Entertainment « Thurles Information

Learn Social Dancing Here In Thurles In September

A six week’s course in social dancing will commence in The Premier Ballroom, Thurles, Co. Tipperary on Tuesday 3rd of September 2013 at 8.30pm sharp.

These classes are suitable for anyone over 18years of age, who may wish to learn the very basic steps of social dancing, (i.e. waltz, foxtrot and quickstep etc.).

The classes are ideally suited to the requirements of newly engaged couples, bridesmaids and grooms-men who may be somewhat fearful of participating in that first Wedding Day dance, on some eagerly awaited sunny Saturday afternoon scheduled for the coming months, or indeed it may be for some other future public occasion or just for basic enjoyment.

It goes without saying, dancing, apart from obviously being enjoyable and a way of making friends socially is one of the best forms of physical exercise.

The total cost, inclusive, of this six weeks course is a meagre €20, which covers full costs associated with this overall course.

An enjoyable six week course is guaranteed and this event is, as usual being organised and subsidised by the very generous, successful and professional ‘Thurles Club for Dancing.’

Want further information? Why not contact Tom Gleeson on Telephone 087-9732837.

Nora Fogarty Appears In Hayes Hotel Thurles Friday Night Next

The Tipperary tourism group Hidden Tipperary, in association with Thurles Chamber of Commerce are proud to confirm that Folk Singing Star and Composer Nora Fogarty will be performing at a seated concert in “The Factory,” Hayes Hotel, Thurles on Friday night next, August 16th 2013 at 9.00 pm.

In the vein of singers like Mary Black and Delores Keane, but with none of the copy cat characteristics one associates with many others in her profession, this Kilkenny born vocalist will be performing Country, Ballad and Folk Songs from her massive répertoire; songs indeed which she is frequently asked to sing at previous concert events.

Just a few of the songs that music lovers can expect to hear from the exciting voice of Nora will include “You Needed Me,” (latter version best attributed to multiple award-winning Canadian singer Anne Murray), the late American singer-songwriter Randy VanWarmer’s “Just When I Needed You Most,” Christy Moore’s “Go, Move, Shift,” Joni Mitchell’s ” Both Sides Now.”

Then add songs like “Caledonia,” “The leaving of Nancy,” “Go Lassie Go,” (Latter version best attributed to Tipperary’s late great Liam Clancy) and “Shattered Dreams,” which radio listeners have heard her play regularly, then “believe you me,” you are about to experience one serious night of quality free entertainment.

I kid you not, from the sheer power of her vocal ability, her professionalism, not to mention her superb guitar playing aptitude; Nora Fogarty’s solo concert performance on Friday night next, is one event just not to be missed.

As stated, entry to this event is totally free to all and the Hayes Hotel in Liberty Square will also be providing free finger food to the assembled audience, during the shows interval.

Note: Be warned – Doors will close sharp at 9.00 pm, so make sure you are on time to grab a drink & a seat.

International Miss Macra 2013 – Brains & Beauty Winners

Pictured L-R: Miss Gemma Goulding (Winner International Miss Macra 2013 ) with Miss Eimer Guiney (Avondhu, Cork) & Miss Louise Ballantyne (Dublin) both Runners-Up.

Pictured L-R: Miss Gemma Goulding (Winner International Miss Macra 2013, Laois) with Miss Eimer Guiney (Avondhu, Cork) & Miss Louise Ballantyne (Dublin), both Runners-Up.

The finals of International Miss Macra 2013 were announced last night, causing a massive headache for distinguished judges, Joan Pollard Carew of Michael’s Jewellers, Deirdre Crowe Manageress of Dundrum House Hotel and Declan Ryan President of Clonoulty/Rossmore Macra na Feirme.

The event attracted an estimated six thousand visitors over the 3 days, while twenty two highly intelligent and very talented beauties took part, all competing for the coveted title “International Miss Macra 2013.”

Judges, following 3 days of painstaking investigation and evaluation, eventually unanimously agreed on their winners, namely Miss Gemma Goulding (Winner International Miss Macra 2013) with Miss Eimer Guiney (Avondhu, Cork) & Miss Louise Ballantyne (Dublin) both worthy Runners-Up, in this 4 day festival event.

Miss Macra organising Festival committee, led by chairman Mr Donnacha Ryan, would like to send an enormous ‘Thank You’ to all their sponsors, host families and local businesses who continue year after year to be generous supporters of the festival. In particular world famous Coolmore Stud, Dundrum House Hotel, Michael’s Jewellers Thurles, Tipperary Co-Op, FBD Thurles and Gleeson Concrete.

Something Worthy Of Note: This year’s Clonoulty / Rossmore International Miss Macra organising committee were all under the age of 23 years and are to be truly congratulated for their professionalism in staging this event, which each year continues to get bigger and better, despite staging costs annually, which are in excess of €20,000.

(Wonder if Ireland’s Department of Finance would be interested in seeking their assistance, in an effort to get this country back on its feet.)

Thurles Native Undergoes Cancer Treatment.

Thurles native Majella O’Donnell (née McLennan) country singer, reality television star and the wife of much loved and well known entertainer Daniel O’Donnell, has confirmed she is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Majella, aged 53, broke the news to both their families last week.

On his website yesterday Daniel publicly stated;
“I’m sorry to inform you that Majella was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She is undergoing treatment at present and as it was found in the early stages, we are very hopeful of a full recovery.
I know that many of you would like to send your good wishes to Majella but at this time we cannot deal with a lot of mail so we would ask you not to send cards or letters, all we need are your prayers to help us through this difficult time and we know we can rely on that. God Bless Daniel.“

To Majella, Daniel & family, from all your many friends and fans here in Thurles and Tipperary, go our thoughts and prayers for a very speedy and full recovery during this difficult time.

Thurles Comedian Pat Shortt – Life’s A Breeze

A very pleasant comedy drama, entitled “Life’s a Breeze,” centring on a squabbling family on the hunt for their mother’s lost savings of nearly €1,000,000, arrives into Irish cinemas today, July 19th.
Starring, Fionnula Flanagan, Kelly Thornton & Thurles born comedian Pat Shortt, “Life’s a Breeze,” is directed by Lance Daly, offering its audience a viewing duration of some 87 minutes of laughter.

While not scheduled to view in IMC Thurles just yet, this well told story highlights true family relationships when matters of finance and inheritance eventually are forced to take centre stage.

Kelly Thornton plays the role of the 13-year-old schoolgirl Emma, bribed by her lazy easygoing uncle Colm (Pat Shortt) to take her Nan (Fionnula Flanagan) out for the day, so he and other siblings can give her somewhat cluttered Georgian abode a badly needed tidying.

Nan, as you can imagine, finds their interference somewhat unwelcome, and soon informs them that her mattress which had contained her life savings of close to a million Euro has been dumped. The family’s initial disbelief turns quickly to panic, as they devise ways to track down this lost future family fortune.

Uncle Colm makes matters worse by announcing on a radio show that the cash has gone missing and very soon an army of money loving unscrupulous & unprincipled individuals are soon greedily knee-high in recycling waste, searching for Nan’s little nest egg and leaving her family’s chances of recovery even more difficult. Yes and it doesn’t just stop there.

This film is hilariously funny, believable and superbly carried out by three powerful performances from Ireland’s No1 rural character comedian Pat Shortt, acting legend Fionnula Flanagan and newcomer Kelly Thornton, latter who makes her début after being spotted on the street by the film’s casting director.