This article is from page 35 of the 2008-04-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 35 JPG
WEST Clare’s newest football club has been hailed a success with more than 200 members signed up since its inauguration less than five weeks ago.
The Kilrush Ladies Football Club has a total of 182 players ranging in ages from four to 40, making it one of the fastest growing clubs in the eee as
The founders of the club attribute the overwhelming success to local support and a strong local base.
At the launch of the club just over a month ago more than 300 people turned out to support the venture.
Guests of honour on the night were
the 1970s ladies who played for the town in the Cailin Ban competition.
Not only were the ladies attributed the honour of being life-long honor- ary members of the club; they also joined the younger members in the St Patrick’s Day parade.
The young members of the club even won a prize on the day.
Those involved in the club said that the huge support they are receiving locally points to the need for such a club for so long.
Although in its infancy the club hosted this year’s under-12 West Clare Football Blitz, which included well-established teams such as Co- oraclare, Doonbeg, Western Gaels and Kilmihil.
The junior team has already played two games, with the under 16s also having fielded a team.
The club can now boast two nurs- ery groups, with under six and under eight age groups.
These young players learn basic skills of football and simple drills.
There is also an under 10 founda- tion group, and under 11 develop- mental group.
The Kilrush club enters competi- tions for the under 12, under 14 and under 16 age groups as well as for its junior team.
Plans are in place to have a minor ore ROOMoAoIMUCUE NTA
On the night of the launch the Munster Ladies Football chairman
Michael Ryan was very impressed with the enthusiasm for the game among the Kilrush ladies.
He told those gathered that girls who met involved in the game avoid potential trouble down the road. He encouraged the parents present to support the club for this very reason.
The community are also showing its support for the girls as sponsor- ship for all jerseys has already been found.
The recent church gate collection was also well supported, as was the Holy Thursday night quiz.
The next fundraiser for Kilrush’s newest teams will be a bag pack in Super Valu Kilrush on April 4 and a