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 According to a survey taken by MyHome.ie, the kingdom of Co. Kerry is Ireland’s favourite domestic holiday destination. This is the third time in a row that Kerry has topped this particular poll with 24.5% of voters highlighting it as their favourite county for a break.
Co. Galway gallops home in second place, polling 17%, while Cork arrives in third place with 14% of the poll. While Wexford was the only other county to hit double digits; counties Clare, Donegal, Mayo, Dublin, Wicklow, Kilkenny and Waterford rounded off the remaining surveyed Top 10.
With more than 5,200 people taking part in this survey of Irish holidaymakers Co. Tipperary, which receives little or no tourism marketing budget share, received just 1% of the vote in this survey undertaken. While only a brief survey, nevertheless Tipperary did outrank counties Leitrim (0.8%), Louth (0.7%), Kildare & Meath (0.3%), Cavan & Offaly, Armagh, Laois, Fermanagh, Limerick and Westmeath (latter 7 counties all receiving 0.17%).
Dublin despite millions of Euro being spent from our national tourism budget annually, to attract attention, received just 3% of the vote in this same survey. Regrettably counties Carlow, Derry, Down, Longford, Roscommon, Monaghan and Tyrone failed to attract even one single vote.
While Tipperary is only in joint 12th position with Co Antrim, it is however easy to see why we fails to attract a better and indeed deserved percentage vote in this survey. We now invite our readers to view the website launched in September 2014, by the current Tipperary Minister for Environment, Community & Local Government Mr Alan Kelly. Next click HERE to view “Top Sights within an hour of Lough Derg”. Do you see Thurles or any of its superb local attractions get a mention? No, I regret to say, only attractions which have had large sums of government money pumped into them by the Bord of Works and National Monuments are highlighted and recommended, the nearest some 5 miles away.
Note also the Lough Derg website fails to shows Links. For those of you not familiar with website Link Building, same is the process of acquiring and sharing hyperlinks (Links) from other websites to your own, thus offering a way for all users to navigate between pages on the internet and in doing so grant surfers a greater overview of all that our Premier County has to offer the visitor. Latter linking failure appears to be part of present overall tourism policy, but to the detriment of our tourist economy nationally.
Hyperlinks (Links) are a number one essential on all tourism websites if we are to truly compete, network and sell online.
  
Miss Katriona Shanahan (PRO ‘Trip to Tipp Weekend of Cycling’) reports.
Join us here in Tipperary for the 20th Anniversary of the ‘Trip to Tipp Weekend of Cycling’, which will take place on the 15th & 16th August 2015, in aid of NCBI, working for people with sight loss. This year, as part of the celebrations, ‘Trip to Tipp’ have made some changes to the routes and participants and supporters also will be able to purchase a Special Limited Edition ‘Trip to Tipp’ jersey.
‘Trip to Tipp’ Programme of Events.
Saturday 15th August
12:00 pm. The Three Counties Tour.
Here you can choose from either the 70 KM route or the slightly more challenging 100 KM route!
Both Routes depart from the Sarsfields GAA Centre Thurles at 12:00pm sharp.
Links to both the maps for Saturday’s Challenge
70km Route – http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/788239301
100km Route – http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/788238589
12:30pm. Family Fun Cycle.
The family fun cycle departs from the Sarsfields GAA Centre Thurles at 12:30pm sharp.
Here participants can register online or on the day – €12.50.
Sunday 16th August
9:45 am: Grand Tipperary Challenge 140 KM.
The Grand Tipperary Tour departs the Thurles Sarsfields GAA Centre at 9:45am. The two notable climbs on the 140km route will be Dolla and the Glen of Aherlow. View Route at http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/788241117
10:15 am: Glen of Aherlow Challenge 100 KM.
The Glen of Aherlow Challenge departs the Thurles Sarsfields GAA Centre at 10:15am. View Route at http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/788240341
10:15 am: Scenic Tour of Tipperary 80 KM.
