Liosta na Laochra Awards in Shannon Library

On Thursday 5th December 2013, Shannon Town Council held a civic reception at Seán Lemass Public Library in honour of the Liosta na Laochra awards scheme. Awards are given to individuals who have achieved national or international recognition or are involved with a club, society or organisation operating within the town. Mayor of Shannon Councillor Greg Duff officiated at the event. 13 people were honoured on the night, including 4 national broadcasters/journalists: Valerie Sweeney, Aisling O’Loughlin, Rachael English and Orla Walsh. All-Ireland winning athletes from Shannon Athletic Club and members of Shannon Kickboxing Club, recent medal winners at the World Kickboxing Championships also received awards. Clare Civil Defence and EI Electronics received civic honours on the night. Clare Civil Defence was recognised for its voluntary work in the Shannon community and throughout the county. EI Electronics, manufacturer of smoke and carbon monoxide detector alarms was honoured in recognition of 50 years of success in Shannon. Mayor of Shannon Greg Duff praised the company for not only creating employment in the community but also for contributing generously to community organisations and events in the Shannon area. Indeed, EI Electronics were very generous in sponsoring Children’s Book Festival in Clare County Library this year. A number of voluntary organisations were also awarded funding under the council’s Community Grants scheme. Shannon Chess Club was one such organisation. The Chess Club meets in Seán Lemass Public Library every Friday at 6.30pm under the leadership of Stephen Danaher and has won a number of medals at provincial and national level. Photo courtesy Joe Buckley.