Thurles Information

Cashel Library have dedicated the entire month of March to the celebration of women.

Roger Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council launched the Schedule of Events Brochure for Month in Cashel Library on Thursday 22nd “with extreme pride”.

The library will host a series of free ‘Mnásome‘ events over the course of the month, which are available to all person’s regardless of pronoun.
There is a very exciting programme of events beginning with an evening with Una Healy, and has something for everyone.

Mná Month is the brain child of branch librarian Maura Barrett who first muted the concept in 2020 as a pilot project. The notion being that it could be considered as a possible contender for an annual event across all libraries, in the same way that other programmes, like Bealtaine, which happens in May, have become staples in the library calendar.

“I am delighted to be able to revive this in 2023 with the help of Local Government Creative Ireland,” says Maura. “Creativity and community are two stays in Cashel Library’s philosophy of engagement with our patrons. We endeavour to support all library users to achieve their highest potential through the mechanism of creativity. International Women’s Day falls on the 8th of March and so does Mother’s Day making March the perfect time to celebrate the achievements of women”, Maura added.

Life changed irrevocable for people in Tipperary during the coronavirus pandemic. The impact being felt particularly by women in terms of economic security, social interactions, community cohesion, and their skills, learning and development. “Women carried the burden of the education of their children, sourcing food and basic supplies for the family and keeping spirits high in 2km lockdowns”, says Mr Roger Kennedy, “I’m delighted to see this initiative come to fruition, Cashel Library is a lovely space.”

These issues and the fall out of Covid have challenged patrons’ mental health in untold ways.
“It is with this in mind that we plan of keeping all of our creative activities light, fun, engaging and interactive by ensuring they are delivered in a non-threatening and enjoyable way by skilled facilitators,” explains Maura Barrett. “Our theme ‘A Series of Mnásome Events’ will take a simple back to basics approach, valuing what is really important in life, Mná Month 2023 will be a celebration.”

The programme kicks off with a concert by The Cedartowns, one of the most exciting sounds on the current folk scene on the 4th March.
Other headline acts include an evening in conversation with Una Healy on the 8th March, a writing workshop with Anne MacDonald, traditional paper flower making with Mary Doll Reilly, a sculpting workshop with Philip Quinn, the joy of journaling with Margaret O’Brien, mindful mandala making with Maria Coleman, an interview with the internationally renowned author and Tipperary woman Melissa Hill. Deise Medieval showcase the lives of Viking women, there is Music Therapy, the renowned Davog Rhynne takes you on a musical bardic journey celebrating the women of Irish myth, while Stephanie Woods discusses the women stain glass artists of An Tur Gloine and their works in Tipperary. Other offerings include practical sustainability with Eanna Ni Lamhna of ‘Mooney Goes Wild’, leaving off steam with Big Bang Drumming, Eileen Heneghan shows you how to give back to yourself using colour and meditation, there is Bridge for all generations, Creative Crafts, an Art exhibition with Ann Brennan and her students, Jewellery by Ms Manton, a mad hatters event with Millinery Vibes, jewellery by GG Designs and Eileen Acheson discusses the mental health Ireland campaign HELLO, How R U? We will also be recording patrons striking the #EmbraceEquity pose and showcasing this on social media.

All activities in a library setting are provided free to patrons and equality and diversity are main stays in all of our work.
There is something for everyone and booking is essential for all events – TEL. No. 062 63825.