Thurles Drama Group to open ‘Rathmines Road’ as a benefit night for the Order of Malta
Mr Gerard Fogarty (Officer in charge) Thurles Unit, Order of Malta, Reports:
Thurles Drama Group will present ‘Rathmines Road’, by Deirdre Kinahan, in The Source Arts Centre from Sunday February 16th until Friday February 21st inclusive. Opening night SundayFebruary 16th will be a benefit night for Thurles Order of Malta.
Note:Due to the sensitive themes and language in the play, ‘Rathmines Road’ is not suitable for children under 14 years of age.
Rehearsals are going really well and with 2 weeks to opening night the group are excited about supporting the Order of Malta’s fundraising programme.
The Order of Malta Ireland Ambulance Corps is one of the largest providers of first aid and voluntary medical services in Ireland. From small beginnings in Galway in 1938, it has developed into an organisation of over 2,500 members in more than 60 Units spread throughout communities all over Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Order of Malta Ireland Ambulance Corps Thurles was established in 1948, shortly followed by its Cadet Unit, and has grown to become one of the largest and most active units in the country. They provide excellent first aid training, event cover, transport, venue hire, and community care services to the greater Thurles and Templemore area.
The Unit is made up of voluntary members of all ages into their eighties from all around the Mid-Tipperary area and a Cadet Unit (10-16 year olds). Membership is also made up of medical professionals – Doctors, Nurses, EMT’s, Paramedics, and Advanced Paramedics. Some of the Officers have been appointed to National and Regional roles within our organisation. Thurles unit provides many first aid and community services, first aid training courses for industry and for the public, emergency first aid and ambulance cover at events around Thurles like GAA matches, horse racing, car rallies, pilgrimages, major Diocesan events, and point-to-points.
They also provide patient transport facilities with our fleet of five fully equipped multi-terrain and sized ambulances and a mobile first aid station along with many community care services like nursing home visits and entertainment, parties for the elderly, hospitality at Blood Donation Clinics, and they are central to many Public Access Defibrillator Programmes locally.
The reason for fundraising on this occasion is the running of the Thurles Cadet Unit Order of Malta. As Dennis Jordan points out, “it will be used for the running of the Cadet Unit including uniforms, training, travel for our annual cadet camp, competitions and activities“. In addition, we like to supplement the cost to parents of cadets who travel to Lourdes to assist with caring for the sick during the Order of Malta International Pilgrimage to Lourdes. We also attend the National Order of Malta Pilgrimage to Knock every year. We are once again delighted to work with Thurles Drama Group and supporting their wonderful contribution to drama and community theatre in Thurles.
Opening night tickets are on sale for €20, including a wine and canapes reception at 7:15pm. Tickets can be purchased from any member of the Order of Malta(Mr Dennis JordanTel. (087) 974 0983), Thurles Drama Group and The Source box office; Tel. 0504 90204
Lyrics: Written sometime in the 1880s by Irish ballad writer, entertainer and dancer John Patrick Dane. Vocals: The late Dublin born Irish singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor Ronnie Drew(1934–2008), recording with ‘The Dubliners‘.
The Stone Outside Dan Murphy’s Door.
There’s a sweet garden spot in our memory, It’s the place we were born and reared. ‘Tis long years ago since we left it, But return there we will if we’re spared. Our friends and companions of childhood, Would assemble each night near a store; ‘Round Dan Murphy’s shop, and how often we sat, On the stone outside Dan Murphy’s door.
Chorus:
Those days in our hearts we will cherish, Contented although we were poor, And the songs that were sung, in the days we were young, On the stone outside Dan Murphy’s door.
When our day’s work was o’er we’d meet there, In the winter or spring, just the same. Then boys and the girls all together, Would join in some innocent game. Dan Murphy would take down his fiddle, While his daughter looked after the store; The music would ring and sweet songs we would sing, On the stone outside Dan Murphy’s door.
Repeat Chorus:
Back again will our thoughts often wander, To the scenes of our childhood’s home. The friends and companions we left there, It was poverty caused us to roam. Since then in this life we have prospered, But still in our hearts we feel sore, For memory will fly to the days long gone by, And the stone outside Dan Murphy’s door.
Friends, Cashel library has the following FREE events this week:–
Adults Only Event:
Tomorrow Tuesday 11th at 6:00pm – Movie Night – “The Best Marigold Hotel”.
Several retirees decide to move to Jaipur, India, to stay in the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, advertised as an exotic retirement home. This comedy drama boasts a stellar cast comprised of Dev Patel, Judi Dench, Celia Imrie, Bill Nighy, Ronald Pickup, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, and Penelope Wilton, and was nominated for five awards. All welcome
Children – Age 8 plus – Events:
Card Making Workshop: On Saturday 15th February at 11:00am – Max 12 participants, booking essential to Tel: 062 63825.
Lego Free Play Workshop: On Saturday 15th February at 2.30pm – Max 15 participants, booking essential to Tel: 062 63825.
Note: All events in all libraries across the county can be found HERE.
