The Japanese Kobelco excavator; its long arm fitted with a jaw like bucket reminiscent of a Triassic period Dinosaur, has now for the moment ceased its persistent pounding, having chewed up every remaining morsel of the once large, proud, busy industrial unit, known as Erin Foods, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
In just 14 days this former factory and its outbuildings; which in the past had provided a large workforce with an acceptable livelihood; while educating whole families and supporting local businesses, has now been reduced to a pile of dust and rubble.
The factory, which was closed in June 2008 after 46 years of production, by owners Premier Foods Ireland, had remained empty for almost the last 12 years.
But, out of this pile of rubble in this area, a colourful and vibrant Phoenix is now expected to be cyclically regenerated; rising from the ashes of its predecessor in the form of the German global discount supermarket chain known as Lidl Stiftung & Co..
Like it or like it not, the centre of Thurles is about to move its hub, from the historic Liberty Square, 600 metres distant, to Slievenamon Road, certainly in the next two years.
For businesses currently operating in the Liberty Square / Friar Street / Cathedral Street and Parnell Street areas; regardless of the current short-term regulations governing the Covid-19 pandemic, same have already begun to experience a huge reductions in their footfall. Once attractive businesses who have recently announced their intention to cease trading in the months ahead, will further add to this inevitable loss of business and isolation to other traders.
But business people are not really talking publicly about their inevitable demise, neither are they attempting to offer possible solutions.
So during this short time spent ‘Cocooning’, ‘Social Distancing’, ‘Restriction of Movements’ and forced ‘Self-Isolation’; why not let’s chat about the future.
How can we amalgamate, harmonise and fairly include, from a social and business perspective, the areas Liberty Square and Slievenamon Road, to the betterment of the town?.
Eliza Jane Brennan, my grandmother regularly stated, “If there is a problem, there is usually a solution. If there is no solution, it may be a fact of life. Live with it, but first seek that solution.”
Here on Thurles.Info. we welcome such public debate on how we can seek to save our town centre. We look forward to publishing all and any of your ideas. Send all correspondence to our website HERE
[Note: Names of contributors will not be published should they so request.]
With rainy days on the horizon, these five shows on Netflix might just help to keep kids and adults entertained and educated indoors.
(1) Our Planet(Video Trailer Above)
Narrated by that remarkable English broadcaster and natural historian, Sir David Frederick Attenborough; Our Planet explores the impact of climate change on all living things. Each spectacular episode takes you on a cinematic journey across the continents to view their incredible creatures. It is sure to enthral kids and adults, regardless of age.
(2)Little Baby Bum
Little Baby Bum is the perfect show for pre-schoolers. It features hours of traditional and new nursery rhymes, which are a huge part of learning and laughter with this age group. Little Baby Bum can also be accessed through their YouTube channel HERE . With 26.7 million subscribers and counting, it’s a proven hit with parents and children alike.
(3)Ask the Storybots
A child’s sense of wonder is one of their most precious gifts and Storybots is the perfect programme for the curious child. With the help of five zany creatures, called Beep, Bing, Bang, Boop and Bo, each episode finds the answer to some very interesting questions. Ask the Storybots is highly recommended for younger children.
(4) Brainchild
For older children, Brainchild is a must watch. In a refreshingly relatable yet scientific way, it explores everything from germs to outer space and creativity to dreams. Its first episode explores social media. With kids on social media more than ever at present, it provides an excellent opportunity to re-visit some of the pros and cons of communicating via social media.
(5) Horrible Histories
Based on the popular books, Horrible Histories explores some of the least pleasant and downright disgusting moments in history. From the Stone Age to the Romans and beyond, young and old will learn, giggle and wince their way through history.
Today is March 11th 2020. I highlight this date because under the Wildlife Act 2000, hedge cutting is banned every year between March 1st and August 31st.
This necessary law was introduced quite clearly aimed at the protection and maintainence of wildlife diversity, thus establishing areas where wildlife can thrive during the seasons when birds nests and flowers [“In this particular area most notably an abundance of Meadowsweet”, latter a favourite of the Bee and the Chafer Beetle (or ‘June Bug’)] are most common.
Phone image taken today 11/3/2020. Photo G.Willoughby
However, laws written on our Statutes Books, don’t appear to apply to North Tipperary, as today we sat and watched hedge cutting machinery giving the “middle finger” to our statutes, while cutting rural hedges and an area where flowers were beginning to grow on the Thurles / Templetuohy roadside.
Questions: [A] So will the National Parks and Wildlife Service, latter under the remit of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, now contact Tipperary Co. Council, seeking an explanation, before prosecuting? [B] Did no members of An Garda Síochána patrol this rural road over the past number of day, thus observing this flouting of our law?
