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First Aid Course  Results of July Draw  Scariff’s u12s Marvellous Victory  

Sponsored Hair Cut  The Empire Strikes Back  Tracing Roots

Up Turkena Way  Webmail

Foreword

It will truthfully be pointed out that the action of this story does not take place in Scariff parish, and that is fair comment, but without the causes and effects element, the incident might not have happened at all. Never forget that when it came to flying the flag of Irish freedom in the faces of the Empire hacks, the men of Scariff were in there with the best of them.

I want to tell you a little story about the "Troubles". Well, not so much about the troubles themselves, but about an incident that occurred just before the Black and Tans were sent here.

Scariff Sinn Fein Club:

Following the execution of the leaders of the Easter Rising 1916, the Catholic Hierarchy came out strongly in condemnation of these executions. Suddenly Sinn Fein was seen as the new Fianna Eireann, the New Departure in Irish Politics, and almost overnight, like mushrooms in sultry August weather, Sinn Fein Clubs were set up in practically every parish in the country. Each Club was named after some hero of the late ‘Rising’. In Scariff the title given to the new organisation was the ‘Thomas Ashe’ Sinn Fein Club. It must be pointed out that the nucleus of these Clubs already existed in many a parish under the Aegis of ‘Ancient Order of Hibernians’ clubs, and in nearly all cases it was the merest formality to change the title.

De Valera – 1917 Election

The nomination of Commandant Eamonn De Valera, sole survivor of the 1916 leaders, was received in East Clare with boundless joy and no effort was spared to promote his election. Scariff was very much to the forefront of this campaign and it was the Scariff Club who worked hand-in-glove with the Sinn Fein Club in O’Callaghan’s Mills in organising a mass-rally in that town in support of De Valera. With this all important election due in October, it was deemed imperative to hold as many rallies as possible before that deadline, so the one in the ‘Mills’ was organised for July.

The ‘Mills’ Rally July 5^th 1917:

The Scariff delegation, which was led by Fr. J. McNamara C.C., included in its ranks, Commandant Tommy Walle, Brud McMahon, Gerry O’Connell, Paddy Harte, Brud Flannery and Mick Duggan to name but a few, arrived in the ‘Mills’ and erected their Tricolour Banner high on an overhead telegraph wire, not far from the speakers platform.

The local police were keeping a low profile on the day, probably because the day was cold and blustery and because the crowd was orderly. However, for reasons best known to them, two of the constables felt themselves obliged to strike a blow for the Empire. They made an effort to take down the Scariff Tricolour but were unable to reach it. Undaunted by this setback and being filled with the fire and zeal, with which empires are built, they decided on another tactic. They repaired to the garden shed of the local doctor who was a keen fisherman and they brought away his dapping rod – they must have been local policemen. They next tied a rag to the dapping rod with some wire tracing and having steeped the rag in paraffin oil they set it ablaze. It was now no problem to reach the Tricolour, which they commenced to set alight. All might have gone well for them but for the fact of the blustery wind, which carried off pieces of the blazing material and deposited them on the thatched roofs of the local houses.

These houses, in their turn showed every sign of becoming a towering inferno to the consternation of the huge crowd. If it was the intention of the two Empire builders to break up the Sinn Fein Rally they were successful beyond their wildest hopes. When the danger of the conflagration was past the rally re-commenced and much propaganda was made from the incident. If anything the heroes in uniform no more than discredited the regime they represented, what’s new, and ensured the successful election of De Valera.

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Scariff’s u12s Marvellous Victory

Scariff’s under 12 team made history when they convincingly won the under 12c county championship by defeating Ruan on Tuesday 21^st of August in Tulla. This is the first ever u12 title to be won by a Scariff team and they were very well supported by a large crowd both young and old.

Scariff took an early lead playing against the breeze when a long ball in was pulled on by Austin Madden and driven to the back of the net. Cathal Nash added 2 points and Austin 1 point leaving a half time score of 1.3 to 2 points for Ruan.

The lads settled into the second half with another point from Cathal. Ruan applied great pressure in this early stage of the second half but with the Scariff defence in superb form they limited Ruan to just two more points. With all the forwards well on top at the other end of the field they went on to score another goal from Austin, one goal and two points from Damien O’Grady which sealed a very confident victory with a final score of 3.7 to 4 points

This was an all round fantastic performance from the team and 3 subs who came on (Tom Grisewood, Kieran Corbett, and Cormac Bane).

