Thurles Information » Weddings

Shannon Oaks Hotel Extensively Damaged By Fire

George — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 23:54:01 +0000

Shannon Oaks Hotel

There are no reports of any injuries or the cause of a fire which has extensively damaged the Shannon Oaks Hotel in Portumna, close to the Tipperary border in Co Galway.

The well known Hotel and County Club, situated on St Joseph’s Road and which overlooks the 1,500 acre Earl of Clanricarde estate, alerted the emergency services shortly after 1.00pm this afternoon.

Six units of the fire service from Galway and Tipperary arrived to the scene and some 60 employees and some 20 guests were evacuated.

A management spokesman said the hotel would be forced to remain closed for sometime, but that there was no immediate threat to the jobs of the present workforce.

It is believed that the fire was mainly confined to the kitchen area, where the blaze may have broken out, and the action of fire fighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading to the wings either side of this main blaze.

The emergency services obtained additional water supplies from the hotel swimming pool and the local Marina.

An investigation is now underway into the cause of this fire. The hotel is a particularly well know local wedding venue, servicing the counties of Galway, Tipperary and Limerick.

Templetuohy Wedding Of Ciara & Jonathan

George — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 23:42:52 +0000

Ciara and Jonathan

The wedding took place recently of the very lovely Miss Ciara Gavin, daughter of Mrs Margaret and Mr Martin Gavin, Templetuohy, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, to Mr Jonathan Barrett, son of Mrs Geraldine and Mr Willie Barrett, natives of Co. Cork.

The marriage took place in the historic Church of The Sacred Heart, Templetuohy, Thurles, Co.Tipperary, with the ceremony presided over by local parish priest Rev. Fr. Pat Murphy.

Escorted down the aisle by her father Martin, the bride looked stunningly beautiful in a white, strapless, chiffon and lace, afternoon gown, with full length veil. Equally beautiful were her accompanying bridesmaids, Martina Buggy (Maid of Honour), Denise Gavin, Patrica Gavin, Geraldine Byrne, and Tracey Kelleher, who wore full-length black, laced backed evening gowns, delicately adorned with white waist bands.

The groom, Johnathan, and his five groomsmen, Jeremy Murphy (BestMan), William Barrett, Brian Aherne, Keith Byrne and John Dorney all looked dashing in their black tail-coated evening suits, elegantly highlighted by white wing collared shirts and matching grey silk cravats.

Also adding to the splendour of the occasion were Flower Girls, Nicola Buggy, Emma Buggy and Linda Gavin together with Pageboys, Martin Ryan, Cathal Kelleher and Adam Gavin.

The couple publicly exchanged their vows in front of a large gathering of family and close friends, while music and song for the ceremony was performed by the very talented Templetouhy Church Choir.

Following the ceremony, the new Mr and Mrs Barrett retired to the popular local wedding venue, The Templemore Arms Hotel, Templemore, Thurles, Co.Tipperary, where guests were entertained to a champagne and strawberries together with other light refreshments.

Following family photographs in the beautiful manicured gardens of the Templemore Arms, the newly married couple joined their guests in the hotels ‘Belville Suite,’ for dinner, which was followed by dancing to the music of popular Tipperary band ‘Rebel Hearts,’ very late into the evening.

The couple have chosen a short stay in New York followed by a Caribbean tour, as their favoured honeymoon destination.

“Ciara and Jonathan, from all your family and many friends in Co.Tipperary and Co Cork, go all best wishes to you both for a happy, healthy and prosperous life together and thank you both for such a memorable day.”

Dance Classes In Thurles

George — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:39:10 +0000

Dancing Lessons in Thurles

The Club for Dancing, which was founded in 1971, have organised a set of dance classes commencing on Tuesday 6th September at 8.30pm sharp in The Premier Ballroom Thurles.

(Click Poster on left for larger image.)

The course lasts for six weeks and costs a total of just €20 inclusive. Anyone, over 16 years of age, who like to learn the basic steps of social dancing should come along for a most enjoyable six weeks.

Learn the basic steps of The Foxtrot, Quickstep, Old Time Waltz and The Slosh, (A novelty dance).

The Club For Dancing have been running these classes successfully, twice a year, since 1994.

The last set of classes finished in March of this year and over 100 people attended for the six weeks. The classes are ideal for anyone preparing for their wedding day, going to a wedding or other important social event. (Between you and me, it helps to get the body shape looking good also.)

Whatever your reason, fun and value for money is fully guaranteed, so get out there and ‘shake a leg.’

For Further Information: Contact Tom Gleeson @ Tel: 087-9732837.

