Moroney's Bar

Welcome To Fleadh Nua Ennis 20th - 28th May 2012

Saturday, 19 May 2012

It's that time of the year again when the Fleadh Nua returns Ennis for the 37th consecutive year. First held in 1970 the Fleadh has been held in Ennis every year since 1975 and although it does not draw the huge crowds off old it still a very important commercial and tourist attraction for the town. As usual there will céilithe, music, song and dancing workshops, street entertainment and of course the parade through the streets on Sunday 28th.

The programme for Fleadh Nua 2012 will include concerts, céilithe, sessions, street and gig-rig entertainment, Irish language classes, set dancing competitions, Sean-Nós dancing competitions and performances, story telling, Singers Club and much more. Most of the activities are as always free of charge with the main concerts taking place in Glor and Cois na hAbhna where the opening also takes place at 7.30 p.m. on Sunday 20th May.

As always Moroneys will be holding sessions throughout the festival with all musicians welcome. The following is the programme for Moroneys:

Sunday 20th Blackie O Connell, Karol Lynch and Seanie O Goraman. Session Begins @ 6pm

Weds 23rd Marcus Moloney, Kieran Kissane and Martin Dermody. Session Begins @ 9.30pm

Friday 25th Grace Kelly, Peter Browne and Alan Maguire. Session Begins @ 9.30pm

Saturday 26th John Joe Kelly, Darragh Murphy and John Kelly. Session Begins @ 9.30pm

Sunday 27th Blackie O Connell, Karol Lynch and Seanie O Goraman. Session Begins @ 6pm

Looking forward to seeing all our regulars and old friends over the week and to some great trad sessions. Best Wishes and continued success to the Fleadh Nua and it's outstanding and hard working committee from all at Moroneys.

Dónal Lunny Surprise Visit To Moroneys

Thursday, 17 May 2012

There was a surprise in store for regulars and visitors alike for the Wednesday night trad session in Moroneys when one of the legends of Irish Traditional music Donal Lunny appeared along with banjo player Dessie Kelleher and well know concertina player Pádraig Wynne. Regular musicians Marcus Moloney, Kieran Kissane and Martin Dermody were thrilled to see Dónal who immediately sat down with his friends and the session took off. Dónal has played with Christy Moore, Planxty, Moving Hearts, Sinead O Connor,The Bothy Band and the Emmet Spiceland and is also a well know producer. He was the producer and music director of the soundtrack of Bringing It All Back Home, a BBC television documentary series charting the influence of Irish music throughout the world. He produced albums for Paul Brady, Elvis Costello, Rod Stewart, Indigo Girls, Sinéad O'Connor, Clannad, Maurice Lennon, Baaba Maal, and Five Guys Named Moe.

Dónal played bouzouki but is also well know for the bodhrán. On the night he was introduced to Ger Hanrahan (Hanna to one and all) who works in Moroneys and he was delighted to hear that well know Stockton Wing musicians Kieran and Mike were his brothers.Of course the obvious question was asked of Hanna as to what instrument he plays but that's a long story, suffice to say Dónal is still laughing with Hanna's reply. It was a great night for trad music and those present will treasure the memory and the photos.

On leaving Dónal thanked all the musicians, Charlie and Hanna behind the bar and everyone for the kindness and hospitality and said that he loved the session and atmosphere in Moroneys. Hopefully we'll see Dónal back again in the not too distant future for another mouth watering session.

Blue Is The Colour On Saturday Night

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

Next Saturday night will be a big night for the Chelsea Supporters Club when their beloved Blues take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League Final at the Allianz Arena (which happens to be the home of Bayern) with kick off at 7.45pm. The supporters club have been meeting in Moroneys since 2005 for all their live games and founder Jim McMahon and all their members will be out in force hoping they can finally land the trophy. It promises to be some day of sport as in addition to the Champions League Final, the Heineken Cup Final ( Leinster vs Ulster KO 5pm), Scottish Cup Final ( Hearts vs Hibs KO 3pm) and the Championship Play Off Final ( West Ham vs Blackpool KO 2pm) are all being shown live on Sky Sports.

