Gallery

Chief Scout, Martin Burbridge, officially opened the County Campsite in Ruan on Sunday September 28th. See the some of the photos below to get a flavour of the day.

On Sunday 9^th April, the 1^st & 4^th Clare (Ennis) had a visit from the Chief Scout to present 5 of their scouts with the Chief Scout Award. The Chief Scout received a Guard of Honour on his arrival at Ennis Scout Hall.

About 100 people attended the ceremony, which included Guests of Honour Martin Burbridge-Chief Scout, Eileen Burbridge, Cllr. Frank Neylon-Ennis Town Mayor, Julie Malone-Provincial Commissioner, Noel Keaney-County Commissioner, Fr. Damien Nolan-Chaplain, Joe Doherty-Provincial Support Officer.

The Chief also presented a number of Leaders with Meritorious and Service awards and conferred the Order of CuCulainn to Christy Shannon, but the main business of the day was the Chief Scout Awards.

Christian Malone, Daniel O’Sullivan, Josh Shannon, Michael O’Shea and Sean O’Gorman were the recipients of the Award.

Congratulations to the 5 boys and their leaders for achieving this award and BRAVO to all the Leaders who also received awards.

From all your fellow scouts and scouters in Clare congratulations and well done!!

County Commissioner Noel Keaney had the pleasant task of presenting 5 Ennis Scouts with their National Scout Award on behalf on the Chief Scout. This is a great achievement by each of the individuals and their Scout Leader Sal Milan and Group Leader Chris O'Loughlin.

The Scout County would like to congratulate Josh Shannon, Christian Malone, Micheal O'Shea, Sean O'Gorman and Daniel O'Sullivan on their accomplishment....BRAVO Lads!!!

The Scout County Shield was held again this year at the county campsite in Ruan, and yet again the sun shone for the entire weekend. Over 70 scouts took part and the competition was tough but fun. The scouts were put through their paces by Trevor Slattery (Scout County Programme Coordinator) and his crack team. The pictures below give a flavour of the weekends events.

Congratulations to everyone who took part, all those that organised and supervised for the weekend, and to those who worked so hard behind the scenes during the year. A special word of thanks to Sal Milan who kept all the leaders well fed for the weekend.

The senior section winners were the 1st / 4th from Ennis, Wolves Patrol who now go on to represent the county at the National Phoenix Challenge later this year. Second place went to the scouts from 3rd Clarecastle.

In the junior section, the 5th / 22nd Killaloe Sunday scouts were the winners, followed by the 5th /22nd Friday scouts.

Scout of the camp went to Laura Dillon from the 5th / 22nd Killaloe (Friday) scouts...well done Laura.

Well done to all, and our best wishes to the Wolves at the Phoenix Challenge in Curraghchase, Limerick. Wouldn't Ruan be a great place to host next years national event!!!

For the first time ever, the Scout County Cub Track and Trail Competition was held at the county campsite in Ruan, outside of Ennis. It proved to be a wonderful occasion, with the sun even shining down on us!! Over 80 Cubs took part in the event, which amounted to 14 teams. Not only did the Cubs take part in the actual competition, but numerous side events such as pioneering, arts and crafts and games were also available. Well done to Shannon and Clarecastle Scout Groups for organising such a wonderful day for Cubs and Leaders.

The competition was a very close affair, with Clarecastle winning by just 1 minute over the second place team from Killaloe (Thursday) Cubs, with Killaloe (Tuesday) and Sixmilebridge Cubs coming in joint third. Well done to all the Cubs for taking part!!

Sixmilebridge and Kilmurry Cubs recently held their annual day trip. This year we traveled to Fort Lucan adventure centre in Lucan, Co. Dublin. 30 cubs and 8 adults traveled on the day. The weather was very good and the bus journey up and down was very enjoyable. Everyone had a great time at the adventure centre and a lot of energy was burned off. The staff at the adventure centre looked after us very well and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their hospitality. On our return journey we stopped off at McDonalds for something to eat and by the time we reached home everyone was well tired, but all had a great time.

A special exhibit to mark 40 Years of Scouting in the Shannon area was held in the Shannon library during the last two weeks of February 2005. Well done to Richard Park and his leaders in putting together a wonderful display of scouting memorabilia which help remind people of how scouting has evolved over the past 40 years. The Chief Scout of Scouting Ireland sent a letter wishing the Scout Group well on their 40th Anniversary and wishing them continued success in the future. Also on display were uniforms and flags, badges and books on scouting. A moving gallery of over 500 photos gave all who viewed it a wonderful taste of what scouting has to offer the young and not so young alike. A special "Gone Home" corner remembered all those who were involved in scouting who had since past on.

