Corofin-Kilnaboy Notes for Thursday May 14th.

Posted on May 15, 2015 by admin

Dawn Chorus Walk

A sizeable number of locals participated in the early morning Darkness Into Light walk in Ennis on Saturday last. For anyone who enjoys getting up at the crack of dawn there will be a Dawn Chorus Walk organised by the Burren national Park Information Point in association with BirdWatch Ireland on Sunday next May 17th. This is a 2km stroll in the National Park which should take about two hours to complete. The group will meet at the grotto in Corofin at 5.00pm and walkers are asked not to bring dogs on this occasion.

Agony In Athlone

While it was a major achievement to reach the All Ireland Open Finals in Athlone for the third time in four years the members of Corofin Dramatic Society were most disappointed not to figure among the awards when the results were announced on Saturday night last. The competition was won by The Palace Players from Fermoy. The local group is considering staging their play The 39 Steps once more at Corofin Hall in the coming weeks in order to give anyone who has yet to see the production a final opportunity to do so. Following this the society will consider its plans for the remainder of 2015 and begin to plan for the 2016 festival circuit.

Quinn’s Win

Vice-Captain of Corofin Golf Society, David Quinn, appears to be the player to beat in this year’s race for Golfer of the Year after he picked up another win in the local club’s May outing at Nenagh Golf Club on Saturday last. Pat McCarthy and Brendan McDonagh finished second and third respectively while Mary Coen and John Daly won the nines. Jimmy Lahiffe’s President’s Prize is the next outing on the cards for Corofin and this will be held at Gort Golf Club on Saturday June 6th.

Damp Squib

Corofin Harps A finished off their Premier League campaign with a home tie to Tulla United A on Sunday last in a game played in a continuous downpour. Although short a number of players the home side took the lead through Dean Hatfield after fifteen minutes. A mix up in the backline allowed Tulla to equalise from a direct free kick mid-way through the first half. Harps created several good chances throughout the second period but poor finishing and good goalkeeping from the Tulla number one kept the score at 1` – 1. Ten minutes from time the home side conceded a soft penalty which the visitors converted to claim the points. On Wednesday of last week Harps hosted champions-elect Newmarket Celtic A and were defeated on a 3 – 1 scoreline with Jason O’Connor getting the Corofin goal.

Darts Success

Daffy’s Bar, Corofin emerged winners of the Division Two of the North Clare Darts League which concluded recently. The panel members were Peter Andrews, John Daffy, Paul Vallely, David Cullen, Frank Cassidy, Michael Curtis, Johnny Egan, David O’Loughlin and Sean Daly.

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Corofin-Kilnaboy Notes 08/05/2015

Posted on May 9, 2015 by admin

All Eyes On Athlone

Supporters and admirers of Corofin Dramatic Society will be on tenterhooks this week as the 2015 All Ireland Open Drama Finals at the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone conclude and the results are announced. Corofin, one of nine finalists, performed The 39 Steps on Sunday night last and received a rapturous response from the audience. The adjudicator Walker Euart gave little away in his summary following the show as the same play is being performed later in the week by Letterkenny Drama Group. There was strong support for Corofin from all parts of Clare and indeed other parts of Ireland as the cast have friends and family connections in several counties. Director John Clancy was happy with the performance of his charges on Sunday night and all will be revealed when the results are announced in Athlone on Saturday evening.

Lucky Escape

There was drama of a different kind in Corofin on Thursday last as Gardai and the fire service attended a house fire in the village early that morning. The incident occurred in Church Street when the front door of a house caught fire and smoke quickly engulfed the downstairs area of the house. The elderly occupant was taken to safety by his two sons when the alarm was raised. He was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation as was one of the two rescuers later in the day. While it was reported that Gardai were treating the incident as suspicious it would appear to have been an accident which could have had more serious consequences. It is understood that the occupant removed a cushion which had caught fire in the sitting room and put it outside the door but had not placed it sufficiently far enough away from the building. As a result the PVC door caught fire resulting in the damage caused and the threat to life. An online fundraising initiative has been set up to assist the family involved.

Robbie’s Record

Local singer and entertainer Robbie Kierce will launch a new CD next week at The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon. Robbie is well-known on the music scene in Clare for many years having been a member of several bands including The Hound Dogs and The Eclipse Band to mention only two. He will be joined by several fellow-entertainers for the release of his new CD which takes place on Thursday night next May 14th.

Colin Has Ireland’s Best Beard

He travelled from Ardee in Co. Louth for the All Ireland Beard & Moustache Championships in Corofin on Saturday last and will return there as the overall winner of Ireland’s Best Beard competition. The 2013 winner John McNally from Cork claimed the Best Natural Beard category while Gavin Browne from Dublin won the Best Styled Full Beard award. Brian Carroll made it a hat-trick of victories in the main competition for Best Moustache. There were also several other category prizes won at the 3rd annual championships held at Corofin as part of this year’s Festival of Finn.

