Art « Thurles Information

Cracker Jack.

Lyrics and Vocals: American singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and business woman, the late, great Ms Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean (née Parton), [1946–2026].

A song for all you dog lovers everywhere; the late Dolly Parton’s “Cracker Jack” is a tender tribute to the scruffy stray she once befriended as a child and remembered as her loyal playmate and best friend.
Recorded in 1973 but unreleased until the 2007 reissue of “Jolene”, this bittersweet country story celebrates the unconditional love of a cherished pet and the memories that endure after they are gone.

Cracker Jack.

Once I had a little dog, I called him Cracker Jack.
He had a spot around one eye that looked just like a patch.
His legs were way too long and he was awkward as could be.
He wasn’t much to look at but he looked alright to me.
I found him by the river bank just wandering about.
He was cold and hungry and his ribs were sticking out.
I snapped my fingers, whistled, when he came, I picked him up.
I was just a kid and Cracker Jack was just a pup.
I took him home and fed him ’til he couldn’t eat no more.
I took him to my room and put a blanket on the floor.
After that beside my bed is where he’d always sleep.
Each night in my prayers I’d pray the lord his soul to keep.

Chorus.

Cracker Jack,
The best friend that I ever had was Cracker Jack,
But he was more than that,
A playmate, a companion,
He was love and understanding,
That was Cracker Jack.
The best friend that I ever had was Cracker Jack,
But he was more than that,
Everything a kid could want I had in Cracker Jack.

Cracker Jack would run to meet me after school each day.
He’d jump and wag his tail and look at me as if to say,
“I love you and I’ve missed you and I’m glad you’re home again”.
I knew just how he felt ’cause me and Cracker Jack was friends.
Through the woods and fields we would often roam about,
And when we got in trouble we would help each other out.
I could run almost as fast as Cracker Jack could run,
We had a lot in common and we had a lot of fun.
He was always with me when I was growing up.
We shared each other’s good times and we shared each other’s love.
He only lives in memories now but often I think back,
To the days of childhood, the days of Cracker Jack.

Repeat Chorus.

END.

Major Investment Approved for Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed Thurles, Co. Tipperary

A multi-million-euro investment has been sanctioned for Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed in Thurles, delivering a significant improvement in facilities for its growing school community.

The project was advanced by the school and its patron and managing authority, Tipperary Education and Training Board.
Funding has been sanctioned by the Department of Education, while Tipperary County Council is responsible for the relevant local planning decisions.

This development will provide 11 classrooms, including three additional general classrooms and new specialist facilities for Home Economics, Design and Communication Graphics, and Science.

Five prefabricated classrooms that have been in place for more than 35 years will now be replaced. A purpose-built ASD classroom with a dedicated sensory space will also be provided, supporting a more modern and inclusive learning environment.

In addition to the new accommodation, the existing school building will undergo a comprehensive roof retrofit.

This substantial public investment represents an important milestone for Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed and will provide improved facilities for students, staff and the wider Thurles community for many years to come.

When Jesus Comes Calling For Me

When Jesus Comes Calling For Me.

Lyrics and Vocals: Ms Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean (née Parton) [1946–2026].

“In remembrance of the late Dolly Parton, we turn to one of her most moving gospel songs, ‘When Jesus Comes Calling for Me’. Written by Dolly and released on her 1998 album Hungry Again, the song tells of approaching death not with fear, but with faith, peace, and the assurance of going home. In light of her passing at age 80, its message feels especially poignant; a tender reflection from an artist whose music, generosity, and spirit touched generations”.

When Jesus Comes Calling For Me.

When I was a child I recall an old man, everybody loved old Zeke
He was all alone, his family was gone; one day he said to me.

