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Week Long Thurles Halloween Arts Festival

Thurles Halloween Festival

Thurles Halloween Festival 2014

Tipperary Councillor Jim Ryan, Chairperson of the Thurles Halloween Arts Festival 2014 reports.

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 Week Long Thurles Halloween Arts Festival

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Thurles Actress Kerry Condon Scores Role in ‘Better Call Saul’

The very lovely Thurles, Co Tipperary native and leading actress Ms Kerry Condon, has confirmed that she has been selected for a role in the upcoming ‘Breaking Bad’ spin-off ‘Better Call Saul’.

Kerry-Condon

Ms Condon, who won ‘Best Supporting Actress,’ at the 2009 Lucille Lortel Awards for her performance in the Atlantic Theatre’s Off-Broadway production of “The Cripple of Inishmaan,” will be even better known for her performance as Octavia in ‘Rome,’ and her other screen characters which include ‘Theresa’ in Frank McCourt’s ‘Angela’s Ashes,’ ‘Masha’ in ‘The Last Station,’ ‘Rachel’ in ‘This Must Be The Place,’ the Cafe Waitress in the comedy romance and crime drama ‘Intermission,’ and ‘Mairead Reilly’ in ‘Ballykissangel,’ to name but a few.

Ms Condon, who returns regularly to Thurles will be well remembered in the town for her annual talented performances as a teenager in local school plays and her community routines undertaken as a leading performer in the now, alas, defunct community variety show “The John Player Tops,” where she took on roles in song and dance routines here in the local Premier Hall.

Ms Condon remains tight lipped about her upcoming role in ‘Better Call Saul’.  “The production is so top secret, it’s crazy,” Ms Condon has stated. “It’s probably the most top secret work I’ve undertaken to-date. When I arrived on the job I didn’t even know my own character’s name, I’d no idea what my storyline was going to reveal, I’d no clue of anything.”  She continued, “I think understandably when something has such a cult following like ‘Breaking Bad,’ fans can be very over inquisitive, so I think that’s probably why the production crew are keeping everything so secretive.”

Ms Condon also can be seen shortly in ‘Gold,’ opening Friday October 10th next, appearing alongside James Nesbitt, Maisie Williams and David Wilmot.

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Expressions Of Interest Sought For Thurles Café

A business opportunity to run The Source Café here in Thurles

The Source

The Source

An opportunity for a ‘Catering Provider’ wishing to establish a new enterprise in an already existing catering environment is currently being advertised by The Source Café here in Cathedral Street, Thurles, Co Tipperary.

The Source Café is inviting expressions of interest to reach them not later than Monday 23rd of June at 5.00pm.

Further information and application details are available by clicking HERE.

Interested parties should submit an expression of interest while responding to current Catering Requirements, Objectives and  Guidelines including a one year business plan and financial projections.

The deadline for all applications is as already stated (5.00pm Monday 23rd June, 2014) and Interviews will take place on Thursday 26th June 2014.

Applications should be submitted by registered post addressed to; Director, The Source Arts Centre, Cathedral Street, Thurles, Co Tipperary. Please write ‘The Source Café 2014 Expression of Interest’ on the top left hand corner of your sealed envelope.

For further information feel free to telephone 0504-90340.

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Borrisoleigh Drama Group Presents “The House Husband”

Tipperary Drama Festival, Holycross, Thurles, Co Tipperary.

Borrisoleigh Drama Group

If you are out and about this May Bank holiday weekend, take note that Borrisoleigh Drama Group are presenting “The House Husband” in the Marion Hall, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, Co Tipperary, on this Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Monday 5th May, beginning at 8.15pm sharp.

Monday night is designated a charity night, with funds being donated to two worthy charities, The Suir Haven Centre and Pieta House. Your support therefore will be greatly appreciated.

The House Husband.

Without giving too much of the plot away this three act comedy drama is written by Jimmy Keary, with the title being self explanatory. Paschal McHugh has given up his teaching job to become a ‘House Husband,’ much to the disgust of his wife Geraldine, a bank official. While Paschal is busy tending to all things domestic, Geraldine is busy arranging a house-warming party and is also falling for the charms of the new Assistant Bank Manager.

Added to this mix is Geraldine’s snooty mother Tess, her alcohol-loving father Harry, Paschal’s domineering mother Maggie, his man-mad aunt Minnie, Paschal’s devil-may-care friend Richie and a couple of other odd characters.

Throw in a baking competition, a set of false teeth, a robbery and the annual Agriculture Show and you are guaranteed much laughter and quite a few surprise twists in this memorable drama production.

62nd RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival.

