SCARIFF NEWS
Issue 77                                                           July 2001

Contents

Camogie  Community Games  Fás scheme   G.A.A.  

GAA Park  I.C.A.   Minor Club  Monthly Draw  

NEW BUS SERVICES   Place-Names around Scariff  

School Holidays   Sportsworld Netting Ltd.

New Fás scheme in place

However perseverance brought its reward and the benefits to the community which have been so evident over the past 6 or 7 years will now continue.

Fund Raising

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A Few Place-Names of Note Around Scariff

Did you ever look around you in Scariff town and its periphery and wonder to yourself if there is or was a name for that area in common use? The chances are that there is. Scariff has, in its town and its marginal districts, a number of place-names that are steeped in history and a few, of more modern aspect, of genuine interest. Let us take a short walk about around Scariff and take a look at a few of the more interesting names. Starting at the Bridge of Scariff there is the Scariff River from which the town takes its name. Looking up the hill we have Bridge Street and a little farther up we have Main Street. Bridge Street is traditionally said to end just below Hickey’s house and from there to Henchy’s is Main Street. From Henchy’s to Harry O’ Meara’s is Market Square. The large open space, which has recently been converted into a public amenity area, is called The Fair Green. The road, which passes Bugler’s Supermarket and out past the Fire Station, keeping to the Upper Top Road leading to Mountshannon is known as The Connaught Road. The road on the lower side of the Fair Green, leading to Scariff Parish Church is called traditionally Chapel Lane because it led directly to the New Parish Church which was built after Emancipation in 1828. Just across the Little Bridge at the bottom of this road is the new hurling field, and we must point out here, that in the course of its construction, the developers dug out an historic landmark there. This was the old Bog Road, which led to Feakle, out over Knockkinseach via Tingaree. It is extremely doubtful if the local G.A.A. would have been at any sort of financial loss through the clandestine use of the unobtrusive little road during matches. It was a favourite Sunday afternoon walk for a great number of people, both young and old during the 1950’s and early 60’s.

Retracing our steps back to the Connaught Road, let us walk to Ballyminogue Cross, where the modern road to Mountshannon branches off downhill, and into the valley, featuring Knock-a-Derwith to our left, and Knockasheshire, to our right. In the 1880’s there was a small lake in that valley, it was probably no more than a glorified duck-pond but it rejoiced in the grand-title of Ballyminogue Lake. This lake drained out to Lough Derg as a tiny stream called the Ballyminogue River. This little rivulet began its life at where the junction of the three roads is, which is, for the time being, is called Scanlon’s Corner. The stream ran its course along the foot of Knochadderwith, at the rear of Eddie Fahy’s house and crossed the road at Deire Graney Cross; it then made its way into the Graney (Scariff) river, which flows nearby. The course of this little river unwittingly created an unusual field name, it cut its course within about forty feet at the bottom of Knockasheshire, and in around 1830, the Grand Jury (old name for the County Council) constructed a new line of roadline from Ballyminogue Cross to Mountshannon, skirting the very foot of Knockasheshire creating a long narrow strip of land between the stream and the new road, that quickly became known as Longbottom. It is now privately owned.

At the end of the Scariff River, the place-name where the river ends and flows into Lough Derg is traditionally spelled Deire Graney-meaning at the end of the Graney.

About 100 metres beyond Deiregraney Cross, at Mrs Murphy’s house, we come to Duggan’s hollow; a steep dip in the landscape, where it was owned by a local man named Steve Duggan. Just up the road from you is the long sloping hill-side that rejoices in the name of Ducey’s hill. We are not sure what future generations will make of this one. Will it be Giblin’s Hill?

Back in Scariff town there remains one more place-name of interest. It is located on the Feakle Road, that is the road between O’Mearas and Paddy Hogans. Travel down this road until you come to the little bridge, look over the earth embankment down into the low-lying field, and you are looking at Lower Canada. The people who populated this little province originated in Feakle parish. Given a choice of emigrating to Upper Canada, during an assisted package scheme during the Great Hunger, they chose to remain at home in Ireland and came to Scariff to be close to the workhouse. They settled in that area of the town and it quickly got the title Lower Canada.

These few places of note show Scariff to be a really interesting place and give it an identity and heritage, which it will be proud of, and probably glad of, in the changing times that are now upon us.

