Clare is preparing to celebrate its title as European Volunteering Capital 2027, recognising the thousands of people across the county who give their time to support their communities.
One of those volunteers is Tina Boyle.
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Originally from Buckinghamshire in Southeast England, Tina moved to Corofin in 2007 to take up a role as Supervising Pharmacist with Rochford’s Pharmacy. Having no previous ties to Ireland, other than an interest through genealogy, she gave herself six months to see if life in North Clare would suit her. Rochford’s Pharmacy is at the heart of the community in Corofin and supports events held by the school and other organisations in the village. Through her employment Tina soon found herself building community connections.
When the inaugural meeting of Corofin Tourism and Traders association was held in 2012, Tina attended and became involved with promoting Corofin as a tourist destination before becoming part of the Festival of Finn committee. This annual celebration of Irish culture and heritage, named after the legendary warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill takes place over the May Bank Holiday weekend and brings the village together through music, talks, walks and family fun events.
Volunteering has helped Tina grow as a person, sparking her creativity and nudging her beyond her comfort zone – from dressing up as Fionn Mac Cumhaill to visit local schools to coordinating the much–loved Lark on the Lake with help from other committee members. Through her role as treasurer, she has gained experience in new areas such as writing grant applications. Over time, she has become deeply woven into the fabric of village life, building lasting friendships and developing a true love for the place she now calls home. For Tina, volunteering isn’t just about giving back, it’s about belonging and being part of something bigger – her community.
The Festival of Finn is a long–running annual celebration held in Corofin, County Clare, honouring the legendary Irish hero Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool). Rooted in local folklore and community pride, the festival takes place over a weekend in early summer and features a lively mix of music, dance, parades, family fun, sports competitions and heritage events. Organised by a team of dedicated local volunteers, the Festival of Finn brings the whole community together and attracts visitors from across Clare and beyond. It highlights Corofin’s strong tradition of hospitality, creativity and local involvement, while also supporting local businesses and cultural groups.
The Festival of Finn is a long–running annual celebration held in Corofin, County Clare, honouring the legendary Irish hero Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool). Rooted in local folklore and community pride, the festival takes place over a weekend in early summer and features a lively mix of music, dance, parades, family fun, sports competitions and heritage events. Organised by a team of dedicated local volunteers, the Festival of Finn brings the whole community together and attracts visitors from across Clare and beyond. It highlights Corofin’s strong tradition of hospitality, creativity and local involvement, while also supporting local businesses and cultural groups.
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