Notes for November


W/E 28/11/2021

posted Nov 24, 2021, 3:42 AM by John O'Sullivan

Toonagh School Fundraiser.
The Parents Association of Toonagh School wishes to thank all who supported its recent clothes collection which brought in 1,200 Euro. The group has donated 300 Euro of this to Toonagh Hall and Sports Complex, as the children have access to the Complex for exercise, sport and activities, and 900 Euro will be used for the school library. (I cant get my euro sign to work so you might put it in instead of the written euro please)


Ending on a High.
The local Camogie Club has had a very busy year, with girls from six years of age up to Seniors enjoying the game of camogie, picking up skills, making friends and keeping fit. The u18 girls won the Shield Final on Saturday last in Shannon. They put in a powerful performance and beat Kilmaley to come away with a well deserved victory. The backroom team​ of Aidan Hastings, Aidan Lawton, Alfie Jones and Pat Casey have put in many hours bringing on the players during the year and their input into the Club is much appreciated, as is the contribution of all who have supported the girls.

Into the Semi-finals.
In hurling the u21 championship started at the quarter finals for both Corofin/Ruan teams. On Saturday Ruan/Corofin A team were away to Kilmaley and won by five points.​ The​ u21C team beat Sixmilebridge in Ruan by ten points. Both of these teams now go forward to the semi finals in two weeks time.

Tidy Village and Graveyards.
Following on from its advancement by six points since 2019, the Tidy Towns and Graveyards Committee is making a big push to top their category next year.​ They will hold a 'Cash for Clobber' clothes collection on Dec. 17 next and is asking anyone doing a pre-Christmas clear out to keep them in mind. Bags of clothes, bags, shoes, bedlinen, curtains, towels may be left in to Ruan Community Centre any weekday from 9.30am to 12 noon.

Toonagh Tractor Run.
All roads will lead to Toonagh on Sunday, November 28, when a Tractor Run will take place to raise funds for Toonagh Hall and Sports Complex. Registration is at Banner Equestrian Centre from 10.30am, with the run starting at 12.30, sharp. There will be refreshments and a raffle at the hall afterwards. A childrens tractor run will go from the hall to Toonagh Stores, and back, to add something for the children. The support of the community will be very much appreciated.

W/E 21/11/2021

posted Nov 17, 2021, 2:42 PM by John O'Sullivan

Tidy Towns.
Ruan earned 330 marks in this year’s Tidy Towns Competition, up six marks since 2019, bringing Ruan to third place in its category. Senan Coughlan, who heads up the Rural Resource Group which works tirelessly throughout the year, submitted the application, and credit must go to him, the group and all the volunteers who help keep the village and its environs green and tidy, and it is hoped that, next year, with a little more help, it might even top this category.

Camogie.
The Junior A team took on Broadford on Saturday in the Championship final, however, despite putting in a brave performance, Ruan lost out on the tightest of margins. The team has had a great season up to this point and has grown together as a group and it is hoped the girls will bounce back and look forward to the new season.
The u18’s will play in the Shield final against Kilmaley on Saturday, venue to be decided, so supporters are asked to keep an eye on Facebook as the week goes on and it is hoped the community will come out to support them.

Toonagh Winter Tractor Run.
A tractor run will be held on Sunday, November 28, to raise funds for Toonagh Hall and Sports Complex. All tractors, trucks, vintage cars and motorbikes are welcome to take part.
The A.G.M. of the Complex will take place on Monday, Nov. 29, at 8pm and the committee would appreciate it if people who are interested in the facility which is so important to the community would attend.​ The committee is looking for someone to fill the role of treasurer and Catherine Douglas @0831483015 has details for anyone interested.

Christmas Food Appeal.
This appeal was hugely successful last Christmas and it is hoped it will be the same this year. The local XL Shop in Ruan is one of the participants and people are asked to donate non-perishable items (tea, sugar, tinned foods, cereals, rice, pasta, jam, biscuits, sweets) which will then be distributed to families in need in the Imeall Boirne Cluster over the coming weeks.

W/E 14/11/2021

posted Nov 10, 2021, 12:00 PM by John O'Sullivan

Camogie Success.
It was a brilliant weekend for Ruan Camogie with the u11 girls finishing their participation in the u11 League with a win over Crusheen in Tubber. The competition for this age group has proven to be an excellent showcase of the talent in the group - the girls having secured a win in all five of their matches.
The u18s ​ now advance to the Shield Final after a superb win over Feakle/Killanena on Saturday in Ruan. It was a great performance from the girls who are now into the final in two weeks time.
Ruan adult team now progresses to the Junior A Championship final after a titanic ​ semifinal on Sunday in Fr. McNamara Park against Inagh/Kilnamona. 

Recent Death.

The death has taken place, suddenly, of Maura Lyons, Carrig Dubh, Toberteascaun, Ennis, formerly of Dublin and Kilcurrish, Fountain.

Maura began her working life in St Flannan’s College Ennis. She then moved to Shannon and from there to a banking career in Frankfurt, Germany. She returned to Ireland in the late 90s and worked in the I.F.S.C. Centre, Dublin until she returned to Clare just over two years ago.

​ Maura loved sport, particularly rugby, golf and hurling.​ She played Camogie with Ruan when the Club was set up in the late 1970’s. She was an avid supporter of Ruan and Clare hurling.

​ She loved to cook and was so hospitable to all who stayed with her on visits to Dublin.​ She possessed many traits which endeared her to those with whom she came in contact - her beautiful smile, her caring, kind and thoughtful disposition, her affinity with nature, her reliability and wonderful sense of humour and above all her non-judgemental character.

