Notes for February


W/E 27/02/2022

posted Feb 23, 2022, 12:29 PM by John O'Sullivan

First Communion and Confirmation Dates.
This year the children of Ruan School will receive their First Holy Communion at 1pm on Saturday, May 7, in St. Mary's Church, Ruan, and the children of Toonagh School will receive theirs in St. Tola's Church at 11am on Saturday, May14.
Confirmation will be administered to the children of Toonagh School in St. Tola's Church, Dysart at 11am on Saturday, May 28 and to the children of Ruan School in St. Mary's Church, Ruan at 1pm on the same day.

Craft Classes Return.
There was a good turn out at the craft classes which have returned to the kitchen in Toonagh Hall & Sports Comples last week. They run from 11am to 1pm on Wednesdays and from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday evenings. Anyone interested in knitting, crochet or other craftwork, or would even like to call for the company, a cuppa and a chat, will  receive a warm welcome from the ladies in attendance.

Handball.
Christian Cummins, a member of Toonagh Handball Club, represented Clare in the U16, Munster Handball Championships which were held in Cork at the weekend. Christian made it to the semi final but lost out to Tomas O'Connor, his Cork opponent.

Camogie.
Aoife Anderson and Aisling Moloney, members of Ruan Camogie club, were on the panel of the Clare Camogie team which played Kilkenny at the weekend in the Minor A Championship, which was played in Kilmaley GAA Pitch. Despite the Clare girls giving it their best, it was Kilkenny who came away with a win on the day.

Toonagh School Clothes Collection.
The Clothes collections have been a great boon to fundraising for various organisations and have brought in much needed funding. The Parents Association in Toonagh School has been organising these for a number of years, enabling the school to add to the school library, have up to date technology and other activities that are an advantage to the schoolchildren. Their next collection is on Thursday, March 3. Bags of clothes, and other items that people are aware of by now that are acceptable, may be dropped off at Toonagh Hall on the day from 9-10am, 2-3pm and 6.30-7.30pm, or if those times are not suitable, people may ring Noreen Cummins (0866030005) who will arrange for collection. The support of the community is much appreciated.

Public Meeting.
A public meeting will be held in Ruan Community Centre on Monday, March 7 at 7.30pm., to discuss Ruan Community Plan and the feedback from the recent community survey which people participated in giving their views on the community going in to the future. All support will be much appreciated. It is hoped that at least one representative from every Club and organisation in the parish will attend.

Toonagh Handball.
Toonagh Handball Club had two double pairings representing Clare at the Munster Finals which were held in Clarecastle at the weekend.  Isabelle McInerney and Tara Lucas faced a strong Tipperary pairing in the u14 Munster Final, losing that game. Clarissa Gilmore and Aoife Cummins played in the u15 Munster Final and they lost out in the deciding third game.
 It is very heartening to see Club players playing in, and winning, County titles and then being chosen to represent the County in the Munster Championships, given that the local Club was only resurrected in recent years and these young players have taken up handball with such enthusiasm in such a short while, the future looks very bright for the Club.

Camogie.
On a weekend where two storms were raging across the country, some GAA games still went ahead, Aoife Anderson and Rebecca Crowe played with the Clare camogie team which was beaten by four points by Wexford in the first round of the league. Rebecca was also on the panel for the Senior Clare team who lost to Cork on Sunday.

W/E 13/02/2022

posted Feb 10, 2022, 1:18 PM by John O'Sullivan

Camogie Sponsors.
The members of Ruan under 12 camogie team were presented with a set of jerseys last week by local construction company, Jada, who is based in Fountain. David McInerney and Claire Meaney presented the jerseys to a group from that age group on Saturday and the girls are looking forward to wearing their new look very soon when the season starts for this year.

Through to All Ireland.
Colaiste Muire is through to the All Ireland Final Colleges Senior B Camogie Final 2022, having defeated Mountrath Community School in Clarecastle on Saturday, with a strong performance. Sinead Hastings, Aisling Moloney, Kate Forde, Aoife and Niamh Glass and Neasa Ni Lachtnain, all members of the local Camogie Club are all members of the Colaiste team and are wished well in the final. They play the Leinster Champions in the final on Saturday, February 19.

