“A lovely evening among true friends”, was how Thurles journalist/author, Tom Ryan described the launch of his fourth book, “The Cuppa Sugar days – Warm-hearted Tales of a Newspaperman” by Dr. Labhras O’Murchu, (Director General of Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann); at a convivial and charming night of celebration in the Anner Hotel, Thurles, last Saturday.
Tom Ryan (centre) pictured at the launch Of His Fourth Book, “The Cuppa Sugar Days”, in Anner Hotel, Thurles, with Dr. Labhras O’Murchu, (Director General of Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann, who launched the book) and his wife Una, (Director Of The Bru Boru Heritage Centre in Cashel)
Tom’s friends from Roscommon to Rathdowney and from Galway to Waterford and from many parts of County Tipperary, were there to either entertain guests or support the best-selling Thurles newspaperman and author.
The popular poet, the late Geraldine Cummins, Mitchel Street, Thurles, who died in March this year was commemorated by the reading of her poem, “Light”, by multi-awards winning Celbridge poet, short story writer and dramatist, Cathy Conlon, originally from Coolquill, Killenaule, who grew up in The Commons, Thurles. She was accompanied by her husband, Tommy. Unasssuming Cathy, a friend of Tom Ryan, also read from her own works. Geraldine’s sisters, Aideen O’Sullivan and Norma Cummins, represented the Cummins family at the poetic tribute on the night. Also present for the unique tribute to Geraldine were the poet’s dear friends, Paddy Hanafin and Joe O’Connell.
Tom’s fourth book is dedicated to his late wife, Ina, his working partner for 42 years. Tom and Ina’s friends, Dylan Kennedy and Jenny Fennessy of the Red’n Blue Theatre Company, based in Waterford, came from Waterford as a gesture of solidarity with Tom and to pay tribute to Ina who, like Tom, hugely respected the talented and great-hearted thespians of the Deise. Jenny is star of the hit BBC TV series, “Call the Midwife”.
There too, was former “Indians” showband drummer, Chris Mullahy and his charming wife, Kathleen, who now live in Kickham Street, Thurles. The duo enjoyed craic and chat with Eileen Finneran, Galway; Kathleen O’Mahony, Castleiney and Mary Finn, Rathdowney.
The Master of Ceremonies, multi- talented Mick Creagh from Rathdowney, proved himself a top showman by taking on the additional role of entertainer in place of a number of acts unable to be present due to illness. Michael Lowry TD was unavoidably absent having to go abroad at short notice but sent a message congratulating Tom on another “beautiful production”. He commended Tom not only on his literary skills but also his courage and determination in completing such a challenging task.
Independent Councillor Jim Ryan was there and he is of course associated with many entertainment events in Thurles.
Top recording artiste, PJ Corcoran, (Loughmore) and his lovely wife, Sadie, were there. So, too was Hannah Costello, The Ragg, Bouladuff, Thurles, latter sister of former Tipperary Senior hurling goalkeeper of Thurles Sarsfields, Jimmy Duggan; and with Hannah was her sister, Esther Duggan, Holycross. Nurses present included Helena Ryan Athnid and Theresa Bannon, Cassestown, Thurles.
Now retired “Tipperary Star”, newspaper journalist, the amiable John Guiton, was there and barrister, Sean Deegan who entertained the Nenagh contingent with a wealth of fascinating stories. Sean, who supports almost all Thurles cultural functions, is a former Thurles Urban District Councillor, and is now residing in Rochfordbridge, County Westmeath. He is a former “Tipperary Star” Dublin press correspondent and wrote a weekly column about the Dublin / Tipperary people for years.
Blogger actor, photographer and multi-talented George Willoughby of “Thurles Information” renown, popped in to congratulate Tom.
Equestrian enthusiast, Vern Carroll of Borroway, Thurles was enjoying the scene with Thurles club for Dancing personality, Tom Gleeson and Seamus O’ Driscoll of the Mill Road Garden Centre, brother of the late great poet and friend of Tom, Dennis O’Driscoll.