The Scenic Tour of Tipperary departs the Thurles Sarsfields GAA Centre at 10:15am. View Route at http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/788242015
Once again entries for all cycles can be taken on the day, or you can avail of the online reduced price by registering at: http://www.active.com/thurles-munster/cycling/races/trip-to-tipp-2015
Note: Online registration closes on Friday 14th August at 6:00pm.
Online Special Offers are as follows:–
2 days cycling & Cycling Jersey – €65. 2 days cycling only – €45
1 day cycling & Cycling Jersey – €45. 1 days cycling – €25
Entry on the day for all routes is €30.00 with Family Fun Cycle €12.50 – (Special offers for Families).
All participants over the weekend will receive a ‘Goodie Bag’ and ‘Certificate of Completion’.
All routes will be marshalled and the roads will also be clearly marked. Each route will have a Water Stop and Food Stop.
Accommodation: For anyone seeking accommodation in Thurles for the weekend 15th & 16th August 2015, please note that special hotel rates have been secured from the following venues:-
Anner Hotel Thurles:- [(0504) 21799] B&B €45 pps. Hayes Hotel Thurles:- [(0504) 22122] B&B €35 pps.
In all bookings please reference ‘Trip to Tipp’ when securing accommodation.
To celebrate this 20th Anniversary Milestone, ‘Trip to Tipp’ are going to have a special night of entertainment, with spot prizes, in Hayes Hotel, Liberty Square, Thurles, Co Tipperary on Saturday 15th next.
For further information Email katriona.shanahan@gmail.com
Miss Eibhlis Maher (International Miss Macra festival PRO), reports:-
Miss Susan Willis, representing Co. Carlow was crowned International Miss Macra 2015, at the close of the 44th International Miss Macra Festival, which took place over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Miss Julie Muldowney, representing Co. Kilkenny, achieved second place, while Miss Helen Hayes representing North Tipperary, was awarded third position.
The names of the winners were announced at that enchanting hour of midnight, when a rare eerie silence descended on the Ballroom in Dundrum House Hotel, marking the conclusion of this year’s festival and where the Macra Gala Banquet had taken place earlier that evening.
Miss Susan Willis was presented with a specially-made Sterling Silver Tiara, embellished with cubic Zirconia, designed and hand crafted by Michael’s Jewellers Thurles, marking the 40th anniversary of International Miss Macra Festival. Miss Willis also was proudly presented with the Perpetual Silver International Miss Macra Trophy, courtesy of Dundrum House Hotel management, together with a piece of Galway Crystal and a cash prize of €1000.
The second placed, Miss Julie Muldowney, received a specially commissioned piece of Galway Crystal and a cash prize of €500, while Miss Helen Hayes, adjudged a close third, also received a piece of Galway Crystal and €300 prize money.
A record over two hundred and forty people sat to dine at the five course Gala Banquet on Sunday evening last, held in the luxurious Dundrum House Hotel, thus concluding this year’ most successful festival to date.
Previously, that morning all International Miss Macra 2015 contestants attended mass in the local parish church in Clonoulty-Rossmore and afterwards togged-out to prove their worth by taking part in a sports day.
Musical entertainment on the Sunday night was provided by the band ‘The Guest Band’ followed by Ireland’s No 1 favourite DJ, ‘Don Andrews’.
This year saw twenty-two contestants, each chosen by their Macra Clubs, took part in the 44th International Miss Macra Festival.
The enormous success of this year’s festival, which attracted record crowds, is due completely to the hard work of all Clonoulty / Rossmore Macra members, who undertook the precise planning and organising of this festival on a completely voluntary basis, under the leadership of Mr Donnacha Ryan (Chairperson). Indeed, speaking on behalf of this year’s sponsors Mrs Joan Pollard Carew (Michaels Jewellers, Friar Street, Thurles) strongly recommended that the Clonoulty / Rossmore committee should immediately take over from our present government, so successful were the formers efforts in the promoting of rural Ireland, its heritage, tourism and valued traditions.