Wedding At Castlegarde Castle

George — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:51:41 +0000

Jane & Richard relaxing at Castlegarde Castle, Co. Limerick.

The wedding took place on Saturday last of Miss Jane Thompson, daughter of Mrs Hazel and Mr David Thompson, ‘Castlegarde,’ Cappamore, Co. Limerick, to Mr Richard Reynolds, son of Mrs Catherine and Mr Stephen Reynolds, Yorkshire, England.
The wedding ceremony took place in the historic St John’s Cathedral, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, presided over by the Rector and Dean to the parish of Cashel, The Very Reverend Dr. P. J. Knowles.

Escorted down the aisle by her father Mr David Thompson, the bride looked stunningly beautiful in an off-white Spanish lace bridal gown, with fitted bodice, and full length veil, held in place by a Yorkshire handmade pearl tiara.

Equally beautiful were her bridesmaids, Mrs Lynda Alberts and Miss Karen Willoughby, who complimented the occasion wearing full-length, indigo, halter neck evening gowns.

The couple exchanged their vows in front of a large gathering of family and close friends, some of whom had travelled from England, Holland and South Africa for this special occasion. Music and song for the ceremony was performed by the celebrated and talented singer Miriam Blennerhassett, a founder member of Anúna, accompanied on Cathedral piped organ by Mr Peter Barley, from St. Mary’s Cathedral Limerick.

Following the ceremony, the newly married Mr and Mrs Reynolds retired to the bride’s luxurious home ‘Castlegarde’ Castle, Cappamore, Co. Limerick, one of the oldest inhabited castles in Ireland. On their arrival to ‘Castlegarde,’ guests were entertained to a champagne reception and other light refreshments.

Following family photographs, the newly married couple joined their guests for a lavish four course meal on the grounds of the castle, which was followed by live music and dancing very late into the evening.

From all their family and many friends in Co.Tipperary go best wishes to them both for a happy, healthy and prosperous life together.

Royal Mock Wedding In Aid Of Suir Haven

George — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:39:24 +0000

The late Mattie Ryan would have been very proud indeed. But no doubt he was watching down with a smile as the Gucci Handbags got dusted down, hairs got super glued, false nails were coloured and highlighted (Or was it the other way around, Can’t remember), and new frocks got their first official outing. Tail feathers were plucked from every exotic bird found holidaying in the Thurles area, only to be used later to decorate many of the unusually shaped hats, displayed in abundance.

The ‘glam’ preparations, which I describe, of course were for yesterday’s right Royal Mock Wedding event, held in aid of a most worthy cause, the Thurles Cancer Support Group, Suir Haven, latter a charity once very close to Mattie Ryan’s heart.

The bride for this right ‘Royal Bash,’ was the very lovely Princess Sharon Kerrigan, the groom, the equally handsome Prince Brendan O’Donnell.

Escorted down the aisle by Deputy Michael Lowry TD, the bride looked breathtaking in a brushed silk white bridal evening gown, with delicately laced bodice.

The couple both publicly declared their love for each other in front of a large gathering of family and close friends in that ‘Basilica of Rock Music,’ locally known as HQ Nightclub here in Thurles, presided over by Tipp FM ‘s Breakfast Bowl impersario and the radio stations resident parish priest Rev.Fr. Aidan Mac MC.

A video recording of the ceremony was undertaken by top videographer, Mr Garry Butler and the newly married couple later joined their guests for a large amount of light refreshments, in a pub crawl which included Michael Bowes Pub Friar Street, The Arch Bar, Millay’s Tavern and of course the home of the GAA, Hayes Hotel all located in Liberty Square, just to name a few.

The happy couple were tight lipped on information regarding their honeymoon destination, but to Sharon and Brendan go the good wishes of all their families members and many friends here in Thurles, for a happy, healthy and prosperous life together. (Personally, I just can’t see the marriage lasting.)

Nevertheless a most enjoyable event in aid of a worthy cause, and to all involved well done.

Royal Wedding Of Thurles Native

George — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 21:34:26 +0000

Miss Catherine Middleton of Bucklebury, Berkshire went into Westminster Abbey at 11am this morning and came out an hour and a quarter later, holding the hand of the second in line to the throne, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. Prince William is the elder son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and the Late Diana, Princess of Wales, and third eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

His father Prince Charles is a direct descendant of Viscount Elizabeth Poyntz (Lady Thurles) through their eldest son, the Duke of Ormond. Lady Elizabeth married Thomas Butler and both owned the town of Thurles, here in Co. Tipperary, prior to her death in 1673. Their son James Butler (1610-1688) is a direct line to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge who was married today.

From Lady Thurles and six generations later, in direct line to the English throne was the 14th Earl Strathmore whose daughter, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon married the future King George VI.