Tom Healy, one of many people with Coolcroo links, and also well known in the entertainment industry and in athletics circles was there with his charming wife, Aileen.
Pat Ryan (Left), No. 30 Kennedy Park, Thurles pictured with his cousins from Nenagh & Portroe and author Tom Ryan, at the launch “The Cuppa Sugar Days” in the Anner Hotel, Thurles, recently.
From Nenagh came Tom Ryan’s first cousins, Noreen Horrigan, and her son, Martin, an ex-Irish Army soldier who served overseas. Martin was accompanied by his beautiful wife Margaret. There, too, was Nancy McCormack, Cloneybrien, Portroe, and Noreen Horrigan’s sister and a great entertainer also.
Dermot Freeman, whose brother, John died just before publication of Tom’s book, was on stage in the best traditions of sowbiz and won rapturous applause. He and John won admiration some years ago from members of the Kennedy Dynasty when the brothers entertained them in Washington with their “Ballad of Bobby Kennedy”.
The inimitable Aggie Moloney on tin whistle was greatly enjoyed and she was with her friend, the lovely Teresa Grant, a native of Urard, Gortnahoe, Thurles.
From Roskeen, Drombane came charming Mary O’Malley (who enjoyed “Shirley Valentine” at The Source) and Dominic Moore, who was assisting Tom’s brother Pat at the “Box Office”.
A ‘Spurs’ fan, Pat is a former National Hidden Heroes award winner for 40 years of devotion to his brother the late Michael Ryan, No.30 Kennedy Park, Thurles, as was mentioned by Mick Creagh who gave a towering performance in his M.C. role. Mrs Mary Farrell, sister of the late Thurles and Munster Rugby legend, Bobby O’Brien came from Malahide, Dublin, and I met her with noted poet and historian, Una Crowe, Holycross, Thurles.
Thurles author and historian the popular Paddy Loughnane, is always present for Tom’s book launches. The popular Eamonn O’Dwyer was there recording for his “Down Your Way” programme on Tipp FM. Eamonn is currently celebrating 21years of presenting the popular programme which saw him interviewing Tipp folks in all parts of the county. Eamonn has ‘covered’ all Tom’s book launches. He features in the book “Cuppa Sugar Days” also.
Well known singer/musician and recording star, Kenny Ryder, accompanied Mick Creagh singing the hilarious “Pearl from Errill” by Pat Vaughan of County Kilkenny. Tom Ryan travelled all over Ireland for years in the bandwagon with Kenny Ryder and the 7-piece Superband and wrote numerous articles, short stories, poems, and a three-act play, “Showband”, all about life on the bandwagon, always a great show is Kenny who was preparing to celebrate his birthday. [Mol an Oige (Irish – Praise the Young) Kenny!]
Others enjoying the evening included An Post person Deirdre McKenna from Two-Mile-Borris; ex Thurles Bank of Ireland official, genial Maura O’ Connell and friends, Frances Ryan, Knocka, Drom and Anne Ryder, Kenny’s charming wife, who is cousin of Kathleen Mullahy.
There also was Margaret Keogh, Thurles; Dr. Labhras O’Murchu, who was accompanied by his wife, Una, (Director of Bru Boru in Cashel), recalled the organisation dedicated to the tradition of music song and ceili dance in Thurles called Cumann Cheoil agus Rinnce, whose members included his great friend Eamonn De Stafort of the Silvermines and Tom Ryan. Cumann Cheoil agus Rinnce in Thurles used to meet in the old Muintir na Tire Hall in Rossa Street,Thurles and its members in Arran sweaters used to travel to fleadhanna cheoil around the country. Labhras spoke of the importance of community and keeping a sense of community intact and of being aware of place and of tradition and of keeping our songs and music alive in a fast moving world. He noted the contrast between the fireside singing of the early years of Comhaltas and the 750,000 people attending the last All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Drogheda. Today there are 1,500 music classes in Comhaltas. Lauding Tom’s four books which captured our past, he suggested that people should get together to discuss the stories of emigration and traditions such as Tom Ryan frequently wrote about in his books to better understand our Irish DNA and identity and roots and also to do this through the schools.