Noel Keaney, Scout County Commissioner along with Richard Park, Shannon Scout Group Leader officially opened the event.

Over 60 scouts from Ennis, Killaloe, Sixmilebridge and Quin scout groups took part in the first Scouting Ireland - Clare Scout County Shield competition held in the county campsite in Ruan, under blue skies and bright sunshine. This was the first official scouting event to be held in our county campsite which is still under development. The competition consisted of a Senior and Junior section.

Teams arrived on Friday evening and began the process of setting up their camps before having a campfire to mark the end of day 1. Saturday was a big day, with campsites being completed and teams getting ready to head into numerous bases designed by John Egan and Trevor Slattery which aimed to test both scouting and general knowledge, all of which was judged by Joe Doherty, Field Service Officer for the Western Province. In the evening teams settled into preparing their meals which also formed part of the competition.

An impromptu football match broke out with all scouts (and some fit leaders taking part before flag lowering ceremony and heading over to the campfire circle for an evening of songs and sketches, again all judged by Joe, until the wee hours of the morning. After the campfire teams returned to relax around their fires and talk about events of the day.
On Sunday, after uniform inspection and taking down of the camps it came time to award the prizes. Bearing in mind that the winners and second place finishers of the Senior section will go on to represent the county in the national Smythe - Melvin competition to be held in Dublin later in the year, there was much at stake.
The results of the scoring were as follows:
Senior Section
Quin - Winners
Ennis Tuesday Night - Second
Junior Section
Sixmilebrdge - Winners
Killaloe - Second

A special word of thanks to John Egan and Trevor Slattery for all the hard work they put into organising the wonderful event. To Joe Doherty for judging and his advice given to all teams during the competition. A special thanks to the Venturers from Killaloe for their service during over the weekend. Also thanks to Noel Keaney for his decision to hold the event in the county campsite and to all the leaders who worked so hard behind the scenes for the past few months in getting their teams ready to take part. And last but not least, all the scouts who did such a wonderful job over the weekend, I know that they all had a both a learning experience and a wonderful time.
We wish Quin and Ennis Tuesday Night the best of luck in the Symthe - Melvin in Dublin.
Here are just some photos to give a flavour of the event....and as a county lets strive to ensure that next year over 100 scouts take part!!

The first ever Clare Scout County Campfire was held in the Showgrounds Ennis on Saturday February 28, 2004. A great crowd of over 350 scouts - from Beavers to Venturers, turned up to mark the amalgamation of CSI and SAI into our new scouting family - SI (Scouting Ireland).
To mark the occasion a special commemorative badge was produced and given to each scout and leader present. This badge should prove to be a collectors items many years from now!
Special thanks to all you help organise the event, particularly John Crean and Kevin Malone. Here are a few photos from the day.

The 2004 County Orienteering was held in Portumna Forest Park on Sunday February 8, 2004. The weather was perfect for the event which was attended by 3 Groups from the County- the 1^st Shannon, the 16^th Quin and the 5^th / 22^nd Killaloe. About 50 scouts took part in the event which consisted of Junior and Senior sections.
In the Junior section, Killaloe finished first and second, while in the senior section Killaloe finished first with Quin coming second. Prizes were presented by the Clare County Commissioner, Noel Keaney.
Well done to everyone who took part and from the photos below it looks like everyone had a great day out.

Cubs from Killaloe spent a wonderful Saturday (February 7^th) seeing some of the facilities around Shannon Airport. The Irish Aviation Authority in Ballygireen allowed the Cubs to experience what it's like to guide transatlantic jets across the Atlantic via radio transmissions only. While at the Control Tower at the airport, the controllers showed the Cubs how planes are guided to the runway for take-off and how the Air Traffic Controllers line the planes up for a successful landing at Shannon.

Many thanks to everyone in Shannon for their assistance in giving the Cubs a flavour of the work that takes place in the air over Ireland on a daily basis.