Two things are also worthy of note:- [1] The hedge cutting machinery propelled by an 05 registered green tractor [Note: Machine Reg. No. noted but withheld] operated without the necessary health and safety signs required, when operating on a narrow public road. [2] This work had all the markings of Tipperary Co. Council authorisation. I base this on the fact that the only hedge cutting undertaken was from the roadside, none from the farmers side; an operation which could easily have been undertaken between the months August 31st 2019 and March 1st 2020.
Interesting to note, the last prosecution taken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, handed out a fine of €750, accompanied by a further fine of €500, following claims that the offender was not familiar with the wildlife law. It would apper that ignorance of the law was no excuse.
As our readers will be aware; the 2020 Irish General Election took place on Saturday February 8th, same convening to elect members for the 33rd Dáil Éireann, latter the lower house of Ireland’s parliament. Each one of the 160 seats available were contested, with the Ceann Comhairle (Head of Council or Chairperson) being returned automatically.
Photo taken on March 1st. 2020, on the Templetuohy Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
For this election, posters were quickly erected by some candidates under cover of darkness, using plastic cable ties, on every perpendicular standing object throughout Ireland, and to the honest eye, it would appear that the election candidates who had achieved least over the past four years created most of the offensive plastic photo-shopped images.
Rules Governing the Removal of Election Posters
The rules governing the removal of such posters are easy to digest, even for politicians. Posters must be removed within 7 days of polling day. These requirements for election posters are set out under Section 19 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and the Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2009.
There is a requirement for candidates to remove all posters, including any cable ties, within 7 days following a General Election and failure to comply with such conditions constitutes an offence. The responsibility for the enforcement of this litter law lies solely with the local authority, which in this case is Tipperary Co. Council.
Any election posters in place after this stipulated time frame are deemed to be in breach of such legislation and are subject to an on-the-spot litter fine of €150 per poster.
Possibly the main offender of this particular Litter Pollution Act is Professor Dr. Dolores Cahill, a member of the minor right-wing, hard Eurosceptic political party in Ireland, which call themselves ‘The Irish Freedom Party’.
While strongly advocating an exit from the EU, Dr. Cahill’s party claims to be a ‘patriotic party‘, confirming it is ‘pro-natalist and supportive of stable families for procreation’.
The Irish Freedom Party set up 11 candidates to contest the recent 2020 Irish General Election, with none of their candidates being successfully elected. Those candidates fielded achieved a share of first preference votes between 0.19% and 2.06% in their respective constituencies, while their Party Tipperary Chairperson Dr. Dolores Cahill came second-last in the Tipperary constituency, with a mere 521 first preference votes.
This on-the-spot litter fine of €150, would surely assist the Thurles Municipal District’s ongoing weekly cost of filling watery potholes with shovels of dry tarmac.
Possible one of the largest gathering of successful women, ever to be ’rounded up’ in one place, will be the honoured guests at Cashel Library, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, during the month of March 2020.
Ms Maura Barrett Comhairle Contae Thiobraid Árann (Tipperary County Council) reports:-
Cashel Library has designated March 2020 as “Mná Month“.
“During the month of March 2020, we will host an exciting series of free events, celebrating all aspects of the lives of Irish women, across the spectrum of the ‘Dewey Decimal System’.
This celebration which is entitled “Dewey Eyed Women” aims to be, dare we use the title ‘truly Mnásome’.
Monday 2nd March @2:00pm – ‘Daughters of Dun Iascaigh’.
‘Daughters of Dun Iascaigh’ was the Tipperary Book of the Year in 2018. It shines a light on the history of the women of Cahir, Co. Tipperary. Edited by four women Josephine O’Neill, Karol Defalco, Mary Caulfield and Breeda Ryan who will share their journey into these unique histories and how they broke into the world of publishing.
Wednesday 4th March @7:00pm – ‘An evening with former RTÉ’s legendary redhead presenter, writer and journalist, Ms Bibi Baskin’.
Ms Baskin will give a motivational talk on how you can bring positive change into your life and make your dreams, big and small, come true. Illustrated by her own story; detailing her prestigious ‘TV Presenter’ role, working with the BBC and ITV and onwards to India. It will include a Questions and Answers session and an opportunity to purchase a copy of her current bool ‘Bibi’s Wellness Wisdom’.
Monday March 9th @11:00am ‘Marie Gleeson – Former Irish Navy Ships Captain’.