Recent Death.
The death has occurred of Patricia (Pat) O'Connor, nee O'Sullivan, of Ardcarney, Ruan, at St. Theresa's Nursing Home, Kilrush, after a long illness borne without complaint. 
Pat didn't care to be the centre of attention, she was happiest working in the background, catering for the needs of her family, doing what had to be done to get a job done. She and her husband, Christy, were married in September, 1967. She was a hard and diligent worker, she took care of her father-in-law, Johnnie O'Connor for many years up to his death. She worked in the Old Ground, Queen's and West County Hotels, all the while running the home. She was a welcoming host to anyone who called to her home and she had a great sense of humour and fun . She was a loyal supporter of Ruan Hurling Club, where her children played, and, indeed, still play hurling and camogie at various stages, and for many years the clothesline was filled with club jerseys.
Pat had a great many friends who took her on day trips and she also looked forward to her yearly holiday in Lahinch with the Senior Citizens. Her grandchildren were a source of great pride for Pat and she had a relationship with each of them, keeping up with what was happening on the social, sports and education side of their lives and she also enjoyed playing cards with them.
Pat had been ill with Multiple Scelerosis for the past twenty years and her family relate that it was her deep faith that gave her comfort, she was never one to complain and asked for nothing. 
Pat's requiem mass was celebrated in St. Mary's Church, Ruan, following which she was laid to rest in the adjoining graveyard. She is survived by her husband, Christy, daughters Marie, Sandra and Noreen, sons Aidan, Kieran and Niall, sons in law, daughters in law, grandchildren, brothers, Michael, Patrick and Donal, sisters Nonie and Mary, extended family and friends.
The death has also occurred of Jim Joe Morgan of Maurices Mills at University Hospital, Limerick. He is survived by his sister Margaret, nephews, nieces, relatives and neighbours. Following requiem mass in St. Tola's Church, Dysart, his remains were removed to Shannon Crematorium.
The death has also taken place, peacefully, of Christina Duffy (nee Hayes) of Kilkee East, Ruan in Boston, U.S.A. She is survived by her brother Joe, in Kilkee East, sister Lily, sons Peter and Michael, daughters Mary and Christina, all in Boston, where she was laid to rest.

W/E 28/02/2021

posted Feb 26, 2021, 1:53 PM by John O'Sullivan

Tola on Clare F.M.
Local musician, Tola Custy, featured on ‘Atlantic Tales’ on Clare FM on Sunday evening in a lively, interesting and entertaining interview full of positivity. The passion, love and zest for life shone throughout and it’s no wonder that he is very popular with young and old - his respect for older people and his enthusiastic encouragement for young people are very special traits he possesses.  He spoke highly of his father, Frank and mother, Teresa who encouraged Tola and his sisters in their love of music.
Tola has travelled the world thanks to his love of playing, he is a noted fiddle player, and his involvement in music, composing and playing, has stood him well over the past year since Covid restrictions came into place. He is involved in various projects with youth groups and has done some work with the BBC. His career as a primary school teacher, working with young children, gives him great hope for the future and highlights how important education is to children. In these times when a lot of the news is filled with Covid statistics and pessimism, it was a nice ‘time out’ filled with positivity and hope.

