Hair-Raising Event
With the Festival of Finn just two weeks away the hard working local committee is working hard to ensure that everything goes according to plan. Much emphasis is being placed this year on the Irish Beard and Moustache Championships sponsored by Clare Spring Water and on two world record attempts involving people with beards. Members of the committee have been travelling the highways and bye-ways encouraging hirsute members of the public to come along to Corofin over the May Bank Holiday Week-end and be part of the festivities. They have also joined forces with the Irish Beard and Moustache Association to promote the various events and they’re encouraging everyone to check out the details on the Festival of Finn website and facebook page.
Sun Shines for Sonny
The 30th Annual Michael Sonny Murphy 10 mile road race and 6K walk took place at Kilnaboy last Sunday in near perfect conditions and there was a big turnout on the day. The race was won by Julio Cesar Castro of Kilmurry Ibrickane in a time of 55.44 mins. The first lady home was Barbara Cleary of Donore Harriers in a great time of 58.02 mins. James Raleigh was the first local athlete home and he led Kilnaboy AC to third in the team event which was completed by Rory Singleton, Shane O’Loughlin and Brian Collins. Corofin comprising of Damian Ryan, John O’Donoghue, John Carey and Eric Turner claimed 4th. Kilnaboy AC also finished 3rd in the ladies event and this team comprised of Aislinn Kelleher who was also first local woman home, Barbara Henry and Collette Nagle. Kilnaboy AC wish to thank all those who helped make the day such a success, particularly all those who took part and especially the many local people who took part in both events.
West to West
Colorado Beef producer Keith Parks will be giving a talk at the X-PO in Kilnaboy on Thursday 24th April starting at 8pm. X-PO founder Deirdre O’Mahoney visited local beef producers in Colorado to discuss changing ideas on rural environments as sites for food and energy production. Deirdre was building on existing research with farm groups in Ireland and the UK which examines the role of cultural practices in opening space for co-learning between farming communities across the globe. Mr. Parks will talk about his experience of selling his produce directly to consumers and the evening is an opportunity for farmers and food enthusiasts to share in his experience. Everyone is most welcome to attend and there is no entrance fee.
Art in the Park – Easter Eggstravaganza
On this Saturday April a free children’s Easter-themed art event will be promoted by the Burren National Park Information Centre. Children will learn all about eggs, including what is an egg?, who is laying eggs in the Burren National Park at this time of year? why are some eggs more camouflaged than others? and what is a life cycle? The presentation will be followed by egg art activities. Meet at the Burren National Park Information Point, Clare Heritage Centre, Corofin at 11.00 am. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Also on this Sunday April 20th the centre will be offering a free guided walk along the Nature Trail in the Burren National Park. This is a 1.5km looped walk which passes through mature ash/hazel woodland, meadows and open limestone pavement. There are beautiful views of Mullaghmore and Lough Gealáin. As there is some rough terrain with loose rock, suitable footwear is required. Meet at Mullaghmore Crossroads, Gortlecka at 2.00 pm. The walk will last approximately 1.5-2 hrs.
Seven Up
Corofin Harps B waited all season for their first win in the Division Three of the Clare Soccer League but when it came it was very emphatic with a 7 – 0 drubbing of Hermitage C in a game played in Corofin on Friday evening. A Dean Hatfield hat-trick as well as two from captain David Quinn and one each from Paul Moroney and a converted spot-kick from Cathal Whelan accounted for the Harps scores. They will now be hoping that this victory sets them up for a strong finish to the season. Meanwhile the A side met top of the table Ennis Town Rock in a mid –week game which saw the townies win on a 4 – 0 scoreline.
Bus Will be Back
Corofin Tourism Association has welcomed the news that the free hourly bus service servicing the Burren National Park will resume in May. There had been some doubt about the service running in 2014 but it has been confirmed that the public can avail of the free bus from the May Bank Holiday. The availability of the service was one of the attractions being promoted by the local tourism group as part of their campaign for this year.