This article is from page 17 of the 2011-11-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
TRIBUTES have been paid to two giants of the sporting and music and scene in Clare.
Yesterday’s monthly meeting of Clare County Council was adjourned for 15 minutes as a mark of respect to the late Francie Mahon and also to the late Muiris Ó Rócháin, both of whom passed away last month.
Mayor of Clare Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) led tributes to Mr Mahon who was a former member of staff at the council. Cllr Hayes said Mr Mahon had “contributed hugely” to sport in Clare from his long involvement with the Éire Óg GAA club and Clare camogie squads.
County manager Tom Coughlan said Mr Mahon had given long years of service to the council and was “very high regarded” by colleagues at the local authority.
He said the high turnout at Mr Mahon’s funeral in Ennis last month showed the high level of regard people in Clare had for him.
He described the former Éire Óg hurler as an “exceptional employee”, one whom all staff members could aspire to.
Tributes were also paid to Muiris Ó Rócháin, one of the founding members of the annual Willie Clancy summer school in Miltown Malbay. Mr Ó Rócháin was the driving force behind the summer school, which is one of the most famous celebrations of traditional Irish music in the world.
Cllr Hayes said Mr Ó Rócháin had done enormous work to promote Irish music and culture. Praising the work done by Mr Ó Rócháín, Mr Coughlan said he worked closely with him during the development of the Glór music venue in Ennis.