Michael O’Gorman

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Scariff G.A.A. Club

This past month has seen a sizeable increase in local G.A.A. activity with both the club’s adult teams in action.The senior team entered the championship arena in Cusack Park as rank outsiders against county and Munster champions Sixmilebridge. Scariff with great determination threw down the gauntlet to their more wanted opponents and playing with the wind led by 0-8 to 0-7 at the break. Indeed Scariff should have been further ahead at this stage but a combination of bad luck and poor finishing ensured that some great chances went missing. Maintaining a strong and determined display well into the second half, Scariff upped their performance considerably against the wind and led with two minutes to go. However a soft free and a goal allowed the ‘Bridge to take the initiative and they won by 5 points. Despite their disappointment at the result, all Scariff supporters were delighted with the commitment and determination of the team. The team lined out as follows; A. Rodgers, G. Rodgers, P. Moloney, P. Collins, E. Murphy, D. Kelly, G. Crotty, B. McNamara, B. Murphy, P. Minogue, M.Moroney, D. Treacy, M.McKenna, D.Murphy, P. Moroney. Subs. M.Madden, M.Rodgers. Our next match is against Eire Og and a win is a must to ensure a continued interest in the championship.

The Junior A team continued their league campaign with two narrow defeats to Meelick and Newmarket. With a good few players lost to the senior team this team has had to introduce several younger players. The championship for this grade will kick off in a few weeks.

The club is delighted to congratulate Padraig Giblin on his new Sports Netting venture and wish him every success. Padraig has given great service to the club and Padraig, with his family, organised a very attractive fixture between Galway and Kilkenny, which the tribesmen won. Indeed the field and the organisation of the event was first class and was a credit to the field committee.

Finally the senior club would like to congratulate the Primary School on it’s great win in the final in Cusack Park and to their selectors Martin Scanlan, James Nash and James O’Grady.

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Scariff I.C.A.

Scariff I.C.A. will have no more meetings until September the 12^th. Due to the ‘Foot and Mouth’ the last of the lectures on Self-Development had to be cancelled. They will commence again in September or October.

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The local Derg Club had a very successful outing at the Annual County Athletics’ Day held in Ennis on Sat.23^rd June. Even before the track and field events had begun, they had already been awarded two prizes, the first being the Perpetual Mascot Shield for having the best mascot in the parade, which was Aideen McNamara, dressed as the Derg Princess. The second award was the Shannon Development Perpetual Cup for the best presented area in the parade. This was accepted by Pat Thornton, Chairman of the Derg Club.

Attention then turned to the field at Roslevan where the winning streak continued for Derg. Patrick Minogue won a gold medal in the Boys u16 100m. He now goes on to represent the Club at Mosney in August. Catherine O’Brien won a silver medal in the girl’s u17 Javelin, while Mairead Scanlan won a bronze in the girl’s u14 80m hurdles and Alan Corbett also won a bronze in the boys u10 60m hurdles. Kate Minogue completed the list of winners by being awarded a certificate in the girl’s u13 900m walk.

The Club would like to thank Brian Akers and Anthony McNamara for coaching the children for the County Finals.

Well done to all the athletes who competed and congratulations to the winners.

Marie McNamara (Sec.)

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The June draw will take place in the Market House on Wednesday July 4^th at 9pm.

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Scariff Camogie Club

On the 10^th June in Bodyke GAA field Scariff’s u-12 Camogie team played Killanena in a very exciting final. It was a beautiful day and it was very well supported. The girls played very well and we were 2 goals to 1 up at half time. We seemed to have that little bit of an edge on Killanena. Soon after the start of the second half Scariff got another goal but I must say Killanena fought hard to come back into the game. The girls eventually became secured victory when they scored another goal with 10 minutes to go.

It was a great day for all the girls and they would sincerely like to thank their trainers Mary Rodgers and Catherine O’Brien for all their support and training during the year. The club would also like to thank our sponsors, Rodgers Bar & Supermarket, Hassett’s Bar & Lounge , T.C. Murphy Transport, Derg Credit Union and James Nash Solicitors.

Olive Madden

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School Holidays

Scariff Community College – Reopens for Leaving Certs. and First years on the 4^th of September. 3^rd years and 2^nd years come back on the 5^th of September. On the 9^th of September Fifth Year and Transition Year return.

Cooleenbridge School will close on the 29^th June and re-opens on the 3^rd of September.

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Scariff Minor Club

Underage hurling is now in full swing at the moment. The under-10’s took part in the Noel Sheedy Tournament in Killaloe. They were drawn against the host team who were a much stronger outfit. They will also take part in the Lenmac tournament in the near future.

The u-12’s got off to a great start in their championship beating Tulla and Broadford. They have six more games to be played over the next few weeks.

