Fr Sean Moriarty

Fr Sean Moriarty was one of the most important figures in the history of the Ennis lawn Tennis and Badminton Club. He was very involved with the Fergus LTC, which later became the Ennis Tennis and Pitch and Putt Club.

He drove the building of the pitch and putt course in the 60's, to increase membership of the club, as the tennis declined. Unfortunately the pitch and putt also declined, so that by the late 70's, after the pavilion was burnt down, the club had literally reached a low ebb. The site flooded regularly, and the tennis courts were in very poor condition. He declined offers to sell the site, but decided to amalgamate the tennis club with the very popular Ennis Badminton Club in 1982.

This is the story of Fr Sean Moriarty.  

Sean was a Kerry native, the son of Tomas and Kathleen. He came to Ennis in his early teens, following the appointment of his father, who was a primary school inspector to the Clare area. They lived on the Cusack Road. He received his secondary education at St.Flannan’s College. During and previous to his student days he spent his Summers playing tennis at the adjacent Fergus LTC.

In 1947 Sean Moriarty was defeated 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 by Noel Cassidy, the holder, in the Club Championship, which was the last final at the Cusack Road. His sister Moira was also defeated by Miss Eileen Casey in the Ladies final. .

All this was at a time when the Fergus LTC was thriving, under the stewardship of Jerry Ryan who had been President since 1933. There were five grass courts on the Cusack Road with a pavilion that could hold dances for over 100 people! Over 80 entries would be normal for the club championships, and there would always be large galleries on finals day. Umpires Bill Bluett and Dan O'Driscoll would record the scores diligently.

In 1948 Sean Moriarty defeated George Enright 5-7, 8-6, 4-6, 6-0, 6-4. A huge gallery was in attendance. It was his first time winning the Cahill Cup, which is still presented to the Mens Champion to this day. Photo shows G Enright, Bill Bluett and Sean Moriarty.

After his ordination in 1954 he served on the staff of Knockbeg College Carlow. He was defeated by Frank Cassidy in the Mens Club Championship final in that year.
In 1955 he again lost the final to Michael Conlan. Photo shows Sean Moriarty, John Breen, Liam Cahir and Michael Conlan.

In 1956  Rev Sean Moriarty (after his third final in a row) defeated Frank Cassidy. It was his finest hour. It cost 1/- to see the finals for adults and 6d for children.
The Presentation of the the Cup to Fr Sean Moriarty with Frankie Cassidy and Diver McNamara in 1956.

In 1958 he joined the staff in St. Flannan’s, and in August 1959 he was appointed chaplin at Sean Ross Abbey, Roscrea. In 1964 he was appointed as curate in Clarecastle.

Photo of Fr Sean on the right with Frank Cassidy, Brian Quinlivan and Noel Cassidy at the club in 1964. He became President of the club after having been Vice President for many years.

In 1965 the new 9 hole Pitch and Putt course is opened thanks to Sean Moriarty. It was the first P&P course in Clare. The course was open Thurs, Sat and Sunday at 2pm.Green Fees were 2/6.

In 1975 the One Mile  Inn opens an 18 hole Pitch and Putt course. Unlike at the tennis club it does not flood and it is open all year round. This is the beginning of the end for pitch and putt on the Mill Road.

In 1979 the old Pavilion (built in 1888) was burnt down, and the site flooded regularly. On 3rd Oct Fr Moriarty met Phil Molony and Gerry Bredin from the Ennis Badminton Club, regarding a possible amalgamation. The Badminton Club was based in Our Lady’s Hospital. It was very successful with over 150 active members, and substantial funds saved.

In 1980 the Club Trustees bought the title for the Club at a cost of £500, through the Lions Club and Tom Mannion. This allows the Club to make plans for a new clubhouse and consider the amalgamation with the Ennis Badminton Club 

In 1981 Oliver Moylan and the Chamber of Commerce raise approx £1,000 for the Club. This provided funds to repair the nets and fencing, cut the grass regularly on the P & P course, and provide a caravan to be used as a changing room. Subs were £6 Adult membership, £10 Family and £3 Junior.

Oliver Moylan hands over the keys of the caravan to the President Rev Sean Moriarty.

In October 1981 the Tennis Club asks the Badminton Club to join them on an equal basis. A joint committee was set up to organize an EGM  in April 1982, to seal the amalgamation and write a new Constitution. This was headed by Tom Eade and Gerry Bredin.

Also in 1982 Fr Sean Moriarty was transferred to Dunkerrin in Co. Offaly.

The new Club was opened in 1983 all year round, every day of the week, with flood lit tennis courts, dedicated badminton courts, proper dressing rooms, secure grounds, and a flood free car park. Tom Eade was Chairman.The 150 new members become keen tennis players.

Fr Sean  became the first Honorary Life member of the Club in 1983. In 1990 he was appointed to Kinnity. In 1995 he blessed the new artificial grass courts, without letting anyone know who he was. 

I met him briefly in 2000 at the Fergus LTC reunion. He wanted to acknowledge the improvements at the club by the members, and I am certain he was happy that the legacy he handed to us, was well cared for and cherished. 

Fr Sean Moriarty died in 2005.

His obituary read:

"Fr Sean Moriarty Assistant priest of Kinnity, Co. Offaly, died peacefully on Wednesday 16^th March 2005. He served as priest of the Killaloe Diocese for 50 years. As a priest he was totally committed to his ministry. He gave it his life. He was a most dedicated member of the Legion of Mary. He travelled frequently to Russia and Poland making many friends there including Pope John Paul 2.
He was a lover of classical music and played both the piano and organ. His interest in cinema was acknowledged to the extent that he was an adjudicator at the Cannes Film Festival. He was a skillful tennis player and a keen golfer playing off a handicap of 4. In his student days he also played soccer with some success.
He will be remembered by all who knew him as an inspiring priest.”  
One can also add that he loved the tennis club, its members and what it stood for. The Club will  forever be indebted to this great man.