World War 1 Dead Remembered In Thurles

Posted on October 27, 2014 by George

Ecumenical Solemn Commemoration Service on the Centenary of the outbreak of WW1

“If ye break faith with us who die we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders fields.”
( Extract from the poem ‘In Flanders Fields,’ by Canadian Physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae.)

“And the band plays Waltzing Matilda, and the old men still answer the call,
but year after year, their numbers get fewer; someday, no one will march there at all.”
( Extract from the song ‘The Band Played Waltzing Matilda,’ written by Eric Bogle.)

At the very least, some 75 soldiers and their officers from Thurles and its immediate environs, saw fit to enlist in the British Army, fought and died bravely between 1914 to 1918, and indeed even later, from wounds received, after that ” war to end all wars” period of our history.

Tomorrow night (October 28th 2014) in St Mary’s Church, here in Thurles, an Ecumenical Solemn Commemoration Service on the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War (WWI) will be held, beginning at 7.30pm sharp, to which all are invited to attend. The service of Prayer, Music and Poetry will be conducted jointly by clergy representing both traditions of the Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland communities, led by Rev. Ian Coulter.

Music for the event will be provided by renowned local pianist M/s Mary Rose McNally, with special guest; composer, guitarist and much-loved folk singer M/s Nora Fogarty. Retired former aide-de-camp to H.E. the President of Ireland and Co Galway native, Commandant Michael Walsh, will give the commemorative address, with a poetry reading by Mr Shane Willoughby.

Names Of Known Thurles Area Officers and Men Who Died In and Following WW1

(Our thanks to published author Mr Tom Burnell for his research.)

Anderson John, Armstrong William Maurice (Capt) M.C., Beirne John, Bermingham Patrick, Bourke James, Brett Timothy, Butler John, Byrne Patrick, Carroll Martin, Carroll Thomas, Carty John, Cassidy John, Cleary Joseph, Cleary Patrick, Cleary Thomas, Coady Edward, Coady Joseph, Coady Richard, Coffey Michael, Cooke Henry F, Cooney David,Cummins John, Conway Denis, Cunningham John V.C., Cunningham Patrick, Cusack Oliver, Dea Patrick, Dwyer Cornelius, Egan Martin, Fitzpatrick Joseph, Gouldsborough Patrick, Griffin Thomas, Hackett Martin, Hanrahan Daniel, Hayes Daniel, Hayes Thomas, Hennessey Thomas, Horan Joseph, Jordan Denis, Kelly James, Kelly William, Kennedy, Matthew, Kiely Owen, Knox Hubert Lt Col., Knox William Lt Col., Lawyer Joseph, Maher Frank, Maher James, Maher James Bernard, Maher John, McCormack Francis, McCormack Thomas, McLoughlin James J, Meany James, Mockler Patrick, Moyler George, O’Brien Lawrence, O’Grady Patrick, O’Shea John, Power Michael, Purcell Philip, Quinlan Joseph, Ryan Andrew, Ryan James, Ryan John, Ryan Martin, Ryan Michael, Ryan Patrick, Scally Patrick, Shields Matthew, Stapleton John, Sullivan Patrick, Terry Timothy, Walsh James.

A ‘Cross of Sacrifice’ was erected in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin earlier this year to coincide with the centenary of the beginning of World War One and in particular to commemorate the many thousands of Irish soldiers nationally who lost their lives as a result of both World War One and World War Two.

In his speech at the dedication and unveiling of this ‘Cross of Sacrifice,’ on Thursday, July 31st 2014, President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins stated; “We cannot give back their lives to the dead, nor whole bodies to those who were wounded, or repair the grief, undo the disrespect that was sometimes shown to those who fought or their families. But we honour them all now, even if at a distance, and we do not ask, nor would it be appropriate to interrogate, their reasons for enlisting.
To all of them in their silence we offer our own silence, without judgement, and with respect for their ideals, as they knew them, and for the humanity they expressed towards each other. And we offer our sorrow too that they and their families were not given the compassion and the understanding over the decades that they should have received.
Let us now, together, cultivate memory as a tool for the living and as a sure base for the future – memory employed in the task of building peace.”

Military personnel in particular, community elected representatives and indeed all residents of the town of Thurles are invited to attend, and the short Commemoration Service will be followed by a cup of tea and some seasonal “buttered bairín breac,” plus the chance to view a rare display of primary source WWI artefacts’ pertinent to Tipperary and indeed to Thurles.

