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Fortunate Son. (An extract from the original song written by John C. Fogerty.)
“Some folks are born; silver spoon in hand, Lord, don’t they help themselves,
But when the tax men come to the door, Lord, the house looks like a rummage sale.
Yeah, some folks inherit star-spangled eyes, they send you down to war,
And when you ask them, “How much should we give?” they only answer, more, more, more.“
A great friend of mine recently stated that most politicians in Ireland get elected on their ability to talk, few if any get elected on any real ability to achieve even the simplest of basic planning.
Politician’s massive salaries and their annual divvying of uncertified expenses to the tune of €7 million, have set each of our Irish politicians clearly apart from the basic unemployed and low-income family, now easily identified in all communities throughout this green nation.
Dáil Eireann, for the few elected Tipperary politicians who actually attend daily debates; is now observed as a house dedicated to a power struggle between individual party politicians, all anxious to carve up the largest slice of the cake for their respective Party of choice, in time for the next General Election early in the New Year.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Bruton were both heckled and jeered by a female Irish Water protester last night in Dublin, latter calling them, amongst other words, traitors, as they attempted to launch this government’s latest plans to commemorate Dublin’s 1916 rising, amid a thunderous, continuous, onslaught of screaming and window-banging from mostly angry unemployed water protesters lined up outside.
Today, M/s Mary Lou McDonald has refused to leave the Dáil chamber, following a furious row with the Tánaiste over unanswered questions regarding water charges. (Latter unanswered questions now a daily happening in our parliament.)
In Dublin tonight, latter the only county this present Irish Government appears to promote and protect; an Orange weather alert remains in place with heavy rain and spot flooding forecast across the city. Motorists are being urged to take extra care as a number of the cities roads are flooded. They include: The M1 and the M50, The Old Swords Rd at Santry Ave, The right lane of the N4 Lucan Rd outbound before J4 Newcastle, River Rd is closed between Dunsink and Ashtown, Flooding is causing problems at the Ballyowen traffic lights in Lucan, The N7/ Naas Rd inbound between J4 Rathcoole and J3 Citywest, Outbound, there’s flooding at the Garter Lane junction, the Old Bawn Rd is flooded at Firhouse West Rd. junction, as is the Orchard Lane and Tower Rd in Clondalkin. Flooding is also expected in Wexford, Wicklow and Louth; no shortage of water there then.
Here in the forgotten rural outback of Tipperary our simple rural dwellers, who require development funding of any sort, normally hold an event; a Fashion Show (That reminds me – Do not forget Templetuohy National School next Friday night), a Cake Sale, sell Raffle Tickets, hold a Quiz Night, Shave of Beards etc.. People and businesses here give financial support according to their means and those who cannot, offer manual assistance in other ways.
Complain all you want but secretly yes we do need to find money to support our water infrastructure and in particular to ensure that those generations, yet to come, have fresh water to drink. Governments have grant aided corporate and other business sectors in the destruction of our natural Eco systems, e.g. Sellafield Ltd, Farmers spreading slurry, Companies selling often useless unnecessary cleaning chemicals and weed killers, untreated raw sewage, all still allowed to flow, in many cases, unrestricted into our seas, streams, rivers and water tables.
However the setting up of the company Irish Water (Uisce Eireann) is testament to the typical aforementioned work of “all talk – no planning ability politicians” and their useless consultants and ‘Nod & a Wink’ board advisor’s.
A possible acceptable solution to Irish Water
What we now need is a Public Utility Lottery. No please don’t run away; read on.
Our Irish National State Lottery was created when the Irish government passed the National Lottery Act of 1986. Its aim to help raise funds for eligible causes such as sport and recreation, health and welfare, national heritage and the arts, the Irish language, and yes the natural environment. It all began in March 1987 with Scratchcards, and the draw game ‘Lotto’ began in March 1988. Today it operates three families of draws, e.g. Lotto, EuroMillions, and Daily Million, while funding televised bingo and game shows, sells a wide range of scratchcards and runs a number of Millionaire Raffles every year.
Continue reading A Possible Solution To Irish Water Charges
 There are around 14,000 people claiming Unemployment Benefits currently in Tipperary. End of October CSO figures show that only 114 persons in the county left the Live Register during the month, (Mostly due to death, emigration and Jobsbridge scams).
But good news could be on the way with the Industrial Development Authority (IDA Ireland) confirming that significant employment opportunities are due to be announced in the near future, for Thurles, here in Co Tipperary.
