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. 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. |
Notes for February >