Thurles Information

Some 5,000 years ago Irish people were involved in the building of gigantic structures with complex astronomical alignments. One such building is the Stone Age (Neolithic) passage tomb at Newgrange, located in the Boyne Valley, County Meath, between Slane and Drogheda. One of a network of such monuments, same can be found in an area of County Meath known as ‘Brú na Bóinne’, [Translated – “The bend in the Boyne”.].

Built around 3,200 B.C. Newgrange is at least 1,000 years older than Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England and the limestone granite Great Pyramids of Giza, latter bordering Cairo, in Egypt.

The passage tomb at Newgrange consists of a mound, roughly circular in shape and measuring 85 metres in diameter. It is surrounded by kerbstones, some of which bear carved decorations, with the most highly decorated being the entrance stone itself.

The most remarkable feature of Newgrange is undoubtedly the roof box [See start of video hereunder] which demonstrates that the people of prehistoric Ireland, responsible for its construction, had a deep understanding of the movements of the stars and the alignment of our planets. Same allows for the dawn light to enter the passage tomb, lighting up the entire passage and chamber on the morning of the Winter Solstice (December 21st).

The Office of Public Works’ annual Winter Solstice gathering at the Neolithic Passage Tomb of Newgrange tomorrow (December 21st 2020) has been cancelled this year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus pandemic.

However, this significant Solstice Sunrise event will be live-streamed from within the Chamber on 20th, 21st and 22nd of December, so that those who wish will be able to experience this wonderful phenomenon from any location around the world.

The live stream will be available from 8.45 Coordinated Universal Time, today Sunday December 20th, 2020, and can be viewed from HERE.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death yesterday, Friday 6th November 2020, of Mr Séan Fogarty, Upper Ballyviniter, Mallow, Co. Cork and late of Ballycahill, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Mr Fogarty passed away peacefully, while in the care of staff at Cork University Hospital; surrounded by his loving family.

His passing is most deeply regretted by his wife Margaret (nee Harding); daughter Anne, son Michael; grandchildren Emma and Natalya; son-in-law Simon; sister Mary; brother-in-law; sister-in-law; nieces; nephews; extended relatives; neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

Due to national Public Health Guidelines, with regard to Covid-19 virus restrictions; the funeral of Mr Fogarty will takes place privately.

For the many persons who would have liked to have attended Requiem Mass for Mr Fogarty, but are unable to do so, due to coronavirus restrictions, same funeral service can be viewed online HERE, uploaded from St. Mary’s Church, Mallow, Co. Cork, on Monday next at 12:00 noon.

[Note: Due to national Public Health Guidelines regarding Covid-19 virus restrictions; attendance within the Church building will be limited to 25 persons only, with strict adherence to social distancing and face covering please.]

Interment will take place immediately afterwards in St. Gobnait’s Cemetery, Ballydahin, Mallow, Co. Cork.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

The extended Fogarty family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time and have made arrangements for those wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.