Entertainment « Thurles Information

Tipperary Takes Centre Stage As Ireland Unlocks Its Heritage Treasures This Wednesday.

This Wednesday, April 1st, history comes alive across Ireland, but nowhere more vividly than in the heart of Tipperary. As part of the popular “Free Wednesday” initiative, visitors are invited to step beyond the everyday and into centuries of rich heritage, with free access to nearly 40 iconic sites nationwide. From majestic castles to hidden architectural gems, this unique opportunity opens doors, literally and figuratively, to Ireland’s past, offering unforgettable experiences for families, explorers, and culture enthusiasts alike.

**The Swiss Cottage, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.**

In Co. Tipperary, the spotlight shines brightly on a remarkable collection of historic landmarks, including Cahir Castle, Ormond Castle, Roscrea Castle, and the enchanting Swiss Cottage. These sites, steeped in stories of medieval power, elegant design, and rural life, showcase the county’s extraordinary contribution to Ireland’s built heritage. Many locations across the country have also recently reopened following conservation efforts, adding a renewed sense of discovery for returning and first-time visitors alike.

With no booking required and access granted on a first-come, first-served basis, this is a rare chance to immerse yourself in Ireland’s cultural legacy; completely free of charge. Whether wandering through ancient halls, admiring intricate craftsmanship, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of centuries gone by, tomorrow Wednesday promises a journey through time not to be missed.

Blue Bayou.

Lyrics: Co-written by American singer, songwriter and guitarist the late Roy Orbison and award-winning American singer/songwriter Joe Melson.
Vocals: The late Roy Orbison (1936–1988).

This song hereunder; written by Orbison and Joe Melson, was released in 1963, and is known for its longing, nostalgic tone about returning to a peaceful place and a lost love.

Blue Bayou.

I feel so bad, I got a worried mind.
I’m so lonesome all the time,
Since I left my baby behind on Blue Bayou.
Saving nickels, saving dimes,
Working till the sun don’t shine,
Looking forward to happier times on Blue Bayou.
I’m going back someday, come what may to Blue Bayou,
Where you sleep all day and the catfish play on Blue Bayou.
All those fishing boats with their sails afloat, if I could only see,
That familiar sunrise through sleepy eyes, how happy I’d be.
Go to see my baby again,
And to be with some of my friends,
Maybe I’ll be happy then on Blue Bayou.
I’m going back someday, gonna stay on Blue Bayou,
Where the folks are fine, and the world is mine on Blue Bayou.
Oh, that girl of mine by my side, the silver moon and the evening time,
Oh, on some sweet day, gonna take away this hurtin’ inside.
I’d never be blue, my dreams come true,
On Blue Bayou.

END.

Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club.

Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club – Annual General Meeting.

Club Chairperson Mr Enda Bourke (Secretary) Reports:-

The 2025 Annual General Meeting of Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club took place on Tuesday 24th March last at the Order of Malta premises, Bohervaroon, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
A good attendance representing athletes, volunteers and family members were present to get an update on Club affairs over the past year.

With a full agenda, reports were given by Club Chairperson Mr Enda Bourke (Secretary), Ms Mary Ryan Maher (Treasurer), Ms Carmel Sammon (Club Safeguarding Officer), Ms Marian O’Reagan and Mr Dennis Jordan (Medical Officer).

The reports confirmed a satisfactory year for the Club and the Chairperson complimented the athletes for their commitment and dedication to weekly basketball and training sessions at the Presentation Convent Sports Hall.

**Pictured following a presentation made to silver medals winner Ms Maureen O’Shea, are L-R**: **Mr Enda Bourke, Ms Catherine Dwan, Ms Maureen O’Shea, Ms Mary Ryan Maher and Ms Carmel Sammon.**

The Club acknowledged the support of family members and carers, Presentation Sports Hall Manager, Mr Martin Hehir, Meitheal 21 staff, Tipperary Co Council, Mr Jim Ryan MC, Mr Paul Scully (Thurles Photo Station), Mr Darren Hassett (Tipp Star) and Mr George Willoughby (Thurles Information).

Officers for the various roles were selected for 2026 and the Chairperson wished the athletes and members success for the year ahead.

At the conclusion of the AGM a special presentation was made by the Chairperson to athlete, Ms Maureen O’Shea, (See image above), to acknowledge the 30th anniversary of her fantastic performance at the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in the U.S. when she won 2 silver medals representing Ireland.
Ms O’Shea is a member of the Thurles Club since its inception in 2004 and is the athlete representative at all Club meetings. There was huge applause for what Ms O’Shea achieved in 1995, and she proudly showed off the medals to all in attendance.

