ENNIS man Tony Mulvey, who completed 50 years as a journalist with The Clare Champion last year, was honoured by the Clare Association in Dublin on Friday night.

At the organisation’s annual dinner at Moran’s Red Cow Hotel, Tony was presented with the hall of Fame award by Muintir an Chláir chairman, Liam O’Looney.
Making the presentation, Mr O’Looney told the gathering, “Tony has worked in all areas of journalism and his reporting has always been fair and balanced. He has reported on the activities of the Clare Association in Dublin for over 30 years. The fact that Clare County Council afforded him a civic reception says it all and Muintir an Chláir is privileged to honour Tony with the hall of fame award.”
Tony said he was honoured to be chosen by Muintir an Chláir for this award. “It is a great honour and it is a great occasion for me, my wife, Margaret, and my family”.
He went on to pay tribute to his “work colleagues, past and present, who helped me through the past half century when I was employed by The Clare Champion”. He also paid tribute to the proprietors of The Clare Champion, the Galvin family.
Thanking the Clare Association, Tony said, “They too are over 50 years on the road and no words of mine could adequately describe what they have achieved for the people of the Banner County during that time. They started out with the aim of helping Clare people find accommodation and a job on arrival in Dublin. The focus of the association’s work has changed somewhat over the years. Its activities are now mostly concentrated on fundraising for Clare charities while, at the same time, providing an enjoyable social outlet for Clare people and their friends in Dublin.”
He continued, “Receiving the award from a great friend Liam O’Looney makes this occasion extra special”.