In relinquishing her last year’s title, the former International Miss Macra winner of 2014, Miss Brid Cooney, stated “What an amazing 12 months it has been representing Macra na Féirme, Avondhu Macra and Clonoulty Rossmore Macra as International Miss Macra 2014. Thanks you all for the opportunity, it has been absolutely fantastic meeting all of this year’s contestants. You’re a fantastic bunch of ladies and did yourselves and your Counties / Clubs proud. It therefore gives me great pleasure to pass on the coveted crown to Miss Susan Willis of Carlow Macra and I hope and trust that you have a brilliant year while promoting the Macra na Féirme gospel! Warmest congratulations to the overall winners and those taking part – winners all.”
Speaking at the Gala Banquet, Mr Donnacha Ryan (Festival Chairperson) stated that “Miss Brid Cooney’s past year, as 43rd International Miss Macra 2014, was one of total dedication in the promotion of Macra principals and Macra Clubs throughout the length and breadth of Ireland and abroad.”
All roads will lead to Borrisoleigh this coming weekend for the annual Borrisoleigh Festival, which takes place from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th July.
Here there will be something for everyone and for all ages over the course of this well planned festival weekend.
 Pictured here prior to the launch of the 2015 Borrisoleigh Festival sponsored by Ryan’s of Camden St., Dublin are:- Back Row: Brendan Maher (Tipperary Senior Hurling Captain), Sean Shanahan, Marie Shanahan, Patrice Cooney, Mayor of Borrisoleigh, Tom Mason, Phil Mason, Kathleen Scanlon, Nuala Ryan, Fiona Max, Breda Ryan. Front Row: Joe Loughnane and members of the Ryan Family, Bernie, Liam, Martin (Snr), Pauline and Brenda. Programme of Events
The weekend will kick-start with the Tomás Max Camogie U10 tournament on Friday evening to be held in the Town Park. Macks Funfair will also be present in the Town Park all weekend. The opening of the Festival will take place in The Square, with this year’s main sponsors, Ryan’s of Camden St. Dublin, making their official declaration at 9:00pm. This will be followed by live music from that hugely popular band ‘Acoustra’.
Walking Tours
Saturday July 25th starts early with walks organised by the Bush and Briar Ramblers to Knockanora (The Tower) and Latteragh, Forest Loop. Registration for these walks takes place in the Community Centre, to the rear of the Church, at 9.30am and 10.30am respectively.
A Historical Walk through Borrisoleigh takes place from 3:00pm to 6:00pm; starting at Shanahan’s Centra Store, coming down to McDonagh Square and finishing on Pallas Street. This event promises as always to be an enlightening and entertaining journey as participants examine Borrisoleigh’s past rich history.
Line Dancers
Borrisoleigh ‘Line Dancers’ will be displaying their fancy footwork from 12:00 noon to 1.30pm in McDonagh Square. A Food and Craft Fair will also be taking place in the Square from 12:00 noon to 6:00pm with local food and handmade crafts for sale.
Bake 4 Borris
A baking competition, ‘Bake 4 Borris’, will tantalise your taste buds also on Saturday. All baking entries must be dropped into the Community Centre before 2:00pm. (Viewing is from 3:00pm with the final results being announced by judges at 6:00pm.) Note: Entry is free and all cakes will be sold afterwards in aid of Festival organisational costs.
Be part of Irish TV
Irish TV will be present to record some of the events on Saturday, so ladies be sure to put on your best ‘Frock’ and you men, your best ‘Bib and Tucker,’ for this most publicised of televised event.
Variety Concert
Also on Saturday a ‘Variety Concert’ featuring talent from Borrisoleigh and neighbouring parishes begins at 7.30pm in The Square. There will be a special guest appearance by the Dubai Rose, Marie Ryan from Ballyroan; latter who will be interviewed by the local Mayor Patrice Cooney. Marie will also present the prizes for the school art competition. This Artwork will be on display to view in the local Community Centre throughout the weekend.
Churn Racing & Salsa Band
A large crowd is expected at 7.30pm for the Churn Racing display on Pallas Street which will feature some of the participants from the All Ireland Churn Racing competition held in Tipperary Town. This is a great opportunity to now see this unique and growing sport. To truly add to the festival atmosphere there will be live music in The Square with ‘Ochy Calderon’ Latin Caribbean Fusion Salsa Band; beginning from 9:00pm.