Five-Timer for Sinead

Limerick lady, Sinead Dinneen won the Ladies World Stone Throwing Championship for the first time in 2000. She went on to win again in 2009 and won back to back titles in 2013 and 2014. She made it a hat-trick of consecutive wins in the 2015 competition held in Corofin on Sunday evening and her fifth time to claim the title. Pat Keneally who won the men’s competition in 2014 successfully defended his title on Sunday, the first time that both titles went to the previous year’s winners. Once again there was great interest in the event, a signature event for the festival week-end, with all proceeds going to the Corofin Christmas Lights committee.

Battle of Benburb

The Burren Tug O War Club travelled to Benburb in Co. Tyrone on Saturday last to participate in an open competition featuring teams from various parts of Ireland and the UK. The local club got through to the final of the 640kg competition where they defeated a team from Derry which were the 2014 European Bronze Medal winners.

Festive Finish

The 2015 Festival of Finn finished with a flourish on Monday with a great turn-out for the Festival Parade on Monday morning. A big attraction at this year’s event was the participation of the Vulcan Motorcycle Club from the UK the second time in three years that they have participated in the Corofin festival. There were also lots of local groups and individuals taking part in what was a very colourful event. In spite of the uncertainty with the weather on Monday the popular Lark at the Lake which offers lots of family fun went ahead as scheduled. The festival officially ended on Monday evening with the organising committee drawing the sinners of their fundraising raffle at Bofey Quinn’s.

Walk The Walk

The Burren National Park Information Point continues its series of walks in The Park with a free guided walk on the Nature Trail on Sunday next May 10th commencing at 2.15pm. As usual walkers are asked to wear suitable footware and clothing and should also book at the information point in Corofin Village. Participants should meet at Gortalecka Cross at 2.15pm and can also avail of the free bus service from Corofin departing at 2.00pm.

Nenagh Outing

Corofin Golf Society will hold it’s May outing at Nenagh Golf Club on this Saturday May 9th. The tee is reserved at the County Tipperary venue from 9.30am.

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Corofin-Kilnaboy Notes

Posted on April 27, 2015 by admin

Road To Athlone

Local audiences will have a final chance to see the Corofin Dramatic Society’s award winning production ‘The 39 Steps’ over the coming week as they prepare for their All Ireland Final performance at Athlone on Sunday May 3rd. The play will be staged at Corofin Hall on this Thursday night April 22nd and at GLÓR Theatre in Ennis on Saturday night next April 25th. Two final performances will take place in Corofin on Wednesday and Thursday night next April 29th and 30th. All of the local shows commence at 8.00pm.

Festival Kicks Off

The Annual Festival of Finn gets under way in Corofin village on Thursday night next April 30th when the festival will be officially opened by local author P.J.Curtis following a presentation on two of his stories which have been made into films in recent years. On Friday the main events are The Great Mullaghmore Run a 4 mile race commencing at Kilnaboy School and taking in the spectacular scenery in the Mullaghmore area of the parish, while local archaeologist Christine Grant will give a lecture on the archaeology of the Corofin area at the hall on Friday night. Posters and brochures outlining the programme of events have been placed in all local businesses and the programme and all updates can also be viewed on the Festival of Finn Facebook page.

Burren Walk

With the Burren Information Point office at the Clare Heritage and Genealogy Centre opened for the new tourist season a series of free guided walks will be held in the National Park over the coming months. On Sunday next April 26th a walk will commence at 2.00pm on the Nature Trail in the Park. This is a 1.5km looped walk which passes through mature ash and hazel woodland, meadows and open limestone pavement. There is some rough terrain with loose rock so suitable footwear is required. Meet at the trailhead at the Mullaghmore Crossroads at 2.00pm. The walk will last approximately 1.5-2 hrs. Booking is required and can be done by contacting 065 6827693 or emailing burrennationalpark@ahg.gov.


Angling Success

The Lough Lein Anglers charity trout angling competition is a regular annual fixture in Kerry and to date has raised almost €200,000 for a host of deserving charities in Kerry and West Cork. The 2015 event took place on Sunday last with anglers from all over Ireland taking part. The event proved an outstanding success for the O’Loughlin brothers Tommy and Seamus from Corofin who took first and second places in this year’s competition.


Recent Death

The death occurred recently at Cluain Lir Nursing Home, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath of Joseph (Joe) O’Loughlin, formerly of Cheltenham, England and Market Street, Corofin. A former hurling goalkeeper with Corofin and Clare intermediate team he lived in England for Many years before settling in Mullingar in recent years. His funeral took place in Westmeath.


Tug O War in Corofin

The first round of the Munster Tug O War League in the 640kg and senior class were held at the GAA grounds in Corofin on Sunday last and featured seven clubs from around the province. The event ended in success for the host Burren Club taking first place in both competitions which they won without dropping a single point. Burren will be in action in the second round in Ballylooby, Co. Tipperary on Sunday next.