Labhras learned that night that the ‘fear an ti’ (Irish – Man of the House or MC), Michael Creagh, is grandnephew of the legendary historian/ musician Andy Dowling of Errill whom he recalled playing the hammer dulcimer on the streets at fleadhanna cheoil, accompanied by his great friend the renowned fiddle player Ned Looby, Templetuohy, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
You are cordially invited to the “Waterfall of Intentions” poetry collection launch, in Cashel Library, Friar Street, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, on Tuesday evening next, May 17th, 2022, from 6:00pm till 7:30 pm.
Poetry Readings. Music by Marie and Jane with Tea & Cake.
I do hope you are free to attend. – Theresa Jones.
The singer / song writing Tipperary duo, “The Wood of O”; (Breege Phelan and Will McLellan), will perform original innovate music and classic folk songs from the era of Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, in concert on Friday evening next, May 13th, at Cashel Library, Friar Street, St. Francisabbey, Cashel, Co. Tipperary.
For those of you anxious to get a taste of this upcoming, exiting event, ClickHERE
Note Well: While this event is Freeas part of the “Cashel Library 2022 Bealtaine Festival programme”, Booking is Essential, so please do Telephone (062) 63225, during normal business hours (9:00am – 5:00pm) to be assured of a seat.
In 1795, Mr Thomas Lefroy, a Judge in the North Riding of Co. Tipperary, enjoyed a whirlwind romance with none other than the famous English novelist Jane Austen.
Jane Austen is best remembered primarily for her famous novels, e.g. “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility”, latter which commented on the British middle and upper classes, at the end of the 18th century. Judge Lefroy served with distinction on the Munster Court circuit for many years and took ‘Silk’ in 1816. [Note: A Silk lawyer is the colloquial name given to a Queen’s Counsel (QC), who is selected by an independent panel committee, due to their experience, knowledge and skill.]
In 1849, it was the very same Thomas Lefroy, (then Lord Chief Justice of Ireland), who elevated MP (Athlone) and Judge William Nicholas Keogh to Queen’s Counsel. Same Judge Keogh would anger nationalist opinion in Ireland with regard to his conduct in the trial of the Cormack brothers at Nenagh assizes, in March 1857, which was considered a most brutal denial of natural justice. Later, Judge Keogh’s deteriorating mental health would see him cut his own throat, at a sanatorium in Bingen-on-the-Rhine, Germany, on Monday September 30th 1878, before being buried in Bonn, on the banks of the River Rhine, in Westphalia, Germany.
Novelist Jane Austen
Jane Austen was born on December 16th 1775, in the village of Steventon near Basingstoke, in Hampshire, England, where her father, Rev. George Austen, was then Rector. The family would continue to reside there for the next 25 years until her father retired. It was here that Jane Austen drafted her first two novels which were eventually published as “Pride and Prejudice” (1813) and “Sense and Sensibility” (Published in 1811 but begun between 1793 and 1795). Later would come “Mansfield Park”(1814), followed by “Persuasion”; “Northanger Abbey” and “Emma” (1815) latter novel dedicated to the Prince Regent, (later who would become King George IV), an admirer of her work.
Sadly, the Steventon rectory house itself was demolished soon after the Austen family moved to Bath in Somerset, England in 1801.
After the death of Jane’s father George, in 1805 Jane, her sister Cassandra and their mother moved several times eventually settling in Chawton, near Steventon.
All of Jane Austen’s novels were published anonymously. ‘Sense and Sensibility’ was published as “By a lady” and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ was published as “The author of Sense and Sensibility”
In 1816, Jane began to suffer from ill-health, leading her to travel to Winchester to receive treatment, and it was here she sadly died on July 18th, 1817. There are many theories as to as the primary cause of her death; Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency); Hodgkin’s Lymphoma; tuberculosis passed on through exposure to cattle or unpasteurized milk, latter an illness far more common in Jane Austen’s time than it is in more modern times.