The 5th / 22nd Scout Group marked the leaving of one its former Scouts and Leaders with a special presentation in the Scout Hall, Killaloe on Sunday February 1, 2004. Christopher O'Mara was presented with an inscribed silver plaque by Group Leader, Brian Webster . Christopher who has recently joined the Gardai Siochanna was part of the 5th / 22nd for the past 16 years, having joined Beavers all those years ago. His experience and dedication to our Group will be sorely missed and all those present wished him well with his future endeavors.

The 5th / 22nd Killaloe welcomed into scouting the next generation of scouts, as over 20 Beavers were invested into scouting at a ceremony in the Scout Hall, Killaloe. A special word of thanks to Anntoinette Lynch, Monday Night Beaver Section Leader and her team of J.J. Kennedy and Mick Healy (camera man) and also to Mary Bolger, Wednesday Night Beaver Section Leader and her team.
Also a big thanks to all the parents who turned up to witness the ceremony.

The Clare VEC presented cheques to various youth organisations at a ceremony help in the VEC offices in Ennis. Scouting was well represented and three of the Region (County) scouting groups received grants. In total over 33,00 Euro was given in grant aid throughout the county.

Over 250 Cub Scouts took part in the Cub National Fun day held in Doneraile Forest Park on Saturday October 4, 2003. Cubs from the 5^th / 22^nd Killaloe and 14^th Sixmilebridge Units in the Clare Region joined in the fun. The day had a Knights theme, and even King Arthur himself would have been proud to have these Cubs around his table! Activities included archery, joisting, fire lighting, outdoor cooking and much more. Some actual Knights were on hand to display and explain the Armour and weaponry of the time.

Well done to the National Cub Team who put on a great days activities. Everyone had a great time in the lovely sunshine, and to mark the occasion, a tree planting ceremony was held on the grounds on the forest park.

Cubs from 5^th / 22^nd	Checking out the gear of the day	Tuesday night Cub from Killaloe with a Knight of the Round Table
Two Warriors	Cubs from Sixmilebridge learning about weapons of the era	Sixmilebridge Cubs try their hand at archery
Leaders getting ready to atack	Designing their own coat of arms for battle	Large attendance at closing ceremony
Battle On!	Cubs from Sixmilebridge and Killaloe

Scouts from the 5th / 22nd Unit in Killaloe took part in a 6 mile hike to the "Brian Boru" Oak tree Tuamgraney (oldest Oak tree in Ireland) for a combination Investiture, badge award ceremony and picnic. The weather proved changeable, but all concerned had a wonderful day. Special thanks to all the leaders and helpers who assisted on the day.
On the return to base, everyone was treated to a hot drink, homemade biscuits or freshly baked fruit cake. A special word of thanks to Deidre Denning for her wonderful hospitality.

Scouts and Leaders relaxing at Brian Boru's Oak Tree.	Newly Invested Scouts	Award Winning Scouts
Some Leaders relaxing after a hard days work. Dierdre is hard at work in the background.

Beavers from all Units in the Western Field, converged on Tervue Pet Farm for an action packed fun filled day. The weather was lovely and the Beavers really enjoyed themselves, if you don't believe me just check out the photos below. Well done Beavers and Leaders alike!

21 years of scouting in "the bridge" was celebrated by the 14^th Clare with a visit from the Chief Scout, Peter Dixon. The day was marked with the presentation of the Chief Scout Award to 2 Scouts, as well as the unveiling of the new unit badge.

Chief Scout presenting Fiona with Chief Scout Award	Daniel receiving his Chief Scout Award from Peter Dixon	Chief Scout and Unit Leader, Josephine Roche with Unit Badge designers, Thomas and Jamie

2 lucky Beavers cutting the Anniversary cake with the Chief Scout.	The beautifully designed 21^st Anniversary cake.

5th / 22nd Unit Leader, Mary O' Mara, made a presentation of two 75^th Anniversary Pins on behalf of the Chief Scout, to two leaders, past and present, who were unable to attend the ceremony held in Limerick to mark the occasion of SI / CSIs 75^th Anniversary.

Unit Leader Mary O'Mara presenting pin to Mary Bolger, Beaver Leader

Unit Leader Mary O'Mara presenting former Unit Leader Siobhan Larkin with her pin

Beavers from the Wednesday night colony were Invested into the scouting family in a lovely ceremony beside the lake in Castlelough on Sunday Feb. 23, 2003. Many parents, grandparents and friends turned up for this family oriented event. Scouts and Cubs also helped in the ceremony by holding the flag and escorting the Beavers up to take the Beaver oath.
Many thanks to Mary Bolger (Beaver Leader), Alison Power (Assistant Beaver Leader) and Kate Power (Assistant Beaver Leader) and to all the families who help may this a wonderful Sunday morning for the children.

