Tag Archives: Bodyke

IMAGINE a “sweet shop for grown women” crossed with Aladdin’s Cave of colour, and nestled in the rolling hills of East Clare. It’s a far cry from her native Rathfarnham, but this is where millinery designer Ailish McElroy has made her home and found her passion. Working from her studio and show room in Annaghneal, a stone’s throw from Bodyke, Ailish has been grabbing headlines recently, and award nominations, for her highly creative and environmentally sustainable approach to fashion. The Dubliner made the leap into self-employment after a downturn the graphic design sector, where she previously worked for a number of international companies, and has never looked back. Her bravery and creativity were rewarded when she was recently chosen to compete with the very best in the creative sector as part of the forthcoming Irish Fashion Innovation Awards  later this year. “I was notified back in January and it was as complete surprise and an honour,” Ailish explained. “It’s one …

After two closely contested games at Cusack Park this evening, Crusheen-Tubber and Bodyke were crowned under 21 B and C hurling champions respectively. For the second week in a row Crusheen-Tubber needed extra time to get over the line, this time accounting for Broadford in the B decider on a final scoreline of 1-17 to 0-13 Fortunate to force the additional period, they were the better side in the additional twenty minutes. They trailed by a point as the game entered the last minute of normal time when they were awarded a penalty. Ross Hayes’ effort flew wide of J.C. McMahon’s left hand upright just before three minutes of ‘additional’ time were signalled. Four extra minutes had been played when Cillien Mullins sent over an excellent equaliser and they went on to dominate the extra period, outscoring their opponents 0-4 to 0-1 in the first period before adding 1-1 in the second period. While Broadford supporters were, understandably, annoyed that …

The death occurred last night (Wednesday) of Mr Colm Wiley of Bodyke, former Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. A popular figure in his parish and throughout the county, Mr Wiley was a Fianna Fáil representative on the council for 30 years. Some years back, he was honoured at a special function in Mountshannon attended by the then Taoiseach Brian Cowen. During his time as a member of Clare County Council, he held a number of positions, including as chairman of the council itself from 1994 to 1995. During his time in the council, Mr Wiley he saw 16 councillors pass on the chain of office and worked with five county managers. He started out with Fianna Fáil while working in Dublin in 1959, where he attended meetings at the party’s Dublin South Central branch at a time when the then Taoiseach Seán Lemass was also a member. Mr Wiley went to England for work before returning to Ennis to contest …

Ballyea 0-22 Feakle 2-13   Ballyea moved to within a step of a first ever Clare senior hurling championship title when they accounted for Feakle at Cusack Park this afternoon. A superb performance from Gearoid O’Connell at centre back was a key ingredient in this victory on a day whenTony Kelly again top scored for his side with )-8 to his credit, six coming from  play. Feakle played with the aid of the breeze in the opening half but Ballyea were in a strong position at half time when the sides were on level terms, 0-9 for the eventual winners to 1-6, the first half goal having come from  Colin Nelson. The winners made a blistering start to the second half with five unanswered points in the first seven minutes and from here on Feakle were chasing the game. they fought back to within two points of the winners when Martin Daly goaled three minutes from time but try as they …

Bodyke 3-9 Corofin 0-16 Bodyke bridged a thirty year gap at Cusack Park on Friday evening when they captured the county under 21 C championship title at the expense of Corofin. The East Clare club recorded their only previous success in this championship in 1985 when they overcame the challenge of Crusheen. A Bodyke victory didn’t appear likely at half time in Friday’s final when they trailed by nine points, 0-2 to 0-11. Corofin would not have been flattered with a greater lead at this stage such was the dominance they had enjoyed when playing with the aid of the breeze in the opening half. On the resumption, Bodyke made a few positional switches which were to prove crucial. The switch of Patrick Walsh to midfield and the move of Paddy Fitzgerald to the full forward line were moves that caused a lot of problems for Corofin. Seven minutes into the second half Corofin lost goalkeeper Liam Corbett with a …

Bodyke-based milliner, Ailish McElroy has recently launched her own line of handmade, bespoke hats and headpieces. Ailish is originally from Rathfarnham in Dublin and worked abroad for a few years, before returning to Ireland to settle in Bodyke with her family. Her designs are classic and edgy, with maximum elegance, creating that finishing touch to complement any outfit. Specialising in unique and imaginative headpieces, she was the official milliner for the Clare Rose at this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival. Millinery is a craft form that has been rapidly expanding of late and Ailish explains how she got involved in it. “I have always been a very creative person and I have been a graphic designer for many years. I always had an intense interest in all types of design; fashion, interiors, architecture. After attending Ladies Day at the Galway Races last year, I developed an interest in millinery. I was soul-searching for an area I could devote myself …

He  is known as the Mandiago priest in his adopted home in The Gambia but for the next few months, Fr John (Jackie) Sharpe, CSSP, will be in Bodyke parish. He celebrated the golden jubilee of his ordination over the weekend. He has already celebrated his 50 years of service in the Shrine Church he built at Kunkujang, The Gambia in March but his official golden jubilee date falls on July 5. A native of County Tipperary Fr Sharpe’s connection with East Clare goes back to 1965 when he first met Bodyke man, Bishop Michael Moloney, in The Gambia. Having been there since 1937, Bishop Moloney extended him a céad míle fáilte. Reflecting on his 49 years in Africa, Fr Sharpe sits in his Bodyke living room looking out at the beautiful view, content with what his retirement has to offer. He came home in 2009 on sabbatical, after spending nearly 45 years in The Gambia without a break. He was sent …