Leading game developers, including John Romero, to participate in Thurles LIT/Microsoft event.
The organisers of “Games Fleadh”, Ireland’s version of the Oscars for undergraduate game designers and developers will welcome some of the biggest names in the gaming industry as they gather at the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) campus here in Thurles on March 9th. They will participate in Games Fleadh 2016, an all-island games design and development competition for third-level students.
Supported by Microsoft Ireland, EA Games, Ubisoft and the Irish Computer Society, the 13th annual Games Fleadh will feature the Game Studio Tower Defence competition and Robocode.
Event organisers say the Irish games design and development sector has recently enjoyed strong growth as evidenced by job announcements from EA, Black Shamrock and ZeniMax, as well as the relocation from Silicon Valley to Galway of ‘Romero Games‘.
“This high profile move to Ireland by John and Brenda Romero; whose title credits include ‘Doom’, ‘Dangerous Dave’, ‘Quake’, ‘Wizardry’ and ‘The Mechanic is the Message’, is an endorsement of the potential of this sector to develop. EA have continued to grow their presence in Galway and with the addition of their QA team, are creating job opportunities for Irish game developer graduates. The recent establishment of the Irish game makers association ‘Imirt’ lends further evidence to the growth and optimism in this sector”, said Dr. Liam Noonan, event organiser and lecturer at LIT’s Game Design and Development degree in Thurles at today’s launch of Games Fleadh 2016.
Speaking about Games Fleadh 2016, Dr. Noonan continued, “Games Fleadh is a fantastic networking opportunity for the Irish game development sector and in many ways it is the Game Development Oscars for our undergraduate students on the Island of Ireland.”
Games Fleadh will feature a keynote talk by John Romero as well as talks by industry professionals from EA, Microsoft and Fungus Games. This year, a new innovation sees the inclusion of start-up sessions, which will provide insight from recently formed Irish start-ups in the game design and development sector.
Games Fleadh will also host a number of competitions on the day including an EA FIFA 2016 and UFC tournaments, with numerous EA titles being provided as prizes for the various competitions. To celebrate the launch of Ubisoft’s Tom Clancy’s ‘The Division’ on March 8th, the game will be playable at Games Fleadh. Once gamers have had a chance to play, developers at Ubisoft Massive Entertainment will answer any questions and feedback on comments about ‘The Division’. There will also be some great Tom Clancy’s ‘The Division’ prizes in the Games Fleadh raffle.
Commenting ahead of the event, EA Ireland said, “We at EA look forward to meeting the many games design and development students from across Ireland at LIT Games Fleadh 2016 and sharing our experiences in the design and development of future titles. We welcome the opportunity to support game development competitions in Ireland and to work with the various 3rd level Institutions to ensure we have talented graduates to avail of the many career opportunities in this sector.”
Senior PR Manager Stefan McGarry from Ubisoft said, “We are delighted that Tom Clancy’s ‘The Division’ will feature at this year’s Games Fleadh. It’s a great showcase for new games design and development, and we’re very pleased to be supporting such talent.”
Multi award winning Thurles Musical Society (TMS) will stage the well known and popular hit musical ‘Evita’ in The Premier Hall, here in Thurles from Tuesday March 15th – Saturday March 19thinclusive.
A sixty strong cast has been in rehearsals since early in January, under the watchful eye of Director David Hennessy, Musical Director Mary Rose McNally, Choreographer Debbie Kieran, and Dance Captain Michelle O’Connell. All cast members are set for the stage with great excitement abounding in advance of the opening night, which will be a benefit night for the Thurles Presentation Secondary School’s current Astro Turf project.
Musical Composers & Principle Cast Membership
This hit musical ‘Evita’ was composed and written by the renowned duo, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice and audiences will recognize instantly the hit songs such as ‘Don’t Cry for me Argentina’,‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’ and ‘Where Do We Go From Here’ and many more.
‘Evita’ tells the story of Eva Duarte, an ambitious young girl from a modest background, who hypnotized the nation of Argentina in the 1930s/40s. Seen by some as a hugely inspirational lady and for others, a woman to be feared and despised; she worked tirelessly against the rich and middle classes, attempting to destroy them. Eva was much famed throughout the world for her beauty and style. This reputation was matched only by this infamous woman’s pettiness and her endless lust for power. Through carefully planned relationships and a disregard for the opinions of others, she quickly rose in social ranks to become Argentina’s ‘First Lady’. This story translates easily to a powerful retelling, through beautiful music and truly gripping drama on stage.