On receiving the trophy the captain Damien O’Grady gave great praise to their three mentors – James Nash, Thomas Brady and Anthony McNamara. The panel was presented with togs and socks from sponsors Mike Corry and James Corbett and hurleys were presented to the club by Sean McKenna. A great reception was enjoyed afterwards in the G.A.A. hall.

The team was Mark Mulvihill, Patrick Thornton, Conor Minogue, Donal O’Brien, Diarmuid Nash, Christopher Pearl, Damien O’Grady, Matthew Horan, Austin Madden, Cathal Nash, Brian Corry, Eoin O’Sullivan and Cian McNamara.

Subs: Tom Grisewood, Stephen Bane, Cormac Bane, Darren Corry, Sean Culloo, Kieran Corbett, John Bugler, Aiden Corry.

Mentors James Nash, Thomas Brady and Anthony McNamara.

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 My first visit to Ireland

Dia Dhuit! God be with you all. The Editor of Scariff News asked me to write about the experience of my first trip to Ireland. Before I left for Ireland, my mother said that I would leave a part of my heart in Ireland. Through my many experiences, I would say, not only did I leave a part of my heart in Ireland, but I found a part of my heart as well.

My main focus during my holiday wasn’t seeing all the sights, as beautiful as they are, it was meeting the local people, and getting in touch with my roots.

As a deacon in the Catholic Church, I was impressed with all the grottos honouring our Blessed Mother and the many people who continue to go to daily Mass. One of my cherished highlights was on Father’s Day, I called home and was able to tell my father that I was the Deacon at Mass at The Church of the Sacred Heart, in Scariff, Co. Clare.

The Church of The Sacred Heart, is where my Grandmother, Honora (Mona) McNamara and her entire family was baptized and were active parishioners. I was very impressed with the Sanctuary that was renovated since my parents were there in 1996, and the restored Henry Clarke stained glass windows are beautiful. It was an honour for me to participate and worship at my grandmothers parish. She loved Ireland, she loved her hometown of Scariff and she loved her faith. My entire family’s devotion to their faith was a true inspiration for my vocation to serve God as an ordained minister.

I am very appreciative of the kindness and support that I received from Father Patrick Sexton.

After Mass, my 2^nd cousin, Helena O’Connor, her husband, Leonard and my 3^rd cousin Leona took me to visit the graves of our family. My great-grandparents, Patrick and Nora McNamara share the headstone with Helena’s parents Patrick and Peg Sexton; who was my grandmothers sister. I was also able to view the graves of my Aunt Chris, who I had met when I was a young boy, and Eileen McNamara.

Then they took me to the original McNamara family homestead on Main Street and now I have a framed picture of all of us in front of the home that Helena and Leonard now own.

One of the other wonderful experiences was seeing all the snaps of my immediate family in Helena’s various photo albums. Over the years my mother and grandmother sent her and her mother Peg, these family photos. Even though there was a large ocean separating our families, and even though we never met until Father’s day 2001, we both had pictures of each other in our family photo albums. There is a saying that blood is thicker than water, that statement surely rang true today.

In the States, I love to go sailing. So, I thought it would be fun to rent a sailboat for an afternoon and enjoy the Irish coast. Before sailing at Cobh, we visited the Cobh Heritage Centre and got a good perspective of what it must of been like for my grandparents to emigrate to the US in the late 1920’s.

It was truly an unforgettable experience to sail in the same harbour that my family left Ireland and to see the last sight of Ireland, St. Coleman’s Cathedral, as you go out to sea.

Sharing the harbour with the three Killer Orca whales was truly memorable as well.

The next day, my other cousin Michael O’Riordan and his wife Mary, took us out on their trawler that he built, on the River Shannon. The pictures of the River Shannon that I have seen in the past, as nice as they were, do not compare with being there. This body of water is a special treasure. We travelled past Holy Island, where more of my family is buried. Just this week, when I was talking with Michael and Mary O’Riordan on the telephone, they invited me to come on holiday next year with them for a three week voyage on the River Shannon on their boat, Early Dawn.

