing of the graves in the parish take place on
Sunday, Nov. 4 as follows - Ruan at 12 noon, Kyle at 12.30pm and Dysart
at 1.30pm.
Halloween Party.
Halloween celebrations started on Thursday last with a
disco in Ruan for the schoolchildren which was enjoyed hugely by all. On
Friday night a Halloween party was held in Toonagh Hall. Funds raised
on the night went towards Toonagh School and Down Syndrome Clare, and
all members of Down Syndrome Clare were invited. Ghosts and ghouls
abounded on the night and a great fun night was had by all. “Jack in the Box grows Legs” Erika Lucas, daughter of Nellie Kelly Lucas of Ruan
village has published a children’s book “Jack in the Box grows Legs” - a
book which conveys the message of hope and positivity and the
importance of following your dreams. Erika graduated from New York
University and she was inspired by world travels while she was working
as an International fashion model with Ford and Elite Model Agencies.
The book may be purchased from Amazon either in E book or paperback. It
would be appreciated if anyone who reads the book might write a review.
Inter-schools Showjumping
A number of children from Toonagh took part in the
Inter-schools Showjumping held in the Clare Equestrian Centre in Doora
recently. Saoirse Barry, riding Fountain Willow came third overall for
Rice College; Blaithin and Tomas Barry were in the Toonagh team which
came fourth overall, out of eighteen teams in Munster. Blaithin also
came third in the individual section, riding Toymistress. Aoife and
Christian Cummins, Tara Lucas, Ellie Carroll and Ellen O’Leary also
competed for Toonagh School, receiving medals and rosettes. |
W/E 26/11/2017
Successful Fundraiser.
The
extended Baker and Lordan families would like thank all who supported
the Coffee Morning/Cake Sale which was held in Ruan Community on Sunday
last, in aid of the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association. €1261 was raised from donations on the day and through the online donation page.
Victory for Ruan in u13B Championship. Ruan played Ballyea in the Eire Og pitch on Sunday last In the final of the u13B Championship. It was a great game played at high championship intensity with the Ruan girls coming out on top of a low scoring, hard fought match, 2:2 to 2:1. Conditions were not conducive to a flowing game but the girls from both teams showed some great skills and determination. Ruan showed great spirit and fought hard for every ball all over the pitch which meant their opponents got no easy plays. Throughout the match scoring chances were being cut out by great defensive covering from both sides, which should be commended. A fantastic display of camogie was given by both teams, which served up a match deserving of a final. Well done to the girls, their mentors and parents for their commitment throughout the year.
Senior Citizens. The Senior Citizens committee collected €412 at the recent church gate collection and the support of the community is very much appreciated. The Christmas party will be held on Sunday 3rd Dec. in Morty Kelly's Bar, Ruan and any member of the committee may be contacted for further information.
Christmas Fair. The annual Christmas Fair will be held in Ruan Community Centre on Sun. Dec. 3rd after 10.00am Mass. items for sale include timber, turf, Christmas wreaths, cakes, timber window boxes, brick a brac, with an auction and raffle. The organisers are still in the look out for trees (standing or fallen) which the Resource group will cut and collect. If anyone wishes to donate please contact Joe 0872902552 or Senan 0864475400. |
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