History « Thurles Information

Genealogy Researchers Visit Two-Mile- Borris, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Residents of New Zealand, Mrs Julie and Mr Tony Thomas made a welcome return visit to Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles yesterday afternoon, (May 9th 2025) to view a memorial plaque, which had been unveiled on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, to the Right Reverend John Ryan (DD), late Bishop of Limerick.
The memorial plaque had been unveiled on the gravesite of his parents, on the southern side of the old section of Two-Mile-Borris cemetery, by the Two-Mile-Borris Old Graveyard Committee; thus generating considerable attraction from Limerick visitors over the past 8 months.

**Pictured above L-R:-** **Mr Enda Bourke** *(Secretary Two-Mile-Borris Old Graveyard Committee)*, **Mr Gerry Bowe** *(Chairperson Two-Mile-Borris Old Graveyard Committee)*, New Zealand residents **Mrs Julie** & **Mr Tony Thomas**, **Ms Margaret Cormack** and **Mr Dan Hayes**.

Bishop Ryan’s mother Catherine (nee Hickey), was a native of Longfordpass, Grague, Gortnahoe, Co Tipperary. The now identified inscription on his parents headstone reads: “Here lies the body of Patrick Ryan of Borris, [Two-Mile-Borris], who depd this life March 5th 1805, aged 65 years. Also his wife Cathrn [Catherine] Ryan, alias Hickey who depd Novr [November] 1st 1836, aged 92 years. May the Lord have mercy on their souls”.

Our readers will remember that Bishop John Ryan laid the foundation stone for the magnificent St John’s Cathedral, situated at Cathedral Place, Irishtown, Limerick city, (Eircode V94 H521), in 1856, (At this time Pope Pius IX was then head of the Catholic Church, his reign of almost 32 years being the longest verified of any Pope in history), which saw the First Mass celebrated there, in 1859, prior to the opening of the Cathedral itself in 1861, same which was consecrated by his successor, Limerick born, Bishop George Butler (1815-1886).

New Zealand’s welcome visitors, Mrs Julie & Mr Tony Thomas, have researched and written extensively on the Burke Clans nationally and Mrs Thomas has traced her family ancestors (Burke) back to Rathcunikeen, Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Research undertaken by the Thomas family, combined with graveyard restoration by Mr Gerry Bowe, has led to the confirmation of the final resting place of Bishop Ryan’s parents.

Newcastle, Co. Tipp To Hold 102st Annual Liam Lynch Memorial Mass.

The Newcastle Liam Lynch Memorial Committee have issued an invitation, summoning the public to the 102st Liam Lynch Memorial Mass in Newcastle village, Clashganny, Co. Tipperary on Sunday, 27th April, 2025.

Limerick born Liam Lynch (William Fanaghan Lynch 1892 – 1923) was Chief of Staff of the anti-treaty forces during the Irish Civil War. On April 10th 1923, Lynch was killed whilst trying to escape Free State troops in south Tipperary.

A National Army unit was observed approaching Lynch’s secret headquarters in the Knockmealdown Mountains, located on the border of counties Tipperary and Waterford. Lynch was in possession of important papers that he knew could not fall into enemy hands, so he and six of his comrades attempted to evade the advancing troops. However, Lynch’s retreating group ran into yet another unit of some 50 National Army soldiers approaching from the opposite direction. Shortly afterwards Lynch was observed by troops and struck by rifle fire from the road.

His wounded body was carried on an improvised stretcher manufactured from guns to Nugent’s (formally Walsh’s) pub in Newcastle village, latter situated at the foot of the mountains, before later being brought to Clonmel hospital, where he died that evening at 9:00pm. He was buried two days later at Kilcrumper Cemetery, Lisnasallagh, Co. Cork.

The days schedule will begin at Tigh na nDaoine, the Community House, Newcastle with a ceremonial raising of the Tri-Colour at 1:45pm. A march will take place from the Community House to Newcastle Church, where Mass will be offered at 2:00pm presided over by Canon Brendan Crowley PP.

Following Mass, refreshments will be served in the Community Hall in Newcastle, followed by an Oration delivered by Co. Meath TD Mr. Peadar Tóibín, leader of Aontú since January 2019 and Chairperson Designate of the Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The organising committee look forward to welcoming all in attendance.

Mid-West Region Will Celebrate Easter At Bunratty & Craggaunowen.

More than 15,000 people from counties Tipperary, Clare and Limerick’s Mid-West Region are expected to pass through the gates of Craggaunowen and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park this Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.

**Lady Longbottom and Madame Bloomers will be judging the Easter Bonnet Competition at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park this Easter**.

The popular County Clare visitor attractions are hosting a comprehensive programme of family-friendly activities and entertainment for all ages.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park’s Easter events will be held on Friday, April 18th, Saturday, April 19th, and Sunday, April 20th from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

The public is invited to step back in time with reenactors from Clan Life and Tercio Irlanda, who will bring 16th-century Gaelic Ireland to life, through engaging displays and talks on the era’s chieftains, warriors, and culture.