Ché, a character based on the revolutionary Ché Guevara, will be played by Michael McLoughlin, who returns to the stage with TMS having played the lead role in Jekyll and Hyde among many other leading parts. Barry Derby will amuse audiences in the role of ‘Magaldi’, a musician who aids fifteen-year-old Eva on her search for fame. (‘On This Night of a Thousand Stars’ is his big number).
Peron is played by the award winning Cathal O’Donoghue who won ‘Best Comedian’ in last years ‘AIMS Awards’, while the vastly experienced and equally decorated Cathy Keane will plays the lead role of Evita. The relationship between protagonist, Eva, and political leader, Juan Peron, was scandalous, questionable, dynamic and romantic – an aspect that is easily achieved by this Thurles pair, who coincidently also played opposite each other in Tipperary Musical Society’s ‘High Society’ just a few years ago.
Kate Lineen plays the part of the ‘Mistress’ while Eva’s family members are played by no strangers to successful theatre; Olwyn Grogan, Linda Ryan, Frank Tuohy, Danielle Martin and Marie Therese Kirby.
The ‘Generals’ featuring in Peron’s army are played by the well known and experienced members; John Scott, Noel Dundon, Frank Tuohy, Finbarr Shelly and Gerard O’Hagan.
As ‘Evita’ requires a chorus that represents a nation, the cast will comprise both adults and children and our magnificent kids have been working hard to ensure readiness for ‘Opening Night’. Younger members are drawn from schools from the parish and surrounding areas and are understandably very excited about ‘Evita’.
The Booking Office in Hickey’s Pharmacy, Liberty Square, Thurles opens from Tuesday March 8th right through the running of the this production. Tickets cost €20 with concessions for OAPS on Wednesday at €10. All tickets for the Tuesday evening performance also cost €20. The show commences at 8:15pm. You may of course Telephone: 085-2868726 to book your seat.
Don’t miss this chance to see a magnificent piece of International Musical Theatre performed locally here on your own doorstep.
“So rock me momma like a wagon wheel, Rock me momma any way you feel, Hey, momma rock me. Rock me momma like the wind and the rain, Rock me momma like a south bound train, Hey, momma rock me.” – Lyrics Darius Rucker
Its official; Nathan Carter is ready and set to headline the annual ‘Cut Loose Country Festival’ in Tipperary once again this Summer. Holycross will, for the fifth year in succession, play host to one of Ireland’s biggest country music festivals’ taking place on Sunday 24th July 2016.
We also understand that others performing at this premier event will be Michael English, Declan Nerney, Robert Mizzell and our own Tipperary ‘Queen of Country,’ leading lady Louise Morrissey; all adding to the fantastic line-up for this country festival highlight of 2016.
This festival annually attracts country music fans, not just from all over the island of Ireland, but numerous other visitors travelling from America and the UK, especially for this event.
Michael Lowry T.D. and organiser of this annual festival said; “This is our fifth year running the Cut Loose Country music festival which has attracted thousands of country music fans to Holycross every year. Our objective is to ensure we provide a spectacular day of entertainment with a stellar line-up of top artists. We have continued to add new offerings each year and 2016 will be no different. This event would not be possible without the support of the local community, our many willing volunteers and an active Garda presence. The commitment and dedication of these people is what makes the ‘Cut Loose Country Festival’ stand out from so many others.”
The Nathan Carter Management Team have stated; “The Cut Loose Country Festival is a fantastic country music event and the overall set up and organisation by the local organisation is truly exceptional. We didn’t hesitate when we were invited to return and are thrilled to be headlining the event once again in 2016.
Gates open at 12:00 noon for this outdoor event and non-stop entertainment will be provided throughout the day from 1:00pm until 7:00pm. A large dance-floor will facilitate those that wish to dance at each performance and ample seating wil also be available to those who wish to attend, listen and enjoy. Concert-goers will enjoy easy access to and from the festival venue with ample parking on-site, in addition to a host of hospitality facilities that include a full alcohol licence and fast food services.
