This article is from page 18 of the 2012-03-06 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
A WALL of fame celebrating local musicians should be erected in Ennis, a meeting has heard.
The suggestion was put forward by Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) following a motion submitted by Cllr Mary Howard (FG) at yesterday’s meeting of Ennis Town Council.
Cllr Howard called on the council to erect name plaques to recognise the role of contributors to the musical life of Ennis.
She said unsung heroes such as Micho Ball and Flan McMahon had made enormous contributions to cultural life in Ennis.
Cllr Neylon suggested that a wall bearing the names of musicians could be constructed in the grounds of Waterpark House. Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) told the meeting that an area along the new inner relief road near Madden’s Furniture, formerly Paddy Cons Hall, would be a suitable site.
However Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) cautioned against the proposal. He said the council would be opening a “hornet’s nest” if it started listing the names of local musicians. He told the meeting that there would be a danger that someone could be left out.
Town manager Ger Dollard acknowledged the risk of leaving someone out from the process.
Cllr Brennan recalled the popularity of the bands and singers that used to perform in Paddy Con’s Hall and other venues in the sixties and seventies.
“The first singing pub in Ennis was McEvoys. I’d say all the groups in town sang in McEvoys.”
Town Clerk Leonard Cleary said the contribution to of musicians has promoted by groups such as Clare Tourism Forum, Promote Ennis and Shannon Development.