Recent Deaths.
The death has taken place of Eileen O’Donoghue (née Crowley) of Toonagh and formerly from Ballynacally. Eily, as she was fondly known, endeared herself to all those she met over her lifetime. She was born and reared in Ballynacally and had three brothers and one sister. She cycled to school in Ennisand became a phychiatric nurse. She had a passion for music, singing and dancing, and it was at a dance in Ennis that she met her late husband, Frank. Following their marriage, they lived in Spancilhill for eleven years and in the early 1970’s they came to live in Toonagh, where they built the home where they reared their six children. 
Eily’s wit, good nature and her resilience were traits that her family, friends and neighbours would attribute to her. She was an avid supporter of parish activities, Camogie, hurling and was always up to date with the latest happenings. She loved the annual holiday in Lahinch and Christmas party with the Ruan Old Folks Club and she looked forward to her weekly outing to Clarecastle Daycare Centre, where she often regaled the gatherings with her beautiful singing voice. 
Eily was a woman with a big heart who loved her family dearly and her death, on Valentines Day, in her own home, with her family, was testament to the love they also had for her. 
Eily was predeceased by her husband, Frank and is survived by her daughter Mary, sons Patrick, Connie, James, Francis and Sean, son in law, daughters in law, brothers Michael and John Joe Crowley, grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and friends. Following requiem mass in Ruan Church, Eily was laid to rest in Drumcliffe Cemetery.
Anastasia Pyne (née Hastings) Ranaghan, Corofin formerly  of Drumline, Newmarket on Fergus died in Liscannor Nursing Home last week and was laid to rest in Kyle Graveyard. Anastasia  was a quiet, gently lady. She was predeceased by her husband, Tom, and is survived by her sons Gerry and Mark, sisters in law, extended family and friends.
The deaths have also taken place, in recent times, of Philomena O’Gorman, Kildysart, sister of Carmel O’Loughlin, Dromore, Ruan and Peter Cornelius Duson father of Kees Duson, Ruan.

W/E 14/02/2021

posted Feb 12, 2021, 2:33 PM by John O'Sullivan

Scholarship for Student.
Robin Mounsey, from Ballygriffey, Ruan, who is a second year student of Business  and Sports Management,  is one of the students who were awarded the Limerick Institute of Technology Sports Scolarship this academic year. Robin, who plays hurling with his local Ruan Club, and Clare, captained Corofin/Ruan when they won their first County Minor Hurling Championship in 2019. 
The Scholarship programme takes a wholistic view of the recipient, supporting and mentoring them in their education and personal welfare.

Walking Track.
Ruan GAA has opened the walking track in the hurling field all day to facilitate safe walking for all parishioners, complying with travel restrictions. 
This is a very beneficial facility for people to get out and get fresh air and, for those counting, to get their in their steps for the day.
The lights will be turned on around the track from 7pm to 9pm on Tuesdays and Fridays to suit those who cannot go during the day and this will continue for the time being for anyone who wishes to enjoy a socially distanced stroll.

Recent Death.
The death has taken place of Mary Brassil (née Hehir), Latoon, Newmarket on Fergus, mother of Nora Power, Ruan.

W/E 23/02/2020

posted Feb 18, 2020, 9:35 AM by John O'Sullivan

Showjumping Successes.
At the recent Show Jumping Ireland Awards held in the Grand Hotel, Mullingar, recently, Ruan Gymkhana won the ‘stand alone’ Pony Show of the Year.  This was a well deserved accolade, as the Gymkhana has grown, year on year, with equestrian fans coming from all over the country taking part. 
Banner Equestrian Centre won ‘Indoor Show of the Year, again, well deserved as the Barry family has been immersed in promoting showjumping throughout the years.
Tomas Barry of Soheen, Dysart was a member of the team which took part in the National Showjumping competition in Mullingar, recently. He, and his teammates, rode clear rounds and one member was selected for a jump-off,  bringing the team in second place.  Tomas, on his pony, Soheen Star, came third in another competition on the day and all enjoyed their day out.

Recent Death.
Mai Rynne (née McMahon) formerly from Dysart died on Jan 14,  in London, aged 96. Burial took place in London on Mon. Feb. 10.  Mai is survived by her sisters Nonie Wallace, Bridie Byrnes in Ennis and Sarah O’Halloran, Dysart.  Their niece, Anne Gavin (née McMahon) of Shanagolden, Co. Limerick also died recently.

Medal Presentation.
Clare Camogie Captain, Laura McMahon presented Ruan Camogie team with their u-14 Championship medals in Toonagh Hall on Friday night last, at registration night. These girls have had a very successful year, and with their trainers, Alfie Jones, Pat Casey and Martin Moroney, they hope to continue on their winning ways in the coming season.

Under 12 Hurling.
Twenty seven under 12 hurlers were presented with medals by Brian Coffey, Clare Minor Manager, for winning both their finals in Cusack Park last year,  in the Davin and McNamara Leagues.  Each boy also got a Nicholas Mosse mug, kindly sponsored by Nicholas Mosse Pottery, Killarney, through his friendship with Noel O’Donoghue, one of the boys’ trainers.  Paddy O’Halloran, Tom Noonan and Des Ryan are the other trainers and their dedication to the sport was also commended on the night.

