Gala Opening for Corofin Hall
Sharon Shannon returned to her roots to perform the official re-opening of Corofin Community Centre on Friday night in what proved to be a gala occasion for the North Clare village. In spite of atrocious weather conditions a huge crowd turned out, determined to be part of the event, and a great night was had by all. Sharon was joined for the occasion by her father I.J. as well as by her sisters Mary and Majella and other family members while her brother Gary tutored and played with the very talented u-18 local traditional music group which entertained the audience ahead of the official opening ceremonies. Following the blessing of the building by Fr. Damien Nolan, Sharon unveiled the official plaque and having outlined her childhood association with the hall wished the organising committee every success. Susan Gallagher spoke on behalf of Clann Credo the social finance company while Chairman of Clare Local Development Company, Stephen Walsh, congratulated CHAF on how well the LEADER funding for the project had been spent. Fr. Nolan also represented the parish which had contributed to the development as well as Killaloe Diocesan Trust which had provided a long-term lease of the building to the community. Chairman of CHAF, Gerard Kennedy thanked the funders for their support and paid tribute to the local community for their commitment to CHAF’s fundraising efforts. He praised his Board and CHAF’s wide group of volunteers for their work to date as well as for their efforts in organising the opening event. He thanked all of the professional help which they had received, planning, financial, legal and project management and paid tribute to Galvin Construction the contractors on the development. He expressed a wish that present and future generations would ensure the upkeep and continued development of the wonderful facilities which the centre had to offer. Sharon delighted the audience by joining local musicians Padraig and Damian O’Reilly, Keith and Brian O’Loughlin and Caoilfionn Ní Fhrielhil for a session following the formalities and as the audience was later treated to refreshments by the local committee, gladly posed for photographs throughout the evening.
Coffee for Cahercalla
A Coffee Morning in aid of Cahercalla Hospice will be the Teach Ceoil, Corofin on this Thursday morning September 17th from 10am until 12 noon. Everyone is invited to drop in for a chat and a cuppa in support of a very worthy cause.
Footballers In Final
Corofin qualified for this year’s Intermediate Football Final with a 2 – 09 to 0 – 09 win over neighbours Kilfenora at Miltown Malbay on Sunday last to set up a rematch with Kilmihil in the final. Kilfenora had the better of the early exchanges and built up an early lead. However, Corofin scored four points in the second quarter to leave just one point between the sides at the interval, Kilfenora leading 0 – 06 to 0 – 05. Corofin started the second half with two quick points to take the lead for the first time but Kilfenora replied to level matters. Corofin took a grip at this point and Darren Malone set up his brother Jamie for Corofin’s first goal. The Clare senior player added a second when played in by Jason Tierney as further points from Darren Malone and John Keane. Kilfenora added two points late in the game but never threatened Corofin’s two goal advantage. Having lost last year’s final after a replay to Wolfe Tones, Corofin will be hoping to go one better against Kilmihil in the final.
Corofin have also qualified for the final of the u-13 A hurling championship following a comprehensive 2 -10 to 1 – 09 victory over Clooney-Quin on Saturday last. The final is scheduled to be played on Sunday next against the winners of Clarecastle and Inagh-Kilnamona.
Captain’s Prize
This week will prove an extremely busy one for Corofin Golf Society members. Eight members of the society will travel to Carton House Golf Club for the All Ireland Pierce Purcell semi-final on Thursday as part of the Golf Gort Club panel which takes on the Ulster champions. Many other society members will be travelling to support the team which if they win on Thursday will contest the final on Friday against the winners of the Leinster versus Munster clash. With that competition concluded it’s a return to Gort Golf Club on Saturday for the highlight of Corofin Golf Society’s year, Paul Ryan’s Captain’s Prize, which has a start time of 11.00am. All members and guests are invited to take part in this major event which will be followed by the prize-giving ceremony at the clubhouse.
Final Park Ramble
The Burren National Park information point in Corofin will be providing its final free guided walk of the season in the National Park on this Sunday September 20th commencing at 2.00pm. The walk will be along the Green Arrow Route on the nature trail, a 1.5km looped walk which is through mature ash and hazel woodland, meadow and limestone pavement. There is some loose stone on this route so suitable foot-ware is advised. The walk should take less than two hours to complete and booking is required through the information point in Corofin village.
Shield Final
Corofin camogie club has qualified for the Minor A shield final following an excellent 5 – 02 to 2 – 07 win over Scariff-Ogonnelloe last week. The club will also play Ruan-Burren at Ruan on Saturday next in the Junior A league while they also had an u-16 fixture against Kilmaley on Wednesday of this week.
Drama Dates
Dates have been set for the first productions of the new drama season for Corofin Dramatic Society which will feature two one-act plays. ‘Last Panto in Little Grimley’ by David Tristram is being directed by Eileen Lahiffe and will be the Corofin entry in this year’s One Act Drama Festival circuit. It is Corofin’s first entry on the one-act circuit since they won the All Ireland confined title in Ennis in 2013 with ‘What’s For Pudding’ also directed by Eileen Lahiffe. The second play on the programme is Jimmy Keary’s ‘A Night To Remember’ which is being directed by Bridie Cox. The dates selected are Wednesday and Thursday October 14th and 15th and Monday and Tuesday October 19th and 20th. The one-act circuit begins for Corofin in Birr on October 23rd with an outing in Kilmallock on the following night.
Huge Success
The fundraising event organised by the charity TLC4CF which kicked off in Kilnaboy on Saturday last proved a huge success with a big turnout of participants in all events. The organisers were thankful that the very heavy rain of Friday gave way to much better conditions on Saturday morning. They appreciated the huge support which they received and also expressed their thanks to the army of volunteers which acted as stewards and helped out with all aspects of the event.
Soccer Awards
Corofin Harps Schoolboy academy will hold its end of season awards event for its young players at Corofin Community Centre on Saturday next and all players and parents are invited to attend. On the playing front Harps A had a free Sunday while Harps B had a resounding 7 – 3 win over Shannon Olympic B in Corofin on Sunday afternoon.