Tourism - Thurles Information

What Benefits Received For Paying Local Property Tax?

I took a walk along the area beside the River Suir, commonly known as the Thurles River Walk this afternoon.
Sad to see a Swan forced to swim amongst the floating, filthy, dirty litter of a once pristine clear waterway. [See photograph immediately hereunder.]

**Swan forced to swim amongst floating, filthy dirty litter, in river Suir, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.**
*Pic: G. Willoughby*.

Further up as I moved northwards along Emmett Street; here underneath Barry’s Bridge, (latter the main thoroughfare in and out of Thurles town), two views meet my eye.

One was the fact that now two streams of fresh water, instead of one, continues to flow from what appears to be a burst pipe. We had notified Ms Sharon Scully of this fact, exactly 4 weeks ago to the very date; January 18th, 2024. No repairs appear to have taken place.
No doubt the problem was imposed, foisted off on Uisce Éireann (formerly Irish Water), who take the blame for every pothole in town. [See photograph immediately hereunder].

**It didn’t rain today, February 18th, 2024, so it looks like two leaks now coming from water pipe(s) under Barry’s Bridge Thurles, Co. Tipperary.**
*Pic: G. Willoughby*.

Speaking of Barry’s Bridge, Thurles and our previous criticism of those taxed with attracting tourism to Thurles; do take a look at this view from Emmett Street, travelling northwards. [See photograph immediately hereunder.]

**Scenic view for visiting tourists, daring to walk northwards from the Thurles River walk, travelling along Emmett Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.**
*Pic: G. Willoughby*.

Note, Do take care while walking along sections of the tarmac laid last year on the River Walk. Same has already begun to ravel at the edges. One major dangerous hole exists close to the “Swinging Gates”, near to, and south of, the large cherry tree; latter’s beauty which may distract you, while out rambling.

So tell me again; “What Benefits do Thurles residents receive having paid Local Property Tax?”

University Concert Hall Limerick Announces Exciting Spring Concert Series.

University Concert Hall (UCH) Limerick has announced a series of four springtime Sunday concerts that will fill the Mid-West venue with the sounds of opera arias and the works of some of the world’s greatest composers.

The Limerick Classical Concert Series will commence on Sunday March 3rd with an afternoon concert of operatic delights in association with The Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition. Accompanied by Dearbhla Collins and Mairead Hurley and presented by Lyric FM’s Liz Nolan, the varied programme brings together Limerick singers, Mairead Buicke (soprano) and Owen Gilhooly-Miles (baritone), alongside 2022 VDISC winners, Aebh Kelly (mezzo-soprano) and Aaron Godfrey – Mayes (tenor).

The Mid-West’s premier live entertainment and cultural venue will then welcome acclaimed string quintet The Vanbrugh & Friends on Sunday 21st April. Keith Pascoe and Marja Gaynor (violin), Simon Aspell and Ed Creedon (viola) and Christopher Marwood (cello) to perform the works of Boccherini (String Quintet in E major G.402), Beethoven (String Quintet in C minor Op.104) and Dvorak (String Quintet in E flat major Op.97).

University Concert Hall’s classical programme continues with the annual Rising Stars concert showcasing gifted up and coming classical performers on Sunday, April 14th. These will include Alice Abreu (violin), Aimee Banks (Soprano), Declan Murphy (Piano), Megan O’Neill (Soprano) and Mickey Thomas (Piano).

This Spring Concert Series is complemented by a special, family-fun performance on Sunday April 7th. Soo-Jung Ann and Fiachra Garvey on two pianos alongside members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra and UCH Panto star Richie Hayes narrating, will bring Saint-Saens much loved ‘The Carnival of the Animals’ to life. A humorous musical suite of fourteen movements including ‘The Swan’, Tortoise and wild donkeys, there will be something for music and animal lovers of all ages.

UCH Director Ms Sinead Hope commented, “We are really excited to present this series of Spring and Sunday afternoon concerts and we look forward to welcoming people from across the Mid-West and beyond in the coming weeks. The Irish classical music scene is thriving, and we are proud to provide a platform for new and established musicians and singers and to continue to promote University Concert Hall’s longstanding artistic ethos”.

2024 marks the 30th anniversary year of UCH which became the first purpose-built concert hall in Ireland when it was opened on the University of Limerick campus. The 1,038-seat auditorium has since attracted performances from some of the biggest names in entertainment including the late Johnny Cash, June Carter, James Taylor, Billy Connolly, Leslie Garrett, Van Morrison, The King’s Singers, Jimmy Carr, Sir James Galway, Christy Moore and the late Sinead O’Connor.

Visit HERE for ticket details and more information on UCH’s Spring Series of Concerts.

EPA Announces Funding Of €14.3m For New Research.

