Entertainment « Thurles Information

British Sitcom Icon Dame Penelope Keith Dies Aged 86.

Dame Penelope Keith, one of Britain’s most cherished comic actors and a defining presence in classic television, has died at the age of 86.

**The Late Penelope Anne Constance Hatfield.** *(1940-2026)*,

Best known to millions as the formidable Margo Leadbetter in The Good Life and the proud, spirited Audrey fforbes-Hamilton in “To the Manor Born”, Dame Penelope helped shape an era of British sitcoms with performances that were sharp, elegant and unmistakably her own.

A statement issued on behalf of her family said they were “deeply saddened” to announce that she had died peacefully while living with cancer at her home in Surrey, where she had lived for more than 50 years. The family expressed gratitude for the care and support she received throughout her treatment and asked that their privacy be respected.

Born Penelope Anne Constance Hatfield in 1940, she built a distinguished career across stage, television and radio. Her early work included repertory theatre and performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, but it was television that brought her into the nation’s living rooms and secured her place in British cultural memory.

Her portrayal of ‘Margo Leadbetter‘ in “The Good Life” remains one of sitcom’s great comic creations: socially ambitious, imperious and frequently exasperated, yet played with enough warmth and precision to make her enduringly loved. The role earned Dame Penelope a BAFTA in 1977 and introduced her to a generation of viewers who never forgot her timing, poise and wonderfully expressive delivery.

She went on to further acclaim as ‘Audrey fforbes-Hamilton‘ in “To the Manor Born”, a character who combined aristocratic confidence with vulnerability and wit. The series became a major success and confirmed her as one of the most recognisable and admired performers of her time.

Beyond her most famous roles, Dame Penelope enjoyed a long and varied career, appearing in stage productions, dramas, comedies and presenting work. She was made a Dame in 2014 for services to the arts and to charity, recognition not only of her talent but of her wider contribution to public life.

Her death marks the loss of a performer whose work brought joy, laughter and sophistication to audiences for decades. Dame Penelope Keith leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable characters, impeccable comic craft and a lasting place in the story of British television.

We Should Be Together.

Lyrics: American country music specialist, record producer and songwriter Allen Reynolds
Vocals: American country music singer, songwriter, and 2010 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the late Donald Ray Williams.

The song hereunder is a lovely country classic made famous by the late Don Williams, still one of the most gentle and respected voices in country music. Don Williams had a way of singing that felt simple, honest, and straight from the heart. His songs often spoke about love, memories, tenderness, and the quiet emotions we sometimes find hard to put into words.
The song “We Should Be Together.” It is a beautiful song about two people who share a special connection and the feeling that, no matter what has happened or how life has turned out, they truly belong with one another.
It carries that warm Don Williams style: calm, sincere, and full of feeling and we hope the song brings back good memories for some of our readers.

We Should Be Together.

I think about you,
When I don’t want to,
Dream about your smiling face,
And I keep trying not to love you,
But I love you anyway.
We should be together, together,
We should be walking side by side,
We should be together, together,
Keeping each other satisfied.
I have thought to come to know you,
I’ve come to need your company,
What will I do if I can’t have you,
If I can’t have you,
What will I do.
We should be together, together,
We should be walking side by side,
We should be together, together,
Keeping each other satisfied.
We should be together, together,
We should be walking side by side,
We should be together, together,
Keeping each other satisfied.

END

Goin’ Back.

Lyrics: American lyricist the late Gerry Goffin (1939 -2014) and former wife American singer-songwriter and musician Carole King.
Vocals: English mezzo-soprano the late Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O’Brien (1939 – 1999), better known by her stage name as Dusty Springfield.

Released in 1966, “Goin’ Back” is a beautifully wistful song about memory, innocence, and the longing to reconnect with a simpler part of ourselves. With its gentle build and aching sense of reflection, it has become one of the most beloved recordings of its era, reaching the UK Top 10 and remaining a touchstone for anyone who has ever looked back and wondered what time leaves behind.

Goin’ Back.