The traditional skills of the past will also be on display. Visitors will be able to witness the art of traditional Irish ironworking with live blacksmith demonstrations, showcasing the history and craftsmanship passed down through generations.

At 2.00 p.m. daily, the Bean an Tí will showcase the art and traditions behind Irish baking as the aroma of freshly baked griddle bread fills the interior of the Golden Vale Farmhouse.

**Easter Bunny** & **Chick will be appearing at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and Craggaunowen this Easter.**

Along with getting the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny and Chick, there will be plenty of children’s entertainment throughout the visitor attraction, as well as live traditional Irish music.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is calling all young designers aged 12 and under to showcase their creativity using recycled or upcycled materials in the Easter Bonnet Competition. The judges, Lady Longbottom and Madame Bloomers, will announce the winning bonnets and hats on the village street at 2.30 p.m.

The Wobbly Circus will keep visitors entertained outside the Tea Rooms with a showcase of fire-juggling, unicycling and circus skills, while Garry Rossiter will be combining juggling, comedy, audience participation and danger through knife juggling, fire eating and stilt walking.

Guests can hop on the Bunratty Express and travel through the Folk Park past the elegant Georgian design of Bunratty House and the reconstructed Ardcroney Church, and through the Fairy Trail, woodland trails and paddocks, with their vast array of indigenous Irish animal species from Kerry Bog Ponies to Irish Red Deer and Bunratty’s resident Irish Wolfhounds Rian and Mide. The 10-minute train ride departs from the Red Barn, located behind Mac’s Pub, from 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

A fun and interactive Clue Trail, designed for younger visitors and their families, will lead participants through the folk park’s scenic woodland trails. Along the way, they will meet lively characters such as Mike the Seanchaí, the School Master, and the Village Policeman, all while uncovering fascinating stories from Ireland’s past.

Ms Marie Brennan (Events Manager at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park), said, “The Easter bank holiday weekend will be filled with various family-friendly activities and entertainment suitable for all ages. Visitors can expect a diverse range of attractions, including circus performances, storytelling sessions, train rides and living history reenactments. The programme aims to offer a blend of fun and educational experiences and is an opportunity for everyone to join us in a true Easter celebration.”

The Easter Bunny makes a quick leap from Bunratty to Craggaunowen, where more exciting activities await on Easter Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tony Baloney will entertain with his puppet show, while The Wobbly Circus provide fire-juggling, unicycle and circus tricks.

Craggaunowen will celebrate Ireland’s ancient crafts with talented artisans hosting woodworking, blacksmithing and weaving demonstrations.

There will also be an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny at the popular East Clare visitor attraction, which has undergone significant investment and upgrades during the past year.

See www.bunrattycastle.ie and www.craggaunowen.ie for Easter Event 2025 ticket details. Early booking is advised.

77 Year Old County Tipperary Advertisements.

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything”. Quote by George Bernard Shaw.

Just three years after World War II, the following two advertisements relating to Co. Tipperary appeared in a Muintir Na Tire handbook publication, entitled “Rural Ireland 1948”.

The first advertisements, show directly above, relates to the town of Thurles and the once existing Mineral Manufacturer “Dwans”. Note the Company Telephone Number in the picture.

The second advertisements, again show directly above, relates to Roscrea and the Roscrea Bacon Factory, Ltd. Note the somewhat humerus sausage promotion and also the telephone number.

Today, in relation to both companies, we understand the quote by American politician and lawyer, Robert Kennedy (1925-1968):
“Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator, and change has its enemies”.

Drish Bridge, Mill Road, Thurles Returned To Former Glory.

The temporary Stop & Go traffic lights, which were in use on the narrow Mill Road, here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, over the past number of weeks have this afternoon been fully removed.

Same temporary Stop & Go traffic light system was in use while the upgrading of the bridge crossing the River Drish, situated close to Lady’s Well, was being repaired.

Some years ago, a motorised vehicle had careered into the north facing, ancient, stone bridge wall, demolishing same into the river bed. Repairs, sadly, had been undertaken using solid modern cement blocks, causing major offence to Thurles residents.

Now some years later, in 2025, this crude offence has been corrected by Triur Construction Ltd, whose Corporate office is situated at No.13 Society Street, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, (Eircode H53 N9X3).

Full Credit Where Credit Is Correctly Due.
True to the Triur Construction company pledge, this specialist Civil Engineering & Building Company has most certainly delivered high quality, in relation to this project, with the attending skilled workforce under the supervision of a Lithuanian led supervisor.

The work was undertaken over the past few weeks, despite the most severe of Thurles weather conditions, with scaffolding having to be erected on the bed of a deep and fast moving, swollen river.

The newly replaced stone work is truly excellent and fully in keeping with the existing original structure.

I understand, the company will return soon again, when the flooded river water begins to subside; to carry out further repairs to the underside of this ancient, yet quaint historic structure.