Admission is free, however a collection will be made during the service with proceeds going to the upgrading of St Mary’s War Museum. (Latter presently under re-construction and due to be reopened as a local tourist attraction on May 1st 2015 next.)

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Thurles Halloween Arts Festival 2014 Line-Up

Posted on October 17, 2014 by George
Thurles Halloween Festival

Thurles Halloween Festival 2014

The 7th annual Thurles week-long Halloween Arts Festival begins in 7 days time from October 24th to October 31st 2014 inclusive.
Once again this year there is a wonderful festival line up, with some of the best national and international acts (All now fully confirmed) performing in our midst this year.

A continued policy of Thurles community participation is very much evident once again and with so many different forms of ‘The Arts’ taking place here in Thurles this year, both local and an anticipated large turnout of visiting public will most definitely find something for each and everyone, in this year’s diverse programme of major events.

Daily Programme of Events for Thurles Halloween Arts Festival 2014

Friday 24th October

ART – “Art Exhibition.” VENUE: Cabragh Wetlands. TIME: Each Day of the Festival period – 10.00am to 5.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
Exhibition by Artist Michael Fogarty whose work is mainly inspired by the Irish countryside. Artist will be in residence each afternoon during the festival.

BOOK LAUNCH – “Rights of Succession.” VENUE: Cabragh Wetlands. TIME: 7.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
The book, a tale of early 19th century family intrigue by author Michael Fogarty will see the author on hand to sign copies of his new book.

DRAMA – “In Acting Shakespeare” – Written by and starring James DeVita. VENUE: Source Arts Centre. TIME: 8.00pm. ADMISSION: €18/€16 (concession).
“In Acting Shakespeare” expect a funny, touching and uplifting story of one man’s discovery of Shakespeare, acting and language. This is a show for anyone interested in Shakespeare or theatre. The show is followed by Q&A session with James DeVita.

Music – “Whistle This,” VENUE: Bowes Pub. TIME: 9.30pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
A night of culture and music with some of the Premier County’s finest singer song writers, poets and musicians in an intimate atmosphere.

MUSIC – “CLEM O’ BRIEN BLUEGRASS BAND.” VENUE: Bowes Pub. TIME: 10.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
Truly one of Ireland’s finest Bluegrass musicians, Clem O’Brien; brings his unique band to Thurles for a special performance not to be missed.

Saturday 25th October

MUSIC, FOOD & CRAFT – “SCARE IN THE SQUARE.” VENUE: Liberty Square. TIME: 12.00 noon to 4.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
Come join us for live music, food & craft stalls, Street Entertainment, Funfair Rides and much more, as we transform Liberty square into a Halloween “Scare in the Square,” occasion. Note: This year we will be having a Halloween Scarecrow Trail around Thurles town. With the help of ‘Thurles Mens Shed’; over 25 Scarecrows will be put on display around the streets of Thurles during the duration of this years festival. We hope to grow this into a major event going forward and we hope you enjoy the creative skills of the volunteers who created these pieces of scary art.

LITERATURE – “Poetry in the Making.” VENUE: Source Arts Centre. TIME: 3.00pm to 5.00pm. ADMISSION: €20.00.
This poetry workshop, run by poet Enda Wyley, is suitable for emerging poets. It aims to celebrate the power of poetry and the making of it. Participants will be encouraged to create new work of their own and to enjoy poetry by established poets, including the work of Thurles poet Dennis O’Driscoll. (Limited capacity – early booking advised. Please book directly through the Box Office on 0504/90204.)

LITERATURE – “A Public Interview with John Kelly.” VENUE: Source Arts Centre. TIME: 7.00pm. ADMISSION: €10.00.
In memory of Thurles poet Dennis O’Driscoll. For many years John Kelly has been at the forefront of music and arts broadcasting in Ireland. Having presented ‘The View’ on RTÉ television for 12 seasons, and assorted programmes for BBC NI before that, John now heads up RTÉ Television’s brand new arts show ‘The Works.’ Known for his wide-ranging knowledge of music he has also presented some of the best-loved and most critically acclaimed music programmes on the Irish airwaves. From his shows on the BBC to the legendary ‘Eclectic Ballroom’ on Today FM and the award-winning ‘Mystery Train’ on RTÉ1, he has always put the music first. He currently broadcasts the ‘John Kelly Ensemble’ on RTÉ Lyric FM and ‘Radio Clash’ on RTÉ Digital Radio 2XM.