I think I’m goin’ back to the things I learned so well in my youth.
I think I’m returning to those days when I was young enough to know the truth.
Now there are no games to only pass the time,
No more coloring books, no Christmas bells to chime,
But thinking young and growing older is no sin,
And I can play the game of life to win.
I can recall the time when I wasn’t ashamed to reach out to a friend,
And now I think I’ve got a lot more than a skipping rope to lend.
Now there’s more to do than watch my sailboat glide.
And everyday can be my magic carpet ride,
And I can play hide and seek with my fears,
And live my days instead of counting my years.
Let everyone debate the true reality,
I’d rather see the world the way it used to be,
A little bit of freedom’s all we lack,
So catch me if you can I’m goin’ back.

END

Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club – 2025/26 Season Concludes.

Club Chairperson Mr Enda Bourke (Secretary) Reports:-

Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club 2025/26 season concluded with final competitions at the Presentation Sports Hall on Wednesday June 10th.
Medals were presented to the athletes; concluding another successful campaign and the Chairman thanked the athletes for their dedication to training during the year and all the families and carers who support the athletes every week, along with a great group of volunteers.

On Tuesday 16th, Thurles Golf Club hosted our Club, with the Golf Club Professional, Mr Raymond Ryan giving the athletes a clinic on ball striking and putting. Afterwards, the athletes and their families were treated to refreshments in the Clubhouse, courtesy of Thurles Golf Club.

A big thank you to all who supported Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club during the past year and we look forward to next season, which will commence at the end of September 2026.

Finally, we remember with sadness the family of Ms Mary Long, a long-time member of our Club, who passed away recently. May Mary rest in peace.

The Rose.

Lyrics: American singer-songwriter and actress Ms Amanda McBroom.
Vocals: American-Irish folk group The Kells recorded on their album “Celtic Echoes“.

The song hereunder is the much-loved ballad “The Rose,” with lyrics by the American singer-songwriter and actress Amanda McBroom. It is a song that speaks gently but powerfully about love, hope, and the courage to open the heart again.
This version is performed by the American-Irish folk group “The Kells“, whose warm harmonies and Celtic feeling bring a tender new colour to this song. It reminds us that even through darkness and silence, love can still bloom.
So grab a tea/coffee, sit, close your eyes and listen.

The Rose.

Some say, “Love. It is a river,
That drowns the tender reed”.
Some say, “Love. It is a razor,
That leaves your soul to bleed”.
Some say, “Love, It is a hunger,
An endless aching need”,
But I say, “Love, It is a flower,
That grows in the wild green fields,
Beneath the ancient Irish Sky,
Where the soft rain kisses the stone,
Through the longest winter nights,
A single bloom finds its way home”.
When the night has been too lonely,
And the road has been too long,
And you think that love is only,
For the lucky and the strong.
Just remember in the winter,
Far beneath the bitter snow,
Lies the seed that with the sun’s love,
In the spring becomes the rose.
It’s the heart afraid of breaking,
That never learns to dance.
It’s the dream afraid of waking,
That never takes the chance.
It’s the one who won’t be taken,
Who cannot seem to give,
And the soul afraid of dying,
That never learns to live.
Beneath the emerald hills of Erin,
Where the wild roses softly grow,
Through the mist and morning dew,
Hope awakens, soft and slow.
Like the shamrock in the meadow,
Or the fire in an old stone hearth,
Love will bloom when least expected,
And heal the weary heart.
It’s the heart afraid of breaking,
That never learns to dance.
It’s the dream afraid of waking,
That never takes the chance.
It’s the one who won’t be taken,
Who cannot seem to give,
And the soul afraid of dying,
That never learns to live.
When you feel the cold wind calling,
And the darkness closes in,
Hold on to the quiet promise,
That the light will come again.
For every thorn there is a petal,
Every winter has its spring,
Love is born in gentle courage,
And it makes the broken heart sing.
It’s the heart afraid of breaking,
That never learns to dance,
It’s the dream afraid of waking,
That never takes the chance.
So open wide your arms to living,
Let the wild rose bloom inside,
For the soul that dares to love fully,
Is the soul that truly comes alive.
Some say, “Love. It is a river,
But I say love it is the rose”.
The rose; in the Irish wind it grows.