The meeting concluded with refreshments at the impressive Order of Malta premises and our thanks to them for facilitating our visit.

Atta Way To Go.

Lyrics and Vocals: American country music singer/songwriter , the late, great, Don Williams. [Donald Ray Williams (1939- 2017) ].

The song “Atta Way To Go” is a quietly powerful country ballad that captures the emotional aftermath of a broken relationship. The song reflects on love, loss, and resignation, as the narrator responds to a partner who has chosen to walk away.
Rather than anger or bitterness, Williams conveys a restrained sadness, highlighting the emotional distance that follows a breakup and the quiet acceptance of things left unsaid.
The understated lyrics and gentle melody exemplify his ability to turn everyday experiences into deeply relatable moments.
“Atta Way To Go” stands as an early example of Don Williams’ enduring appeal; his talent for expressing complex feelings with simplicity, sincerity, and a uniquely soothing presence that would define his career throughout the 1970s and beyond.

Atta Way To Go.

Atta Way To Go.

Atta way to go you finally broke it off.
Atta way to go we can’t even talk or cry,
Or even wonder why that a way to go.
Didn’t you believe me when I loved you.
I guess you thought we were playing games.
All this time I tried to think I’ve known you,
I guess I really only knew your name.
Atta way to go you finally broke it off.
Atta way to go we can’t even talk or cry,
Or even wonder why that a way to go.
I thought you knew I lived my life just for you.
There was just no price to big to pay,
And even though I know I still live for you,
The feeling’s that you show won’t let me stay.
Atta way to go you finally broke it off.
Atta way to go we can’t even talk or cry,
Or even wonder why that a way to go.
END

Late Kilkenny Point Denies Tipperary As League Clash Ends Level.

Tipp rally strongly but Cats have final say in Thurles thriller.

Tipperary and Kilkenny produced a high-quality Allianz Hurling League Division 1A draw at FBD Semple Stadium, tonight, with Jordan Molloy landing a dramatic late equaliser to leave the sides deadlocked at 2-27 (33pts) to 3-24 (33pts) in front of over 10,000 supporters.
Kilkenny’s TJ Reid marked his return with 1-8, while Jake Morris hit 1-5 (8pts) and Jason Forde added 0-8 for Tipperary, including two outstanding sideline cuts.

Kilkenny made an explosive start and struck for goal inside 20 seconds when Liam Moore finished off a sharp move, involving Cian Kenny, Eoin Cody and Tom Phelan. Kilkenny quickly built momentum and opened up an early six-point cushion as Kenny, Reid and Mossy Keoghan found their range.

Tipperary responded impressively and worked their way back into the contest through a blend of sharp finishing and composed free-taking. Morris found the net in the 20th minute after being picked out by Forde, and the home side drew level before edging ahead by half-time, with Michael Breen and Forde helping to nudge them into a 1-14 (17pts) to 1-13 (16 pts) interval lead.

The Premier County carried that momentum into the restart and struck again almost immediately, with Darragh McCarthy batting home after Aidan Tallis had made the initial save. Tipp looked in control when they pushed five clear, but Kilkenny responded with determination. Reid’s 52nd-minute goal reignited the visitors, and Keoghan later showed brilliant control before firing another major to swing the game again.

A tense closing spell followed, with both teams trading scores in a gripping finish. Seán Kenneally looked to have won it for Tipperary, only for an injury delay to allow one final Kilkenny attack. The visitors seized that opportunity, and Molloy’s late point ensured the spoils were shared after a lively and absorbing championship warm-up in Thurles.
Tipperary: Rhys Shelly; Brian McGrath, Ronan Maher, Michael Breen; Oisín O’Donoghue, Robert Doyle, Eoghan Connolly; Conor Martin, Darragh Stakelum; Jake Morris, Alan Tynan, Sam O’Farrell; Darragh McCarthy, Gearóid O’Connor, Jason Forde.

Subs: Seán Kenneally for Gearóid O’Connor, Johnny Ryan for Brian McGrath, Noel McGrath for Darragh Stakelum, Andrew Ormond for Conor Martin, Peter McGarry for Jason Forde, and Joe Caesar for Darragh McCarthy.

Referee: James Owens (Wexford).