Boffin To Burren

This year’s festival concert in association with Corofin Trad Fest on Sunday May 3rd promises to be a special occasion with the stellar line up of Boffin To Burren performing at the Teach Ceoil. The line-up is Dessie O’Halloran (vocals, fiddle), his brother Johnnie on accordion, with Kieran Hanrahan of Stockton’s Wing and RTE fame (banjo), triple All-Ireland concertina champion Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Padraic and Damian O’Reilly on piano and accordion respectively, Ronan O’Flaherty (fiddle) and Sligo’s Seamus O’Donnell (flute).


GAA News

Corofin recorded a good win against Kilkee in in round three of the intermediate football league on a score line of Corofin 3-08 Kilkee 1-11. In the intermediate hurling league Corofin hosted Smith O Brien’s and in a high scoring game the sides finished level on a score line of Corofin 2-14, Smith O Brien’s 0-20. In u14 A hurling Corofin had a one point win over Newmarket on Fergus on a score of 2-09 to 1-11 following a win over Inagh-Kilnamona by 3 -11 to 3 – 02.. Although defeated in their last game by St. Breckans on a score of 0 -12 to 0 -08 the U16 footballers entertain Cratloe in their final group game of the B championship. This is a top of the table clash with the winner receiving a home semi-final spot.

Youth Club Talent

Corofin Youth Club will be competing in the regional talent finals in Ennis on this Saturday April 25th staging a play written by the Corry sisters Martina and Aoife and will be hoping to progress to the All Ireland finals for the second successive year. The show will feature club members Siobhan Lane, Cian Crowe, Katie O’Flaherty, Skye and Iashia Stagno Navarra and Aoife Corry. They will be joined by Aaron Stone and Tola Neylon the latter who has just finished a stint with Ennistymon Choral Society.

Meanwhile Corofin Club members under the tuition of art facilitator Beverly Ashton have just completed a new club banner which will have a first public outing at the Festival of Finn parade on Monday May 4th.

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Corofin-Kilnaboy Notes for April 2nd.

Posted on April 5, 2015 by admin

In Search of an All-Ireland

Corofin Dramatic Society swept the boards at the Scariff Drama Festival at the week-end and in so doing qualified in style for the All Ireland Open Championships taking place in Athlone during the first week in May. The local group also finished in second place at both Glenamaddy and Cavan festivals. In all Corofin had three firsts and four seconds from the eight festivals they contested. In addition to winning at Scariff, John Clancy was awarded Best Director, Martin O’Donohue, Best Actor, Maura Clancy, Best Actress and the inseparable Alan McGuire and James Raleigh, Best Supporting Actor. Their production also collected an award for Best Stage Management. John Clancy was also named Best Director at Cavan where Martin O’Donohue collected a second Best Actor award while Maura Clancy was also named Best Actress at Glenamaddy. The play also won an award for Best Stagecraft at Cavan while the backstage crew were rewarded with trophies for Best Special Effects and Best Sound at Glenamaddy. The local group have scheduled a return performance at GLOR in Ennis on Saturday April 25th prior to competing at Athlone.

Eyes Down at Kilnaboy

A fun bingo event will be held at Kilnaboy School Hall on this Good Friday night commencing at 8.00pm. The event is being run to raise money for the Kilnaboy Defibrillator fund and everyone is invited to come along and support this worthy cause.

Tourist Information

A meeting of Corofin Tourism Association held last week dealt with a number of issues including how best to promote the Burren National Park Information Office at the Clare Heritage Centre which it is felt is a resource missed out on by many visitors to North Clare. The meeting also heard that Trisha Nash will operate a local tourist information point at her business Solas Mo Chroi in the Main Street in the village which should prove of great benefit to both locals and tourists alike as the shop will be open seven days. Final touches are also being put to the 2015 Festival of Finn programme which should be announced in the next week or so.

Athletics Success

Kilnaboy woman Rita Kierce claimed two Gold medals at the AAI National Masters Indoor Track and Field Championships which took place recently in Athlone. In the 800m Rita led the field home in a time of 2.41.04 and later on she doubled her Gold medal tally when she was victorious in the 1500m. Her winning time was 5.34.08 and so capped a wonderful day for Rita who was representing her home club of St. Marys.

Pilgrim Paths Day

This Saturday April 4th is national Pilgrim’s Path Day with the tradition of pilgrimage being celebrated at several locations throughout Ireland. The only event to be held in county Clare will take place at Rath and Dysart. The walk begins at 13 30 from Rath. Parking is at Dysert O’Dea Castle from 12 15 – 13 15. From there transport will be available to the starting point at Rath. Local walkers are especially welcome to join the walk. Booking and further details, contact Pius Murray at 0879828173.

