Tuamgraney’s mayoral battle fuels Gathering fever

EXCITEMENT is reaching fever pitch in Tuamgraney this week as the battle for the coveted mayoral crown intensifies in the lead-up to the local Gathering celebration.

Pupils in Tuamgraney National School voted for their preferred candidate on Wednesday morning after learning about politics and elections are carried out for local and national government.
The eagerly awaited outcome for the 2013/2014 Mayor of Tuamgraney contest will be revealed on Sunday night at the back of Nuala’s pub.

While current mayor Ted Minogue appears to be in the driving seat with 34.6% of the first vote, he still could be overtaken by his challengers, Frances O’Neill on 25%, Anthony Dillon on 21.2% and Liam Furlong on 19.2%.
A lot could depend on how many events their own supporters attend during the eagerly awaited Tuamgraney The Gathering 2013 festival, which runs from this Thursday until next Monday.

With 17 different events in the enticing line-up, voters will receive one vote for each event they attend so an enthusiastic fan could literally collect 17 votes for one of the candidates.

Ted Minogue, who runs Ted’s Fruit and Vegetable shop in Scariff, is doing his utmost to keep the mayoral chain.
However, he is facing stiff opposition from Ennis native, Frances O’Neill, who is involved in carers’ group and O’Neill’s Nurseries having settled in Tuamgraney over 40 years ago.

Having moved back to East Clare over 15 years ago, Anthony Dillon, who works in Clare Waste and Recycling, has played an active role in the GAA club, local fundraising and social activities.
Tuamgraney native and former Finsa Products employee, Liam Furlong, who is the current vice-chairman of Tuamgraney Development Association, is also campaigning hard for votes.

Candidates got a good reception when they canvassed after Saturday evening mass in scenes, which were reminiscent of old-style political canvassing.

A huge crowd is expected to attend the myriad of activities during the five-day festival. Having built up a database of over 600 people on social media with connections to Tuamgraney, eight people from Australia, five from the United States and a large number from the United Kingdom who have connections with the Hogan and Daly families will make the trip to East Clare for the festival.

Keen golfing enthusiasts from Dublin, Kildare and other parts of the country have signed up for the Ryder Cup-style golf tournament between representatives and friends from the two main public houses Hassett’s and Nuala’s in East Clare Golf Club.

Clare hurling supporters on their way home from the Munster Senior Hurling Championship clash against Waterford in Thurles on Sunday can call into the monster barbecue the Memorial Park in the village as part of the fun day, which runs from 5pm to 9pm.

Tuamgraney Gathering Weekend committee secretary, Mary Cassidy believes the action-packed programme will provide something for people of all ages.

“There is a great buzz in the village ahead of the Gathering. We have kept people informed on social media what will be happening with regular updates over the past few weeks.

“We have added a lot of new events this year such as a fishing workshop in Reddan’s Quay and hip-hop dancing to give young people an opportunity to try out something they wouldn’t normally do,” she explained.
Music is a theme across the whole weekend with a concert on Thursday night featuring Kate Purcell, Trilogy and special guest, Manus McGuire.

Hassett’s Bar will host an ’80s’ night on Saturday night, while a monster céilí will be held at Nuala’s Marquee on the same night with music from well known céilí band The Glenside from County Longford.
The annual parish Sports Day will be held next Monday. This year sees the first bonny baby competition and the committee encourages anyone with a baby under one year to come along and enter.