Champion stars of 2010 honoured

THE work of a Barefield-based charity, which provides therapy for over 170 children with special needs, was officially recognised by The Clare Champion at its sixth annual awards night in the Clare Inn Hotel last Friday night.

Ann Norton, who runs the Clare Crusaders Clinic with a team of volunteers and therapists including accountant Frank Cassidy, was presented with the overall Personality of the Year award at the ceremony.
The mother-of-three, whose eldest daughter, Nicole has cerebral palsy, has to raise €250,000 annually to pay for the running costs of the service, which doesn’t receive Government funding.
On the night, the hurling and football championship teams of 2010 were presented with their awards, while individual award winners included Shannon’s Tess Barry; Doonbeg and West Clare Drama organiser, Murt McInerney; Doolin Search and Rescue chief officer, Mattie Shannon; West Clare Gaels captain, Michelle Downes; Corofin camogie star Claire Commane; All-Ireland junior handball winner, Declan Frawley; Irish boxing champion, Keelan Sexton; Munster athletics champion, Harriet Flynn from Shannon; Avenue United goalkeeper, John Healy and sportswoman and golf star, Sinead Sexton.
Surprised by the award, Ms Norton acknowledged it is great for the charity to receive recognition but stressed their main focus is on the provision of therapy for children with disabilities.
“Frank and I are parents who are trying to do the best for our children. The clinic provides therapy for about 170 children. Every week new children are coming on board and the numbers will continue to get bigger and bigger. All the money raised from donations and fundraising goes directly to therapy,” she said.
Clare Champion managing director, John Galvin said while sport plays a vital role in people’s lives, it is important to honour unsung groups and individuals, who work to make communities a better place. “I salute tonight’s award winners and wish them every success in the future. I would also like to thank players, mentors, officials and supporters for the co-operation given to our sports team throughout the year and to everyone who has supported us down through the years to help us remain Clare’s favourite newspaper.
“Our reporting team, led by editor, Austin Hobbs; news editor, Gerry McInerney and sports editor, Seamus Hayes are the best in the business and together with our photographers have won numerous awards over the years for the quality and depth of their coverage,” he said.
Mr Galvin noted that The Clare Champion’s sponsorship of the senior hurling and football leagues have revitalised these competitions, while he said its financial support for Clare primary schools is the only way to secure the future of GAA in the county.
Clare county board vice-chairman, Joe Cooney, who congratulated all the community and sports winners, praised The Clare Champion for acknowledging the achievements.