So get down to Moroneys on Saturday for a great day of sport and good luck to Jim and all the Chelsea supporters. Looking forward to hearing your anthem Blue Is The Colour ringing around the bar before during and after the game.

Happy Birthday Karol

Tuesday, 15 May 2012

On Saturday night last Karol Lynch one of Ireland's most accomplished bouzouki players celebrated his 30th birthday with a party in Jonnos Bar, Doora. Despite partying into the wee hours Karol was back in Moroneys for his regular Sunday evening gig with his good friends Blackie O Connell and Seanie O Gorman. Once again true to form this was another outstanding trad session from the lads. Charlie and all the staff and customers of Moroneys wish Karol a Happy Birthday and sincerely thank him for all the great sessions he's thrilled us with over the years.

Superman Keith

Monday, 30 April 2012

Now many people love to go for a leisurely walk to keep fit, some like to cycle others to run but few if any would tackle a 100K run but that's part and parcel of Keith Whyte's life as a International Ultra Marathon runner. Keith who is a brother of Sarah and John who both work in Moroney's is not just your average guy as he trains up to three times per day while at the same time working full time and making time for family life. And this is all the more fascinating as Keith only took up running in 2007 with the Ennis Track Club and now is a established International runner.

On the 22nd April Keith was part of the The Irish men's team that finished a magnificent 6th in the World 100km Championships in Seregno, Italy. Keith ran a time of 7:25:56hrs and was third scoring team member on the Irish team.The cumulative times of the top three finishers establish team rankings and the new Irish team record of 21:49:48 hrs ensured 6th position overall. This was a phenomenal achievement by Keith and hopefully will be the first of many in the years to come. All in Moroneys wish Keith a injury free 2012 and continued success on the roads of Europe and beyond !

List of Keith's races from 2011

Feb - Donadea 50km 1st place

March - Ireland debut ACP 100km 7.28

April - Connemara Marathon 3rd Place

May - Kildare Marathon 1st Place

May - Newry City Marathon 3rd Place

July - Trail World Chapionships

August - Longford Ultra Marathon 39.3 miles 1st Place

September - World 100km Championships

October - Sub 3 Hour Pacer in the Dublin Marathon

December - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon 1st Place

Ennislusc 22nd Trip To Elland Road

Thursday, 26 April 2012

The Ennis Leeds United Supporters Club who meet in Moroneys are off on their travels once again. Tomorrow at 12 noon from the West County four cars will set off for Dublin Airport on our first leg of the journey to the holy grail for all Leeds fans, Elland Road. Unlike previous years we are not traveling from Shannon as unfortunately we couldn't find a flight to suit so our next best option is to fly direct from the capital. However we won't be the first to arrive in Leeds as Marian Moroney will travel over on Friday morning to Manchester and will be in Leeds for 9am !

We have also other members such as Noel and Gary Collins, George and Gary Browne, Damian Morris and Ollie and Eoin O Loughlin making their own way to Leeds so come kick off at 12.30pm on Saturday we will have 35 members at the game which is a fantastic number in this day and age. Despite our disappointing season their is optimism that during the summer Neil Warnock can strengthen the side and make a all out assault for promotion. Saturday for us Leeds supporters is a chance to thank the players for their efforts (NO MATTER HOW BAD WE THINK OUR BACK FOUR PERFORMED :-)) and bade farwell to many of them who will be playing at Elland Road for the last time as the hatchet comes down on their stay with The Whites.

