STARStars shine at Community Games awards

THE Golden Vale Clare Community Games All-Star awards function and 40th anniversary celebrations were held in the West County Hotel, Ennis on Friday night.
Seventy-five children from 19 areas across the county received awards. Amongst the invited guests were Mayor of Clare Pat Hayes, Mayor of Ennis Michael Guilfoyle, Micheál Roche representing main sponsors Golden Vale milk, Chief Superintendent John Kerin, Fr Willie Russell and Billie Saunderson representing the International Police Association.
In his address, Mayor of Clare Pat Hayes acknowledged all involved in Community Games for their commitment to the children. He admired the hard work, dedication and commitment of all the volunteers who have kept the games going over the past 40 years. This was reiterated by the Mayor of Ennis Michael Guilfoyle who said Ennis Town Council were always available to help and support Community Games with facilities such as Lees Road complex.
County chairman Pat Taylor congratulated the all stars and welcomed everyone. He thanked Golden Vale, and all the organisation’s sponsors and supporters, participants and volunteers.
The chairman’s award was presented to Annalee Marsh of Broadford/Kilbane/Kilmore for her performance in the indoor soccer competition.
Each year, a hall of fame award is presented to someone who has given outstanding service to Community Games over a number of years. This year, president John O’Sullivan presented the award to John Cunningham of Doora/Barefield for his hard work at both area and county level over the past 20 years.
Billie Saunderson presented the International Police Cup to Margaret O’Halloran and Rob Stephen, secretary and chairman of Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Community Games, as the winners of the most involved area in Clare for 2011. They now go forward to contest the Munster and national finals in Ballinasloe on Saturday, November 19.
Entertainment was provided by four groups who participated in the national finals in Athlone, Carrigaholt/Cross set-dancing group, Quin/Clooney modern dance group, Broadford/Kilbane/Kilmore contemporary Irish dance group and Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry variety group.

AGM
THE annual general meeting of Clare Community Games will take place on Tuesday, November 8 in West County Hotel at 8pm. All areas should have three delegates at the meeting.

An Droichead
THE annual general meeting of An Droichead took place recently when the following committee was elected: Chairperson, Marie Conlan; secretary, Caroline Moloney; treasurer, Moss O’Shea; PRO, Tommy Casey; games director, Moss O’Shea; youth officer, Monica McMahon; children’s officer, Ceppy Moloney; committee members, Caroline Fortune-Moloney, Nuala Finnin, Anne Moloney and Mary Guerin.