Launch of Community First Responders.
A large crowd turned out to the launch of the parish Community First Responders held in Ruan Community Centre on Valentine’s Day- a fitting day to deal with affairs of the heart. Paramedics from the National Ambulance Service were on hand as the volunteers showed the skills they’ve learned to the people who assembled. The defibrillator is situated outside Ruan Community Centre.

Handball 
Following on from their county final success, Toonagh NS had three doubles pairings, representing both school and county in the Munster finals on Sunday last. The finals were held in Tipperary venues with the boys travelling to Kilcoleman and the girls playing in Nenagh. The U13 girls, Aoife Cummins and Clarissa Gilmore, had games against Tipperary and Cork and just narrowly lost out in both. 
The U11 boys, Cillian Cummins and Conor Coffey, won their semi-final against Tipperary and then met Cork in the final. After two games, the teams were on level scores so a tiebreak to 11 was required and it was the Cork pair who just edged it to take the win. In the U11 girls, Tara Lucas and Ella Casey won their Munster final against Ballydesmond NS of Cork. Ella and Tara now go on to represent Munster at the national finals in Croke Park on Saturday, March 7th. 
It is very encouraging to see the school do so well again, as it’s 17 years since Rachael Casey and Mary McGuane were Munster Champions.
Isabelle McInerney has reached the final of the Clare U12B Championship which will take place in Kilkishen this Sunday from 11 am.a
Toonagh’s Brian Reilly and Alan Cummins are representing Clare in the quarter-final of the Munster Masters B Championship and play Limerick in Toonagh this Saturday evening from 5.30 p.m.

Cash for Clobber.
The recent ‘Cash for Clobber’ collection in Toonagh School raised €1,000, which will be used for the benefit of the children in the school. The efforts of all who supported the Parents Association in this fundraiser is much appreciated.

GAA Open Meeting.
The open meeting of Ruan GAA which was to be held on Wed., Feb. 19, has been postponed, due to unforeseen circumstances and will now be held on Wed., March 4, at 8pm.

Tractor Run.
The Committee members of Toonagh Hall and Sports Complex have organised a  
Tractor Run and Family Fun Day in Toonagh on Sunday, March 8. A great day’s entertainment is planned, with tractors, new and vintage, trucks, vintage cars and motorbikes expected to take part. In the time between the vehicles leaving Toonagh Hall, and their return, games for the children will be organised, a bric a brac sale, book and cake sale will be held, and refreshments will be served. More details will be given nearer the time.

W/E 09/02/2020

posted Feb 5, 2020, 12:26 PM by John O'Sullivan

Medal Presentation to Underage Teams.
Registration for the parish Hurling and Camogie Clubs takes place in Toonagh Hall on this Friday, Feb.7, at 7pm. The under 14 Camogie team will be presented with medals for their campaign last year, by a special guest. 
Two under 12 hurling teams will be presented with medals, the Davin League winners and the McNamara League team, which was unbeaten all year, worthy recipients of the honours. 
Refreshments will be served afterwards and all are welcome to this community event.

Cake Sale Ruan
Ruan/Dysart History Group and Ruan/Dysart Community First Responders have joined together to hold a Cake Sale in Ruan Community Centre on Sat. Feb. 8, from 6pm and again after 8pm Mass.  These two voluntary organisations are a valuable part of the fabric of the parish and the members are to be commended on their dedication. Donations of baking may be left into the hall from 5pm and will be much appreciated.

Recent Death.
The death has taken place of Mrs. Bridget (Bridie) Moroney, née Griffin, Erinaghmore, Fountain and formerly of 66, Parnell St., Ennis, at University Hospital, Ennis, following a short illness.  Bridie moved to Erinagh in the early fifties, when she married Michael, who predeceased her, as did her son, John. She returned to live in Ennis in recent years. Bridie is survived by her sons, Patrick, Michael and Martin, daughters, Carmel, Patricia, Monica and Deirdre, daughter in law, sons in law, fifteen grandchildren, extended family and friends. Her remains reposed in St. Tola’s Church, Dysart and, following requiem Mass, she was laid to rest in Drumcliffe Graveyard.

