*Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
CLARE’s All-Ireland winning heroes will be having their homecoming celebration in Ennis this evening (Monday).
Fresh from winning a fifth All-Ireland SHC title, Clare’s homecoming will take place on Monday evening from 6pm at the Fair Green (Tim Smythe Park).
Players and management will be introduced to the crowd. Planned activities include big screen entertainment and musical entertainment from One September and others.
Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) issued his congratulations to the victorious Clare hurling panel and praised them for “the pride they have brought to the people of the county with their outstanding performances in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship. This year’s campaign has demonstrated the depth of sporting talent that we have in Clare. The determination, skill and fighting spirit of this group of players are a credit to our county”.
Work at underage in the county was heralded by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Mayor of the Ennis MD. “The success of the Clare hurlers this year has given a lift to the entire county. This team has given younger generations a new set of heroes to look up to”.
Chief Executive of the Council, Pat Dowling said, “They have brought great pride and joy to the whole county with their efforts today and throughout the year”.
From 6pm to 11pm on Monday, the following road closures will be in place:
- Newbridge Road and Steele’s Terrace from Club Bridge to Kelly’s Corner Roundabout
- New Road
- Dr Daly Road
- Lifford Rd – one lane open in direction from Kelly’s Corner to Tulla Road
- Parking for people with disabilities and their carers (with a valid disabled person’s pass) will be available at the Courthouse car park and the car park at Áras Contae an Chláir
- Access to the car park at Áras Contae an Chláir, the Courthouse car park and the car park at St Joseph’s Hospital will NOT be available to the general public
Traffic delays are expected on all approaches to the centre of Ennis, particularly from the Tulla Road direction. Members of the public approaching from this direction are advised to seek an alternative route (via junction 12 or 14 of the M18 motorway) or proceed on foot if possible.
Members of the public travelling by car to the homecoming can avail of free parking at various other locations throughout the town,
- including: Abbey St Car Park; Bindon St Car Park; Cornmarket Car Park; Cloughleigh Car Park; Friars Walk Car Park; Friary Car Park; Glór Car Park; Lower Market St Car Park; Market Place Car Park; Parnell St Car Park; Waterpark House; and Woodquay Car Park.
- Paid public parking: Dunnes Stores multi-storey, Tesco, the Market multi-storey (patrons should check with operators regarding closing times).
- Other available 24-hour parking: Cois na hAbhna; Lidl; Gaelscoil; Aldi; Gort Road Business Park; Coláiste Mhuire; old Ennis National School; Curley’s Furniture (West Point Retail Park); Westgate Business Park, Kilrush Road; and Holy Family School.
- The event will be an alcohol-free event. A number of licensed local traders will operate at the event providing both hot and cold food and non-alcoholic drinks. Local businesses in the area will also remain open that evening to facilitate those attending the event.
On-site spectator arrangements:
- There will be a stage and additional big screens in place to ensure that people attending will get to enjoy the entertainment, which includes live performances and other entertainment, both before and after the Clare team’s arrival. Additional lighting, First Aid, and sanitary facilities will also be in place for the event.
- Members of the public attending the event are requested to comply with instructions or guidance provided by stewards and members of An Garda Síochána.
