Tag Archives: homecoming

THOUSANDS of reunions took place at Shannon Airport this week, but there may not have been an embrace as warm as that between Michael and Lilly Gleeson on a rainy Tuesday evening. The 16-year-old and her grandfather hugged tightly as all around them fellow emigrants and their loved ones were catching up. Lilly actually grew up in Ireland until her family moved to Detroit six years ago and she was delighted to be back. She has visited several times but plans to move back in the relatively near future. Asked about life in Detroit, she says, “I prefer Ireland but it’s fine. Definitely for college I’ll be back here”. Her mother Aoife is also delighted to be home and looking forward to seeing all her relatives. “It’s been a few years since we had Christmas here. I can’t wait to see everybody, all the nieces and the nephews and brothers and sisters.” White Christmases almost never happen here, but that …

A Clarecastle woman has danced her way to the top of the world. Zoe Griffin has been named senior ladies champion at the World Irish Dancing Championships in Glasgow. “I’m delighted, this is always something that I wanted to do and I couldn’t believe it when it happened. When I went to the competition I was aiming for top five but to win, I’m just delighted,” the 21-year-old told The Clare Champion. Zoe was just three-weeks-old when she first visited Scoil Uí Ruairc School of Irish Dancing accompanying her older sister Sonya. “I’m part of the furniture now,” she laughs. She explains, “My sister was a dancer so I just went with her. She was eight and I was only a baby then, I suppose I was born into it.” Zoe was among the 14 solo qualifiers and a céilí team from Scoil Uí Ruairc to compete in Glasgow. Collectively, the dance school have brought home a world championship, two …

By Seamus Hayes Clare hurling fans turned out in big numbers in Ennis this Sunday evening to welcome home the newly crowned All-Ireland under 21 champions. Its the third year in a row that Clare fans have had the opportunity to celebrate All-Ireland success in this grade and there was no hiding the pride of the fans as they marked this historic achievement by the team and  the management. It was a particularly special occasion for seven members of the panel who have been part of all three winning squads. Seadna Morey, Colm Galvin, Tony Kelly, Cathal O’Connell, Peter Duggan, Jamie Shanahan and Aaron Cunningham played significant roles in Saturday’s superb victory over Wexford at Thurles. Joint managers Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor who have been in charge for all three successes, introduced the players and the backroom team to rousing cheers. They went on to thank their fellow mentors and all members of the backroom team. Earlier Mayor of …

“I’m glad the point meant something. It would have meant nothing if we’d lost the match” said Domhnall O’Donovan of his last gasp point which resulted in Saturday’s replay. He made his comments while being interviewed in front of thousands of Clare people at the team’s homecoming in Ennis this evening. The Clonlara corner back also said the score had been “one of the best things I’ve done in my life.” Captain Patrick Donnellan said he hoped Clare “will have many more of these days” and he said the under 21 success had helped to focus the seniors. “We’re on the crest of a wave and the under 21s showed us the way to a degree,” he commented. Donnellan now has his first Celtic Cross and he said the All Ireland will be well celebrated. “Days like yesterday have been few and far between in recent years so we’ll make the most of it.” Wing forward John Conlon said his nerves had …

A JOINT joint homecoming celebration is planned for the Clare under-21 and senior hurling teams, who are facing All-Ireland final deciders. The joint homecoming will take place on Sunday, September 29 at Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park (Fairgreen) with a time to be confirmed, Clare Local Authorities have announced. Planned activities include music and other entertainment. “The replay of the senior final on Saturday, September 28, coupled with the commonality between the U-21 and senior panels, has resulted in a unique situation. Following consultation with the Clare GAA County Board it has been agreed that a joint homecoming event is appropriate having regard to the overall circumstances,” said Gerard Dollard, Ennis town manager and Director of Services. Meanwhile, the council has confirmed that there are no plans to repeat the big screen event hosted in Abbey Street car park on Sunday last. Mr Dollard said while the event proved very successful with over 3,000 people enjoying the occasion, the timing …

The global Clare community and Ennis App users around the world will have to wait another three weeks to view live pictures of the team’s homecoming. Since last week’s decision to broadcast the homecoming live on the Ennis App and on www.ennisapp.ie, locals and the diaspora have taken to social media to spread news of the broadcast around the world. Nashville-based country star and Ennis native, Maura O’Connell, was among those to retweet news of the live broadcast. In the 48 hours prior to throw-in, the 8,000 Ennis App users were also given an exclusive opportunity to send greetings on the live broadcast to their loved ones across the globe. Requests flooded in for the Banner from communities in the USA, Australia, across Europe and Asia. These requests will be held for use in three weeks and in the meantime, the invitation is extended to continue sending in requests to support@ennisapp.ie. Those who wish to send greetings should state their …