Thanks to our good friends over at Ireland’s No.1 Video Game Website, we have one copy of Tony Hawk: Ride to give away for [...]]]> We promised you a fantastic prize for our July competition and “boys o boys” have we delivered. Gamers rejoice and be glad, this is one competition you’re not going to want to miss.

Thanks to our good friends over at Ireland’s No.1 Video Game Website, we have one copy of Tony Hawk: Ride to give away for your PlayStation3 console.

In ‘Ride’ the player uses the unique skateboard peripheral to simulate riding an actual skateboard in the game. The wireless peripheral, shaped just like a real skateboard, is equipped with infrared sensors to detect motion and display it on-screen. Turning, leaning, hopping, and other actions all reflect in the game realistically.

We have a copy of the game and the skateboard peripheral to give away to just one lucky winner. Entering is easy, go to Top Right Hand Side of our home page, answer the simple question, add your Email address to enable us to contact the winner, add 2+2 and Submit.  It could not be simpler.

Our computer will select the winner on 14th August next so best of luck to all our competitors.

*Note: All participants must reside in County Tipperary and must be able to pickup the prize themselves if they are selected as the winner.

The Minister for Education Mary Coughlan is expected to make a full statement shortly following a proposal from the newly formed alliance between the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) and the Tipperary Institute.

The so-called ‘Bord Snip’ report which [...]]]> The future of the Tipperary Institute (third level college), which was under threat of closure, now looks reasonably secure.

The Minister for Education Mary Coughlan is expected to make a full statement shortly following a proposal from the newly formed alliance between the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) and the Tipperary Institute.

The so-called ‘Bord Snip’ report which was compiled by economist Colm McCarthy last year, recommended that this campus, which consists of the Tipperary Institute here in Thurles and in also Clonmel, should be closed down and auctioned off as part of an overall package of national government cost saving measures.

It would appear that the Government will now give their full approval to the proposal, agreed by both third level colleges, to merge under the flag of the Limerick Institute of Technology. This move will create a significantly enlarged Institute of Technology serving counties Limerick, Clare and both Ridings of Tipperary.
The amalgamation once fully agreed, will be is expected to be fully implemented by September 2011.

LIT currently has two campuses in Limerick city with the main campus at Moylish Park and the Limerick School of Art and Design at George’s Quay and Clare Street, in Limerick City.

Under this proposal both Tipperary Campuses will in future be known as LIT Thurles and LIT Clonmel and this alliance will lead to an expanded range of courses and student services in future years.
Student numbers are expected to rise considerably by 2015.

Honours degrees offered by the current Tipperary Institute already cover a wide range of areas from Accounting, Finance and Business to Creative Multimedia and Computer Games Design and Development. The rapidly evolving social and environmental sectors are also well provided for with Degrees in Environmental and Natural Resource Management and Social and Community Studies.

The latest CAO data shows an increase in the number of applications for TI programmes. The main highlight being a 10% increase in the overall number of applications for the TI compared with the same time last year.

New programmes will soon be ready to launch which will cover Smart Sustainable Energy and Digital Animation.

Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan T.D. has already announced that Tipperary Institute is to receive funding for a further 80 new training places for the unemployed under the Labour Market Activation Fund, 2010.

The training places will target the less-skilled, and those formerly employed in declining sectors such as construction, retail and manufacturing, with particular emphasis on those under 35 years of age and the long-term unemployed.

Pictured here is TGL’s Shane Willoughby with the President of Thurles Chamber Mr Pat Hayes presenting Daniel with his prize.

Let’s hope Daniel can win [...]]]> Huge congratulations to Daniel Cantwell, of Cantwell Quality Water Services, the May winner of our 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Nintendo Wii competition kindly sponsored by Ireland’s leading video game website, TheGamingLiberty.com.

Pictured here is TGL’s Shane Willoughby with the President of Thurles Chamber Mr Pat Hayes presenting Daniel with his prize.

Let’s hope Daniel can win the World Cup for Ireland this Summer because God knows he’s the only chance we Irish now have.
Meanwhile, watch this site folks, because in the coming weeks, have we got some prize for you.?

Details will be announced shortly.

Daniel Ryan, son of Kate and Jerry Ryan proprietor’s of Jerry Ryan Jnr. Coaches, was picked by our computers as the winner of our free Computer Games competition, which ran during the month of March.

Daniel, aged just 14, smartly gave us [...]]]>

Free Computer Games Competition Winner

Daniel Ryan, son of Kate and Jerry Ryan proprietor’s of Jerry Ryan Jnr. Coaches, was picked by our computers as the winner of our free Computer Games competition, which ran during the month of March.