 Schools Handball
Last week’s Cumann na mBunscol an Clár competition was the most successful for Toonagh players in many years with three county titles returning to Toonagh NS. The winners were; U11 Doubles (Boys) - Cillian Cummins and Conor Coffey, U11 Doubles (Girls) Tara Lucas and Ella Casey, U13 Doubles (Boys) Aoife Cummins and Clarissa Gilmore. They now go on to represent Clare in the Munster finals on February 16.

County Handball
The County Juvenile B Championships commenced last weekend and lots of club players travelled throughout the county for their matches. In the U12B Girls competition Ella Casey, Tara Lucas and Isabelle McInerney have all reached the semi-finals and in the U13B Boys competition Daniel Guinnane has reached the quarter-finals which take place on February 15.

Munster Handball.
Pat Lynch (Toonagh) travelled to Tuamgraney on Sunday for the Emerald Masters Munster Final where he met Limerick opponent Stephen McInerney. Unfortunately it was the Limerick man who won out and now progresses to the All-Ireland semi-final in a few weeks.
Christian Cummins plays his Munster semi-final this coming Saturday, February 8at 12 noon in Tuamgraney and it is expected that there will be a large Toonagh crowd in attendance.

Grandparents Mass.
Toonagh Hall was thronged on Friday last for the annual Grandparents Mass, with the schoolchildren from Toonagh School. It was a very special occasion, with Fr. Pat celebrating the Mass assisted by the children. Great credit is due to everyone involved in organising the day, providing refreshments and ensuring that everyone enjoyed themselves.



W/E 02/02/2020

posted Jan 29, 2020, 4:10 AM by John O'Sullivan   [ updated Jan 29, 2020, 4:11 AM ]

Grandparents' Day. 
Toonagh National School is honouring Grandparents' Day on this Friday January 31st. There will be mass at 11am in Toonagh Hall to honour and celebrate the grandparents of the school and community. 
Afterwards there will be games of bingo and refreshments served. Grandparents from the school and people from the community are invited to attend. 

Registration.
Ruan Camogie and Hurling Club is holding a joint registration night on Friday February 7th in Toonagh Hall at 7pm.
The under 14 Camogie team will be presented with medals for their success by a guest presenter. Refreshments will be served.

Recent Deaths.
The death has taken place, suddenly, at University Hospital, Limerick of Claire Galvin (née Fitzgerald) of Ballyharrahan, Ruan.
Her removal was from Kennedy’s Funeral Home to St. Mary’s Church, Ruan, and, following requiem mass, she was laid to rest in Drumcliffe Cemetery.
Claire is survived by her husband Denis, son Donagh, daughter-in-law Meave, sister Ann Riordan, Tulla, brother Thomas Fitzgerald in Adare, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Mary Josephine Connolly, Limerick Road, Ennis, who died this week, had a connection with this parish, having taught for ten years in Dysart School in the late 1950s, before taking up a position in Ennis.

Apostolic Works.
The annual Apostolic Works Society Display will be held in Ruan Community Centre on Sat. March 14 and Sun. March 15. 
Is anyone is interested in donating a sacred vessel in memory of a loved one who has died, or from a family, they may contact Eileen Roughan (0876460691), Mary Marrinan (0868064838) or Eileen Hannon.

Medal Presentation.
The members of the victorious Ruan Junior hurling team were presented with their medals last Saturday night in Morty Kelly's Bar, Ruan. 
Medals were presented on the night by special guest, and Clare hurler, Patrick O' Connor. 
A large crowd was in attendance and enjoyed a great night of celebration, craic and music. 




W/E 24/02/2019

posted Feb 18, 2019, 1:00 PM by John O'Sullivan

Junior Camogie Players.
Rebecca Crowe, Niamh Lyons, Louise and Claire McDonnell, four Camogie players with the Ruan Club are on the Clare Junior Camogie team panel. This team overcame Limerick in the Littlewoods National League, in a tense and exciting game on Sunday last.  
Clare dominated almost the entire game, holding the lead to the end in a 2.10 to 0.13 victory over Limerick.