Two more novels, ‘Persuasion’ and ‘Northanger Abbey’ were now published posthumously and a final novel ‘Sandition’ had been left incomplete. In 2011, this unfinished novel was sold to a ‘The Bodelian Libraries’ on Oxford, at a purchase price of £993,250 (including sales tax).
A grave slab on the floor of Winchester Cathedral where she was buried, mention her birthplace, Steventon. The inscription reads:
“In Memory of Jane Austen, youngest daughter of the late Revd George Austen, formerly Rector of Steventon in this County. She departed this life on the 18th of July 1817, aged 41, after a long illness supported with the patience and the hopes of a Christian. The benevolence of her heart, the sweetness of her temper, and the extraordinary endowments of her mind obtained the regard of all who knew her and the warmest love of her intimate connections. Their grief is in proportion to their affection. They know their loss to be irreparable, but in their deepest affliction they are consoled by a firm though humble hope that her charity, devotion, faith and purity have rendered her soul acceptable in the sight of her Redeemer”.
Note: Her tombstone makes no mention of her writing as same, during her lifetime, since as already stated, they were published anonymously. However, later commemorations, on a brass plaque and a stained-glass window, do make brief references to her writing.
Inscription on the brass wall plaque reads:
“Jane Austen known to many by her writings, endeared to her family by the varied charms of her Character and ennobled by Christian Faith and Piety, was born at Steventon in the county of Hants (abbreviation of Hampshire) Dec. xvi mdcclxxv, and buried in this Cathedral July xxiv mdcccxvii – She openeth her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness Prov xxxi. v. xxvi”.
Thomas Lefroy
The Lefroy Family had initially fled from Flanders to England, in around 1580. Anthony Peter Lefroy, Thomas Lefroy’s father having entered the English army as an Ensign, was posted to Co. Limerick, Ireland. While still a very junior officer he met and married, in 1765, Ann Gardner of Doonass in Co. Clare. Five girls were born to them before, in 1776, a son arrived and was baptised Thomas Langlois Lefroy.
Thomas Lefroy, would serve as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency of Dublin University in 1830–1841. [Same constituency today currently elects three senators to Seanad Éireann]. He would become a member of the Privy Council of Ireland (1835-1869); Lord Chief Justice of Ireland (1852-1866) and had a noted outstanding academic record at Trinity College Dublin, (1790-1793), winning three gold medals. Having become exhausted from his studies, on advice, he took time away to relax over Christmas (1796), at the Rectory of his Uncle Rev. George Lefroy in Hampshire, some two miles distant from the Rectory home of Miss Jane Austen.
Thomas Lefroy began a flirtation with Miss Jane Austen, who wrote two letters to her sister Cassandra mentioning “Tom Lefroy”.
In a letter dated Saturday January 9th 1796, Jane Austen makes mention:- “You scold me so much in the nice long letter which I have this moment received from you, that I am almost afraid to tell you how my ‘Irish friend’ and I behaved. Imagine to yourself everything most profligate and shocking in the way of dancing and sitting down together. I can expose myself however, only once more, because he leaves the country soon after next Friday, on which day we are to have a dance at Ashe after all. He is a very gentlemanlike, good-looking, pleasant young man, I assure you. But as to our having ever met, except at the three last balls, I cannot say much; for he is so excessively laughed at about me at Ashe, that he is ashamed of coming to Steventon, and ran away when we called on Mrs. Lefroy a few days ago.”
In further correspondence, Jane Austen writes:- “After I had written the above, we received a visit from Mr. Tom Lefroy and his cousin George. The latter is really very well-behaved now; and as for the other, he has but one fault, which time will, I trust, entirely remove; it is that his morning coat is a great deal too light. He is a very great admirer of Tom Jones, and therefore wears the same coloured clothes, I imagine, which he did when he was wounded”.