Ms Gleeson was one of the first female officers in the Irish navy and this gives her a unique insight into the reality of leading in a man’s world. Marie Gleeson honed her leadership style over the course of a twenty-year military career, operating primarily in the harsh and hostile Atlantic Ocean. Her journey from naval cadet to Captain of the LE AOIFE has given her unique insight into people and how to maximise performance even in the most challenging of circumstances. Note: Limited spaces.
Ms Burke becomes the chosen chief of The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids in June 2020. She is a psychologist with a deep love of the ancient Irish tales and a passion for storytelling. She brings old tales to new audiences, and while remaining faithful to the stories – often examines them from new perspectives, so that listeners experience them as fresh and relevant.
Friday 13th March @ 11:00am ‘Sr. Patricia Wall – The Flying Nun’.
Sr. Patricia Wall has dedicated her life to volunteering and community work since 1996. In 2013 she took to the airways appearing on The Late Late Show and the skies as The Flying Nun raising over 40k for charity. Committed to education, training and up-skilling as a way out of poverty and disadvantage Sr. Patricia works tirelessly to make our community a great place to live, work and play. An octogenarian who has served over 60 years as a nun; Sr. Patricia Wall has many a tale to share.
Saturday 14th March @11:00am ‘Samantha Lambert –Tipperary All- Ireland Ladies Football Captain.
Samantha is a leader, a captain, a class player and a role model for all women in sport. She will share her experience on the field of play and what it feels like to be a woman lifting the winning cup in Croke Park. The Mary Quinn Memorial Cup will also be in residence.
Saturday 14th March @ 2:00pm ‘Dr. Lucia Gannon – All in a Doctor’s Day: Memoirs of an Irish Country Practice.
The local doctor occupies a privileged position in society. Pillars of the community and privy to the most intimate details of people’s lives, we often imbue them with superhuman qualities and expect them to have all the answers. Step into the surgery of Dr. Lucia Gannon. Journey with her as she builds a life in this tight-knit community, and discover what it means to be the one person to bring their problems to.
Thursday 19th March @ 2:00pm ‘Éanna Ní Lamhna Goes Wild’.
Ms Ní Lamhna has been a freelance wildlife consultant since 1988, working with children and adults alike, she has also been a member of the panel on the RTE’s ‘Mooney Goes Wild’ programme since 1994. She discusses nature and the environment. Note: Limited Places
Monday 23rd March @ 2:00pm Ms Rosemary Smith – Rally Driver ‘A good car and a good road do not a good driver make.’
Ms Smith has been a rally driver since 1961, and holds the distinction of being the oldest person ever to drive a Formula 1 car, reaching speeds of over 160km per hour. Ms Smith is ‘sharp as a tack’ in her 83rd year, still competing in rallies, as well as giving lessons in the driving school she founded some 20 years ago. Ms Smith has a unique insight into a ‘male dominated world’ with many side splittingly, funny anecdotes.
Tuesday 24th March @ 7:00pm ‘Rachel Blackmore – Jockey – Blazing a trail…’.
Ms Blackmore is a superstar; this is the woman who likes winning with over 90 wins chalked up, including wins at Cheltenham. Considered a mould breaker in racing circles, she joins us to share her many insights.
Wednesday March 25th @11:00am – Dr. Elzaan Marnane – Breaking out of your chains’.
Dr. Elzaan delivers a one day workshop, exploring why women limit themselves and explores option on how to step through doors of opportunity and break out of the chains. Note: Limited places.
Thursday 26th March @ 11:00am ‘Deise Medieval – Celebrating Viking Women a Living History’.
In Viking society women held a high status and equality. Come and experience this living history event, see how the Viking women lived.
Friday 27th March @ 7:00pm Breege Phelan and the ‘Wood of O’.
Preceded by world food tasting with nibbles, supplied by Pat Glavin.
Ms Breege Phelan and Mr Will McLellan are sublime singer / song-writers who perform original, innovative material under the name, ‘The Wood of O’ with a ‘Mnásome’ flair.
Saturday 28th March @ 11:00am – Dr. Louise Nugent – Encountering the Sacred.
The Archaeology and Heritage of Pilgrimage, explores a wide range of pilgrimage topics from prehistory to the present day and have an Irish and Cashel focus, with particular emphasis on the role of women and the freedoms gleaned in pilgrimage.
Monday 30th @ 11:00am – Ena Howell – Regional President of the ICA Journeys to the University of Life.
The Irish Countrywomen’s Association brings together both rural and urban women and their communities in fellowship and through co-operative effort. The ICA is the largest women’s association in Ireland, with almost 10,000 members and over 500 Guilds across the Country. They cook, travel, craft and socialise! Ms Howell shares her wisdom from the University of Life.”
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