Their daughter Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Mary II, born 21 April 1926, met her future husband, Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, in 1934, and they married on 20th November 1947 at Westminster Abbey.

Heir apparent and eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles, Prince of Wales, was born on 14th November 1948.

Lady Elizabeth of Thurles’s eldest daughter and brother of the afore mentioned James Butler, Mary Butler (Died in 1675) is a direct line to late Lady Diana Spencer through the Hamilton and Spencer families. When Diana married Charles in 1981 their eldest son Prince William Arthur Philip Louis was born on the 21st June 1982 thus completing the circle which began in the 16th century, here in Thurles Co.Tipperary.

Prince William’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth II is due to visit Co. Tipperary at the end of May. What a pity that an invitation was not sent in time by our local Councillors, thus ensuring that Thurles could have been included in her up and coming May itinerary. This really demonstrates the imperceptiveness of our Town Council, when we learn that the Rock of Cashel, some 15 odd miles down the road and which has little comparative historical associations, is now assured of inclusion in her visit.

No matter, there are Local Elections due in the not to distant future, and as Granny used to say, “Forgive and forget, but keep a list of names just in case.”

To the Royal pair, William and Catherine, go our good wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous life together.

A Spring Wedding For Kathleen And Derek

George — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 03:21:51 +0000

The wedding took place yesterday in pleasant Spring weather of the very lovely Miss Kathleen Cosgrove, daughter of Mrs Anne and Mr Rodger Cosgrove, Killaloe, Co. Clare, to Mr Derek Ryan, son of Mrs Peggy and Mr Pat Ryan, Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary.

The wedding ceremony took place in the picturesque Church of the Sacred Heart and St Lua in Garraunboy, presided over by priests and family friends, Rev. Fr J. Grace, Rev. Fr P. Malone, and Rev. Fr L. Everard.

Wedding of Kathleen and Derek

Escorted down the aisle by her father Rodger, the bride looked breathtaking in a slim A-line ivory evening gown with pleated skirt and full embroidered bodice.

Equally beautiful were her bridesmaids, Patricia O’Connor and Mary Cosgrove, both attired in full-length ‘Mermaid’ green, halterneck evening gowns.

The groom, Derek, together with his two groomsmen Seamus Farrell and Noel Ryan added further to the splendour of the occasion, dressed in dark grey evening suits, light grey waistcoats, and white wing collar shirts with silk cravats.

Also assisting the bride were Flower Girls, Ciara O’Connell and Tracey Burke.

The couple publicly declared their love for each other in front of a large gathering of family and close friends, while music and song for the ceremony was performed by extraordinary talented friends of both families.

Following the ceremony, the new Mr and Mrs Ryan retired to the popular wedding venue, the The Lakeside Hotel and Leisure Centre, over looking the picturesque towns of Ballina and Kilaloe, on the banks of Lough Derg, where guests were entertained to a champagne reception, together with a full assortment of other light refreshments.

Following family photographs in the beautiful grounds adjoining their chosen venue, the newly married couple joined their guests in the hotels Banqueting Suite, where a lavish dinner was enjoyed by all, followed by live music and dancing very late into the evening.

A video recording of the days events were undertaken by top videographer Mr Pat Corbett

The couple have chosen the Mediterranean Island of Malta as their favoured honeymoon destination.

To Kathleen and Derek go the good wishes of all their families members and many friends here in counties Clare and Tipperary, for a happy, healthy and prosperous life together.

My very special thanks to hotel receptionist Lynsey Molloy, employee of the Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe, for her kindness on the day.

Eoin Kelly Wins While Tipperary Lose Out

George — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 23:53:59 +0000

Eoin Kelly and Sarah Maher

Kilkenny launched their National Hurling League campaign under lights with a 1-17 to 1-10 win over Tipperary in a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final.

Gearoid Ryan grabbed an early Tipperary goal, but the Cats hit back with a string of points, with John Mulhall and Michael Fennelly on top form, to lead by 0-13 to 1-7 at half-time.

Colin Fennelly’s second half goal set Kilkenny on their way to a Semple Stadium victory which reversed the outcome of last September’s dramatic Liam McCarthy Cup decider, making it a losing start for the new Tipp Manager Declan Ryan.

The Tipperary team were skippered by centre-back Conor O’Mahony, in the absence of Eoin Kelly, who missed his team’s crunch match tonight, having wed his long-term partner Sarah Maher in her home town of Ballingarry South just yesterday.

Team mates and friends turned up at the church in mixed weather to see Eoin and Sarah tie the knot, before the couple jetted off on honeymoon to Italy.