[Tom Jones above – Refers to a comic novel by English playwright and novelist Henry Fielding]
In a letter begun on Thursday January 14th 1796 and completed on the following morning, Lefroy gets yet another mention: “At length the day is come on, which I am to flirt my last with Tom Lefroy, and when you receive this, it will be over. My tears flow as I write at the melancholy idea”.
Jane Austen’s surviving correspondence contains only one other possible mention of Tom Lefroy. In the letter to her sister, November 1798, Jane writes that Tom’s aunt Mrs. Lefroy had been to visit, but had not said anything about her nephew.
Jane Austen writes:- “I was too proud to make any enquiries; but on my father’s afterwards asking where he was, I learnt that he was gone back to London in his way to Ireland, where he is called to the Bar and means to practise.”
His great-uncle, Benjamin Langlois, would now sponsor his legal studies at Lincoln’s Inn, London.
In 1797, Thomas returned to Ireland to be called to the Irish Bar, where he would request permission to ask for the hand of Miss Mary Paul, from her father Jeffry Paul. This was duly granted and they both became engaged.
With the outbreak of the 1798 Rebellion the position of the Paul family at Silverspring in Co. Wexford became, to say the least, perilous. Jeffry Paul decided to send his family to Wales, while he himself joined the Yeomanry and fought at New Ross and Wexford. Silverspring, their home became occupied by the insurgents and was destroyed. Jeffry Paul wrote to his wife in 1798, “The house, I am told, is standing, but every article of furniture, beds, wine, etc., taken away or destroyed, mostly by the women of the neighbourhood.”
Now having no home with which to return, the Paul family stayed temporarily in Wales and it was at Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales, in the year 1799, that Thomas and Mary were eventually married.
So what if Thomas Lefroy had married Jane Austen? If Jane had come to Tipperary as the wife of an ambitious Munster Court circuit Judge, would we have lost a romantic novelist? We will never, ever, know.
Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, (Director General of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann)
Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, (Director General of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann), will launch this fourth book by Tom Ryan, latter who has worked in regional, national and international media for some 50 years. The 560 page ‘tome’ (book) which has been most favourably received already by Tipperary book-lovers, is a tribute to numerous Tipperary folks from all strata of life in the Premier County, or “A slice of Tipp”, as one newspaper recently described it.
Tom’s daughter, Brid Ryan has once again shown her artistry with her wonderful photos of Tipperary people. There is a somewhat poignant aspect attached to the launch of the book, being as it is, dedicated to Tom’s late wife, Ina, latter who sadly passed away in November 2020 and who was Tom’s best friend and writing partner for over 42 years.
In a statement author Tom Ryan said “This occasion is unique for a number of reasons. It is a night of celebration of all the wonderful Tipperary people featured in his work, a number of whom, including my wife, Ina, have gone “ar shlí na fírinne” (translated from the Irish “the way/path of truth”). These are the people whose lives we will celebrate in this unique way”
Entertainment will be led by Kenny Ryder and other musicians, plus comedians, storytellers poets, singers etc.
Amongst the many offerings on the night, there will be a special brief poetry reading by celebrated poet, Cathy Conlon from Celbridge, Co. Kildare, latter a long-time friend of the author. To honour the memory of Thurles-born author and poet, Ms Geraldine Cummins, (daughter of the late Martin and Mary Cummins, Mitchel Street, Thurles), who died in March of this year. Ms Conlon, originally from The Commons, Thurles, will read the poem “Light”, written by Geraldine, latter who had promised, shortly before her death that she would read her own work, including one poem on Thurles, at this launch to coincide with her birthday celebration on May 11th. Her family and Tom have now agreed to honour her memory on the night, in this poetic manner.
