Clare County Council will host a homecoming for the Clare Senior Hurling Team who defeated Cork at Croke Park today to win their fifth All-Ireland Championship title.
The event will take place from 6pm tomorrow, Monday, July 22, at 2024 at Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park, formerly the Fair Green, in Ennis. The players and members of the management team will be introduced to the crowd. Planned activities include big screen entertainment and musical entertainment from One September and others.
Cllr Alan O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, commented, “On behalf of Clare County Council, I want to congratulate the Clare hurlers for the pride they have brought to the people of the county with their outstanding performances in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship. This year’s campaign has demonstrated the depth of sporting talent that we have in Clare. The determination, skill and fighting spirit of this group of players are a credit to our county.”
According to Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy, Mayor of Ennis Municipal District, “The success of the Clare hurlers this year has given a lift to the entire county. This team has given younger generations a new set of heroes to look up to. Today’s win is testament to the work carried out at underage level in the county over a number of years and I look forward to welcoming home our heroes to Ennis.”
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, said, “I want to congratulate the Clare hurlers on their heroic performance in Croke Park today. They have brought great pride and joy to the whole county with their efforts today and throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming them back to Clare tomorrow with a special homecoming in the Fair Green in Ennis. An Clár abú.”
The following road closures will be in place from 6pm to 11pm on Monday, July 22:
– Newbridge Road and Steele’s Terrace from Club Bridge to Kelly’s Corner Roundabout
– New Road
– Dr Daly Road
– Lifford Rd – one lane open in direction from Kelly’s Corner to Tulla Road
– Parking for people with disabilities and their carers (with a valid disabled person’s pass) will be available at the Courthouse car park and the car park at Áras Contae an Chláir
– Access to the car park at Áras Contae an Chláir, the Courthouse car park and the car park at St Joseph’s Hospital will NOT be available to the general public
– Traffic delays are expected on all approaches to the centre of Ennis, particularly from the Tulla Road direction. Members of the public approaching from this direction are advised to seek an alternative route (via junction 12 or 14 of the M18 motorway) or proceed on foot if possible.
Members of the public travelling by car to the homecoming can avail of free parking at various other locations throughout the town, including: Abbey St Car Park; Bindon St Car Park; Cornmarket Car Park; Cloughleigh Car Park; Friars Walk Car Park; Friary Car Park; Glór Car Park; Lower Market St Car Park; Market Place Car Park; Parnell St Car Park; Waterpark House; and Woodquay Car Park.
Paid public parking: Dunnes Stores multi-storey, Tesco, the Market multi-storey (patrons should check with operators regarding closing times).
Other available 24-hour parking: Cois na hAbhna; Lidl; Gaelscoil; Aldi; Gort Road Business Park; Coláiste Mhuire; old Ennis National School; Curley’s Furniture (West Point Retail Park); Westgate Business Park, Kilrush Road; and Holy Family School.
The event will be an alcohol-free event. A number of licensed local traders will operate at the event providing both hot and cold food and non-alcoholic drinks. Local businesses in the area will also remain open that evening to facilitate those attending the event.
On-site spectator arrangements: There will be a stage and additional big screens in place to ensure that people attending will get to enjoy the entertainment, which includes live performances and other entertainment, both before and after the Clare team’s arrival. Additional lighting, First Aid, and sanitary facilities will also be in place for the event.
Photographs and video will be taken at the event, which may be used in Council publicity, promotional reports, our website and on social media. See www.clarecoco.ie for details of our photography policy and privacy notice. Members of the public attending the event are requested to comply with instructions or guidance provided by stewards and members of An Garda Síochána.
Andrew Hamilton is a journalist, investigative reporter and blogger who has been working in the media in Ireland for the past 20 years. His areas of special interest include the environment, mental health and politics.