The main event of my holiday was the wonderful family reunion that the O’Riordan’s had in Kanturk, Co. Cork. I was able to meet my other cousin Dennis O’Sullivan and his family and my Aunt Molly O’Riordan O’Sullivan (my grandfather’s sister) and then took a snap of the O’Riordan homestead in Kanturk. It is a genuine pleasure to have these wonderful loving people now in my life. Thank you Lord.

It has been a dream of mine all my life to visit Ireland and now that dream came true.

God is good and I am richly blessed. My blessings increased by multitudes, because after my trip to Ireland, my family got bigger. So, now I have more people in my life who love me and I have more family members to love back.

On this trip I learned that I prefer Murphy’s more than Guinness, The Irish Times more than the Irish Independent, and the Irish people more than anything.

I have already started planning my return back.

God Bless.

Reverend Mr. William Riordan III

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 Scariff G.A.A. News

Scariff’s quest for championship honours has failed for another year following their Junior A championship semi-final defeat to favourites Meelick.

Scariff qualified for this stage following a hard-earned win over O’Callaghan’s Mills the week before. With so many players used by the senior team during the year the team mentors Mark McKenna, Michael McNamara (Moynoe) and John Walsh had no choice but to bring in a lot of younger players. Having been lucky to draw with the Mills the previous week Scariff earned full value for their 3 point win. The backs on this occasion, with Dermot Waterstone and David Jones outstanding, played a lot better. With Robbie Madden leading the way in attack a Shane McMahon goal finally ensured victory for Scariff.

Sadly however Scariff’s weaknesses and lack of experience were sadly exploited by a far superior Meelick team. Sharper and more skilful right from the start they got the start Scariff needed and led by 5 points to 1 point after 10 minutes. It was evident at this stage that Scariff were going to struggle. At half time the score read 1-7 to 0-4. Things were to get worse as Meeick ran out convincing winners on a score-line of 3-16 to 1-6. This was a day when very few Scariff players performed but the experience learned will hopefully pay off in the years to come.

Team: M. Long, D. Waterstone, G. Crotty, T. Madden, D. Jones, C. Kavanagh, M.O’Brien, M. Scanlon, K. Mason, A McNamara, T.Crotty, J. Colleran, N. Minogue, R. Madden, S. McMahon. Subs: J. Minogue, M. Collins, D. Mason, P. Myles, and J.O’Brien.

The senior team in their final match drew with Ogonnelloe on a score-line of 1-10 to 2-7. This was a game Scariff should have won as they dominated a lot of the match. The continued problem of not taking our chances and the concession of soft goals meant a draw was the outcome. The performance of Darragh Kelly, not for the first time, was immense and if others could achieve his consistency of performance their success would be a lot closer.

As we write Scariff are involved in a relegation fight with Whitegate and O’Callaghan’s Mills. Having conceded a walk-over to O’Callaghan’s Mills due to only nine seniors turning up, Scariff then beat Whitegate to haul themselves back into contention again. By the next issue of Scariff News, the issue should be resolved.

Finally and not for the first time we congratulate Mike McNamara on another great achievement – the dethroning of the All Ireland Champions Kilkenny by Galway. It would be remiss of Scariff News not to mention Peter Cunningham who displayed great enthusiasm before last week’s match in Croke Park. So much for not having a lot to do Peter! We wish both and Galway the best of luck in the All Ireland.

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Sponsored Hair Cut

Congratulations to Brendan Daly and Kevin Hayes for a sponsored hair and beard shave for Raheen Hospital in which they collected £1505.

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"Music World" – September 2001

Enrolment for the upcoming term of Music World will take place in Scariff Community College on Monday 10^th and Tuesday 11^th of September between 7 and 10 PM, where fees for the first term will be payable in full. Lessons will commence on Monday September 17^th and students are advised that the timetable will be structured around those who have enrolled during enrolment week.

Classes Taught – Piano, Keyboard, Traditional fiddle, Classical violin, Traditional flute, Button accordion, Guitar, Tin whistle, Percussion, Traditional singing, Classical voice training, Junior Cert. music, Leaving Cert. Music.