EPA announces funding of €14.3m for 33 new research projects to address climate and environmental challenges. This represents a 34 per cent increase in investment from the previous call in 2022.
EPA funding is building essential research capacity in Ireland with over 40 per cent of lead researcher applicants in 2023 new to the EPA Research Programme.
The funding covers research in the areas of climate change, the natural environment, the green & circular economy, and the environment & human health.
Reflecting the need for cross-sectoral research, the EPA is working in partnership with Met Éireann and Geological Survey Ireland to co-fund some of the research.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced new funding for Environmental and climate research in Ireland, with funding of €14.3 million awarded for 33 new research projects. This represents a significant increase over previous years and reflects the EPA’s ongoing commitment to funding environmental and climate research. These innovative projects will support the development and implementation of environmental policies in Ireland, as well as building research capacity in strategically important areas.

This funding will support more than 200 research staff across 13 organisations to conduct projects in innovative areas such as:

how blue light can affect human health and biodiversity.
societal transformation required to address climate, environmental and social challenges.
digital twins for coastal areas.
nature-based solutions for water quality and ecology.
the circular economy for batteries.
sustainable tourism.
air pollution in Irish towns.

Announcing the awards, Ms Laura Burke, (EPA Director General) said: “Scientific research and innovation are playing an increasingly important role in informing how governments and society can respond to the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. The projects announced today will address knowledge gaps, both current and future, to provide robust evidence to support the implementation of effective environmental policies in Ireland.
This EPA funding will also help to build transdisciplinary research capacity and talent in Ireland in key areas relating to sustainability transitions and societal transformations. These specialist skills and expertise are essential to enable Ireland to effectively leverage the full range of environmental, economic and societal opportunities offered by the green transition. I congratulate the successful research teams and look forward to seeing the project outputs making a positive contribution to environmental protection in the years ahead”.

The EPA places a high priority on promoting the uptake of funded research to inform policy and to maximise the impact of research and innovation. Reflecting the need for an integrated, cross-sectoral approach, the EPA is working in partnership with Met Éireann and Geological Survey Ireland to co-fund a number of projects.

Of the successful lead research applicants supported through the call, over 40% had not previously applied for funding to the EPA, broadening the base of the researchers and institutions engaging in research relevant to environmental policy.

University College Cork (UCC) received the highest number of successful research awards in 2023. Professor Mr John Cryan, (UCC Vice President for Research and Innovation) said: “I would like to thank the Environmental Protection Agency for continuing to award talented researchers. This allows them, through scientific research and innovation, to tackle critical environmental, climate, health, and sustainability issues. These awards will further strengthen UCC’s position as a recognised global leader in the field of Sustainability. Aligned to UCC Futures – Sustainability, these projects will enable UCC researchers to support environmental policies in Ireland, address key societal challenges caused by climate change, and help deliver a healthier environment for all”.

The list of Awards made under the EPA Research Call 2023 is available on the EPA website HERE.

The EPA Research Programme is a Government of Ireland initiative, funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. The EPA Research Call 2024 will open for applications in April 2024. Details will be made available on the EPA website which can be viewed HERE.

Tipperary Rose of Tralee – Search Officially Begun.

“New year, New you”. High interest as the search has begun to find the Next 2024 Tipperary Rose of Tralee.

This week Ms Aisling O’Donovan, latter reigning Tipperary Rose of Tralee, officially launched the search to find this year’s Rose of Tralee here in County Tipperary. It is going to be hard for the South Tipperary woman to hand on her title, especially having been the Tipperary Rose for the past two years. She remembers fondly her time as the Tipperary Rose and the last minute nudges of encouragement it took to allow her have one of the best two years of her life.

Ms O’Donovan says “Entering and becoming the Tipperary rose has been one of the proudest moments of my life so far. Being able to represent my county on a local, national, and International base is a fantastic feeling that words can’t even describe.
This was not only a personal growth and confidence level but the friendships I have made for life, along with the many, many reunions/ events I have attended over the years with my fellow roses and rose escorts; from the week in Tralee to the opening of the German Christmas Markets in Frankfort and our walking in the St Patrick’s day parade on Fifth Avenue New York. Although my reign has lasted two years it has also allowed the time to attend each other’s life events, including weddings and numerous getaways”.

Ms O’Donovan continued, “I would recommend this festival to anyone, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and so much more than what you see on TV. You get to meet so many amazing people, do some amazing things, and become an inspiration to so many girls and women. I would say to anyone that has ever thought about becoming a rose; don’t miss out on something great, because of fear; it’s your time, new year, new you, just apply”.