You canlocate the Cashel Library building, situated on Friar Street, Lady’s Well, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, HERE. (G487+RX).
Mr John Kenehan, (Chairperson Thurles St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee) Reports:
The Thurles Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Monday 17th March 2025, and will leave from Abbey Road at 2:15pm sharp. The main sponsors of the parade are Tipperary County Council, the Thurles Chamber of Commerce and as in previous years local Businesses. The Thurles St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee are once again seeking your support by sponsoring this event, donating funds towards organising the Parade.
Video: G. Willoughby.
The success of the Parade over the years is due to this generous sponsorship and the participation by local businesses, clubs, schools, residents’ associations and other organisations. The theme of the 2025 Parade is “Mythical Ireland, in the time of Saint Patrick”; Or “A theme of your personal choice”. Entry, as always is free and all are welcome to showcase their business or organisation. Note: As always, the Committee will advertise the names of all sponsors in local media outlets.
Video: G. Willoughby.
Prizes will be awarded as follows:
Over All Winner: €500 & Trophy Sponsored by Michael’s Jewellers.
Best Large Entry €250 & Trophy Sponsored by Thurles Supermac’s.
Best School Entry: €200 & Trophy sponsored by Thurles Shopping Centre.
Best Band Entry: €200 & Trophy.
Various Category Prizes: 12 Prizes plus Cash and 500 Medals.
For further information, please contact or text the Chairperson Johnny Kenehan @ 085 1974620 or email durlaseileparade25@gmail.com or hello@thurlestouristoffice.ie Post To: The Treasurer, Thurles St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, c/o Thurles Tourist Office, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, E41 C6W8.
TheShannon Region (which consists of counties North Tipperary, Clare and Limerick) seeks to host EuroPride 2028.
Clare festival blends traditional matchmaking with modern pride.
The organisers of “The Outing 2025“ have announced that the world’s only LGTBQ+ matchmaking festival will return to the Shannon Region, this Valentine’s Weekend(14th-16th February).
Eddie McGuinness, Festival Director and Matchmaker of “The Outing” pictured with Elle Uminati at The Inn, Dromoland in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare.
Ireland’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) community will descend on The Inn at Dromoland in Newmarket-on-Fergus for a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí bands, queer arts, and the best of Irish and international performers, drag artists and DJs.
Special guests at this year’s 12th annual festival include Charra Tea, a fan-favourite from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6, and Actavia, the breakout star of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16. Irish queer artist Shobsy and English boxing manager and promoter Kellie Moloney, who managed Lennox Lewis to become the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world, also will be participating.
Organised in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, Blacknight, Visit Clare, Goudie Talent, The George, Limerick Pride and Quare Clare, the award-winning festival is being hosted by “The Queen of Matchmaking” Eddie McGuinness, alongside Paul Ryder and Victoria Secret.
Staff at The Inn, Dromoland in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare pictured ahead of The Outing this Valentine’s Weekend.
The Outing organisers have also confirmed that their joint letter of intent with Quare Clare, Limerick Pride and Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, to bring EuroPride to Limerick, Clare and the Mid-West Region in 2028 has been officially accepted for Wild Atlantic EuroPride 2028. Attracting over 100,000 people from all over the world annually, EuroPride is hosted by a different European city each year.
Speaking ahead of “The Outing”, Eddie McGuinness commented, “After what has been a tough January for everybody, we are excited to bring The Outing back for its 12th year. The Outing offers attendees a blend of traditional matchmaking with modern pride and with more than a hundred relationships and two marriages borne out of the festival to date, I am looking forward to playing my part in forging new relationships this year.”
“From ceilí bands to drag performances, we’re creating a uniquely Irish LGBTQ+ celebration that draws people from around the world to County Clare,” added Mr. McGuinness. “Having international stars like Kellie Moloney, Charra Tea and Actavia joining our lineup of incredible Irish talent shows just how much this event has blossomed over the years. We are extending everyone, whether you’re single or taken gay, lesbian, trans, straight or bi, to come along and join us this Valentine’s Weekend.”
Mr. McGuinness said the acceptance of the Region’s letter of intent to host EuroPride in 2028 has provided a significant boost for the Irish LGBTQ+ community.
“The potential to host EuroPride 2028 could be transformative for tourism in the Mid-West, showcasing our vibrant culture to an international audience. Should our bid be successful, our goal will be to paint the Wild Atlantic Way pink during 2028,” he concluded.
Karen Ronan is General Manager of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, which has worked to attract business and sports tourism to the Shannon Region over the past two decades. She said “The Outing has helped put Ireland’s Mid-West Region on the global LGBTQ+ map.”
“This unique event not only strengthens Ireland’s reputation as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ visitors but also brings significant economic benefits to the region. We are delighted to once again support Eddie and his team in hosting The Outing 2025 and in their bid to host EuroPride in the Mid-West Region in three years’ time,” added Ms. Ronan.
The Outing 2025 takes place at The Inn, Dromoland, Newmarket-On-Fergus, County Clare, on Valentine’s Weekend from Friday, 14th February to Sunday, 16th February.
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