Indeed when contacted, a spokesperson for IDA Ireland did confirm that they had visited Tipperary as recent as April 1st 1887 last, before cycling on to Birr, in Co Offaly on stolen bikes, to watch the All Ireland Hurling match that year between Tipperary and Galway. (In case you have forgotten the score was Tipp 1-1, Galway 0 – 0.)
Anyway, from documents seen briefly here by Thurles.Info, it would appear that consultants employed by the present Board of Irish Water have come up with a plan to set up a series of Cottage Industries, which will solve, it is hoped, most of our unemployment problems here in Thurles.
A new Company called Tipp – Up Air is to be set up under the patronage of Irish Water and Fáilte Ireland; their purpose to sell bottled pure Tipperary Air to over 10 million people born in Ireland, who quickly ‘cottoned on’ and have long since emigrated. (Better known nowadays to you and me as the “Irish Diaspora.”)
According to company documents seen and read, unemployed persons must first register with the Revenue Commissioners as a Self Employed Person, which immediately removes them from the Live Unemployment Register and on completion of this task, then begin bottling Tipperary Air, having first completed a one day training course.
Training Course
The training course will demonstrate how to prepare this final top quality product through washing recycled 500ml plastic bottles they find on the streets of our towns and along rural roadsides in the county. Bottles located can be washed and thoroughly dried using a basic domestic hair-dryer. Bottles can then be taken outdoors, gently squeezed and then quickly released, thus ensuring maximum intake of air, before being tightly capped. Note: In the case of wet weather conditions, cleaned, dried bottles should be held upside down before filling with air to avoid any rain, hail or snow intake. (Failure to observe the latter could result in a loss of income to Irish Water.)
When this latter operation has been completed, sticky labels manufactured and printed in China, and obtained from the new board of Tipp – Up Air (costing .50 cents each) can be attached to each bottle, leaving the product fully complete and ready for market. Each of these provided labels carries a Quality Assurance mark from Bord Bia, showing county of origin and a slick marketing logo which reads: “If downcast are you and wan with care, just unscrew the cap and breathe Irish Air.”
Once completed, this product will then be wholesaled to all participating Souvenir shops, Aldi, Lidl and other outlets, for sale to visitors from Mainland Europe, North America and Britain, offering a cheap souvenir for loved ones back home, while announcing also their recent “Trip to Tipp.”
Local Tipperary TD’s and Councillors have expressed some reservations in relation to this new product, claiming that by removing bottled air abroad, from anywhere in Ireland, could accelerate climate change when these bottle caps are unscrewed. For example any sudden release of air in North America could change the direction of that powerful warm ocean current that continues the Gulf Stream north-east, known as the North Atlantic Drift or North Atlantic Current. Such reservations have been strongly denied by Irish Water and the Department of the Environment.
Some other local Tipperary TD’s and Councillors have also expressed reservations regarding the fact that since Fáilte Ireland have failed miserably to promote tourism either financially or through any real form of marketing, especially in Tipperary, tourists may just not arrive. However consultants involved in promoting Tipp-Up Air have stated that franchise’s are expected to be offered to counties Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Galway and Dublin, where all tourism marketing funds are mostly expended at present. A spokes person for Tipp-Up Air stated “With 4,000 road signs having been installed in the west of Ireland, along the Wild Atlantic Way, at a cost of €689 per signpost or over €2.756m in total, bottled air stands could now be erected (for a small fee of course) close to these same signs, where tourists are bound to take heed and slow down due to the potholes, as they traverse this most scenic of Irish coastal countryside.”
While no Bord Members or anticipated other Administrative Staff have yet been appointed to Tipp-Up Air & C0; persons who has given financial election donations to either Fine Gael or Labour Ministers over the past 5 years are expected to be given first refusal for all such job opportunities. Unions also confirm that all staff satisfactorily identified for such posts, will receive bonuses of between 4% and 19%, regardless of their ability to carry out their duties responsibly.
Full announcements regarding these new job opportunities are expected to be announced some Friday soon, enabling Tipperary TD’s to extend their weekend break to Tuesday before the Dail reconvenes again for another hectic week of brain storming.
The Thurles water demonstration, protesting over the taxing of a right to water, will take place today, November 8th 2014 beginning at 2.00pm, sharp. Protesters are asked to please assemble at the Premier Hall, Thurles, (beside the district Court House).