As always our excellent Secretary Paul Nuggy Nihill has organized a bus to bring us to and from Leeds/Bradford at a very reasonable cost of ten pounds sterling. Also Nugs has sorted the match tickets so anyone who hasn't paid can furnish Paul with fifty euro at the West County or in The Marriott Hotel in Leeds. We are all eagerly looking forward to the weekend and as the saying goes it will be planes,boats, trains and automobiles at the ready to get us to Leeds. Marching on Together

Our Squad for the Leicester game:

Names

Martin Brennan Brian Woods

Cyril Corry Mike Jones

Richie Lynch Marie Lynch Cathal Lynch

Alan Murphy Paul Nihill Tadhg Murphy

Kevin Barry Noelette Barry

John Moroney Marian Moroney

Eoin Doohan Enda Howard

Kieran Ryan + son

Bernie Duggan Dom O'Rourke

Noel Collins Cedric O'Flaherty

Ollie O'Loughlin Eoin O'Loughlin

Jane, Ruth, Katie Underwood Steve Underwood

Gary Collins Eoin O'Meara-Daly

David Casey Declan Kelly

Earnan McNulty Ronan Pigott

Damien Morris

John Giles Visits Moroneys

Tuesday, 17 April 2012

On Saturday evening last the legendary John Giles paid a surprise visit to Moroneys. John was in town for the 2nd Annual Mike Mac Golf Classic and accepted a invitation to visit Moroneys, the home of Ennislusc who were promoting the event. On entering the pub he was given a standing ovation and he was delighted to meet with many of the locals including, Mark Moloney, Wayne Skerritt, Jimmy Fenton, Ronnie Ryne, Terry Hayes, Lockie, Jamesie Gormley and Mayor Of Ennis Mickey Guilfoyle.

John loved the atmosphere of the pub and even went behind the bar to pose for photos with bar staff Sarah and John Whyte. All present will testify to his easy going nature and having spent over a hour in Moroneys he returned to the Ennis Golf Club for the presentation of prizes. However John did promise that all going well he would love to revisit Moroneys next year when he returns for the Classic and of course we would welcome him back with open arms. As he says himself when referring to a top player on TV " A class act" and that certainly applies to John, a true gentleman.

Check out the Photo Gallery under the heading John Giles Visits Moroneys for photos from the visit.

Classic Day For The Mike Mac At Ennis Golf Club

Monday, 16 April 2012

The only worry the committee had facing into Saturday morning was how would the weather fare but obviously Mac had a word with The Boss and we were provided with a beautiful day for the 2nd Mike Mac Golf Classic at the Ennis Golf Club. While the number of teams competing was down on last year which is understandable give the economic climate none the less the event was once again a outstanding success. We are indebted to our main sponsors PJ Kelly's Bar, Carmody St., Considine's Bar, Parnell St., Moroney's Bar Market St., Doohan Financial Planning, Dundalk and P&M Golf Superstore, Ennis and all our tee box sponsors who once again were not found wanting, Mile Buiochas to one and all. Also many thanks to Eddie Hayes (Painting Contractor)and TJ Scanlon (Ventilation & Stainless Steel Specialist) for sponsoring nearest the pin in two at the 2nd and at the par 3 16th.It would be remiss of us if we did not make a special mention to Paudie Carmody and his friends from Lissycasey who sponsored no less than 8 tee boxes and also entered a team in the event although they were heading to a stag in Limerick immediately after finishing their round. Our main prize in the raffle a Midweek Break for 2nts in The Kilford Arms Kilkenny was again sponsored by Michael (Champ) Dinan which is a tremendously kind gesture and much appreciated.Thank you Champ.

One thing all the golfers commented on was how well the course was looking ( although they also said it was playing tough )and to greenkeepers Kevin Browne and David Hoey we appreciate and thank you for your efforts in having the course in pristine condition. Once again the legend John Giles ( voted the Best Irish soccer player of the last 50 yrs in 2004) graced us with his presence which is a tremendous honour for our club and the Classic. John is a true gentleman who had time for everyone. In his speech at the presentation of prizes he said he hoped he would be back again next year as he was among friends and thoroughly enjoyed the event. We thank you John most sincerely for your continued support of the Classic. Ennislusc Secretary Paul Nihill designed a special score card for the Classic with each hole on the course associated with a event in John Giles life and the great man himself was delighted with the thought. Well done Nugs.