WORKSHOP – “Halloween Art and Craft Workshop.” VENUE: Bookworm, Parnell Street, Thurles. TIME: 11.00am – 5.00pm. ADMISSION: €5.00 per person.
Get in the Halloween spirit, come and get creative; experience the make construction of some Halloween arts and crafts. Each workshops begin on the hour and last for 50 minutes. Note: Please book in advance – Tel: 0504/22257.

COMEDY – “TOM O’ MAHONY & GUESTS.” VENUE: County Bar, Liberty Square. TIME: 10.00pm sharp. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
Dubbed by the critics as a ‘Bad-ass of Irish comedy’ Tom starred alongside the legendary and late, great Rik Mayall on RTE’s hit comedy Damo & Ivor in 2013 and made his return in Season 2 (alongside Snatch’s Alan Ford) reprising his role as the intolerable toff ‘Tarquin.’ A finalist in RTE’s 2013 New Comedy Awards, this lad has starred in several TV adverts, (typically playing someone you wouldn’t like). In 2014 Tom played support to Nina Conti at the Cork Opera House and also Police Academy’s Michael Winslow on a nationwide tour. Playing the country’s biggest festivals, Tom supported the brilliant Stewart Francis at this year’s Vodafone Comedy Festival in Dublin. This year saw another sell-out solo show of Tom’s, “Bring on The Apocalypse” in theatres nationwide and at the Edinburgh Fringe. Tom has a weekly radio slot on Spin103.8 entitled “Mantime,” where he discusses the failings of modern blokes and how they can redeem themselves (There are a lot of stanley-knives and hammers).

Sunday 26th October

TOURS & TALKS – “Cabragh Wetlands Trust Open Day.” VENUE: Cabragh Wetlands. TIME: 11.00am to 4.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
Cabragh Wetlands invite the public of Thurles and Tipperary to an all day open event. There will be a ‘Walk and Talk’ at 11.30am which will be repeated at 2.30pm, led by volunteers and environmental experts. Find out about their work in conservation and education, and their plans for the future. Take this opportunity to view their exciting new building, have a guided walk around the wetlands or wander around at your own pace, see what they do and join them for a cup of tea. All are welcome.

MUSIC – “Flamenco Guitarist John Walsh.” VENUE: Anner Hotel. TIME: 4.00pm. ADMISSION: €5.00.
John Walsh is Ireland’s leading Flamenco Guitarist and an accomplished musician and composer, performing solo since 2006. Along with performing concerts throughout Ireland together with venues in Spain and the UK, he has performed in one of the most historically important flamenco venue’s ‘El Candela’ in Madrid, as well as being the invited International Artist for the 2014 Flamenco Festival “Flamenco de Consuegra”.

MUSIC – “THE TIPPERARY JUNIOR CHAMBER ORCHESTRA.” VENUE: St Mary’s Church, Thurles. TIME: 8.00pm. ADMISSION: €10.00.

PARTY– “FANCY DRESS PARTY.” VENUE: Thurles Rugby Club. TIME: 10.00pm till Late. ADMISSION: €15.00.
Thurles Rugby Club presents its annual Halloween Fancy Dress Party with live music and disco. This event is one of the highlights of the year in Thurles and we would encourage those attending to purchase your ticket as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Tickets available from Hickey’s Pub or any Rugby Club Member.

Monday 27th October

FAMILY SHOW – “Halloween Trick or Treat Party.” VENUE: Anner Hotel. TIME: 2.30pm to 4.30pm. ADMISSION: €5.00 per child & €2.00 per adult.
This annual children’s party returns with all the usual favourites. Dress up in your favourite Halloween costume and let your child enjoy a wonderful and safe spooky party. Event includes: Party food and drink, Party music & games, Barney, Bob the Builder, Peppa Pig and Friends show, Magic show, Balloon Modelling and Face painting.

Tuesday 28th October

WRITERS – “A Writers Covert.” VENUE: Anner Hotel. TIME: 8.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge
Writers from across Tipperary’s many regular writing groups will get together to read their own compositions and well-known writers works. This event is open to the general public, so do feel free to bring along your own work and join in. Note: Refreshments will be served.

WORKSHOP – “Pumpkin Carving and Painting.” VENUE: Bookworm, Parnell Street, Thurles. TIME: 2.00pm to 3.00pm. ADMISSION: €5 per person. Note: Pumpkins will be provided. Please book in advance – Tel: 0504/22257.

