Lar Na Pairce Museum Thurles Re-opens

Posted on October 10, 2013 by George

Are you close to Thurles, Co Tipperary, tomorrow afternoon, Friday October 11th? Why not take a ‘Late Lunch,’ if you are because the G.A.A. Museum situated here on Slievenamon Road, in the town, will be re-opening its doors, following extensive renovation and upgrading, at 2.30pm.

Lar-na-PairceTo perform this official re-opening tomorrow G.A.A. President, Liam O’Neill, will be in attendance, to cut the customary blue and gold ribbon and the museum itself will continue to remain open to the public from 2.00pm – 4.00 pm. To facilitate your visit tomorrow, historian Mr Seamus King and his team will be on hand to take you on a free tour throughout this wonderful newly revamped facility.

For those of you not familiar with the museum building of late, Lár na Páirce was the first museum in Ireland dedicated to telling the story of Gaelic Games, well why not, after all lest we forget it was here in Hayes Hotel, Thurles, that the Gaelic Athletic Association was first founded in 1884.

What Can We Expect To See At Lár na Páirce?

Following latest renovations Lár na Páirce GAA Museum will again welcome tours on a regular basis. Visiting groups can choose to explore the collection on their own or be guided by one of the expert tour guides on hand. Throughout the year, a range of special offers will be made available to visiting groups; e.g. primary and secondary schools, bus tours, active retirement group, GAA clubs, etc.

There are true to life exhibitions on Hurling, Gaelic Football, Handball, Camogie, Hurley Making, Sports Broadcasting, and of course the rare Sam Melbourne Collection of GAA memorabilia, latter worthy of viewing solely in its own right.

The newly vamped museum will now be open Monday to Saturday 10.00 am – 5.30 pm, so do come and follow the path of Irish Sporting Legends and learn about the history and development of Hurling and Gaelic Football, from the myth and legend right through to modern times.

You can call to book your group for a tour of this amazing facility by Telephoning 0504-22702.

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Borrisoleigh Gathering Festival Begins Oct 4th 2013 In Tipperary

Posted on September 30, 2013 by George

All roads will lead to Borrisoleigh here in Co Tipperary for next weekend, as crowds descend on the village for the “Borrisoleigh Annual Gathering Festival,” which takes place from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th of October next. Locals have been busy painting premises around the town and some lovely murals have been skilfully painted to welcome the large crowd expected from near and far, anticipated to be in attendance.

Something For Everyone Over This Coming Weekend In Borrisoleigh

The festival is being officially opened on Friday night at 8:00pm in The Marian Hall and following same, the cast of Borrisoleigh Drama Group will perform the one act play “Spreading the News.” Entry to the Official Opening and theatre production is totally free. This will be later followed by live music in the village square.

Experience A Walk On The “Roof Of North Tipperary” – The Devils Bit Walk

Saturday’s events are set to exercise both leg and brain power, with a three hour walk over the Devil’s Bit Mountain, a Sean Nós Dancing workshop and an historical walking tour of the town with members of the Historical Society sharing their vast knowledge. The ‘Borris Bothy,’ a new community craft shop and tea rooms, will also be in full swing on the weekend. A craft fair will have a number of local craftspeople and artisans selling their produce. On Saturday night there will be a Variety Concert showcasing local and visiting talent, which in itself, promises to be a most wonderful night’s entertainment. Sunday 6th will see a Family Fun Day in the Town Park with a host of activities. Ireland’s Strongest Man, Kevin Murray, will put on a display. There will be Tug ‘o War and Sheaf Tossing contests, together with plenty of sundry activities for kids of all ages to enjoy, not forgetting a BBQ and a Vintage Tractor Drive. Throughout the afternoon a Busking Competition will see talented musicians competing for some great prizes on the streets of the town. (To register to enter the busking competition simply register online at the festival website www.borrisoleighfestival.com.) The Pink Ribbon Events sponsored by Centra in aid of the Irish Cancer Society will also be a huge attraction. You can try your hand to score a goal past Tipperary Senior Goalkeeper, Brendan Cummins and meet other Tipperary hurlers such as Brendan Maher, Paddy Stapleton, Philip Maher, Pa Bourke, Padraig Maher, Seamus Callanan and Dinny Maher. Fancy a game of soccer with a twist? Then you’ve got to try “Bubble Soccer.” (Phone Michael Kinane on Tel: 087-2310941 to book your game, entry fee is €25 per team.) So if that’s not enough for you there is also Sumo Wrestling and a marquee with food tasting and party games. There will be live music in The Square from 5:00pm onwards, starting off with Social/Old Time Dancing to The Castle Trio. There will also be a celebration honouring the Juvenile Champions of 1963. Later on well known and popular bands Outa Diesel, The Baby Powers and Silver Dollar will entertain the crowds late into the night. Note: There will be parking restrictions in the town over the course of the weekend so do arrive early, thus avoiding unnecessary traffic congestion. 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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Folk Singing Star Nora Fogarty Appearing Thurles

Posted on August 15, 2013 by George

The Tipperary tourism group Hidden Tipperary, in association with Thurles Chamber of Commerce are proud to confirm that Folk Singing Star and Composer Nora Fogarty will be performing at a seated concert in “The Factory,” Hayes Hotel, Thurles, tomorrow night Friday August 16th 2013 at 9.00 pm.