Tickets, priced at a mere €20.00 each are now available from local county Tipperary outlets e.g. Thurles – Lar na Pairc; Cashel -Martin O’Dwyer Butchers; Clonmel – The Book Store,O’Connell Street; Roscrea – Redmond’s of Roscrea; Templemore -Templemore Jewellery’s; Nenagh – Sportsman Dream; and in Tipperary Town – Danny Ryan’s Music Shop.
So do mark this date in your diary or better still get your tickets early, but do come along to see some of Ireland’s premier Country Music acts and “yes why not cut loose” on Sunday July 24th 2016.
A New Year’s Eve Charity Gala Ball, to be held in the Anner Hotel here in Thurles on tomorrow night, may be the ideal opportunity for you to gather a few friends and family and “Ring in the New Year” in style and luxury.”
It may also be that perfect opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ to ‘Her Indoors’ for having slaved over Christmas Day festivities.
This ‘Black Tie’ event will commence with drinks and a Jazz Reception; same ‘kicking off’ around 7:00pm.
This official welcome will be then followed by a ‘Banquet Dinner’ complete with an opportunity to dance into the early hours courtesy of the sweet sounds emitted by “Supernova” (Latter widely acclaimed as the ‘Irish Wedding Band of the Year in 2014.’).
Also expect a spectacular ‘Midnight Fanfare’ on the night, which will then continue to the sound of Disco Music.
Tickets for this overall event cost €50 and same are available from the Anner Hotel Tel:(0504)-21799 or by contacting Mobile No. (087) 9774725.
All proceeds from this New Year’s spectacular celebration will go to benefit a recent tragically bereaved Thurles family.
In front of a large crowd of supporters, “Strings & Things,” a 5 piece contemporary Irish folk band whose music branches from traditional Irish to folk hits, last night won ‘Tipperary Battle of the Bands’. As overall winners the group walked away with the prize of a 3-day professional recording opportunity at the Temple Lane Recording Studios and a ‘Support Slot’ performance in The Academy, Dublin.
Runner up; ‘The Drive’ and ‘Minus One’ also won prizes which included ‘Instrument Vouchers’.
The MC for the evening was Michelle Doherty (Model, DJ and TV3 Xposé Presenter), while the Judging Panel on the night were Dee Reddy (TXFM Presenter), Paul Boland (Partner/Director of CWB) and Moley Ó Súilleabháin (Singer/Musician and Composer).
Michael Lowry T.D. with ‘Strings & Things’ – Supporting the Arts In Tipperary.
Down through the years Tipperary stands renowned for producing talented singers, actors and musicians. Most recently Irish Eurovision Singer, Songwriter and Pianist Molly Sterling; Una Healy of The Saturdays; Musician, actor, comedian, writer and overall entertainer Pat Shortt; Thurles born and internationally known arranger, conductor, composer and pianist Frank MacNamara and Shane McGowan of the Pogues. These performers, not just household names locally, are today recognised for their wide range of talents globally.
In the past and regrettably no longer with us, let us not forget the late Clonmel born Tenor, Frank Patterson and the late Carrick-on-Suir Irish singer and musician Bobby Clancy, latter best known for his membership of The Clancy Brothers, both of whose names immediately come to mind when we speak of true Tipperary talent.
Speaking after the event promoter Michael Lowry T.D. stated; “Throughout our county of Tipperary every year, appearing on stage are many award winning dramatic and musical societies, amongst them hundreds of successful and well established performers.
The “Tippperary Battle of the Bands” event which was hosted in Hayes Hotel, Thurles, last night was all about promoting and showcasing the musical talent as yet undiscovered in Tipperary.
The participating chosen finalists which featured “Haven”, “Small Fish”, “Minus One”, ” The Drive” and “Strings & Things” certainly displayed incredible musical talents.”
Expect to hear more on all of these bands, above named, into the future.
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The organisers of “Games Fleadh”, Ireland’s version of the Oscars for undergraduate game designers and developers will welcome some of the biggest names in the gaming industry as they gather at the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) campus here in Thurles on March 9th. They will participate in Games Fleadh 2016, an all-island games design and development competition for third-level students.
Multi award winning Thurles Musical Society (TMS) will stage the well known and popular hit musical ‘Evita’ in The Premier Hall, here in Thurles from Tuesday March 15th – Saturday March 19th 
A New Year’s Eve Charity Gala Ball, to be held in the Anner Hotel here in Thurles on tomorrow night, may be the ideal opportunity for you to gather a few friends and family and “Ring in the New Year” in style and luxury.”
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