Daniel, aged just 14, smartly gave us the correct answer, winning for himself  video games valued at €120. Daniel, a pupil at CBS Thurles, is an avid “computer gamester” himself and also enjoys all sports, especially soccer, rugby and hurling.

Well done Daniel and to all our viewers who took part in the competition our thanks, and watch out for our next free competition coming to you shortly on www.thurles.info .

May we take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all 114,530 people to date who have viewed pages on our site over the past few months. Please do continue to comment on what we write as we do like to hear your views.

Why not join our free subscription list for updated daily news, sent to your email address? (See Subscribe To Thurles.info Via Email on RHS of this post)

Also, remember if you are a Sporting Body or a Charitable Non Profit  Organisation seeking publicity, why not contact us and we will attempt to help get your message, quickly out into the public domain.

Meanwhile, talking about computer games, watch out, it seems that the 3D revolution is about to begin with Playstation3 promising to go 3D this Summer according to the Thurles top International Gaming Website thegamingliberty.com run by Joseph Murphy and Shane Willoughby.  They claim that all those rumours about 3D Firmwares look like they could be true. According to Qore over on the US PSN, a plethora of titles including Killzone 2, Wipeout Fury HD, Super Stardust HD, Gran Turismo 5 and LittleBigPlanet are going 3D.
This could potentially be the start of something huge, especially if more developers jump on the 3D bandwagon.

A happy Easter Weekend to all our viewers.

The question is “What new game release will feature a song by Leona Lewis?”

To enter competition visit the section in the [...]]]> Enter our competition and win the games “Dragon Age” (PC) and “Army Of Two:The 40th Day” (PSP)!

The question is “What new game release will feature a song by Leona Lewis?”

To enter competition visit the section in the right sidebar.

TheGamingLiberty.com, Ireland’s number 1 Gaming Site (Nurtured in Thurles, Revered internationally) has earmarked their picks of the consoles and games that should be sitting under everyone’s tree [...]]]> Knowing what to get your loved ones for Christmas is hard enough, but potentially buying your loved one the wrong game for their XBox, Playstation or Wii can be deadly.

TheGamingLiberty.com, Ireland’s number 1 Gaming Site (Nurtured in Thurles, Revered internationally) has earmarked their picks of the consoles and games that should be sitting under everyone’s tree this Christmas.

For Santa or indeed parents not familiar with the current gaming trends the information supplied hereunder will be more than helpful.

Playstation 3

Sony’s black juggernaut, the Playstation 3 had a stellar 2009. If their competitors can be accused of faltering slightly in the last year, the PS3 can only be applauded for its dedication to revitalizing and strengthening its brand and consumer likability. After a price cut and a sleek redesign, the PS3 is probably the cheapest and most accessible multifunctional multimedia devise available out there this Christmas. Apart from games and free online play, the PS3 comes with a Blu-Ray drive as standard for the best film watching quality, a web browser, compatibility with PSP and enough hard-drive space (125 GB or 250 GB) to save a plethora of photos, games, music and movies. The PS3 does everything. Here all TGL’s three PS3 picks for Christmas;

1: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.

Uncharted 2 is the jewel in the PS3’s crown. Arguably the most graphically complete and stunningly rendered game ever made, Uncharted 2 puts you in the shoes of Nathan Drake, a descendant of Sir Francis Drake and a would be Indiana Jones treasure hunter. Uncharted 2 is an exciting and explosive title which sees you traverse the globe in search of the ancient Cintanami Stone of Shambhala. It should be a compulsory purchase for any PS3 owner.

2: Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crank In Time.

Ratchet and Clank are back in the sequel to 2007’s Tools of Destruction. Following the classic platforming and shooting mechanics of its predecessor, Ratchet & Clank rivals even Disney Pixar’s award winning aesthetics for its beautiful cartoon looks which just sizzle and ooze to perfection in HD. Exclusive to PS3, A Crank in Time is great for both the kids and older gamers.

3: EyePet.

One for the Kids this, EyePet allows you to utilize Sony’s Playstation Eye camera periphery to literally grow and care for your own cute and cuddly pet. It’s your job to look after your pet, feed it, dress it and play with it. Your interactions with your pet are crucial if your little buddy is going to stay happy. It comes packaged with the Playstation Eye and would keep all the family engrossed and happy come Christmas morning.

