Clare’s most celebrated traditional musician is set to be offered the highest honour of the county with a civic reception.
The final meeting of the outgoing Clare County Council heard much praise for Sharon Shannon, though councillors were in high spirits with suggestions of adding a few more Clare musicians to the roll of honour, for an even bigger night of music and celebration
Retiring Councillor Flan Garvey said Sharon Shannon from Corofin has taken Irish Traditional music to a new level worldwide, as he proposed a civic reception for her efforts.
Ruan Councillor Joe Arkins agreed but said Sharon’s family including Gary, Majella and Mary should be included in the tribute for Irish music raising the bar locally and internationally.
Councillor Garvey also added that the Shannon’s teacher Frank Custy should be considered for the council’s highest honour, Councillor Brian Meaney said the former Stunning band members the Walls from Ennistymon deserved the same accolade, while outgoing Councillor Bernard Hanrahan said the entire Kilfenora Ceilí Band should be added to the ticket, as Councillor Tommy Brennan said he knew of 9 or 10 other musicians that were just as good.
The line-up descended into farce as Councillor Cathal Crowe spoke of the Cranberries Parteen Connections, and whether the night goes ahead remains to be seen, though councillors concluded it would be one hell of a musical event!