Events like this take a huge effort to organize and in this case we are blessed to have a exceptional committee. While not all are Leeds supporters :-) the one common denominator is their loyalty and friendship to our late dear friend Mike Mac. Around December the seed was sown for this years classic and for the last few months meetings have taken place, posters printed, emails flying around by the lorry load and calls made for sponsorship. Our Classic Committee is made up of Paul (Nuggy) Nihill, Cyril (Slim)Corry, Phil Brigdale, Kieran Ryan, Frankie Woods, Johnny Moroney, Ger Hanrahan, Dom O Rourke and Kieran (Ryno) Ryan and without their efforts the Mike Mac Classic wouldn't be one of the most successful events at the Ennis Golf Club.

Of course the object of the exercise is to raise funds for charities with the two main benefactors being Cahercalla Hospice and The John Giles Foundation. At the presentation Mary Moloney (Fundraising Manager at Cahercalla Hospice) gave a moving speech about how their are ten beds in the hospital which are free of charge to patients but they only get funding for two and a half bed, the rest has to be raise voluntarily. She said she was thrilled to get the call again this year from Paul to say funds from the event would be going to the hospice and on behalf of the hospital she thanked everyone associated with the Mike Mac Classic for their kindness and efforts.

It is ironic that the Classic winners this year hail from Newmarket on Fergus home of the late Mike McNamara. No doubt he was smiling down from the heavens when he heard that the Collins family of Newmarket Celtic fame ( Bernard, Noel and his son Gary along with Jason White) were this years winners of the Classic. The trophy was presented to the winning Captain Noel Collins by Mike's sisters Helen and Ronnie and in his acceptance speech Noel said he was thrilled to win the event as Mike and his brother Jack were great friends of theirs since they first kicked a football with Newmarket Celtic.

John Finn once again was a brilliant and eloquent compere. Ennislusc President Cyril Corry gave a excellent account of stories relating to Mike's life and how they were best friends despite the 20 year age gap. On the night the McNamara family were represented by Helen (Frawleys) and Ronnies ( Moloneys) families and Mike's niece Siobhan Malone and her husband Ronan. Finally we would like to thank Ennis Golf Club Bar Manager Kieran (Ryno) Ryan and his staff including Chef Mark O Neill for their superb efforts on Saturday which helped to make the day a outstanding success.

Mike Mac Classic Results 2012

1st Bernard Collins, Noel Collins,Gary Collins & Jason White 90 pts

2nd Sam Doyle, Niall Heaney, Liam Behan & Stephen Gulfoyle 87pts

3rd John Kelly, James Ball,George Mulvey & Brian Connellan 87pts

4th Peadar Cosgrove, PJ O Neill,Johnny Cullinan & Sean Fitzpatrick 87pts

5th Brian John McCarthy, Colm McNevin, Karol Lynch and John McInerney 86pts

6th John Giles, Cyril Corry, Eoin Doohan & Paul Nihill

7th Kieran Ryan, Johnny Ryan, Jim Carmody & Joe Guilfoyle

Nearest to Pin 3rd (2nd shot) Tom Glynn

Nearest to Pin on 16th Jason Andrews

Fortnight To Go For 2nd Annual Mike Mac Golf Classic

Sunday, 01 April 2012

We are fast approaching the 2nd Anniversary Mike Mac GolfClassic which takes place at Ennis Golf Club on 14th April with the legendary John Giles once again guest of honour on the day. Even in these recessionary times there is great interest in the event and we hope to have nearly 40 teams taking part on the day with all the proceeds going to Cahercalla Hospice, The John Giles Foundation and local charities.