Xbox 360

Microsoft’s Xbox 360 continues to grow from strength to strength and is now available in both white (Arcade, 60 GB) or Black (Elite, 120 GB) this Christmas. Boasting an impressive line up of exclusive titles and the robust and comprehensive Xbox Live, the 360 is a hardcore gamers dream. With lots of new titles promised in 2010 (Alan Wake and Halo: Reach), the Xbox 360 is a fundamental purchase for the gaming enthusiast. Here all TGL’s three 360 picks for Christmas;

1: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

It’s the game everyone is talking about. Modern Warfare 2 is the biggest game of all time. Available on both PS3 and 360, Modern Warfare 2 comes into its own on Xbox Live. This is the ultimate online shooter. If you own an Xbox, then you need this.

2: Left 4 Dead 2.

An Xbox exclusive, Left 4 Dead 2 is the brainchild of Valve, the developers of the critically acclaimed Half Life franchise. Left 4 Dead 2 has you literally fighting your way through hordes of zombies and the un-dead. The game shines online and offers a unique and entertaining co-operative experience. Left 4 Dead 2 is a must.

3. Lips: Number one hits.

One for all the family this, Lips: Number One hits is a karaoke game that comes bundled with two wireless microphones. Featuring 40 massive contemporary pop hits from stars such as Kanye West, Lily Allen, The Black Eyed Peas and Mariah Carey, Lips is a great party game that will have everyone rallied around the TV over Christmas and beyond. The game can be expanded by downloading new tracks from Xbox live so the fun never stops.

Nintendo Wii

The Wii has been a runaway success for Nintendo since it launched in 2006 and shows no sign of stopping. Available this Christmas in stalwart white and for the first time in a sleek and sophisticated glossy black, the Wii resonates strongly with the soft-core modest family gamer in a way that all of Sony’s and Microsoft’s HD strength has struggled to compete with. With the widest selection of games available, the Wii has something for everyone and if smiles and collective fun is what you what come Christmas morning, then the Wii is for you. Here all TGL’s three Wii picks for Christmas;

1: New Super Mario Brothers Wii:

Mario is back (again), this time in a Wii update of the classic Super Mario Brothers. The side scrolling platforming goodness that defines the classic formula remains the same, only this time you can bring new life to the game with four player fun. This is an essentially purchase on Wii this Christmas. If there’s one thing Nintendo do well, its first party Mario games.

2: Wii Fit Plus:

Wii Fit Plus is an update to the incredibly popular Wii Fit, a unique and fun fitness game complimented by Nintendo’s balance board controller. Wii Fit Plus builds on the original and allows you to play fun fitness mini games as well as undertake a daily fitness regime to suit your needs and your lifestyle. A great game for anyone of any age, colour, size or demeanour, Wii Fit Plus is the definition of what the Wii does best, fun games with a unique spin.

3: Dead Space: Extraction.

Arguably the best title released on the Wii this year, Dead Space: Extraction is a horror on-rails shooter and is a prequel to the massive Dead Space franchise on 360 and PS3. Utilizing the Wii-mote Zapper makes Dead Space: Extraction all they more fun as you blast your way through the hordes of Necromorphs that come your way. One for the boys this and it proves that the Wii isn’t just full of bright, colourful and cuddly games. This is dark, intense and brutal. Get it.

Warning – While Santa will know in advance, Parents on the other hand should check discreetly that their loved ones have not managed to get their hands on any of these  game previously.

Una Healy pictured recently at HQ Nightclub Thurles.

The leggy beauty, who threw a star spangled bash at [...]]]> A host of big names will step out tomorrow night to join Thurles born singer, Una Healy of the girl band The Saturdays celebrate her 28th birthday, in true Irish style.

Una Healy pictured recently at HQ Nightclub Thurles.

The leggy beauty, who threw a star spangled bash at London’s Club 24 last month, is now looking forward to celebrating with her friends from closer to home.

The Thurles Co.Tipperary native will be joined by her bandmates, Frankie Sandford, Mollie King, Rochelle Wiseman and Vanessa White, when as they kick off the party at new The Good Bits, Store Street, Dublin.

This gorgeous group will jet into Dublin tomorrow to attend the exclusive Xbox launch party, Lips Number 1 Hits at the new club. The Just Can’t Get Enough singers are later hoping to attend, Krystle Nightclub in Harcourt Street, to continue the nights celebrations.

The invite only party at The Good Bits will kick off with a drinks reception, before Una take to the stage.

Among the invited guests of Microsoft, will be Thurles town’s native Shane Willoughby and Joseph Murphy, the brains behind Irelands No1 sensational Gaming Site and Forum, TheGamingLiberty.com.

Time permitting, she may pay a visit home and will no doubt drop in as usual to HQ Nightclub in Thurles over the weekend.