WW1 COMMEMORATION – “Ecumenical Thurles WW1 Memorial Service of Remembrance.” VENUE: St Mary’s Church, Thurles. TIME: 7.30pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge, however a collection will be made during the Service with proceeds going to the St Mary’s War Museum. (Latter presently under re-construction and due to be reopened as a local tourist attraction on May 1st 2015 next.)
The Great War of 1914-1918 was so terrible and inflicted such large numbers of casualties on all sides that when it was over it was believed by many to be “The War to end all Wars”. Alas, by the end of four years of fighting from August 1914 to November 1918 many thousands of families around the world including some 72 households from Thurles were affected by this tragedy, through the wounding or loss of life of at least one of their family members.
The ceremony will begin with the naming of all 72 known Thurles WW1 soldiers who lost their lives.
Church music for this event is being provided by renowned local pianist M/s Mary Rose McNally, with special guests; music composer and much-loved Folk Singer M/s Nora Fogarty and Retd and former Aide de camp to H.E. the President of Ireland and Co Galway native, Commandant Michael Walsh, latter who will also give the commemorative address.
The remembrance service will be conducted in St Mary’s Church by the Rector Rev. Ian Coulter and will be followed by a rare display of local primary source artefacts pertinent to Tipperary participants in this Great War of 1914-1918.
Continue reading →

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Annual 2014 Thurles Service Of Harvest Thanksgiving

Posted on October 16, 2014 by George

‘Come ye thankful people come, raise the songs of harvest home.
All is safely gathered in ere the winter storms begin.’

The 2014 annual Thurles ‘Harvest Thanksgiving Service’ will take place this year in St Mary’s Church (C of I) Thurles on Sunday night next, (October 19th) at 7.00pm sharp.

Harvest services in all Christian churches here in Co. Tipperary usually take place in the evening time during the months of September and October. Church of Ireland churches lend themselves to being atmospherically lit and decorated with seasonal produce; taken from private gardens, orchards and fields of agriculture.

Such decorations usually consist of apples, pears, courgettes, pumpkins, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, turnips, cabbages, sugar beet and arrays of garden flowers together with a sheaf or two of corn, latter tied together in the old fashioned ways of grain harvesting.

Harvest Thanksgiving Services have long held historical rural roots in all Christian religions, with prayers of thanks offered to our Creator, once the hard work of harvesting has been completed and same is always experienced, by those attending, as being of a most joyous and uplifting occasion. Same is possibly brought about because of the choice of those wonderful Victorian hymns sung at these events, such as “We plough the fields and scatter,” “Come ye thankful people, come” and “All things bright and beautiful,” performed at very few other times during the churches calendar year.

In past years, following such services, all fruits and vegetables were donated to old folks homes, orphanages and workhouses etc., but this practice is rarely the case today as many such institutions have their food menus already pre-planned in advance and same is therefore more trouble than it is worth for them to accept such varied small gifts of such produce.

This year’s Thurles Harvest Thanksgiving Service, on Sunday October 19th, will be conducted by acting Thurles Rector Rev. Ian Coulter, while the special guest speaker will be Co. Waterford Curate, Rev. Jim Wallace.

St Mary’s Church Thurles are happy, as always, to welcome back again all Christians of all denominations to this most ecumenical of thanksgiving services, with the customary cup of ‘tea and a biscuit’ shared with all in attendance following the service.

Note: Based on previous attendances to such thanksgiving events in St Mary’s; elderly people are advised to come a little early, thus ensuring that same are not left standing due to limited space within the small church building.

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Borrisoleigh Festival Will Commence October 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2014

Posted on September 27, 2014 by George

borrisoleigh

Borrisoleigh Co Tipperary is the place to be for the first weekend in October with their Festival taking place from Friday Oct 3rd to Sunday October 5th, 2014.

Local residents have been busy once again this year painting premises around the town and even more exquisite murals have been added this year. A booklet has also been produced to mark this growing festival occasion.

Friday 3rd: The festival will commence with an officially opening in McDonagh Square. The Borrisoleigh festival committee are launching this year’s festival with a Mayoral Candidacy contest. The candidates will be trying to impress you to get your ‘No 1 Vote‘ and a fun filled evening’s entertainment is guaranteed, followed by live music by ‘Outa Diesel.’

Saturday 4th: Same will see two walking tours organised by the local ‘Bush and Briar Ramblers,’ over the Devil’s Bit and on the newly opened Inch Loop Walk. There will be also a ‘Line Dancing Workshop’ in the Marion Hall and a ‘Food and Craft Fair’ in the Square. Live music in the Square starts at 7.30pm with the ‘White Gypsy Band,’ followed by the ever popular ‘Silver Dollar & friends’ at 9.00pm.