Following the official launch a night of comedy, music, song, storytelling, and dance will follow. The popular Rathdowney poet, humourist, scriptwriter, actor, musician, singer, musician, Tour Guide at Donaghmore Workhouse and Agricultural Museum and farmer, Michael Creagh, will once again be ‘Master of Ceremony’s for what is expected to be one of the highlights of this year’s social calendar here in Thurles.
The entertainers will include the ever popular and successful showband man Kenny Ryder who had a charts hit with “Slowdown” in the ‘Seventies’. Other entertainers will include Dermot Freeman of the famous Freeman Folk, featured in the book. Dermot’s brother, John, died just before publication (RIP). The Bohernanave brothers were renowned for songs such as “The Ballad of Bobby Kennedy”, which they played in person in Washington for members of the famous Kennedy dynasty. Harpist, Mary Kelly, the former Co. Kilkenny Fleadh Cheoil Queen in Johnstown, will be there with the harp with which she entertained Queen Elizabeth II of England, on the Rock of Cashel. Aggie Moloney playing her tin whistle will be there. Aggie entertained Tipperary people every day of the Covid-19 pandemic on the internet. Global busker, Pat Cawley native of the Horse and Jockey, who worked with superstar Barbra Streisand, will sing “The Isle of Innisfree”, for his wife, Michelle and Tom Ryan, both of whom love this song. Tim Curran from ‘The Willows’, Thurles, will bring us into the world of the modern stand-up comedian. Multi-talented author musician and ballad singer, John Lawlor, Rahealty, formerly of the brilliant Three Counties Ceili Band, a Tom’s neighbour, will also entertain. Master of ceremonies, Michael Creagh will have a few funny tales to tell to get the laughter going. He has written, directed and acted in pantomime for the last 30 years. He was a drummer and founder of “The Last Of The Summer Winos” who had many a great night in The Anner Hotel. He is a past recipient of the “Laois Person Of The Year Award”. He has also written three pageants about the Donaghmore Workhouse, where he remains a Tour Guide. Michael Creagh has published two books of poetry, “The Rhymes of a Rustic Boy” and “The Return of The Rustic Boy”. He is one of the organisers of “The Slievebloom Storytelling Festival“. He has the dubious distinction of having portrayed one of Catherine Nevin’s lovers on RTÉ, as well as spending time propping up the bar in McCoys on “Fair City”. One of his proudest moments was getting to play drums with his friends for a ceili in the film, “Stella Days” starring Martin Sheen, who was quoted as saying how excited he was to work with Michael. Before covid he had his own one-man show on the road, entitled “Come ‘ere till I tell ya a good one”. He has become a great friend of Tom Ryan, due to press coverage of Rathdowney’s Pantomime, by Tom. [He also says he has silage for sale!].
The attendance is expected to include poets, novelists, actors, singers and musicians from various parts of Ireland and wishes of goodwill for the night have come from people around the world, including P.J. Gleeson in the United States; Denise Lanphier in Liverpool, the Ryan families in Katy, Texas. The renowned Charlotte Devenish of Virgin Limited Edition in Surrey England, (latter featured in the book with husband, Gavin), and numerous others.
In his wide ranging work, Tom Ryan has featured seven original short stories and numerous nostalgic pieces about a wide range of interesting people, including a Yukon gold prospector with Co. Tipperary links; an International tombstone tourist who is at home in graveyards; Wren boys; Scouts; Newspaper folks; Postmen; Railway personalities; a Militaria collector; a Records collector; an Inter Milan soccer player in Thurles; hurling heroes like Jimmy Doyle, John Doyle and Tony Wall, the Munster Final excitement in Thurles long ago. Limited copies of “Cuppa Sugar Days” are now on sale in Bookworm, Thurles; Holycross Abbey Gift Shop; Eason in Thurles and Nenagh; Nenagh Bookshop; Maynooth Bookshop and online.
Entry to this community event in the Anner Hotel, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, on May 14th next at 8:00pm, is totally free and all are welcome to attend what promises to be a most enjoyable evening of quality entertainment.
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