To Eoin and Sarah go best wishes to you both for a happy, healthy and prosperous life together, from all your many friends and supporters here in Co.Tipperary.

James And Ann-Marie Enjoy A Christmas Wedding

George — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 01:10:25 +0000

Mr James and Mrs Ann-Marie Ryan.

Despite the snow and freezing weather conditions, the wedding took place yesterday of the very lovely Miss Ann-Marie Delahunty, daughter of Mrs Anne and Mr Billy Delahunty, Templetuohy, Thurles Co. Tipperary, to Mr James Ryan, son of Mrs Josephine Ryan and the Late Mr Michael Ryan, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, Co.Tipperary.

The wedding ceremony took place in the historic 19th century Church of The Sacred Heart, in Templetuohy, with the ceremony presided over by Rev. Fr. Pat Murphy, ably assisted by Rev. Fr. Liam Everard.

Escorted down the aisle by her father Billy, the bride looked stunning in a champagne lace vintage afternoon bridal gown. Equally beautiful were her bridesmaids, Aoife Fogarty, Lucy Fogarty, Helena Loughnane and Maryanne Loughnane, all who wore full-length seasonal red evening gowns, highlighted by matching champagne waist bands.

The groom, James and his groomsmen, Liam Stapleton, John Paul Ryan, Joseph Fahy and Darragh Ryan, all looked dashing in their black evening suits, elegantly highlighted by white wing collared shirts and matching red silk cravats.

The brides Flower Girl for the ceremony was Miss Leah Delahunty escorted by Pageboy, Master Aaron Ryan.

The couple publicly exchanged their love for each other in front of a large gathering of family and close friends, and following the ceremony, the new Mr and Mrs Ryan retired to the popular wedding venue, the four star Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel in the heart of Kilkenny City, where guests were entertained to a champagne and strawberry reception, together with other assorted refreshments.

Following family photographs at Kilkenny Castle and within the hotel’s expansive foyer, the newly married couple joined their guests in the hotels ‘Kings Banqueting Suite’ for a lavish feast, which was followed by live music and dancing very late into the evening.

A video recording of the days events were undertaken by top videographer Mr Eamon Anglim.

The couple intend to spend their honeymoon visiting the second most populous city in the United States, Los Angeles, and the most populous city in Nevada, Las Vegas, followed by a cruise in the Caribbean Sea.

To Ann-Marie and James, go best wishes to you both for a happy, healthy and prosperous life together, from all your family and many friends here in Co.Tipperary.

White Wedding For Mary And Bill

George — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 01:49:26 +0000

Wedding of Mary and Bill

Despite heavy snow and freezing weather conditions, the wedding took place yesterday of the very lovely Miss Mary Ivers, daughter of Mrs Mary-Ann and Mr George Ivers, Fennor, Urlingford, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, to Mr Bill Harrington, son of Mrs Patricia and Mr Edward Harrington, Wickford, Essex, England.

The wedding ceremony took place in the Church of The Sacred Heart, Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co.Tipperary, presided over by local parish priest Rev. Fr. John J. O’Rourke.

Escorted down the aisle by her father George, the bride looked stunning in an ivory, brushed silk bridal evening gown, with delicately sequined bodice and seasonal burgundy Bollero jacket. Equally beautiful was Flower Girl Gracie Harrington, the bride’s Matron of Honour, Theresa O’Connor, her Bridesmaids, Joan Ivers and Josephine Ryan, latter who wore full-length matching burgundy evening gowns.

The groom, Bill, his Bestman TJ. O’Shea, together with his two Groomsmen, Greg Creagh and David Ryan, all looked dashing in their black evening suits elegantly highlighted by white wing collared shirts and matching burgundy silk cravats.

Ushers for the ceremony were Patrick Ivers and Calvin Ryan

The couple publicly exchanged their vows in front of a large gathering of family and close friends, while music and song for the ceremony was performed by the talented guitarist Damien Bowe, who also provided the vocals.

Following the ceremony, the new Mr and Mrs Harrington retired to the popular wedding venue, the Springhill Court Hotel, Waterford Rd,Kilkenny City, where guests were entertained to hot punch together with other light refreshments.

Following family photographs, the newly married couple joined their guests in the hotels banquet hall for a lavish feast, overseen by Deputy General Manager Mr Martin Hourahan. Following the banquet the gathering were entertained by live music and dancing very late into the evening.

The couple have chosen New York as their favoured honeymoon destination.

A video recording of the days events was undertaken by top videographer Mr Eamon Anglim.

“Mary and Bill, from all your family and many friends in Co.Tipperary and Essex go best wishes to you both for a happy, healthy and prosperous life together and thank you both for a most enjoyable day.”