Fashion Show

A number of local organisations will benefit from a Fashion Show being organised at Kilnaboy School Hall on Friday April 17th. Several well-known shops have been lined up for the event with Kilnaboy History & Heritage Group, Doolin Sea Rescue and Corofin Senior Citizens the beneficiaries of all money raised on the night.

Cyclists Wanted

The Corofin and Kilnaboy areas have been well represented over the years in the annual 250 Mile Cycle around the county which takes place in May each year. This year’s event is scheduled to take place over the week-end of May 16th and 17th and the organisers are looking to recruit a number of new participants this year. Anyone who might like to take on the challenge should contact Corofin’s long time representative Martin O’Donohue for further information.

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Corofin-Kilnaboy Notes for Thursday March 19th.

Posted on March 21, 2015 by admin

Forty Eight Bags Full

A dedicated group of volunteers answered the call from Corofin Tidy Towns committee on Saturday last and embarked on a general clean-up of the approach roads to Corofin village. This annual Spring-clean is necessary to clear up the litter and general debris which had accumulated over the winter months, partly owing to stormy weather conditions and partly due to the inconsiderate actions of a small number of people who discard their litter indiscriminately. The volunteers comprised a mixture of all age groups and went about their task with military precision. In all a total of forty eight rubbish bags were filled and these were disposed of in a proper manner in co-operation with Clare county council.
Quizing for Finn

The Festival of Finn committee will hold its annual Table Quiz at Crowley’s Bar on this Friday night March 20th commencing at 9.30pm. Quizmaster on the night will be Colm Carey and there will be then usual raffle and refreshments will be served. The festival organisers are facing a busy few weeks as the build up to the May bank and all support for this fundraiser will be greatly appreciated.
Registering Contestants

CHAF will hold an information meeting for a wide variety of clubs, charities and other organisations at the hall on Tuesday night next March 24th at 8.30pm in connection with The Kube fundraising event happening there on July 4th. CHAF is offering groups from Corofin and neighbouring parishes an opportunity to put forward contestants for the fun competitions and at the same time benefit by raising money for their own causes. All interested groups and individuals are welcome to attend.

Portumna Outing

The March outing of Corofin Golf Society takes place to Portumna Golf Club on this Saturday March 21st, where the tee is reserved from 9.00am. All members are invited to take part and new members are always welcome. Saturday is also the final date for payment of outstanding fees for the week-end away to Kilkenny in April.
MIxed Fortunes
There was mixed fortunes for Corofin Harps i different soccer competitions over the past week. The A side went down 3 – 1 to Ennis town in the semi-final of the Hugh Kelly Cup on Wednesday of last week at the county grounds in Doora, but claimed three very valuable points in the Premier League with an 8 – 0 thrashing of Lifford in Ennis on Sunday. Meanwhile Harps B which were well in contention in Division Three prior to the enforced winter break have slipped down the table following successive defeats. They were defeated 3 – 0 by West Clare FC at home on Sunday.

Drama Awards
James Ralleigh and Alan McGuire were jointly awarded Best Supporting Actor at the Kildare Drama Festival last week but Corofin did not figure in the overall awards. The Corofin production of The 39 Steps was placed second at the Castleisland Festival when the results were announced on Sunday night with James once again collecting a Best Supporting Actor award. The group performed at Charleville on Sunday night were they received a very positive adjudication from Michael Twomey while they closed the West Clare Drama Festival in Doonbeg on Monday night. Corofin still have three festivals remaining in Cavan on Saturday night next, Scariff on Tuesday March 24th and Glenamaddy on Thursday March 26th.
GAA News
Corofin registered a good win over Clondegad in the u-14 Division Two Championship on Saturday last at Pairc Finne on a score of 5 – 10 to 3 – 04. Corofin’s Jamie Malone scored both Clare goals in the Banner’s easy win over Waterford in the u-21 football championship at Miltown Malbay last week and contributed three points to the Clare senior side who went down to Armagh in Division Three on the National League on Sunday.
Recent Death
The death occurred last week of Mrs. Margaret (Peg) Casserly, nee Power of Kilfenora and formerly of Kilnaboy. Her funeral took place from Nagle’s Funeral Home to Kilfenora Church on Thursday last and she was interred at Laghtagoona Cemetery, Corofin, following funeral mass on Friday m

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Corofin-Kilnaboy Notes for Thursday Feb. 26th.

Posted on February 28, 2015 by admin

Trad Fest Time

The 2015 Corofin Traditional Music Festival gets under way in the village on Monday night next March 2nd. Well-known musician and radio presenter Eoin O’Neill will perform the official opening at the Teach Ceoil at 8.00pm which will be followed by a recital. The main focus of attention throughout the week will be at the Teach where on Tuesday night there will be an album launch featuring the music of Mark, Donal and Conor McCague. On Wednesday a Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Inagh musician Joe Rynne. This will be followed by concerts at the same venue on Thursday and Friday nights. On Thursday Angela Carberry and Brian Mooney will be joined by Noel Hill and Liam O’Connor while Friday’s event features The Yanks. There will also be sessions in local pubs throughout the week. The festival will continue over the following week-end with workshops, concerts and more sessions.

