Moroney's Bar

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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.

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

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… Read more

On Friday morning, February 17th, at 2.24am, Gerry Moroney, one of Ennis' oldest and most respected citizens passed to his eternal rest. Gerry had reached the ripe old age of 91.

Born in Ennis in January 1921, Gerry went to school in the local CBS. On leaving school, he immediately went to work in the family grocery and pub business. His late father John was a former Chairman of the Ennis Urban Council and despite numerous approaches to stand in the local election this was never an option for Gerry.

First and foremost, Gerry was a stalwart of Ennis hurling and football. He played with the Market, Dals, Rovers, Turnpike and Eire Og in hurling, where he won two Senior Championships in '56 and '57 while also winning four Senior Football Titles with the great Faughs teams of '47, '48, '52 (which he captained) and '54. In Ollie Byrne's superb book on… Read more

Plans are already afoot for the second Mike Mac Golf Classic at the Ennis Golf Club with Saturday 14th April been penciled in for the tournament. Following last years outstanding success the committee is confident that the classic will be well supported once again this year.

Last year nearly €7,000 was distributed to Cahercalla Hospice, The John Giles Foundation, Ennis Old Folk, The McMahon Fund,The Clare Crusaders and Clarecastle Day Care Centre. While that figure was beyond our wildest dreams we hope once again this year to help out many local charities in the area. Of course the star of the show last year was the appearance of John Giles at the classic and once again contact had been made with John and the committee are hopeful he will once ahain grace us with his presence.

The committee is arranging a meeting in Moroneys on Thursday 26th January to kick start the… Read more

The Ennis Chelsea Supporters Club which meet in Moroneys for live televised games are holding a social on Saturday 21st January 2012 in The Templegate Hotel, Ennis at 8pm. Guest at the social is Chelsea legend Ron Chopper Harris ,a Chelsea player from the 60's and 70's and captain of their 1970 winning FA Cup final team. In the 70's there were some great battles between Chelsea and Leeds United and he will be speaking about these and this will be followed with a Question & Answer session.

There will be a meal, raffle ,spot prizes and also a comedian accompanying Ron on the night. Tickets cost €25 for adults and €10 for Juniors. Anyone interested in attending can contact Club Secretary Jim McMahon at 086-8119086 for further details.

After a absence of 5 months Ennislusc will return to Moroneys for tomorrows nights televised 3rd Round FA Cup game away to Arsenal. While Moroneys was closed we returned to Considine's in Parnell St and all the members and committee of Ennislusc would like to thank Mark Kelly and his staff for the hospitality they afforded the club while we were homeless.

New man in charge of Moroneys, Charlie O Mara is looking forward to meeting all the Leeds supporters and assures them they will be welcome with open arms. He admits to not knowing the words to the Leeds anthem, Marching On Together but he won't be long finding out when Ennislusc start singing me think !

Following on from the AGM of the Chelsea Supporters Club on Tuesday night last they have now confirmed that they will be returning to Moroneys for all their televised games. The club is run by a great committee comprising of Jim McMahon, PJ Gilligan and Tony Guilfoyle to mention but a few.

Also returning to Moroneys will be the Ennis Leeds United Supporters Club and Charlie will have his first experience of the club for the televised 3rd Rd FA Cup game on Monday 9th January vs Arsenal. One think for sure is he'll have to get to know the words of the Leeds anthem Marching On Together. Both clubs would also like to acknowledge the kindness and generosity of Brian John McCarthy and his staff over the years and hope he's on the road to a full recovery.

After a year in which Moroneys was closed from the 24th June to 25th November due to Brian John retiring from business and renovations taking place it's great to be back open for the festive period. It's four weeks since Charlie O Mara took over the reins at Moroneys and he's been thrilled with the response he's received from his old customers in The Usual Place and the loyal following that BJ had built up.

Charlie his wife Susan and all his staff John, Majella, Diane, Hanna and Irene would like to wish our loyal customers, their families and friends a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and hope that the New Year brings health and happiness to you all. Hopefully we will get to meet a lot of our friends over the holiday period and especially those who have returned home for the Christmas. You can be assured of a great… Read more

Following the retirement of Brian John from Moroneys the pub has been closed since the 24th of June but thankfully will reopen on Friday night next under the stewardship of Charlie O Mara. While closed we took the opportunity to do some work on the premises and we were very lucky to have the services of some top class tradesmen on hand. When one decides to do some renovations you always seem to find something extra to do but none of that phased our top team of Brian Fitzgerald (Builder and Carpenter), Tony Guilfoyle ( Painter & Decorator),TJ Scanlon ( Steel Fabricator) and Marty Ryan ( Electrician).

Interestingly Tony, TJ and Marty are townies and although Brian hails from Inagh his offices are overhead Cahill's Shoe Shop across from the pub so we didn't have to go far for talent. While a lot of the changes are in the background such… Read more

On Friday night next 25th November Moroney's will re open it's doors and the new gaffer in charge will be none other than Charlie O Mara. Many of you will know Charlie from The Usual Place in the Upper Market which he has ran in one capacity or another since Clare All Ireland winning year of 1997. There is not a lot that can be said about Charlie other than the Moroney family are extremely lucky to have him on board such is his standing in the bar trade. He has been extremely professional in his approach and has been hands on with changes in the bar.

Charlie has a great team around him in the Usual Place in John White and Diane Clohessy ,both of whom have been with him for years and will now be behind the counter of Moroneys. Also some old faces will be seen with… Read more

Clare Intermediate Hurling Final Eire Og Ennis 1-14 Ruan 0-06

After three years in the Intermediate ranks Eire Og are back in the senior hurling championship. The final which was played in a constant downpour on a superb surface in Clarecastle, the Townies proved too strong for Ruan who were tasting defeat in the final for the second year running. On a day when scores were hard to come by freetaker Danny Russell was superb as were ex Inter County Seniors Barry Nugent and Fergus Flynn who was nominated as Man Of Match. On the other hand Ruan's freetaker John Punch had a off day but in the conditions this was quite understandable.

Great credit must go to the team management of Michael ( Chief) Chandler, Tony and Martin Nugent and team trainer John O Mara who hails from Sixmilebridge. As captain Mark Fitzgerald said in his acceptance speech they have been… Read more

It was with deep regret last June that Brian John McCarthy (know to all his friends and customers as BJ) let it be known that he would have to retire from managing Moroneys due to health problems. When BJ took over the reins in 2005 he quickly established Moroneys as a popular pub for sport, trad music and a great pint. BJ always prided himself in cleaning all the beer, lager and guinness lines every ten days and it was this diligence that insured you received a top class pint.

Of course every man needs a good team around him and in Tracy, Colm McNevin, Cathal McCarthy, Ethan McCarthy Irene Hehir, Ger Hanrahan and many more too numerous to mention (but not forgotten) BJ had the A Team. Gerry Moroney and all the Moroney family wish to thank BJ for his outstanding and tireless work and are indebted to him… Read more