The Minor championship gets under way on this Friday 29^th June with the first game against Meelick.

The U-16’s will start the following week on Sunday July 8^th with their first game against Ballyea.

John Fenton one of Cork’s great hurlers paid a visit to the Scariff Minor Club recently and spent the day coaching both under-age and senior players. The club would like to thank Padraig Giblin Sportsworld Netting Ltd for organising the visit and sponsoring refreshments for the day.

A very successful race night was held in Rodgers Bar on June 10^th. The club would like to thank everyone who helped out on the night; all those who bought horses and a special word of thanks to all our sponsors who very generously sponsor us year after year.

Minor Club Race Nite Sponsors

Michael Corry-Contractor. Judy O’Meara –Dentist

M.Kavanagh-Harbour Bar. C&M Cabs

Kilkenny –Sound & Light Eamon Moloney’s –Bar

D.Brown-Betaway Bookmakers Hogan Computer Services

J. Kavanagh-Butcher G.Quinn-Car Sales

E.Long-Newsagent & Shop Paddy Hogan’s-Bar

Rodgers-Foodstore & Bar Kieran Gleeson’s Foodstore

Vinnie Henchy’s Bar H.O’Meara-Pharmacy

Eamon Giblin’s Bar J.Nash-Solicitor

G.Treacy-Service Station Mike Ryan’s Bar

Medical Centre Bank of Ireland

Derg Credit Union Tom Hanley

Finsa Forest Products K.Bane & Sons- Auctioneers

Jimmy Ryan-Accountant Mr. Binman

Pat O’Connor-Building Contractor Golden Vale

Mary Minogue

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Event at the Park

Monday evening, June 25th, saw the culmination of weeks of preparation when Scariff GAA Park hosted the launch of Padraig Giblin's new product - the retractable netting system - and a challenge game between two of the favourites for this year's All-Ireland, Galway and Kilkenny.

In preparation for the event, the final stages in the extension of the pitch were completed, the buildings were painted, seating was provided, the dug-outs were finished and hundreds of other smaller, nevertheless essential, tasks were undertaken.

There was a huge attendance at the launch which was performed by Charlie McCreevy TD, Minister for Finance and of course for the game afterwards which was won by Galway. All were most impressed with the standard of facilities and the progress of the development.

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Sportsworld Netting Ltd.

The Company was set up by Padraig Giblin in 1999 following requests from various sporting bodies throughout county Clare to provide high netting behind goalposts. Within months this retractable netting system became extremely popular with sports clubs throughout northern and southern Ireland. The Company has full insurance cover and maintains the highest safety standards for all their fully trained staff. All necessary machinery is provided with rubber tracks to minimise damage to sports grounds. A standard job takes 2 working days approximately. The Company also provides anti litter protection for County Council refuse sites throughout the country.

Benefits & Features

A retractable high netting system erected behind goalposts or along perimeters of playing pitches to prevent balls from leaving sports grounds or public amenity areas. Suitable for hurling, gaelic football, golf, soccer, rugby and cricket.

Advantages of a retractable netting system

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NEW BUS SERVICES IN EAST CLARE

Bus Éireann, in conjunction with East Clare Accessible Transport (ECAT), has, from 24 June, launched new bus services connecting Scariff to Gort and on to Galway, to Killaloe and on to Limerick, Nenagh and Dublin. The routes and times chosen have followed research undertaken by ECAT and subsequent discussions with Bus Éireann.

The new services are as follows:

Scariff - Limerick (Monday – Friday)

Depart Scariff at 0900 change at Killaloe for Limerick (arriving at 1020)

Depart Limerick at 1330 change at Killaloe for Scariff (arriving at 1455)

Scariff - Nenagh (Tuesdays & Fridays)

Depart Scariff at 0900 to Nenagh (arriving at 1005) via Portroe with connections to Dublin.

Depart Nenagh at 1355 arriving in Scariff at 1455.

Scariff – Gort (Fridays only)

Depart Scariff at 0850 via Feakle (0910) to Gort (arriving at 0945) with connections to Galway (arriving at 1040)

Depart Gort at 1415 (Galway at 1305) via Feakle (1455) arriving in Scariff at 1515.

ECAT is in the process of preparing a Business Plan for funding under the Social Economy Programme and the Rural Transport Initiative in order to provide a comprehensive network of feeder services from various parts of East Clare. They will enable people to connect with these new services and with those already in operation to Ennis via Feakle and Tulla on Thursdays and to Limerick via Killaloe on Saturdays. ECAT hopes to be in a position to launch these feeder services before the end of 2001.

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