CHAF Draw

The Corofin Hall and Field committee will launch its new draw on this Friday night at Bofey Quinn’s. Having run a 500 Members Club over the past three years the draw has now been revamped to include just 400 members with four prizes on offer each week instead of three. The draw is crucial to the local group in enabling them to offset the debt on the redeveloped building and they have expressed their gratitude to everyone who has supported them to date. CHAF is currently working on the final phase of development at the hall and on the fit-out of the various facilities. Anyone who wishes to be included in the draw should confirm with any of the sellers that their name is in the hat.

Water Metres

Corofin has been a hive of activity over the past week as work crews working on behalf of Irish Water have been busy installing water meters in all areas of the village. Local people have been expressing surprise that a number of new housing estates including local authority estates have had to have new meters installed. They have nonetheless been impressed by the speed at which the work crews have undertaken the task and unlike other areas where such work has taken place there has been no public protest from anti-water charge campaigners.

Next Step Galway

Corofin Dramatic Society had a very successful two-night stint at GLÓR Theatre in Ennis at the week-end with their production of The 39 Steps, a hilarious take on the original Alfred Hitchcock thriller. The local group have very strong pulling power following recent productions and once again the Ennis venue was full to capacity. Next stop for the show is a one-night stand at The Taibhdearch Theatre in Galway City on Monday night next March 2nd before embarking on a seven-night festival circuit during March, in pursuit of All Ireland qualification.

Litter Louts

Corofin Tidy Towns committee has been very disappointed to note some indiscriminate disposal of household litter inside the wall of the local sportsfield between the hall and the school in recent times. They intend to monitor the situation and will take action against any offenders. They are also investigating reports of litter being dumped on the Clifden Hill road at Carrownagraun. On a positive note the local group is very thankful to local stonemasons Pat and Gussie O’Loughlin for the repair work carried out to the stone-walls at the entrance to the new cemetery in the village where laurel sapplings have also been planted.

David’s Day

There was a good turn-out of 22 players for the Corofin Golf Society’s first outing of 2015 at Gort Golf Club on Saturday last which was played in very cold but mostly dry conditions. David Quinn emerged winner from John Daly and Pat McCarthy. Brendan McDonagh and Connie O’Donohue won the nines. The next outing of the local club is to Portumna on Saturday March 21st. There is also a very good response to the club’s week-end away to Kilkenny City from April 16th to 19th and they would like to hear from anyone else who might like to join them for this social occasion. Full details can be had on the society’s Facebook page or from any of the committee.

Preparing for Festival of Finn

Corofin Tourism Association is meeting this week to advance arrangements for the 2015 Festival of Finn to be held over the May Bank Holiday week-end. It is expected that all of the main programme events will be included such as the World Stone-throwing Championships and Ireland’s Best Beard and Moustache Competition while some new events are also likely to be included. The group is also anxious to promote the Failte to Corofin Facebook page which provides a huge amount of information on local activities and events as well as promoting the beauty of the area. Meanwhile CTA member Martin Waldron of Burrenescapes at Cramoher House was one of those elected to the North Clare Tourism Forum at a meeting at The Falls Hotel in Ennistymon last week. He represents the Burren Ecotoursim Network on the new structure.

Youth Club News

Corofin Youth Club enjoyed a good run in the All Ireland Talent Show competition organised by the Youth Service in 2014 and the club intends taking part once again this year. The club has sent out a call to members to participate in this year’s event which will first mean competing in the county qualifiers. Members have options of competing in dance, music, singing and drama. Meanwhile Kilnaboy Youth Club is encouraging its members to participate in a Photographic Competition being organised by Clare Youth Service. The club is also planning a trip away for members to the Munster versus Connaught rugby match at Thomond Park on March 28th and needs to hear from any members who wish to travel.


Jim Harmon Trophy

Corofin GAA club has organised an u-16 football tournament in memory of former club stalwart, the late Jim Harmon, on an annual basis for several years. On Sunday last Corofin entertained Wolf Tones to decide the destination of this year’s trophy. In a game played in dreadful weather conditions the local side proved too strong for the visitors winning by a substantial margin. After the game sponsor presented the Jim Harmon Trophy to Corofin captain Liam McGrath while club President Donal Clancy presented medals to the members of both teams.

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Corofin-Kilnaboy Notes for Thursday Feb. 12th.

