Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club – Annual General Meeting.
Club ChairpersonMr 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 ChairpersonMr 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.
Lyrics and Vocals: American country music singer/songwriter , the late, great, Don Williams. [Donald Ray Williams (1939- 2017) ].
The late, great, Don Williams.
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
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.
Lyrics: Amereican songwriter and singer, the late Terry Smith. Vocals: American country music singer and guitarist Lester James Fortune Snr. (Jimmy Fortune)
Jimmy Fortune.
Few voices in gospel and country music carry the heart and sincerity of singer Jimmy Fortune, who has continued to bless audiences with songs that speak of faith, family, and the promise of heaven. The beautiful song, ‘Far Side Banks of Jordan,’ has touched so many hearts through its message of hope and reunion beyond this life.
Far Side Banks Of Jordan.
Far Side Banks Of Jordan.
I believe my steps are growing wearier each day, Still I’ve got a journey on my mind. Lures of this old world have ceased to make me want to stay, And my one regret is leaving you behind. But I’ll be waiting on the far side banks of Jordan, I’ll be sitting drawing pictures in the sand, And when I see you coming I will rise up with a shout! And come running through the shallow waters, reaching for your hand.
If it proves to be his will that I’m the first to cross, And somehow I’ve a feeling it will be. When it comes time to travel likewise don’t feel lost, For I will be the first one that you’ll see. And I’ll be waiting on the far side banks of Jordan, I’ll be sitting drawing pictures in the sand, And when I see you coming I will rise up with a shout! And come running through the shallow waters reaching for your hand.
Through this life we’ve laboured hard to earn our meager fare, It’s brought us trembling hands and failing eyes. So I’ll just rest here on this shore and turn my eyes away, And then you’ll come then we’ll see paradise. And I’ll be waiting on the far side banks of Jordan, I’ll be sitting drawing pictures in the sand, And when I see you coming I will rise up with a shout! And come running through the shallow waters reaching for your hand. And I’ll be waiting on the far side banks of Jordan, I’ll be sitting drawing pictures in the sand, And when I see you coming I will rise up with a shout! And come running through the shallow waters reaching for your hand. And I’ll be running through the shallow waters reaching for your hand.
As we already stated on Tuesday last March 17th, Thurles was alive with atmosphere and community pride as the town celebrated St Patrick’s Day with a well-attended parade that brought people together from across the area.
Video: Courtesy G. Willoughby.
Despite cold and cloudy conditions, large crowds gathered along the streets of Thurles, creating a vibrant and welcoming scene throughout the day. Families, friends, neighbours and visitors turned out in great numbers, with a strong sense of occasion evident from beginning to end.
The parade was a fitting reflection of the spirit of Thurles and the wider mid-County Tipperary community. It showcased the town’s warmth, resilience and pride, while also highlighting the importance of St Patrick’s Day as one of the most significant dates in Ireland’s cultural and civic calendar.
People of all ages joined in the celebrations, lining the route in good spirits, applauding participants and embracing the event with enthusiasm. The day offered a strong expression of local identity and community togetherness, as residents and visitors alike came together to celebrate Irish heritage and shared belonging.
Thurles continues to be a thriving and proud town in County Tipperary, and this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade once again demonstrated the strong community values for which it is so well known. The lively crowds and positive atmosphere underlined the town’s reputation as a friendly, welcoming and united place.
The celebration was a reminder of the enduring importance of community events in bringing people together and strengthening local connections. In Thurles, St Patrick’s Day 2026 was marked not only with colour and festivity, but with a genuine sense of pride, unity and shared celebration.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Recent Comments