A cast of rural champions, including Scarriff businessman Padraig Giblin, has been confirmed for a conference at the end of the month that will seek inspiration from the world of sport in the bid to rejuvenate ailing parts of rural Ireland.

Former All Ireland winning footballer with Kerry and Government Ambassador for the National Action Plan for Rural Development, Pat Spillane made a presentation to members of the recently established Clare Rural Development Forum at the Buttermarket Building, Waterpark, Ennis, today.