Posted on February 14, 2015 by admin

Hall Invite to Local Community

The local community is being invited to come along to St. Patrick’s Hall in the village which is in the final stages of completion as the new Corofin Community Centre. While there is still some finishing and fitting out work to be done CHAF, the hall development organisation, is inviting people to come along between 3.00pm and 5.00pm on Sunday next February 15th to see for themselves the work that has been achieved and the changes which have been made. The facility is expected to be available for general community use in the coming weeks as soon as the finishing touches are put to the building while an official opening ceremony will be organised later this year. CHAF is also about to launch its new fundraising draw and details on this will be announced by the weekend.

Successful Walk

Around two hundred walkers and runners participated in the inaugural Walk and Run organised by the local club Cumann Súiladóiri Cora Finne on Sunday last. The 7k Walk and 10k Run got underway from the Corofin GAA clubhouse car-park at 1.00pm with people from all ages taking part. The event attracted a large number of participants from outside the area as well many locals taking part for the first time. The organisation of the event was well handled with lots of volunteers helping out on the day while refreshments were available to all participants in the clubhouse on their return. A number of local groups benefited from fundraising associated with the Walk & Run which looks likely to become an annual event.

Point Taken

Corofin Harps A entertained high-flying Bridge United A in a Clare Premier League clash at Corofin on Sunday morning. In a game played in cold foggy conditions the local side were unlucky not to collect all three points. Shane Constable gave Harps the lead in the first half and a solid defence marshalled by John Keane and Brian Halpin kept the visitors at bay for most of the game. However Corofin lost Keane to injury late in the game and the Bridge scored with six minutes to go to claim a share of the spoils.

Stepping Into GLOR

Corofin Dramatic Society will commence the new drama season when they take their current production ‘The 39 Steps’ to GLÓR Theatre in Ennis on Friday February 20th and Saturday February 21st. Patrick Barlow’s hilarious adaption of the famous Alfred Hitchcock thriller is sure to provide tremendous entertainment, with a very experienced cast of Maura Clancy, Martin O’Donohue, James Raleigh and Alan McGuire performing mulit-character parts, in the John Clancy directed production. The Dramatic Society are the first to avail of the improved facilities at Corofin Hall and have been rehearsing there for the past few weeks.


Wedding Bells

The wedding took place in Ennis on Friday last of Aoife Kennedy, daughter of Gerard and the late Esther Kennedy of Corofin village to Peter Andrews, son of John and June Andrews of Baunkyle, Corofin and formerly of Wolverhampton, England. The wedding reception took place at The Old Ground Hotel.

Failte Go Corofin

Corofin Tourism Association continues to promote the general Corofin area to tourists worldwide but also uses its social media presence to highlight and promote events happening in the local community. The CTA is anxious that more local groups would use their Facebook page Failte Go Corofin where they can find out more information on the aims and objectives of the tourism group as well as learning more about the people and businesses involved.

February Outing

The first outing of Corofin Golf Society for 2015 is scheduled to be held at Gort Golf Club on Saturday week February 21st. The tee is reserved from 9.30am. The local club is hoping that all previous members will rejoin for the new season while new members are always welcome. The society has recently set up its own Facebook page where details of outings, results and other relevant news items can be viewed.

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Corofin-Kilnaboy Notes for Feb. 5th.

Posted on February 5, 2015 by admin

Run To Aid Local Causes

The very active local fitness group Cumann Siúladóiri Cora Finne will hold a big fundraising event on Sunday next February 8th which will benefit three local organisations, namely, Scoil Mhuire Naisiunta, Corofin Youth Club and Corofin Tidy Towns committee. Everyone is invited to take part in either the 7k walk or 10k run. Registration will be at the GAA clubhouse at 12.30pm with the start of the event at 1.00pm. The organisers are hoping for a big turn-out from all age groups and refreshments will be served at the clubhouse on their return.

Hall Progress

Work on the Corofin parish hall redevelopment is coming to an end and two of the last remaining tasks are expected to happen this week with work coming to a completion by the end of next week. The new floor in the main hall is due to be laid this week while the surfacing of the car park areas around the hall is also scheduled to be completed. CHAF held its first committee meeting at the hall on Friday night last where a number of important issues were discussed. While an official opening of the new facilities is planned for later in the year CHAF hopes to organise an open day for the local community on the afternoon of Sunday February 15th so that locals can see for themselves what the new building has to offer. Further details on this will be issued in the coming week.

Cup Exit

Corofin Harps B travelled to Newmarket on Fergus on Sunday last with the daunting task of taking on the holders Newmarket Celtic A in the first round of the Clare Cup. Having held the champions scoreless for thirty five minutes Celtic made the break through and when they added two more goals before half time it looked as if the B’s who are three divisions below their opponents were in for a hiding. However Harps reorganised at the interval and put in a very determined second half performance to prevent the home side from adding to their first half total.

Call For Equipment

Corofin Camogie Club has issued an appeal for items such as helmets, shorts, shin guards or boots which can be passed on to younger players in the club. They are hoping that former players will donate unwanted equipment or indeed current players who have outgrown some of these iems or purchased new gear but who have older equipment which is still in good condition. The final registration day for players for 2015 is on Saturday next February 7th.

