Details of Shane Lowry's "homecoming" celebrations announced
Details of Shane Lowry's homecoming to Clara have been announced.
Lowry will make his return to the town where a parade will commence at 6pm this evening, Tuesday, led by Clara Town Band.
An event hosted by RTÉ’s Des Cahill, will feature singer Mundy and Mullingar's Conor Sketches.
It's understood the town of Clara will be closed to traffic from 3pm today.
Car parks will be set up a mile outside and people are being asked to arrive early for the homecoming event.
It is understood that an area will be cleared in Baggot's Pub especially for Lowry and his family.
Chairperson of Clara GAA, Brian Gavin has asked people to be patient given the little time they had to organise the event.
"Offaly County Council have been very helpful to us, as have members of An Garda Síochána who have put together a traffic plan.
"I would ask people to get here early, park in the designated car parking areas which are about a mile outside the town.
"The town will be closed to traffic from 3pm."
The Irish golfer captured the Claret Jug by winning the Open Championship in Portrush, Co Antrim on Sunday.
It was Lowry’s first win in one of golf’s four majors and the first time the Open was held in Ireland for 68 years.
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Peter Ormond, and Members of Offaly County Council have extended their congratulations to the Shane on his success in The (British) Open Golf Championships over the weekend.
The Chief Executive on her own behalf and on behalf of the staff of Offaly County Council joined with the members in offering congratulations also.
The Cathaoirleach noted that it was a proud day for Offaly and the country.
Councillor Ormond said “It was one of the greatest sporting day’s, that will bring so much joy to the country”.
He commented that Shane was an excellent ambassador for Offaly, an ambassador whose humility was recognised by all in the sporting world and in the wider community.
He recalled that the Members of Offaly County Council had held a Civic Reception in November 2009 to honour Shane’s achievement in winning the Irish Open Golf Championship that year.
He observed that Shane had come from a family with a proud sporting heritage with his father, Brendan Lowry and two of his uncles Mick and Sean Lowry playing on the Offaly team that won the 1982 All Ireland Senior Football Championship.
Councillor Ormond noted “The Members are looking forward to meeting with Shane and congratulating him in person”. The staff of the County Council are looking forward to playing a role in the homecoming celebrations in the coming days.