Talking about drama, keep in mind also that the 62nd RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival got under-way yesterday in the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone and will runs until Friday May 9th. This nine-day festival will see only the top nine amateur acting groups nationally compete for the All-Ireland title together with a number of other major acting and technical awards.

Of the nine performing troops competing nationally, this year’s competition will see performances from not one, but two clubs from North Tipperary; namely the Nenagh Players with Bruce Graham’s “The Outgoing Tide” and our own Thurles Drama Group, latter performing Arthur Miller’s “A View from the Bridge”.

“Break a leg guys and gals.”

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Gay Byrne To Visit Thurles In Early April

Gaybo comes to The Source

Gaybo comes to The Source

Gay Byrne, affectionately known as Uncle Gay, Gaybo or Uncle Gaybo is without any doubt one of the most loved television and radio personalities ever to take to the airwaves in Irish history. His most notable broadcasting role was as the first host of “The Late Late Show,” over a 37-year period spanning 1962 until 1999. From 1973 until 1998, Gaybo also presented “The Gay Byrne Hour,” later “The Gay Byrne Show,” when it expanded to a two hour show on RTÉ Radio 1, each weekday morning.

He comes to The Source Theatre, Thurles, on April 11th next.

Gay, came from a good stable, (to use one of my grandmother’s famous quotes). Born of son of Edward Byrne, who joined the Irish Volunteers in 1912, his father later joined the 19th Hussars, Infantry Division, at the commencement of World War I.  He again later fought during the Irish War of Independence, including O’Connell Street, Dublin, before taking up employment in Author Guinness. Here he worked on the barges that operated on the river Liffey, transporting wooden casks from St. James’s Gate Brewery to ships anchored at the North Wall, Dublin. Edward Byrne had married Gay’s mother, Annie Carroll, latter a native of Bray, Co Wicklow, in Belfast, in 1917, while briefly home on leave from World War I.

Gay Byrne’s “The Late Late Show,” had much to do in shaping our modern Ireland that began emerging from the 1960s. Indeed it was famously stated by one politician, Mr Oliver J. Flanagan, that, “there was no sex in Ireland until Teilifís Éireann went on the air.” The then Bishop of Galway, Michael Browne once called Gay “a purveyor of filth,” following an interview where he had asked a woman what colour night attire she wore on her wedding night and to which the latter had replied stating that she believed she’d worn nothing. This was the same Bishop who in 1957, in response to a growing tension between Catholics and Protestants at Fethard-on-Sea, had stated; “Non-Catholics do not protest against the crime of conspiring to steal the children of a Catholic father, but they try to make political capital when a Catholic people make a peaceful and moderate protest,” and for which remark later he would be forced to publicly apologise.

Though Gay saw himself as a presenter of current debate and never a radical social reformer, he was indeed both, by his ability to open up & publicly discuss certain closed topics, which many of us growing up in the ‘Gaybo era,’ were perhaps reluctant to speak about openly, or if we were honest, too ignorant to understand that every story has two sides, both worthy of discussion.

Today the 78 year old still attracts the headlines, vigorously opposing Property Tax, which he opposed previously in the 1990s.  In a statement recently to the Evening Herald, Gay states again publicly what the rest of us now accept in silence;

I always thought the property tax was a bad idea and it is there solely to appease the Labour Party and the left-wing people in Government. That’s why it’s there, and the Troika in Europe who want it for the same reasons. This should be proof to us that we are no longer masters of our fate. We are being told what to do every single hour of every day by unelected bureaucrats in Brussels. They are doing the same in Cyprus.

He said his opposition to the property tax, which he began on the Gay Byrne Hour, the weekday radio programme he presented for 27 years on RTE Radio, had infuriated the Labour Party.  Gay stated;

I know the Labour Party at the time detested me for my opposition to it. Because they saw the people being taxed as wealthy people living in big houses. But I had letters from old and retired people all over the country who were living in reasonably good houses which they had bought 40 or 50 years beforehand. These older people were certainly not earning the same money any more, and on a low pension, it seemed to be, and I said it out loud on the radio day after day, they were being taxed for just staying alive.”

Gay Byrne, will perform his show, “Gay Byrne Live,” as part of a short Irish tour at The Source Theatre, Thurles. Following sell-out shows last year, this is an exclusive chance to enjoy Gay at his very best, extolling some of the greatest show-biz stories, never told in an hilarious evening’s entertainment.

His show is one night only, on Thursday, April 11th and tickets, believe me are going to be “as scarce as hen’s teeth.

For more booking details Click HERE or ring The Source Box Office on Tel: 0504 90204.

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