In the vein of singers like Mary Black and Delores Keane, but with none of the copy cat characteristics one associates with many others in her profession, this Kilkenny born vocalist will be performing Country, Ballad and Folk Songs from her massive répertoire; songs indeed which she is frequently asked to sing at previous concert events.

Just a few of the songs that music lovers can expect to hear from the exciting voice of Nora will include “You Needed Me,” (latter version best attributed to multiple award-winning Canadian singer Anne Murray), the late American singer-songwriter Randy VanWarmer’s “Just When I Needed You Most,” Christy Moore’s “Go, Move, Shift,” Joni Mitchell’s ” Both Sides Now.”

Then add songs like “Caledonia,” “The leaving of Nancy,” “Go Lassie Go,” (Latter version best attributed to Tipperary’s late great Liam Clancy) and “Shattered Dreams,” which radio listeners have heard her play regularly (Featured in our video above,), then “believe you me,” you are about to experience one serious night of quality free entertainment.

I kid you not, from the sheer power of her vocal ability, her professionalism, not to mention her superb guitar playing aptitude; Nora Fogarty’s solo concert performance on Friday night next, is one event just not to be missed.

As stated, entry to this event is totally free to all and the Hayes Hotel in Liberty Square will also be providing free finger food to the assembled audience, during the shows interval.

Note: Be warned – Doors will close sharp at 9.00 pm, so make sure you are on time to grab a drink & a seat.

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Upcoming Sports Events In Thurles & Clonmel

Posted on August 1, 2013 by George

Two major upcoming sporting events have been announced for Tipperary over the months of August and September 2013 next.

Trip to Tipp Weekend

Trip-to-TippThe first major event to take place is the “Trip to Tipp Weekend,” of Cycling in aid of the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI), working for people with sight loss and will take place on the 17th and 18th of August 2013.

Over the last 18 years, “The Trip to Tipp,” has grown into an established part of the Irish annual cycling calendar, attracting a significant number of cyclists throughout the country each year.

As on previous occasions there are a number of cycle routes on offer to suit all levels of cyclists, with all departing from the Anner Hotel here in Thurles, Co Tipperary.

Online registration is available for all Routes (1 to 4,) on their website

2013 Tipperary Women’s Mini Marathon

The second event is the now annual 2013 Tipperary Women’s Mini Marathon. (Last year’s event held in Thurles, show in HD slide show hereunder.)

North Tipperary Sports Partnership and South Tipperary Sports Partnership are delighted to announce that the 2013 Tipperary Women’s Mini Marathon will take place in Clonmel on Sunday 29th September at 11.00am.

Now in its fourth year this 10k Mini Marathon has grown from strength to strength since the inaugural event in Thurles in 2010.
Former International athlete and Olympian Catherina McKiernan recently launched the 2013 event with the Sports Coordinators Elaine Cullinan and Valerie Connolly of North Tipperary Sports Partnership and South Tipperary Sports Partnership and Marion Hughes, Tipperary Athletics County Board member. Catherina has become an ambassador for the Tipperary Women’s Mini Marathon and she stated that she was once again delighted to be associated with the event, as she has been since 2010 and that it was wonderful to see so many women out running and jogging in Tipperary.

Elaine Cullinan, Co-ordinator, North Tipperary Sports Partnership commented; “As always this event is open to female runners, walkers and joggers of all abilities and mobility. We had record numbers of 1246 women register for the event last year in Thurles and we would expect to see this grow again this year in Clonmel. Registration is once again both online and postal (details below) and this year we will continue to make a charitable donation of €200 to the largest group to register that are raising funds for a charitable cause. Check out Website for registration details and also details of your local Meet and Train or Fit 4 Life running group, where you can train for this event with others in a fun sociable and supportive environment.”

Valerie Connolly, Co-ordinator, South Tipperary Sports Partnership commented; “It is wonderful to be part of this Women in Sport initiative in Tipperary as it provides a great opportunity for women of all ages to get active and take part in a women’s only mini marathon. All finishers will receive a specially designed race medallion and goody bag. Spot prizes will also be distributed on the day. The event also provides a great opportunity for participants to raise funds for their own local charities. We hope that this year’s event will build on the success of the previous years.”

All participants will be chip timed so whether running or walking the 10k, you will get an accurate time and the event as always is AAI measured and certified.

Note: The 2013 Tipperary Mini Marathon is funded through the Irish Sports Council Women In Sport Programme, and the 2013 committee comprises North Tipperary Sports Partnership, South Tipperary Sports Partnership, Tipperary Athletics County Board, Clonmel AC, Clonmel Borough Council, Clonmel Gardai, South Tipperary Civil Defence and Tipp FM.

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International Miss Macra 2013 Festival

Posted on July 30, 2013 by George

Thousands of visitors are expected to arrive into Co Tipperary, ending up in the luxurious Dundrum House Hotel, Dundrum, over next weekend, for the annual International Miss Macra Festival, beginning Friday 2nd of August to Monday 5th of August 2013.

This prominent festival which has been running consecutively for the past 42 years, will see girls travelling from all over Ireland and beyond to Co Tipperary to compete for the honour of being crowned International Miss Macra 2013.
Some twenty two girls are competing for this year’s title.

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