Community Games All-Stars enjoy the limelight

THREE-hundred-and-fifty adults and children celebrated with the 71 all-star award recipients at the annual function in the West County Hotel on Friday night.

Pat Taylor, Community Games’ chairman, welcomed all to the evening of celebration and acknowledged everyone who make it possible for the games to flourish. He thanked Padraic McNicholas Munster Group Insurances for coming on board this year as main sponsor at a time when most businesses were experiencing economic pressures.  Mr McNicholas, in his address, said it is an organisation he admires and is delighted his company could support Clare Community Games.
The Mayor of Clare, Councillor Pat Daly congratulated all the winners and all the volunteers that make it possible for up to 10,000 children to participate in the 55 sporting and cultural activities that Community Games offers every year.
Councillor Peter Considine, Mayor of Ennis expressed his appreciation to all involved and especially parents who ensure that their children take an active part in the organisation.
John Kerin, Garda Chief Superintendent attended and Billy Saunderson presented the International Police Association Cup to Quin/Clooney Community Games for being winners of the most involved area in the county award. As winners, they now go on to represent the county at the National Area Award Finals in Ballinasloe on November 24.
Jimmy Maher from Quin/Clooney received the Hall of Fame award for over 30 years of Community Games service.
Entertainment was provided by harpist Sophie Barbotin from Quin/Clooney, winner of the gold medal at the national finals in solo music and by the Ballynacally/Lissycasey set dancers, also gold medal winners. 

County AGM
WITH lots of changes proposed for 2013 at the national finals, this year’s AGM on Tuesday, November 6 will be one of the most important meetings to attend for a long time. Every Community Games area is encouraged to attend and ensure the area general meeting is organised as soon as possible. Areas requiring assistance or advice should contact the county secretary, Mary Loughnane who will arrange for a member of the county executive or development committee to attend.

Keep Clare clean competition
THE Keep Clare Clean Competition is continuing this year and Friday, November 9 is the closing date for entries. Children can enter a poster or a poem. There is no entry fee for this competition.

Dates to remember
November 6: County AGM in the West County Hotel at 8pm; November 9: Closing date for entry to Keep Clare Clean Competition; November 24: National Area Awards, Sheerwater Hotel, Ballinasloe; December 7: Exhibition and presentations at Ennis Town Council Offices of Keep Clare Clean awards.