Sunday 5th: Sunday starts off with the annual 40k charity cycle organised by the local cycling club with funds raised this year going to Downs Syndrome North Tipp Branch. This Family Fun Day in the park is bigger and better this year with a host of new fun activities added. Along with popular favourites from last year such as Bubble Soccer, Strongman Display by Irish Champion and local man Kevin Murray, Tug of War, Sheaf Tossing, BBQ and Novelty Games of Skill. There is also an exhibition of Birds of Prey, Bouncy Castles, Sumo Wrestling, Rodeo Bull, Arts, Crafts and Music workshops for kids, a Vintage Tractor display, a Climbing Wall, Face Painting and more.

Live music in the Square kicks off at 5.00pm with the ‘Castle Trio,’ and at 7.00pm the acclaimed Liam Ó Maonlaí (Hothouse Flowers fame) will take to the stage. At 9.00pm the band ‘Ebony’ will take over and the new Mayor of Borrisoleigh will be announced.

Note: There will be parking restrictions in the town over the course of the weekend so do follow directions.

For further details or to register for events visit www.borrisoleighfestival.com or email info@borrisoleighfestival.com. You can also follow updates on Facebook and Twitter.

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New Website For Tipperary’s Lough Derg Region

Posted on September 9, 2014 by George

1Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Mr. Alan Kelly TD yesterday (Monday, 8th September 2014) launched a brand new website dedicated exclusively to the promotion of the Lakelands Lough Derg region.

The website www.discoverloughderg.ie provides visitors to the region with information on places to visit, events, accommodation providers and restaurants, special offers, and land and water based activities.

The website is one of a number of marketing initiatives being rolled out over the coming months and during 2015 to establish the Lough Derg area in counties Clare, Galway and Tipperary as Ireland’s premier Lakeland destination.

“Lough Derg is the most important tourism asset in this region, and the lake has the capacity and the potential to entice and host domestic and international visitors alike,” stated Minister Kelly at the launch of www.discoverloughderg.ie.

The Minister added: “We need to continue to work on increasing the demand for lakeside and leisure activities and attract tourists into the Lakelands Lough Derg Region. An online presence is just one activity to assist us in doing this.”

Minister Kelly confirmed that a €2 million stimulus package is being invested to progress the objectives of the “Roadmap for Experience Development and Destination Marketing Plan 2014-2017” for Lough Derg, which was launched earlier this year.

Implementation of the Plan is being co-ordinated by the Lough Derg Marketing Group (LDMG), comprising Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland, Inland Fisheries, Clare, Galway and Tipperary County Councils, LEADER and tourism trade representatives from the private sector.

In addition to the website, the LDMG has coordinated a promotional video for the Lakelands Lough Derg Region, which is available to view on the newly launched website and which local tourism businesses are encouraged to incorporate into their websites. Lakelands Lough Derg will also be promoted on websites across France and Germany later this year, while a domestic marketing campaign is planned for the national print and broadcast media in early 2015.

Mr Joe MacGrath, LDMG Chairperson and Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council commented: “One of the key objectives outlined in the Roadmap is to improve orientation around Lough Derg for visitors. This will be achieved by erecting new signage to create a sense of arrival and enhance the visitor experience in exploring the area. It will focus on the three counties of Clare, Tipperary and Galway that border the lake with signage from motorways to the regional and local roads included in the scheme. Work is progressing in relation to this project and new signage is expected to be put in place in 2015.”

“The marketing and promotion of Lough Derg is an ongoing process,” explained Áine Mc Carthy, Tourism Marketing Coordinator for Lough Derg, who added: “For example, the Lough Derg Marketing Group launched a pilot food tourism initiative, A Taste of Lough Derg 2014, in June of this year which became an instant success generating public attention on social media through a series of events organised by the tourism trade in July and August. The initiative, which continues this month has created a significant interest in local produce available around Lough Derg and has heightened awareness of Lough Derg as a food tourism destination.”

“The initiative will be extended next year to get more of the tourism trade involved, with more events taking place throughout the summer months offering visitors to Lough Derg a choice of food events to attend,” added Ms. Mc Carthy.

Meanwhile, the LDMG has been involved in an EU Project called TRAP (Territories of Rivers Action Plans) since March which involves improving stakeholder engagement around Lough Derg.

Businesses wishing to be added to www.discoverloughderg.ie or to have their details updated should send an email to info@discoverloughderg.ie.

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