Clareman-of-the-year accolade for Kilfenora stalwart

THE Clare Association in Dublin is to honour Kilfenora Céilí Band leader, John Lynch as the Clare man of the year for 2010. The award will be officially presented to John at the association’s annual dinner in the Red Cow Hotel, Dublin, in February. Ennis man, Tony Mulvey, who has worked for over 50 years as a Clare Champion reporter, is to be honoured with a hall of fame award.
Chairman of the Clare Association, Liam O’Looney said the award to John Lynch was both a personal tribute and recognition of the huge contribution made by the band to the tradition and culture of Clare over the past 100 years.
“Kilfenora Céilí Band, with its many wonderful musicians down through the years, has showcased the very best of Clare music at a local, national and international level. The band’s name is instantly recognisable as being a part of our county and we are very proud of them,” said Mr O’Looney.
“John Lynch has played a very important role in the development of the Kilfenora Céilí Band in recent years and this has been particularly evident during this year’s centenary celebrations,” he added.
Speaking of Tony Mulvey’s induction into the hall of fame, Mr O’Looney said it was in recognition of his outstanding work as a journalist covering affairs in the Banner County over half a century.
“He has brought the news to us in a very fair and unbiased manner and is highly respected as a journalist,” he said.
“Both award-winners are Clare men who have made an impact on their county and they deserve to be honoured,” concluded Mr O’Looney.