Absolutely everyone is welcome, regardless of their personal political beliefs or positions within party politics.
We understand from recent press reports that the company known as ‘Irish Water’ have written to every local authority in the State seeking the names and addresses of all their council tenants, but have not sought tenants’ PPS numbers. In relation to this ‘Irish Water’ have stated; “Where a tenant has not registered with Irish Water, Irish Water will contact the property owner to give them the opportunity to provide the tenant’s name and ensure that the occupant receives the bill rather than his or her’s landlord. Irish Water has recently initiated this process with each Local Authority.”
This latest disclosure is now expected to even further fuel opposition to ‘Irish Water’ and help to ensure a massive turn out for the next national protest, latter to be held outside the Dáil on December 10th.
A dramatic u-turn was revealed some days ago by Tipperary Environment Minister Mr Alan Kelly, who claimed the Government were learning from “strategic mistakes” that were made with the initial setting up of ‘Irish Water.’ The Minister stated: “I don’t think it was appropriate to be using the language of going out and telling people their water would be disconnected or the pressure reduced if they didn’t pay. I don’t think it was helpful from day one and wasn’t the approach that should have been taken.”
Thurles Demonstration For Our Right To Water
Mr Michael Lange, newly appointed Chairman of Thurles Right2water Committee reports.
Formation of the Thurles Right2Water committee.
“I am pleased to announce the formation of the Thurles right2water committee. The committee has been formed as a cross party, non-political forum to provide voice and direction for the people of Thurles against current unfair and inequitable water charges.
The water charges in their current form drastically punish middle and low income earners while having almost no effect on higher earners. Since the introduction of austerity many families and households around the country, particularly in Tipperary, have struggled to make ends meet.
During the winter many households already have to choose between heat or food on a daily basis. I believe that the water charges represent a huge injustice on these people and indeed on all of the people of Ireland. When “pay by metering” for water is introduced will households now also have to choose which child’s turn it is to have a shower on a given day? For me the constant slide in the standard of living experienced since the onset of austerity has taken a leap into the obscene.
We simply cannot afford to pay any more. Health care, property tax, universal social charge, education fees increasing, road tax, stealthy reduction of tax credits in the budget of 2013, the list goes on and on. We are already struggling to keep our heads above water. There is no more blood to be squeezed out of this stone.
We constantly hear about a recovery in the country at the moment, I ask a recovery for whom? Yes jobs are returning into the economy, but what standard of living do we now have as a result of the payment from those jobs? Look to your own lives, your own households, your own families, your own weekly finances and ask yourself are you part of this recovery? Look at your own access to services here in Thurles and in county Tipperary and ask yourself are you feeling the recovery, has austerity ceased to be harsh on you?
We already pay for our water. The Irish people pay 1.2 billion Euro per year for water through general taxation. At the last attempt to introduce water charges in Ireland between 1994 and 1997 there were extensive national protests. There was also a national boycott campaign. The then government capitulated to the pressure the people of Ireland imposed on them. Instead of charges they increased the rate of motor tax and VAT and diverted these extra funds towards local authorities to fund the cost of providing water to the public.
Continue reading Press Realise By Thurles Right2Water Committee
 Thurles Halloween Festival 2014 Tipperary Councillor Jim Ryan, Chairperson of the Thurles Halloween Arts Festival 2014 reports.
The 7th annual Thurles week-long Halloween Arts Festival begins in 7 days time from October 24th to October 31st 2014 inclusive.
Once again this year there is a wonderful festival line up, with some of the best national and international acts (All now fully confirmed) performing in our midst this year.
A continued policy of Thurles community participation is very much evident once again and with so many different forms of ‘The Arts’ taking place here in Thurles this year, both local and an anticipated large turnout of visiting public will most definitely find something for each and everyone, in this year’s diverse programme of major events.
Daily Programme of Events for Thurles Halloween Arts Festival 2014
Friday 24th October
ART – “Art Exhibition.” VENUE: Cabragh Wetlands. TIME: Each Day of the Festival period – 10.00am to 5.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
Exhibition by Artist Michael Fogarty whose work is mainly inspired by the Irish countryside. Artist will be in residence each afternoon during the festival.
BOOK LAUNCH – “Rights of Succession.” VENUE: Cabragh Wetlands. TIME: 7.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
The book, a tale of early 19th century family intrigue by author Michael Fogarty will see the author on hand to sign copies of his new book.
