Clane Community Council brought its year to a close with a wonderful celebration in the Abbey on Sunday evening last…

The party got off to a great start with delicious punch, mulled wine and mince pies generously provided by Marion and Dan from Doolan’s on Main Street. Clane Parish Choir then thrilled young and old alike with their beautiful rendition of a selection of Christmas Carols.

Chairman of Clane Community Council John Kennedy updated everyone on some recent developments within the council. He highlighted in particular the tremendous achievements of Clane in the Tidy Towns competition with the Bronze Medal – Clane’s first – revealed to all on stage, having been presented to our community by the Minister just a few days previously. Also on show were some examples of new Heritage Signage for the village recently commissioned by the Community Council. To be installed in the coming weeks, the signage was designed with the valuable assistance of Clane Local History Group, and made financially possible with Heritage funding from Kildare County Council, and generous donations from a number of anonymous donors.

The evening then continued with the presentation of The Claonadh Award 2014. Local resident Frida Lowry was presented with the award in recognition of her tremendous contributions to the community of Clane for over 28 years. Through her championship of groups like KARE, the Hang-Out Club and Clane Access Group she has helped deliver tremendous improvements to the quality of life of many in our community.

Everyone then braved the outside for the big switch-on of the Abbey Christmas Lights. A rousing countdown triggered the lighting up of the Christmas tree on the Village Green and the Abbey tower lights, and Clane Parish Choir brought the evening to a lovely close with a final selection of carols.

Clane Community Council would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to their activities over the last 12 months, and indeed to everyone who contributes in any way to community in Clane.

We wish you and yours a safe and Happy Christmas and all the very best for the New Year.