The Clare Senior Hurling Team and Management returned with the Liam MacCarthy Cup to a rapturous reception in Ennis on Monday evening.
Crowds gathered from 5pm at Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park (the Fair Green) to welcome the All-Ireland winning hurlers home.
Organised by Clare County Council and Ennis Municipal District, and supported by the National Ambulance Service, An Garda Síochána, Clare County Fire and Rescue Service, Clare Civil Defence, the HSE, Active Ennis, Clare Volunteer Centre and Clare GAA, the event saw an estimated 35,000-plus people come to show their appreciation for the Clare team.
Cllr Alan O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, welcomed the team to the stage and applauded their efforts, saying, “It’s wonderful to see such a sea of saffron and blue here in our county town tonight. The whole county has been captivated by the performances of this wonderful team. Thanks to Brian Lohan and the team for what they have given us in recent weeks.”
Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy, Mayor of Ennis Municipal District, said, “I have no doubt that there was many a tear cried at Croke Park on Sunday, and they were tears of joy, and there were also many hearts that swelled with pride at this incredible team of hurlers. I congratulate them all on their marvellous achievement in becoming All-Ireland Champions.”
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, said, “Clare County Council was proud to support Clare GAA and the Clare senior hurlers with this homecoming event to thank them for the lift they have given the whole county with their magnificent All-Ireland triumph. Clare County Council staff and the agencies that supported us were delighted to play a role in making last night’s homecoming a success.”
The homecoming was the result of detailed planning and co-operation between all parties involved, culminating in an overall Event Management and Safety Plan.
Meetings of the organising group were led by Clare’s Chief Fire Officer, Adrian Kelly, and Senior Executive Officer in Clare County Council, Caroline O’Connor, along with Ennis MD Senior Engineer Seán Lenihan and with significant input from A/Senior Executive Engineer Paddy Tiernan and the Ennis MD team. In progressing the detailed arrangements, the group was supported by Futureama Productions.
In addition to the overall management and organisational arrangements, the group also set about putting in place a quality entertainment programme, including Katie Theasby and friends, One September and others. Ollie Mullooly and Marty Morrissey MC’d on the evening.
According to Adrian Kelly, Clare’s Chief Fire Officer: “Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park proved to be an excellent location for such a major outdoor event with traffic management on the evening working exceptionally well. Crowd management and dispersal also worked in accordance with preparations. I would like to thank everyone involved in organising the event. We are delighted to have been able to acknowledge the achievements of the Clare hurlers and welcome them home.”
Clare County Council will host a homecoming for the Clare Senior Hurling Team who defeated Cork at Croke Park today to win their fifth All-Ireland Championship title.
The event will take place from 6.00pm on Monday at Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park. The players and members of the management team will be introduced to the crowd. Planned activities include big screen entertainment and musical entertainment from One September and others.
Cllr Alan O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, commented, “On behalf of Clare County Council, I want to congratulate the Clare hurlers 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.”
According to Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy, Mayor of Ennis Municipal District, “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. Today’s win is testament to the work carried out at underage level in the county over a number of years and I look forward to welcoming home our heroes to Ennis.”
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, said, “I want to congratulate the Clare hurlers on their heroic performance in Croke Park today. They have brought great pride and joy to the whole county with their efforts today and throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming them back to Clare tomorrow with a special homecoming in the Fair Green in Ennis. An Clár abú.”
Public parking arrangements / traffic restrictions
The following road closures will be in place from 6.00pm to 11.00pm on Monday, 22nd July:
– 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.
Photographs and video will be taken at the event, which may be used in Council publicity, promotional reports, our website and on social media. See www.clarecoco.ie for details of our photography policy and privacy notice.
Members of the public attending the event are requested to comply with instructions or guidance provided by stewards and members of An Garda Síochána.