DRAMA – “In Acting Shakespeare” – Written by and starring James DeVita. VENUE: Source Arts Centre. TIME: 8.00pm. ADMISSION: €18/€16 (concession).
“In Acting Shakespeare” expect a funny, touching and uplifting story of one man’s discovery of Shakespeare, acting and language. This is a show for anyone interested in Shakespeare or theatre. The show is followed by Q&A session with James DeVita.
Music – “Whistle This,” VENUE: Bowes Pub. TIME: 9.30pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
A night of culture and music with some of the Premier County’s finest singer song writers, poets and musicians in an intimate atmosphere.
MUSIC – “CLEM O’ BRIEN BLUEGRASS BAND.” VENUE: Bowes Pub. TIME: 10.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
Truly one of Ireland’s finest Bluegrass musicians, Clem O’Brien; brings his unique band to Thurles for a special performance not to be missed.
Saturday 25th October
MUSIC, FOOD & CRAFT – “SCARE IN THE SQUARE.” VENUE: Liberty Square. TIME: 12.00 noon to 4.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
Come join us for live music, food & craft stalls, Street Entertainment, Funfair Rides and much more, as we transform Liberty square into a Halloween “Scare in the Square,” occasion. Note: This year we will be having a Halloween Scarecrow Trail around Thurles town. With the help of ‘Thurles Mens Shed’; over 25 Scarecrows will be put on display around the streets of Thurles during the duration of this years festival. We hope to grow this into a major event going forward and we hope you enjoy the creative skills of the volunteers who created these pieces of scary art.
LITERATURE – “Poetry in the Making.” VENUE: Source Arts Centre. TIME: 3.00pm to 5.00pm. ADMISSION: €20.00.
This poetry workshop, run by poet Enda Wyley, is suitable for emerging poets. It aims to celebrate the power of poetry and the making of it. Participants will be encouraged to create new work of their own and to enjoy poetry by established poets, including the work of Thurles poet Dennis O’Driscoll. (Limited capacity – early booking advised. Please book directly through the Box Office on 0504/90204.)
LITERATURE – “A Public Interview with John Kelly.” VENUE: Source Arts Centre. TIME: 7.00pm. ADMISSION: €10.00.
In memory of Thurles poet Dennis O’Driscoll. For many years John Kelly has been at the forefront of music and arts broadcasting in Ireland. Having presented ‘The View’ on RTÉ television for 12 seasons, and assorted programmes for BBC NI before that, John now heads up RTÉ Television’s brand new arts show ‘The Works.’ Known for his wide-ranging knowledge of music he has also presented some of the best-loved and most critically acclaimed music programmes on the Irish airwaves. From his shows on the BBC to the legendary ‘Eclectic Ballroom’ on Today FM and the award-winning ‘Mystery Train’ on RTÉ1, he has always put the music first. He currently broadcasts the ‘John Kelly Ensemble’ on RTÉ Lyric FM and ‘Radio Clash’ on RTÉ Digital Radio 2XM.
WORKSHOP – “Halloween Art and Craft Workshop.” VENUE: Bookworm, Parnell Street, Thurles. TIME: 11.00am – 5.00pm. ADMISSION: €5.00 per person.
Get in the Halloween spirit, come and get creative; experience the make construction of some Halloween arts and crafts. Each workshops begin on the hour and last for 50 minutes. Note: Please book in advance – Tel: 0504/22257.
COMEDY – “TOM O’ MAHONY & GUESTS.” VENUE: County Bar, Liberty Square. TIME: 10.00pm sharp. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
Dubbed by the critics as a ‘Bad-ass of Irish comedy’ Tom starred alongside the legendary and late, great Rik Mayall on RTE’s hit comedy Damo & Ivor in 2013 and made his return in Season 2 (alongside Snatch’s Alan Ford) reprising his role as the intolerable toff ‘Tarquin.’ A finalist in RTE’s 2013 New Comedy Awards, this lad has starred in several TV adverts, (typically playing someone you wouldn’t like). In 2014 Tom played support to Nina Conti at the Cork Opera House and also Police Academy’s Michael Winslow on a nationwide tour. Playing the country’s biggest festivals, Tom supported the brilliant Stewart Francis at this year’s Vodafone Comedy Festival in Dublin. This year saw another sell-out solo show of Tom’s, “Bring on The Apocalypse” in theatres nationwide and at the Edinburgh Fringe. Tom has a weekly radio slot on Spin103.8 entitled “Mantime,” where he discusses the failings of modern blokes and how they can redeem themselves (There are a lot of stanley-knives and hammers).