We are very grateful to our main sponsors PJ Kellys Bar, Fafa's ( Mark Kelly), Moroneys Bar, P & M Golf Superstore and Eoin Doohan Financial Planning for their continued support which help to make this event such a popular outing for golf enthusiasts. All are welcome to the clubhouse on Saturday night for the presentation of prizes and to meet and have photos taken with JG. There will be dancing and finger food and plenty of crack so if your free get on up to the Ennis GC where a great night is assured. For golfers wishing to play in the Classic there is a timesheet in operation and Kieran Ryan 087-8055306 will facilitate any individuals or teams. Now fingers crossed for a fine :-)

Jeru Cavendish Sprints To Famous Victory In Irish Cup

Monday, 05 March 2012

What a day for the real coursing folk from Clare at Limerick Racecourse on Sunday 26th Feb when Jeru Cavendish owned by Ms Jenna O Donoghue, Cree and trained by John Browne (of the famous Burnpark prefix) Ballyea sailed to victory in the JP McManus sponsored Irish Cup. Jeru who is named after Jenna and Ruth O Donoghue daughters of Johnny and Naomi and Cavendish is after the famed Isle Of Man cyclist Mark Cavendish. Having won a trial stake at Borris-In-Ossory Jeru headed to Powerstown Park Clonmel with high hopes for the Derby but went out in the 2nd round to Cuine Boy. He had run in the Corn Na Feile at Abbeyfeale after Christmas but got injured in the second round and in trainers John Browne opinion didn't run anywhere near his full potential. In consultation with Johnny O Donoghue it was decided to enter him in the Irish Cup and take his chances with the seasoned all age dogs. This was to prove a master stroke for the two Johnny's.

In the first round Jeru beat Crafty Denso ( who went off line, Won 32 Trial Stake Gorey) and followed this up with wins over Dresden Call ( Won All Ages in Ballyduff and Co Kerry ) and Arise Sir Mark. At the start of the third day Jeru was quoted at 7/1 ( having been 33/1 at start of coursing) and little did we know the controversy that lay ahead. In the quarter final Jeru lead Smart Touch ( Won 32 Trial Stake Rathkeale) by four lengths but both were unsighted and the judge (Tom Lawler) sent them back to slips. After a fifteen minute interval they both went to slips again and Jeru got the flag much to the delight of the big Clare crowd. He was now the 5/1 outsider for the semi final but be bombed out of slips and beat the Pa Fitzgerald trained Chelsea Speed by a length when the hare was turned. The final is the things that dreams are made of and when Richie Quinn slipped Jeru and Killmore Matey ( the 7/1 long odds favourite before coursing) there was no doubt after fifty yards as Jeru strided to a emphatic seven length victory. With Gaisce Mor winning the Patsy Byrne Select Bitch Stake for The Gaisce Syndicate from Mullagh it was a great day for the coursing folk from Clare.

The celebrations started after the presentation when Noreen McManus invited all the Jeru supporters to her private suite at the racecourse and continued in the Cuchulainn Bar in Patrickswell and finished up in Walshes Bar in Cree. However the locals were not to be denied their day and all the Ennis & Clarecastle members were invited to Navins in Clarecastle on Monday evening to continue the celebrations. And now Johnny O Donoghue has asked the famed balladeer PJ Murrihy to compose a song about Jeru's fabled victory and with a big night planned for Cooraclare in a few weeks all will wait with baited breath for the finished song.

Jeru has now earned a well earned rest and will go back to the O Donoghues for the summer. No decisions have been made for next season but no doubt Jeru will be aimed at a few of the local All Age stakes and another crack at retaining the Irish Cup. With the O Donoghues owning both his sire Siena Steel and dam Jeru ( who is also in pup to Siena once again) it looks like there could be a few more great days on the horizon for Clare coursing folk. HULAHUL

In the Photo Gallery there are 30 photos taken at Clonmel and the celebrations at Greenmount. When you click on the gallery scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the album GREYHOUND FOLK CELEBRATE and enjoy.