Fees – ( 15 weeks per term)

Group Lesson (40 mins.) £90

Individual Lesson (30 mins.) £105

Junior Cert. Music (2hrs) £90

Leaving Cert. Music(2hrs) £120

Discounts apply for 2^nd and subsequent family members and for students taking a 2^nd instrument. Discounts do not apply to students taking Junior or Leaving Cert. Music.

Term Dates:

Term 1 September 17^th – January 19^th

Holidays October 29^th – November 4^th and December24th- January 6^th.

Term 2 January 21^st – June 1^st

Holidays March 18^th – April 7^th and May 6^th – May 12^th.

For further information contact Scariff Community College on 061 – 921083.

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 Results of July Draw

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 Up Turkena Way

My mind often wanders

From this land of the free

To my birthplace in Erin

Far over the sea.

Refreshing recollections

Of events of some day

Mid the hills and the valleys

Round Turkena Way.

In the parish of Scariff

My birthplace is there

Near the border of Galway

In the County of Clare.

It's east of Lough Graney

Where the road winds away

O'er the hills to Mountshannon

Out Turkena Way.

The Currakyle river

Its tributary streams

Has each a fond memory

For my pleasant dreams.

At the Church in Clonusker

I oft times did pray

With friendly old neighbours

From Turkena Way.

Old scenes of my childhood

I once knew so well

Every green grassy hilltop

and each shady dell.

They never seemed dearer

Than on that lonely day

I last looked from Scariff

Back Turkena Way.

But now it’s to Feakle

My thoughts ever fly

Passing through Scariff

Out Waterpark bye

Where remains of dear parents

Lie buried today

Who cared for and loved me

Up Turkena Way.

Some other old places

In my fancy I see

Where lingering associations

Make still dear to me

But ‘round my old birthplace

Must thoughts ever stray

Six miles from Scariff

Up Turkena Way.

 Patrick O’Donnell (Sonny), Turkena.

Patrick O’Donnell was born in the townland of Turkena, in the parish of Scariff, Co. Clare.

He attended Currakyle National School and during the ‘troubles’ when the school was searched by the ‘Black and Tans’, who were quite abusive to both pupils and teacher, he decided not to return to school and became active in the struggle for Irish Freedom, first as a boy scout, and later as a volunteer in the I.R.A.

In the Civil War which followed the treaty, he was active on the Republican side, and in the reorganisation in 1925, he became a Battalion adjutant covering the ‘old East Clare Brigade’ area.

He immigrated to Boston in 1926, and later moved to New York, where he continued his education, which had been so rudely interrupted so many years before. He attended public school, high school, and university graduating with a BA, BL and later with a Masters Degree in Law. He also received a Doctors Degree in Law, and he was admitted to the Bar in 1938.

Patrick was an active member of many Irish Clubs and Societies in America. He was the author of many songs and poems, which are still sung on both sides of the Atlantic.

He died some years ago in America R.I.P.

(Taken from Songs & Recitations compiled by Joe Noonan 1989/90)

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Webmail

Just a small message to congratulate the Scariff under 12 squad

and mentors for winning the under 12 championship, well done to everyone involved.

Congratulations

John Reilly.

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Tracing Roots

From: Junedonn@aol.com

To: scariff@eircom.net

Subject: Hello from New Jersey, USA

Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2001 22:16:10 EDT

We are trying to find out if the Margaret McNamara from Scariff who came over to Ellis Island in 1907 and was born in 1889 in Scariff is our grandmother. She married John Donnelly in the U.S. and she died in 1948 (we think on January 15th). Do you know where I could go to get geneology information from the town of Scariff?

We were just over in Ireland last summer (and my husband lived in Ireland for a year in college - UCD - many years ago) and if we had had the Ellis Island information then, we would have searched ourselves.

Can you help?

June and Peter Donnelly

E-mail: Junedonn@aol.com

P.S.

I forgot to mention that her mother was Elizabeth Fitzgerald(?) McNamara who died (we think) in 1946. We do not know Elizabeth's husband's name. We think that they stayed over in Ireland, so they must be buried over there.

Is there any website in Ireland to search births, deaths, etc.?

We would so much appreciate your pointing us in the right direction!

Thanks!

June

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