Congratulations to Alison Power and Kate Power on the occasion of their Investiture as Beaver Leaders.

Beavers Getting Ready	First Investiture of the day	Taking the oath with the help of a Cub

Mastering the Scout handshake	A Beaver taking the oath very seriously	Some of parents and grandparents

Kate Power taking the oath while Alison Power waits in the wings

The 2003 Cub Scout Footdrill competition was held in the Scout Hall, Ennis, on Friday February 7, 2003. 9 teams comprising of over 80 Cubs from every Unit in the Clare region took part in this Regional event. A special word of thanks to the ARC for Cubs, Kevin Malone and to those from the Ennis Unit for hosting this event.
This year the competition was won by the Ennis, (Monday night) pack who finished just ahead of Kilmurray and Ennis (Tuesday Night) pack. The standard was extremely high this year with every team scoring over 100 points from a maximum of 135 points. Well done to everyone.

Kilmurray pack under inspection	Packs waiting backstage
Waiting for the winners to be announced	2003 Winners - Ennis Monday Night Pack with Regional Commissioner Noel Keaney

Brendan Grace presenting the proceeds of a fundraising event that he helped organise to benefit the 5th / 22nd Scout Unit (Killaloe). Pictured are: Paul Denning (Scout Leader / Chairman); Brendan Grace; Paul Brennan (Finance Cmmt. Secretary) and Mary O'Mara (Unit Leader)

Clarecastle celebrated their 70th Anniversary with a visit from the Chief Scout, Peter Dixon. Also in attendance were various Officers and Leaders from the other Units in Clare, headed by Noel Keaney the Regional Commissioner for Clare. Mass was celebrated in which past members of the Unit were remembered. This was followed by a buffet lunch and a specially designed 70th Anniversary cake, which was cut by the Clarecastle Unit Leader, Mary Lawlor and the Chief Scout.

Celebration of Mass	Presentation by Chief Scout	Meeting the Chief Scout

Clarecastle Scout Troop	70^th Anniversary Cake	Clarecastle Unit

Chief Scout discusses issues with the Clare Regional Commissioner	Unit Leader Mary Lawlor cutting the cake with the Chief Scout	Clare Cubs ARC, Kevin Malone sampling the food on offer.

Sixmilebridge

Investiture
Sixmilebridge Beavers, Cubs and Leaders celebrated their investiture ceremonies.

Beavers just beginning their Scouting Adventure

Cubs take the next step on the scouting trail

Investiture ceremony for new Leaders

Chief Scout Officially Opens County Campsite in Ruan- Sept 2008	Chief Scout Awards, Ennis	National Scout Award for 5 Ennis Scouts
Scout County Shield 2005	Cub Scout Track and Trail Competition	Sixmilebridge and Kilmurry Cubs Great Adventure
40 Years of Scouting in Shannon	1^st Scout County Shield in Ruan	First Scout County Campfire
County Orienteering 2004	5th / 22nd trip to Shannon	Presentation to Former 5th /22nd Leader
Beaver Colouring Competition	Killaloe Beaver Investiture	SAI Training and Founders Day
VEC Grant Cheque Presentations	Cub National Funday - Cork	Killaloe Scout Investiture
Quin Scouts on Camp	5th / 22nd Scouts Take a Hike	Western Field Beaver Funday 2003
Sixmilebridge 21 Years	5^th/22^nd Beaver Investiture	Cub Scout Footdrill
Killaloe Presentation	Clarecastle 70th Anniversary	Sixmilebridge Investiture
75^thPin Presentation

Clarecastle Winners of 2005 Track and Trail	Second Place Killaloe (Thursday)	Joint 3rd Sixmilebridge and Killaloe (Tuesday)

Awaiting the results		Relaxing after a hard day!

Noel Keaney and Richard Park Opening the Display	Campfire Blanket and List of Leaders Thru the Ages	Commissioner Reading Letter from Chief Scout
World Flag, Neckos and Letters	Scouters at the Opening of Exhibit	Some Shannon Scouts & Cubs at the Display

Beaver Leader Training and Investiture, Kilrush 2003	Level 4 Training in Murroe and enjoying it!
Founders Day 2001	More from Founders Day 2001