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In late 1968 a group of people got together in Clara namely, Pat McLoughlin, Jim Kirwan (RIP), Joe McKeon (RIP), Jack Kelly (RIP) and Jim Gibbons (RIP). The first meeting was held in November, 1968 in the Parochial Hall. It was decided to form a branch of the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland (as it was known then). The Headquarters of the organisation at that time was in Pembroke St. Dublin.
Notes were placed in the local papers and also fliers were sent to parents in different areas of the town, from where came a good response. A branch of the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland was formed in Clara in December, 1968 and got off the ground officially in January, 1969. Jim Gibbons (RIP) was elected Unit Leader, Jim Kirwan (RIP) , Joe McKeon, (RIP), Jack Kelly (RIP) and Pat Mcloughlin were given the task of Scout Leaders. Later on that year a cub section was set up and Jack Kelly reverted to them and became their leader.
In those times it was not possible to take cubs who were aged between 9 years and 11 years on camps so their only outing was to somewhere for a short stay such as week ends etc. The scout group went on annual camp on a yearly basis and visited places like, Woodstow, Waterford, Roundstone, Galway, Clifden Galway. The grounds of the Franciscian Monastery were used in both Clifden and Roundstone to camp with the kind permission of the Franciscian Order.
Later on we were joined by other leaders namely, Imelda Kelly, Carmel Fleming, P.J. Qualter who was a teacher in the Vocational School (as it was once known) then also Kevin Touhey (RIP) Anne Tracey, Tom Duffin (RIP) and Sean T. O’Brien. Jack Kelly became Unit Leader in succession to Jim Gibbons and I took up the post of Regional Secretary covering the area to Ballinasloe, Co.Galway, having completed Woodbage Training and Unit Leader and Commissioner course. Those courses were undertaken in Larchill, Co. Dublin the official camping site of the organisation at the time as was the Melvin Trophy each year. The scout group at the time camped on several occasions in Larchill.
The Clara Boys Scouts met in the Parochial Hall, Clara until the mid 1970’s when they moved to the Legion Hall which they later acquired ownership of on the 26th of March 1986.