There is no better time to enter as the Tipperary Rose. Due to the gap caused by the pandemic and following the festivals latest new departure, there is an assurance that every Rose will enjoy a positive experience during her year as her region’s ambassador. The Festival organizers have revamped the selection process by removing the regional qualification process and increasing the age limit, so with no Tipperary Rose since 2022 and the next after this year will be 2026, interest is expected to be high.

Ciarán and the team that Co-ordinates the Tipperary event said: “Aisling has been a true lady and credit to her community throughout her extended time as reigning Tipperary rose of Tralee. She was a great ambassador for her family; County Tipperary, and South Tipperary in general and we want to thank everyone for getting behind her on her trip to Tralee. This year is a big year for the county as there are big changes, which will mean we will only have a Tipperary rose once every two years, so this year is a great and even better opportunity for every young lady to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience to the full.
We can confirm after the Covid break and the changes to the festival, the breaking news is that there WILL be a 2024 Tipperary Rose of Tralee selection final this year, with the event taking place on the 24st of March 2024 in the Anner Hotel, Thurles. Note closing date for entrants is the 2nd of March, with new direct entry to the Final night.

Changes mean there are now no regional final elements to the festival, so the chosen Tipperary Rose will go directly to the Stage Interview with the main presenter Mr Dáithí Ó Sé in the Dome in Tralee, Co. Kerry. The age limit has gone up a year to 29, so once you’ve not reached your 30th birthday by the 1st of September 2024, you are still in the competition.
Due to the pandemic and the biannual selection this means the Premier County did not have a Tipperary Rose since Ms O’Donovan, the 2022 Rose, and Tipperary won’t have one again till 2026; hence we need help to get that message out there, that the search is on for 2024 with only a six-week window to apply. This year there is no better time than now to give it a go and apply, so if YOU or anyone you know; or living in Tipperary, that you think would make a great Rose for county Tipperary in 2024; do pass the message along; all are welcome.

The chosen Tipperary Rose will travel “Via the Rose Tour” to the International Festival in Tralee, in August and will take part in all the parades, official events, and numerous public engagements at the festival from which 32 Roses will appear in the live selection broadcasts.

More information can be found by searching or DM “(@tipperaryroseoftralee)”, or by texting 086 3871635. Applications can be found via https://roseoftralee.ie/apply-to-the-rose-of-tralee/ .
Remember: The closing date will be the 2nd of March 2024 and the Tipperary selection will be held at the Anner Hotel, Thurles, on the 24th of March 2024.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival will be celebrated from Friday 16th – Tuesday 20th of August 2024.

Bunratty Celebrates Ancient Pagan Festival Of Imbolc.

Imbolc, the ancient pagan festival marking the beginning of spring, will be celebrated at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on February 4th, next.

The County Clare visitor attraction will showcase the vibrant crafts, traditions, animals and customs that characterise the season, while the ‘Imbolc Celebration’ will also mark St. Brigid’s Day. (Irish: Lá Fhéile Bríde).

Ms Marie Brennan, Events Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, commented, “Imbolc represents the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox and has been celebrated in this country since ancient times. We look forward to marking the beginning of spring in style by inviting the local community and the wider public to join us for a fun-filled and educational day out.”

Visitors will be able to learn how to make Saint Brigid’s Cross, an iconic symbol that has graced Irish homes for centuries. Bunratty’s experienced Bean an Tís (Irish: Housewives), will guide the public through the traditional craft, demonstrating the meticulous process of weaving straw or rushes into the distinctive cross shape.

A variety of native Irish animals from Droimeann cattle to Irish Wolfhounds and from Irish Red Deer to Tamworth pigs will be on display as part of the visitor attraction’s ongoing work to increase awareness of native Irish breeds and how they have formed part of Ireland’s social and cultural history down through the centuries. Members of the Wolfhound Society of Ireland will be onsite on the day with opportunities for the public to engage with them and discover more about one of Ireland’s most celebrated indigenous Irish canine breeds.

Basket maker Michael Foudy will demonstrate the time-honoured tradition of making traditional style baskets using locally sourced materials such as hazel and willow. The Bean an Tí also will be on hand throughout the day to demonstrate the art of traditional butter making at the Golden Vale Farmhouse.

As the Folk Park springs into life for the new season, the Clare Vintage and Engine Tractor Club will showcase an array of vintage agricultural machinery at work including corn grinders, water pumps and a mini threshing machine.

There also will be children’s entertainment from a host of characters located throughout the 26-acre Folk Park, including the resident Seanchaí Mickey Joe who will recall tales of bygone days and traditional ways preserved over the centuries at Corry’s Pub on the Village Street. Meanwhile, Konor the Clown will be performing magic, juggling and music in the Corn Barn at various internals throughout the day.

See www.bunrattycastle.ie for more on the Imbolc Celebration at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, County Clare on February 4th from 11.00am to 5.00pm.