I’m just sittin’ here thinkin’ about Jesus, rockin’ as my old chair creaks.
Some glad day I’ll fly away when Jesus comes calling for me.
It might be today, it might be tomorrow, maybe one day next week.
I’ll soon be done with trouble and sorrow when he comes calling for me.
When Jesus comes calling for me,
When I die don’t grieve and cry,
Lordy, don’t feel sorry for me.
Oh what a day, what a mighty fine day,
When Jesus comes calling for me.
When he comes calling for me.
I might be in the graveyard walking talking to my family,
Or I might be plowing in the field down yonder, just old Muley and me.
Wherever I am, whatever I’m a doing, some sweet day I’ll see,
A band of angels in a cloud of glory when Jesus comes calling for me.
When he comes calling for me.
When I die just close my eyes,
And lay me ‘neath the willow tree.
Oh what a day, what a mighty fine day,
When Jesus comes calling for me.
When Jesus comes calling for me.
I’m just sittin’ here watchin’ for Jesus, rockin’ as my old chair creaks.
Some sweet day I’ll fly away when Jesus comes calling for me.
When he comes calling for me.

END

Remembering Ms Dolly Parton – A Life Of Music, Kindness And Enduring Hope

It is with profound sadness that we mark the death of Dolly Parton, the beloved singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist and cultural icon, who passed away peacefully in Nashville today August 25th, 2026. She was aged 80 years.

Born on January 19th, 1946, in a one-room cabin in rural Tennessee, Dolly Rebecca Parton was the fourth of 12 children. From those humble beginnings, she built an extraordinary career spanning nearly six decades; bringing warmth, wit and an unmistakable voice to audiences around the world.

As a songwriter, Dolly had a rare gift for turning deeply personal experiences into universal stories. She wrote thousands of songs, including “Jolene,” – “Coat of Many Colors,” – “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her music crossed the boundaries of country, pop, rock and gospel, while her honesty and humanity enabled her to connect with people from every generation and background.

“Coat of Many Colors”
Autobiographical song, based on one of her most vivid childhood memories.

The above song tells the story of when her family could not afford a new winter coat, her mother stitched one together from donated scraps of fabric. While sewing, she told Dolly the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Dolly proudly wore her coat to school, where other children mocked her for wearing rags. The experience inspired her song about poverty, a mother’s love and recognising wealth in forms other than money.

Her talents extended far beyond music. Dolly brought her characteristic humour and heart to films including “9 to 5“ and “Steel Magnolias”. She also became a successful businesswoman, establishing ‘Dollywood’ in her native Tennessee and creating opportunities for the community that had shaped her.

Perhaps her most meaningful legacy can be found in the lives she changed through her generosity. The Imagination Library, founded in 1995, has placed hundreds of millions of books into the hands of young children. She also supported disaster relief, medical research and numerous community causes; often helping quietly and without seeking recognition.

Among her many honours were 11 Grammy Awards and induction into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Yet awards alone cannot measure the joy, comfort and hope she gave to millions.

Her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, died in 2025. Our deepest sympathies are with Dolly’s family, friends, colleagues and the countless admirers mourning her loss.

Dolly Parton leaves behind far more than a remarkable body of work. She leaves a legacy of kindness, courage, humor and songs that will continue to speak for generations.

In ár gcroíthe go deo.

Tipperary Festival Fans Set For Electric Picnic As Main Stage Times Are Revealed

Large numbers of music fans from across Tipperary are preparing to make the journey to Stradbally this weekend as Electric Picnic returns with a packed programme of headline performances.

The sold-out festival takes place at Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois, from Friday, August 28th, to Sunday, August 30th, with around 80,000 people expected to attend. Organisers have now released the Main Stage timetable, allowing Tipp festival goers to plan their weekend.

Electric Picnic MAIN STAGE Times:-
Friday’s Main Stage programme will see JADE open the Main Stage action at 6:00pm, followed by Zara Larsson at 7:30pm and Sombr at 9:00pm. Lewis Capaldi will bring the opening night to a close with a headline set beginning at 10:45pm.

Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved.

Saturday’s Main Stage programme includes Role Model at 5:30pm, The Mary Wallopers at 7:15pm and CMAT at 9:00pm. Gorillaz will headline from 11:05pm until 12:35am.

A full day of Sunday Main Stage entertainment begins with the RTÉ Céilí Mór at 1:00pm. James Marriott, Van Morrison, The Saw Doctors, Djo and Amble will follow before Fontaines D.C. close the festival with a 10:30pm headline performance.

With Stradbally located just over the county boundary, a sizeable Tipperary contingent is expected to be among the crowds arriving for one of Ireland’s biggest weekends of live music.

The schedule and festival dates shown above are confirmed by the official Electric Picnic website
and the published Main Stage timetable.