Call To Reinstate Amenity Area

Corofin tidy towns committee has called on Clare County Council to undertake repairs to the car park areas at Lake Inchiquin which suffered damage in 2014 as a result of heavy vehicular traffic there during the algae bloom crisis at the local lake. During that period the council made daily deliveries of drinking water by articulated tanker to the reservoir at the lake and considerable damage was done to some of the car park surface. The local group has asked for this work to be carried out ahead of the 2015 tourist season.

Poker Classic

Corofin Harps Soccer Club will hold its annual Poker Classic on Friday night February 13th. This important fundraising event will be held at Daffy’s Bar, Corofin with €1,500 pro rata on offer. The club is hoping for strong support for this event.

Recent Deaths

The death occurred recently of Kathleen Feighery nee Kearney of Dysart and formerly of Market Street, Corofin. She reposed at Corofin Church on Monday January 19th and was interred at Laghtagoona Cemetery following funeral mass on the following day. The death occurred last week of Gerard Williams of Roxton Corofin. He reposed at Rath Church on Thursday evening and was interred at Rath Cemetery following funeral mass on Friday morning. The death also occurred last week of Patricia O’Loughlin of Newtown, Corofin. Her funeral took place from O’Halloran’s funeral home Corofin to Corofin Churh on Friday evening and she was interred at Kilvoydane Cemetery following funeral mass on Saturday.

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Corofin-Kilnaboy Notes for Thurs. Dec. 18th.

Posted on December 18, 2014 by admin


Santa’s On The Way
Corofin Youth Club is arranging a visit by Santa to the village on Sunday next December 21st. Although he’s very busy at this time of year he will spend two hours at the GAA hall from 4.00pm to 6.00pm where he is looking forward to meeting all of the local children. The Youth Club is planning to make the occasion a real fun outing for all the family with bouncy castles and other activities on the day. A special Christmas colouring competition, with both boys and girls prizes, is being organised in conjunction with this event and entry forms can be picked up in most local shops.
Meanwhile both the Youth Club and Camogie Club are selling tickets on behalf of the Clare Youth Centre with All Ireland final tickets for the next five years plus accommodation in Dublin to be won. Tickets can be had from any of the club’s officers.
Hamper Winners
John and Sean Daly were the winners of the Christmas Hamper outing of Corofin Golf Society at Gort Golf Club on Saturday last. Con O’Donohue and Gerry O’Donnell were second with Brendan McDonagh and Jimmy Lahiffe in third place.
Recent Deaths
The death occurred last week of Tom Cahill of Ballyportry, Corofin. Tom was well known in farming circles for his involvement over many years in the IFA and as Chairman of Clare Marts. He was also active in local organisations including the Corofin Development Association and the Clare Heritage & Genealogy Centre. His funeral took place on Tuesday of last week from O’Hallorans Funeral Home Corofin to Corofin Church and he was interred at in the new cemetery Corofin following funeral mass on Wednesday. The death occurred at St. Patrick’s Nursing Home, Baldoyle, Dublin of Br. Gerald Beakey, formerly of Liscullane, Corofin. Br. Beakey has resided in Dublin for most of his life and his funeral took place there last week. The death occurred in Boston USA of Joe Lahiff formerly of Whitemount, Kilnaboy. His funeral mass was held at Kilnaboy Church on Saturday last following which he was interred in the local cemetery.
Race Nite
Corofin GAA Club is advising locals that their annual Race Nite takes place on Sunday December 28th and that horses are now on sale for this popular seasonal event.

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Corofin-Kilnaboy Notes for Thursday Dec. 11th.

Posted on December 11, 2014 by admin

Anne Best In Ireland

Kilnaboy woman and local post-person, Anne McNamara, was the recipient of a Board Gais Energy award which sought to reward the most helpful people in Ireland. The Best In Ireland competition was run in conjunction with Today FM and Anne was featured on the Ray Darcy show on Friday last as one of the award winners. Anne who is the postie in the Ruan and Dysart areas was nominated by Marie Casey of Rathkeane and was selected as a finalist from thousands that were nominated from all over Ireland. The judging panel was made up of Derval O’Rourke, Conor Pope, Colm O’Gorman, Evelyn Cusack, Irene Gowing and Tony Fenton.

Christmas Fayre

There will be a busy and festive evening in Corofin village on this Friday December 12th as Christmas fast approaches. Santa will be at the Centra store from 3.00pm until 5.00pm while Corofin Youth Club will be involved in carol singing beside the crib in Main Street from 6.00pm. The Christmas Market featuring several stalls offering a wide variety of products and services will be held from 7.00pm and many local shops in the village also have late opening that evening. The marker will also incorporate the annual Craft Fair at Bofey Quinns and a pop-up shop at the Cupan Tae café. Locals are encouraged by Corofin Tourism Association to come along and support this market.