​ Maura was laid to rest in Templemaley cemetery following requiem mass in St. Tola’s Church, Dysart. She is survived by her brothers Gerard, John and P.J., sister Ber, sister in law Valerie, nieces Eimear and Orlaith, relatives and friends. She will be greatly missed. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

MORglor Award.

The Shannon family from Bealicana in this parish were worthy recipients of the MORglor Award 2021 at a concert in Glor on Saturday night. Garry, Sharon, Mary and Majella were joined on stage by their family Killian, Aine and Dara Shannon, Caoilinn and Shannen O’Donovan and Julie Melia. Aine Hensey compered the show, charting their journey in traditional music through the years, and many of those who influenced them during that time were on hand to join in the concert. It was a very beautiful evening of reminiscences, made even more special by the fact that their father, I.J. was in attendance and during two pieces of music, Mammy Shannon’s jig and Daddy Shannon’s jig, composed by Sharon, a slide show gave a little snapshot of their happy family life as they grew up in Bealicana with their parents who were so supportive to them, and fostered in them, such a great love of music that has brought them recognition, not only here in Ireland, but throughout the world.


Gaelic football finals.
Three members of Ruan GAA Club played a part, at the weekend, in bringing success with ‘the big ball’ to the Clubs where they play their football.​ Colm Rice and Robin Mounsey were members of the Corofin team which had a spectacular win over Kildysart in the Clare Intermediate Football Championship on Saturday.
Conall O’Hainifein played with Eire Og, who defeated Kilmurry Ibrickane in the Clare Senior Football Final, two games which gave great entertainment over the weekend.​

Toonagh School Clothes Collection.
Thursday, Nov. 18 is the date set for the clothes collection for Toonagh School. By now, people are aware of what is acceptable and also how important the funds raised in this way is for providing the children with various activities. Drop-off times are 9-10am, 1.45-3pm and 6.30-7.30pm at the school, as building work taking place in the hall makes it unavailable at this time.

W/E 07/11/2021

posted Nov 4, 2021, 12:38 PM by John O'Sullivan

AGM of Down Syndrome Clare.
Down Syndrome Clare’’ will holds its A.G.M. on Thursday, Nov 11th at the Auburn Lodge Hotel, Ennis at 7.15pm. A special guest speaker - Dr. Toby Sachsenmaier will give a very informative talk on the night and the organising committee is looking forward to seeing all members and their families.​ Contact 087 9438610 or​ downsyndromeclare@gmail.com​ for further information.

Remembering the Dead.
Traditionally during the month of November people visit the graves of their deceased to remember them specially a during this month of the holy souls.
​ The blessing of the graves will take place in this parish on Sunday, November 7, starting at 12 noon in Ruan, visiting Kyle at 12.30pm, Dysart at 1.30pm and Kilcross at 2.00pm.
The mass of anniversaries will be celebrated in Dysart on Saturday at 8.00pm and in Ruan on Saturday, November 20.

Recent Deaths.
The death has taken place of Leslie Geraghty, Hazelgrove, Ruan, formerly of Whitehall, Dublin, at home.​ Leslie is remembered for his friendliness, wit, good humour and by always having time for a chat, which endeared him to all who knew him. Leslie is survived by his sons Ciara and Sean, brothers John and Dominic, relatives, neighbours and friends.
The death has also occurred of Mary Vonn Le Cathelinais, mother of Yanne, Nooan, Ruan.

Appointed as Manager.
Local GAA stalwarth, Francis O’Halloran, has been appointed as Manager to Roscommon Senior Hurling team, with Tommy Guilfoyle, Feakle and Stephen Cusack, Newmarket on Fergus at his side. Francis has a strong affiliation to the coaching side of the GAA, having managed Bodyke Intermediate team in 2021, being a goalkeeper coach for Clare Senior Camogie team, which he will continue for the coming year.​ He was involved in the backroom team with the Clare Senior team, and Clare under 21 level and with Eamon Cregan and Mary Immaculate College so he has plenty of experience to call upon in this post.

Attack on RIC Barracks Remembered.
The local History Group is putting together a booklet of 40/50 pages on the events leading up to the attack on the Ruan RIC Barracks, on October 18, 1920, and its aftermath, during the War of Independence.​ The raid was carried out under the direction of the Mid Clare Division, which was largely assisted by volunteers from the Dysart/Toonagh/Ruan Companies and the surrounding parishes.
The booklet will focus on local volunteers who played important parts in the taking of the Barracks. A full list of volunteers from 1917/1922, as well as the list of Cumann na mBan volunteers will be printed as they appeared in the papers of the 1920s.
To offset the cost of printing the booklet, it will cost €10 and be limited to 120/150 copies which must be ordered in advance. The group would be delighted should anyone/a business wish to sponsor the booklet or make a donation, as it remembers a very important time in the history of the parish and the sacrifices made by the Volunteers during that turbulent time. The next meeting is on Wed. Nov. 10, at 8.30pm in the meeting room at Morty Kelly’s.

W/E 22/11/2020

posted Nov 16, 2020, 6:34 AM by John O'Sullivan   [ updated Nov 16, 2020, 6:38 AM ]

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

posted Nov 10, 2020, 2:53 AM by John O'Sullivan   [ updated Nov 10, 2020, 3:02 AM ]

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

posted Nov 21, 2019, 1:04 PM by John O'Sullivan


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

posted Nov 13, 2019, 7:55 AM by John O'Sullivan

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

posted Oct 31, 2019, 3:38 AM by John O'Sullivan

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

posted Nov 20, 2018, 3:39 PM by John O'Sullivan

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.

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