Sunday 26th October
TOURS & TALKS – “Cabragh Wetlands Trust Open Day.” VENUE: Cabragh Wetlands. TIME: 11.00am to 4.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge.
Cabragh Wetlands invite the public of Thurles and Tipperary to an all day open event. There will be a ‘Walk and Talk’ at 11.30am which will be repeated at 2.30pm, led by volunteers and environmental experts. Find out about their work in conservation and education, and their plans for the future. Take this opportunity to view their exciting new building, have a guided walk around the wetlands or wander around at your own pace, see what they do and join them for a cup of tea. All are welcome.
MUSIC – “Flamenco Guitarist John Walsh.” VENUE: Anner Hotel. TIME: 4.00pm. ADMISSION: €5.00.
John Walsh is Ireland’s leading Flamenco Guitarist and an accomplished musician and composer, performing solo since 2006. Along with performing concerts throughout Ireland together with venues in Spain and the UK, he has performed in one of the most historically important flamenco venue’s ‘El Candela’ in Madrid, as well as being the invited International Artist for the 2014 Flamenco Festival “Flamenco de Consuegra”.
MUSIC – “THE TIPPERARY JUNIOR CHAMBER ORCHESTRA.” VENUE: St Mary’s Church, Thurles. TIME: 8.00pm. ADMISSION: €10.00.
PARTY– “FANCY DRESS PARTY.” VENUE: Thurles Rugby Club. TIME: 10.00pm till Late. ADMISSION: €15.00.
Thurles Rugby Club presents its annual Halloween Fancy Dress Party with live music and disco. This event is one of the highlights of the year in Thurles and we would encourage those attending to purchase your ticket as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Tickets available from Hickey’s Pub or any Rugby Club Member.
Monday 27th October
FAMILY SHOW – “Halloween Trick or Treat Party.” VENUE: Anner Hotel. TIME: 2.30pm to 4.30pm. ADMISSION: €5.00 per child & €2.00 per adult.
This annual children’s party returns with all the usual favourites. Dress up in your favourite Halloween costume and let your child enjoy a wonderful and safe spooky party. Event includes: Party food and drink, Party music & games, Barney, Bob the Builder, Peppa Pig and Friends show, Magic show, Balloon Modelling and Face painting.
Tuesday 28th October
WRITERS – “A Writers Covert.” VENUE: Anner Hotel. TIME: 8.00pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge
Writers from across Tipperary’s many regular writing groups will get together to read their own compositions and well-known writers works. This event is open to the general public, so do feel free to bring along your own work and join in. Note: Refreshments will be served.
WORKSHOP – “Pumpkin Carving and Painting.” VENUE: Bookworm, Parnell Street, Thurles. TIME: 2.00pm to 3.00pm. ADMISSION: €5 per person. Note: Pumpkins will be provided. Please book in advance – Tel: 0504/22257.
WW1 COMMEMORATION – “Ecumenical Thurles WW1 Memorial Service of Remembrance.” VENUE: St Mary’s Church, Thurles. TIME: 7.30pm. ADMISSION: Free of Charge, however a collection will be made during the Service with proceeds going to the St Mary’s War Museum. (Latter presently under re-construction and due to be reopened as a local tourist attraction on May 1st 2015 next.)
The Great War of 1914-1918 was so terrible and inflicted such large numbers of casualties on all sides that when it was over it was believed by many to be “The War to end all Wars”. Alas, by the end of four years of fighting from August 1914 to November 1918 many thousands of families around the world including some 72 households from Thurles were affected by this tragedy, through the wounding or loss of life of at least one of their family members.
The ceremony will begin with the naming of all 72 known Thurles WW1 soldiers who lost their lives.
Church music for this event is being provided by renowned local pianist M/s Mary Rose McNally, with special guests; music composer and much-loved Folk Singer M/s Nora Fogarty and Retd and former Aide de camp to H.E. the President of Ireland and Co Galway native, Commandant Michael Walsh, latter who will also give the commemorative address.
The remembrance service will be conducted in St Mary’s Church by the Rector Rev. Ian Coulter and will be followed by a rare display of local primary source artefacts pertinent to Tipperary participants in this Great War of 1914-1918 .
Continue reading Week Long Thurles Halloween Arts Festival
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