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MORE than 6,000 people flocked to North East Clare for the 35th Feakle Festival, which wrapped up, leaving audiences and organisers “exhausted but very happy”, last Monday (August 8).  After two years of virtual events, visitors from all over Ireland, Europe, the US and as far afield as Japan descended on the village for what has been described as “out of this world”.  Local publican and member of the organising committee, Gary Pepper, said any worries about competition with the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Mullingar were quickly set aside. “It seems that the word went around at the Fleadh that Feakle was hopping,” he said.   “So, lots of people left the Fleadh and came here and it really added to the event in terms of the quality of the music. We expected a good festival, but it was a bit like preparing for an All-Ireland final with the Fleadh up against us. It seems that, if the Fleadh …

Clare Community Games will have 92 children representing them in track, field and relay events at the Community Games National Athletic finals this Saturday in Carlow SETU Campus (formerly IT Carlow). On Saturday over 60 of the participants in the National Finals had a Meet and Greet and coaching session in O’Sullivan Park. It was arranged by Paula Byrne O’Connell, county chairperson. It was beautiful to see so many smiling children in glorious sunshine so eager to meet and make new friendships. Thanks to Marie, Martin, Colm. Gabriel and the parents who helped to give tips and encouragement to the children on their particular event. Best of luck to all in the finals on Saturday. Busy Time St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games are having a very busy few weeks completing team competitions. The winners will qualify for the Munster finals on September 10 with some preliminary games to be played on September 3. Some are also preparing for …

PAT Conway completed the Lahinch to Liscannor Swim on Sunday for the 50th and final time. While he will continue to be involved in its organisation and in fundraising, it will be the last time Pat will be in the water for the annual swim which he founded as a teenager and kept running for decades. Well what a day!Congrats Pat on your 50th swim, an emotional day.Such a fantastic afternoon with a record number of swimmers participating this year.Thank you Pat for all you've done.Such an incredible achievement 💛🌻🐳📷Liamgranty#patconwayswim#burrenchernobylproject pic.twitter.com/PtZj4d6VU2 — Burren Chernobyl BCP (@BcpBurren) August 7, 2022 “There was a massive crowd and we had 120 swimmers. I think the sponsorship will be in the region of €25,000 so it was a great day,” said Pat this week. Large crowds were present in Liscannor as Pat came in and a presentation was made to him to mark the milestone. “I was presented with a lovely plaque, which I …

St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield added the Under 15A Academy football final to their U15 Division 1 crown with a 5-6 to 3-8 defeat of Éire Óg GOING back decades there are few derbies in the county that excite the two clubs more than when the Parish meet the Townies. Far more important finals have been played over the decades between the two clubs yet in Gurteen on Thursday as the summer light began to decline this Under 15 academy final gave the large crowd so much to enjoy. Some 48 hours earlier St Joseph’s captured the County A title but there was no doubting that they wanted the double and a capable and confident Éire Óg side stood in their way. Over the course of the hour the home side played 31 players. Yet, whilst all the hype was around St Joseph’s it was Michael Considine’s crew that made the home side look quite ordinary for the first half. The searing …

Eoin Brennan watched Inagh-Kilnamona draw 4-4 to 2-10 with Ballyea after extra-time in the U13A Academy final Inagh-Kilnamona and Ballyea will have to do it all over again for the Under 13 Academy A honours after Ballyea’s never-say-die attitude twice reeled in Inagh-Kilnamona at the death in Clareabbey last Thursday evening. Not that any supporters will be complaining about an extra helping of such a thrilling 80 minute rollercoaster ride that was as compelling as any final one is likely to witness this year. Having led for the last 40 minutes, Inagh-Kilnamona appeared poised to retain their Under 13 reserve title for the first time in their history. However, Ballyea’s character powered to the surface for a grandstand finish as points from talisman Ben Casey (2) and Ryan Galvin were dramatically capped off by an injury-time equaliser through centre-back Micheál Hanrahan to force extra-time. Buoyed by that reprieve, Ballyea maintained that momentum into the additional periods as despite facing into …

A late flurry of green flags sealed the deal as St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield beat Clooney-Quin 4-9 to 1-8 in the U15 Division 1 final Three goals in the last 20 minutes finally cemented St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield’s Under 15 Division 1 title retention over neighbours Clooney-Quin in Cusack Park, Ennis on Tuesday evening. Despite only possessing three survivors (Liam Clune, Darragh Ball, Diarmuid Boyle) from the side that contested last year’s final victory over Lissycasey, the Parish led from start to finish in a fully merited win. Soaring as much as nine clear against the conditions in the opening period, Doora/Barefield were anticipated to canter to victory on the restart but instead saw their comfortable cushion whittled down to just two by a determined Clooney-Quin by the two-thirds mark. However, that scare only seemed to motivate St Joseph’s into life once more as three goals in the space of just 17 minutes through substitute Graham Ball (2) and captain Liam Clune …

IN the region of 6,000 patrons flocked to view or participate in the 30th annual South-East Clare Show in Bridgetown last Sunday. In fact, show organisers estimate gate receipts were 3% up from 2019, as thousands converged at the Bridgetown Showgrounds for what was described as an “amazing show”. It was the first opportunity in the last three years for the show committee to showcase local and national competitions due to Covid-19 restrictions. Show secretary, Yvonne McNamara said there was an exceptional entry growth in the home produce and horticulture section, which she believed was due to people having had the opportunity during Covid-19 lockdown to perfect baking and vegetable growing and associated knowledge. The show was opened by newly appointed Clare County Council chairman, Councillor Tony O’Brien as he was escorted through the grounds by members of the Mounted Garda Unit and traditional bag pipe player, Philip Doran before welcoming everybody. The varied weather forecast did not stop the …