Rural Development.
Ruan is one of the communities which has been chosen by the Board of Clare Local Development Company, through its Leader Rural Development Programme, to participate in both community and biodiversity training for 2019.
An official launch of the biodiversity programme to be delivered by BurrenBeo took place in Dromore Woods on Monday, Feb. 11 last. 

Basketball Final.
Holly O’Loughlin, Larchill, a former pupil of Toonagh School, is a member of Colaiste Muire’s Basketball team which won the All Ireland U15B final in the National Arena on Friday last. They beat Colaiste Brid, Clondalkin in the semi final and met Causeway Comprehensive in the final. 
They will now play in the “A” competitions next year.

W/E 17/02/2019

posted Feb 12, 2019, 4:16 AM by John O'Sullivan   [ updated Feb 12, 2019, 4:16 AM ]

Community Games Art Final.
A number of children from the parish participated in the County Finals of the Community Games Art competitions on Saturday in the CBS School, Ennis. 
Eryn and Tara Moroney both got first place in their respective competitions and will represent Clare in Athlone in the National Finals.  
Blaithin Barry and Emma Cantillon took Silver and Abby Cantillon and Jack Browne took Bronze. 
Well done to all who took part in the competition, which brings out the creative side in so many children throughout the country.

Ruan Camogie.
The recent registration night for the local Camogie Club was very well attended. The girls on the U13B and U18C were presented with their medals by Clare Camogie Star, Chloe Morey, and refreshments were served. It bodes well for the coming season that there is such interest in Camogie in the parish and the commitment of all involved is invaluable to the success of the Club.
The new Ruan Camogie gear, provided by Intosport Ireland,  is now available and it will be displayed in Ruan Community Centre on this Saturday, Feb. 16, at 7pm, where people may purchase any of the items. The gear may also be seen on the Ruan Camogie Facebook page.

Death.
The death has occurred of Breid Ryan (Post) , née Cahir, Knockane, Newport, Co. Tipperary, formerly of Larchill, sister of Sean and Frank Cahir, Larchill and the late Michael Cahir, Ballygriffey, Ruan. The death has also taken place of Michael Cahir, Wexford, formerly of Kells.

Clothes Collection.
The recent clothes collection for Toonagh School took in €800, which will be put to good use for the benefit of the children in the school. The members of the Parents Association are very thankful to all who continually support them in their fundraising efforts for the school.

Scouts.
Ruan Scouts held Church Gate collections recently, making €120 in Dysart and €60 in Ruan. These funds will go towards purchasing a new tent and to cover training. The Beavers have started back last week, and meet at a new time of 6.30pm in Ruan Community Centre. 
The Club is planning a Bingo Nite in Toonagh Hall in April, more details nearer the time.


W/E 10/02/2019

posted Feb 6, 2019, 8:55 AM by John O'Sullivan

Walk for Huntington’s Association.
The Toonagh Walk which was held on Sunday, Jan. 13 last attracted walkers from all over the county, and beyond. Despite the wet conditions on the day, there was a great response to the appeal for support and, as a result, Denise Whelan has lodged €7,500 to the Huntington’s Disease Association account.  These, much needed, funds go to support families impacted by the disease, and the walk was to create awareness about the disease which affects hundreds of people all over the country. Great credit is due to all who organized the walk, put up signs, baked, gave raffle prizes and helped out on the day, in whatever capacity, their support is hugely appreciated.

Toonagh Hall and Sports Complex.
Due to the disappointing turnout at the A.G.M. of Toonagh Hall and Sports Complex on Friday, Feb. 1, it was not possible to elect a new committee.  A final meeting will be held on this Thursday, Feb. 7, at 8pm in Toonagh Hall. As the present committee members are stepping down, if a new committee is not elected, the facility will, unfortunately, have to close down.  It is imperative that a representative from each of the groups and clubs which use the Complex are present at this meeting. The closure of the facility would be a huge loss to the school, local clubs and the wider community.

Recent Deaths.
The death has occurred of Ann Rose ((Nancy) Keane, Cusack Road, Ennis, mother of Mary Keane and Patrick Keane who live in Dysart.  The death has also taken place of Maura Hitchen, England, sister of Joe Keane, Ruan.

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