Youth Club News

Youth Club members will perform a Christmas Carol service at the crib in Corofin village on this Friday evening at 6.00pm ahead of the Christmas Market. Club members will then travel to Limerick for an evening of ice skating which should prove most enjoyable. The club will also be organising the annual Santa visit to the village on the week-end before Christmas and are asking locals to put this in their diary.
Hamper Outing
Corofin Golf Society will hold a Christmas Outing at Gort Golf Club on this Saturday December 13th. The tee is reserved from 10.00am and the winners will receive hampers. The local club is hoping that as members as possible will take part in this event.

Super Gamble

A 45 gamble is being held at Daffy’s Bar, Corofin on Sunday next December 14th featuring the old game. This now annual event is being organised by the Scoil Mhuire Parents Association and helps to raise funds for much needed school equipment. The gamble gets under way at 4.00pm and usually attracts card players from throughout North Clare and elsewhere. There are valuable team prizes to be won and the ladies committee will be on hand to provide refreshments.

Davey’s Visit

Guest of honour at Corofin GAA club on Friday night last was none other than Clare senior hurling manager Davey Fitzgerald. He was on hand to present medals to the successful Corofin u-14 team which won Feile 2014. There was a great attendance for this function where Davey gave an inspirational speech to the young hurlers of the parish. Afterwards he stayed on to meet with the locals and pose for photographs with all-comers.

Camogie Officers

The Annual General Meeting of Corofin Camogie Club was held recently and the following officers were elected for 2015. Chariman: Pat Lane, Vice Chair: Kevin Collins, Secretary: Sue Harrison, Ast. Secretary: David Henry, Treasurer: Paul Kinnane, Ast. Treasurer: Margaret Heagney, PRO: Aisling Collins, Ast. PRO: Caroline Fitzpatrick and Registrar: Angela Danagher.

Lighting Up:

The Christmas Lights in the village were switched on last Monday evening and provide a real festive atmosphere in the village. The local Christmas Lights committee has invested in new LED lighting for this year which it is hoped will be easier to operate and improve on in the coming years. The lighting up ceremony was preceded by a candlelight procession from Corofin Church and a choir service in Mani Street performed by Friends of Corofin National School.

Harps In Seventh Heaven

Corofin soccer teams have suffered many defeats at the hands of Avenue United over the years but the tables were turned in some style on Sunday last when Corofin Harps A took on Avenue United A at the latter’s home ground in Roslevan in the Clare Premier League. Harps, thanks mainly to a number of superb saves from Mikey Concannon, survived an early onslaught from the home side before taking control and going 2 – 0 ahead through goals from a Jason Tierney spot-kick after Jason O’Connor was upended and a Shane Constable free kick. The Ennis side fought back to level the scores at the break. Stephen Keane restored Harps lead early in the second half only for Avenue to equalize once more, this time through a penalty. Harps picked up the pace again and John Keane powered a header to the net to put Corofin ahead again and Shane Constable made it 5 – 3 when he scored his second of the game. Avenue were reduced to ten players following a red card and O’Connor got on the score-sheet to extend Harps lead. Substitute Damien Ryan completed the scoring for Harps who emerged 7 -3 winners from this amazing encounter.
There was also joy for Corofin B who are strong contenders for Division Three honours this season, winning 5 – 3 away to Sporting Ennistymon. A brace from Dean Hafield as well as goals from Brian Halpin, Brian McGauran and Darren Malone sealed the points for Harps. The club has published a 2015 calendar which is on sale from club members. The publication features Corofin soccer teams from 1972 down to the present day and should be of interest to all local soccer supporters.

Graveyard Publication

A new local history publication was launched last week by the Kilnaboy History & Heritage Group. The very attractive book features all legible gravestone inscriptions from both Coad and Kilnaboy graveyards. It also provides detailed maps of the layout of both cemeteries showing all of the graves numbered making the various family plots easy to locate. In addition to the information on the graveyards themselves the publication also includes additional local history information and is something which should be of interest to members of the community at home or abroad.

GAA Officers

Officers were recently elected to both the Corofin senior and minor GAA clubs. The officers elected are as follows, Senior Club Chairman: Kieran Carkill, Vice Chair: Tony Killeen, Secretary: Peadar O’Brien, Ast. Secretary: Brian Gillespie, Treasurer: Willie Corbett, Ast. Treasurer: Donal O’Loughlin, Registrar: Mary Neylon, Field Secretary: David O’Loughlin, Board delegates, Peadar O’Brien and Pat Curtis. Minor Club Chairman: John Williams, Secretary/Child Protection Officer: Brian Gillespie, Treasurer: Donal O’Loughlin, PRO: John Fitzgerald, Bord na nÓg delegates: Joe Cahill and Stevie Malone.

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