*Photograph: Eamon Ward
SPORTING stars from East Clare were among those honoured at the mayoral reception of Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG).
Cooney’s mayoral reception was held in Áras Contae an Chláir on Friday and it comes as no surprise that sports personnel were front and centre of the celebrations given that the O’Callaghans Mills man is a former Chairman of Clare GAA and currently serves as the Chairman of his local GAA club.
Groups honoured included Clare Juvenile Handball for their success in 2023 and 2024 where they claimed multiple Munster and All-Ireland titles.
Bodyke’s Rachel Akers who recently won a triple gold medal at the European Masters Athletic Championships was also honoured. The secondary school teacher was also honoured last year during the mayoral awards of Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) during his time as first citizen.
Scariff native Caimin Jones who is a long-term resident of Newmarket-on-Fergus where he is an active coach in the handball club was lauded for his lifelong service and dedication to the promotion and development of handball in Clare. He is one of only three Clare men to have served as President of GAA Handball.
On the occasion of their tenth anniversary, the Clare 22nd Battalion Association were also honoured for their service.
Students from St John’s National School in Cratloe were also included in the festivities. Sadhbh, Hannah, Emma and Nolie-Mai were acknowledged for their contribution in winning the Best Project Book award at the 2024 Mini Scientist Grand Final.
Cllr Cooney hailed the “the outstanding contributions and achievements” of the award recipients, who represent a cross-section of the community in the county. “As Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council I am delighted to be able to honour these very worthy award recipients with a Mayoral Reception,” he said.
“I believe it is important that we officially recognise achievements by members of the local community. There are many individuals and groups who are making a real difference in our communities and who represent County Clare with distinction,” Cllr Cooney added. He said that the groups and individuals were an example to everyone in the county.