Family Fun Day
There will be a Family Fun Day in the Town Park on Sunday July 26th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. This features a number of entertaining events such as a Veterans Hurling Tournament, Bubble Soccer, Vintage Car Display, Strongman Display, Tug of War, Pony Rides, Athletics, Sheaf Tossing, BBQ, Games of Skill, plus much, much more.
Live Music
Live music starts in The Square with Old Time Dancing by ‘The Castle Trio’ from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. They wll be followed on stage by the wonderful ‘Ebony’ from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The band ‘Silver Dollar’ will finish off the live outdoor music from 8:00pm to 9.45pm with the official closing of the Festival by Lord Mayor Patrice Cooney.
Note: In the event of severe or inclement weather; all outdoor music gigs, due to play outdoor in The Square, will move to the village Community Centre.
Storytelling
Local pubs will also have live music on this weekend and even some Storytelling with the hilarious comic monologues of Fergus Costello; latter performing his show ‘Tell me lies horse’ in Finn’s pub on Saturday at 9:00pm.
For full event listings and more info visit www.borrisoleighfestival.com or follow on Facebook and Twitter.
Miss Eibhlis Maher (International Miss Macra festival PRO), reports:-
This year (2015) celebrates the 44th anniversary of the International Miss Macra Festival. The festival is run annually by the Clonoulty/Rossmore Macra na Feirme club; held over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights of the annual August Bank Holiday weekend.
Click HERE to view Video in High Definition
(Video Music: Courtesy Richard and Linda Thompson – “I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight”.)
Once again this year’s festival will see young ladies travelling from all over Ireland and beyond and all converging on Co. Tipperary to compete for the honour of being crowned International Miss Macra 2015 (succeeding the much admired, 2014 winner Miss Bríd Cooney.).
History of the Miss Macra Festival
With regards to the history of this most prestigious of events, the International Miss Macra Festival is one real example of a ‘personality competition’. This festival was originally founded by Mr Paddy Heffernan, Mr Tom Horan and Mr Michael Slattery back in 1972 and has grown from strength to strength every year since conception.
In the very beginning after approaching Macra National Headquarters, the founding members received little enthusiastic support for their idea, however they were determined to succeed and decided to organise the competition ‘of their own bat’. Major success followed and by 1987, for the twenty-fifth anniversary there were thirty-two contestants, one from every county in Ireland. Also during the 1980’s the festival began to attract participation from rural youth and agricultural organisations abroad, such as the 4H clubs in America, the Scottish Young Farmers and many more.
The International Miss Macra competition is unique, due mainly to the fact that it is organised solely by a local Macra Club and not via any County Executive. The Miss Macra festival has a huge community base also, with the contestants staying with host families from around the locality for the duration of the festival period. The pinnacle point of the festival is that it is, perhaps, the best example within Macra of what a local club can achieve, demonstrating strong dedication and team-like commitment.
The local community play an important part in this festival, with many households taking on the role of a host family for each of the contestants, year after year. The tradition of the contestants staying with host families is very strong and contestants are adopted into the very heart of each host family’s home for the full duration of the festival, where a warm welcome is guaranteed. The host families are a very important part of this community based festival and Clonoulty/Rossmore Macra na Feirme club are very grateful each year for this support, generosity, commitment and loyalty.
International Miss Macra Festival Venue – Dundrum House Hotel, Tipperary
The luxurious Dundrum House Hotel (latter winner of a certificate of excellence in 2012) has once again been chosen as the prominent venue for this year’s festival. Described as an oasis in the Golden Vale; Dundrum House Hotel boasts the perfect setting for those seeking relaxation and fun. The historic, picturesque building was originally constructed in the early eighteenth century by the O’Dwyers of Kilnamanagh, as the centrepiece of their vast estate.
Continue reading 44th International Miss Macra Festival – Friday July 31st 2015
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