THE contribution of the late William McLysaght to the state-of-the-art facilities at Raheen Community Hospital will be remembered in a fundraising climb of Moylussa on Saturday, January 14. Mr McLysaght was co-founder of Raheen Hospital Support Group and passed away in May of last year. His efforts, combined with those of a dedicated committee, facilitated significant development and expansion of the HSE-run hosptial, which will shortly unveil a new extension and kitchen facilities. As well as paying tribute to Mr McLysaght, the aim of the fundraising climb is to secure services for those who attend the day centre in Raheen, through the purchase of a new mini-bus. The existing bus has been on the road for six years taking people from 17 villages and townlands to Raheen for a range of vital services, five-days-a-week. “After those years on the roads of East and South East Clare, from Flagmount down to O’Brien’s Bridge, the bus needs to be replaced,” explained Mary …
Read More »Great East Clare Hill Challenge a huge success
FATIGUE and tired limbs failed to dampen the sense of achievement at the Belvoir carpark of the 12 O’Clock Hills last weekend, as hikers and walkers returned from a hugely successful Great East Clare Hill Challenge. Up to 130 hikers and 15 guides participated, in ideal weather conditions, in the 30km hike, which they completed in eight to nine hours. There were no medals for anyone competing, just the great feeling of accomplishment on completion. This strenuous hike had an early start at 8am from Two Mile Gate, Killaloe. From there, hikers made their way, in stunning July sunshine, to the summit of Moylussa at a height of 532m, the highest peak in Clare. Then, they followed a boggy track along Sliabh Bearna to Cragnamurragh the second highest mountain in the county. After a short break, hikers continued past the Enchanted Lake and then made their descent to link to the East Clare Way and into the village of Broadford …
Read More »Triple Peak Challenge for new community centre
A HUB for all kinds of community activities is on the cards for Montpelier-O’Briensbridge, with major efforts afoot to raise funds to redevelop the old school building. The building has been at the centre of the community since 1898. It served as a primary school until the 1960s and later as an extension to the parish oratory. However, in recent years, it has fallen into some disrepair. A new committee has recently formed to redevelop the building into a modern facility centre for the Montpelier-O’Briensbridge community.“We hope that the old school will become a centre of community life once more,” said Committee Chairperson, Paul Slattery. “We want to honour the great work that has been done before us and use this space to bring people together again.” It is envisaged that the centre will support social activities for the young and old. Dance and music classes, Men’s Shed, 45-drives, coffee mornings and other activities have already been suggested. This coming …
Read More »Climb Moylussa and work off festive excesses
WALKING enthusiasts in South-East Clare have been issued with an open invitation to work off the Christmas excesses by joining Ogonnelloe GAA club on a climb of Clare’s tallest mountain, Moylussa, midday on Saturday, December 29. In its annual Christmas community gathering, the club is going to make the most of its, and the county’s, biggest asset, Moylussa – the tallest point in the Slieve Bernagh Mountains at 532 metres – with an organised walk from midday. Walkers are asked to assemble for 11.45am. Last year, the community put on a special Christmas Musical Gala but, with major renovations on the Community Hall only just completed, it is taking to the outdoors for the 2018 festive season gathering. The starting point for the walk will be Two Mile Gate, with the two to three-hour – depending on levels of fitness – round-trek taking in the top of the mountain and, weather permitting, resplendent views across Lough Derg and well …
Read More »€39,000 to upgrade recreational walks
Some €39,000 has been allocated by the Minister of State for Regional Economic Development Michael Ring to Coillte for the development of new recreational facilities and the maintenance and promotion of existing recreational infrastructures in Clare. The money is to be spent on the maintenance of current walks and trails and is Clare’s allocation from a national fund of €1.3million. The works will facilitate the repair to signage and the barrier at Cahermurphy; the upgrade of the trails, maintenance of seats, new signage and vegetation control in Cratloe and general vegetation control in Doon. Funding will also go towards the general control of vegetation at the access of the East Clare Way at Knocknageeha, general vegetation control around the picnic area and the replacement of the barrier at Gragans Wood; the upgrade of the trails and vegetation control in Kilrush; and the upkeep of trails, new signage and general vegetation control at Moylussa, Ballycuggaran plus the general maintenance of trails …
Read More »Clooney Quin GAA to Climb Moylussa
THE Friends of Clooney/Quin GAA Club prepare are reminding locals of their sponsored climb of Clare’s highest mountain, Moylussa, in Killaloe on December 28. The climb has been organised to raise funds for the Oncology Department of University Hospital, Galway and is being held in solidarity with one of their own who is battling cancer currently, as well as to all the others in the club and parish who have been affected by the disease. The club is reminding those interested in participating that it is a climb that will be no trouble to anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Participants are asked to gather at 12 noon on December 28 and are advised to wear good hiking boots and to bring a walking stick. Following the event there will be a social gathering at The Village Inn in Quin. Further information is available from Haulie Hannon on 086-3456233 or Pat Ryan on 087-2906766. By Carol Byrne
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