It was with a great personal sadness that we learned of the death yesterday, Thursday 28th November 2019, of renowned guitarist & songwriter, Mr Philip Donnelly, Clonmel, South Co. Tipperary and formerly Clontarf, Dublin
Mr Donnelly passed away peacefully, while in the care of University Hospital, Waterford, surrounded by those who loved him.
Musical genius Mr Philip Donnelly, affectionately known as “The Clontarf Cowboy”, had, during his lifetime toured with household named singing artists like Johnny Cash, The Everly Brothers, John Prine, Emmylou Harris, Nanci Griffith, Townes Van Zandt, Donovan, Don Williams, Sara Dee, Ray Lynam, Clannad, Joe Ely, Kathy Mataya, Lyle Lovett, Hal Ketchum to name but a few.
Philip co-wrote (With Sam Hogin and Roger Cook)Crystal Gayle’s number one wonderful hit song ‘Living in these Troubled Times’, latter released in August 1982, as the third single from the album Hollywood, Tennessee. The song reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
His gold discs included bass-baritone singer the late Don Williams‘ (1939-2017) million selling album ‘I Believe in Love’, regarded as one of the biggest Country Singles of all time.
Mr Donnelly married artist Ms Jessica Roth in 1990. Miss Roth was also living in South Tipperary at that time and following the marriage they had a son together, before getting divorced. However, though separated, the family remained very good friends.
His passing is most deeply regretted by his brother Gerard; son Brian; grandson Matson; Jessica; Fiona; Aegina; Ciaran; Orla; extended relatives and many friends.
Mrs O’Brien, a dedicated and much loved, retired primary school teacher, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family.
During a life dedicated to education, Mrs O’Brien remained a champion of each and every pupil who passed through her classroom; always striving to ensure that the pupils she cared for, achieved their fullest potential. Her pupils will always remember her for her love of music and her fervent support of the Arts, here in Thurles town. Indeed, her passing will be sorely missed by the Thurles Community.
Predeceased by her son Micheál; her passing is most deeply regretted by her husband and best friend Antóin; son Jim; daughter Edel; daughter-in-law Carol; son-in-law Ger; sister Mary (Guilfoyle); brother-in-law Joe; adored grandchildren, Michele, Andrew, Kevin, Sarah, Oisín, Conall and Aoileann; best friend Helen; niece; nephews; extended relatives and a wide circle of friends and neighbours.
Codladh sámh i mbaclaínn na n-aingeal di agus Micheál taobh léi. (May she sleep peacefully in the hands of the angels and with Micheál beside her).
Funeral Arrangements
The earthly remains of Mrs O’Brien will lie in repose at her home on Thursday, November 21st, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, to arrive at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Cathedral Street, Thurles for 8:30pm, Requiem Mass will be held on Friday morning, November 22nd, at 11:00am, followed by interment immediately afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Horse and Jockey Singers support the Hospital of the Assumption Unit In Thurles.
The Horse and Jockey Singers annual variety concert is now a well-established event on the social and entertainment calendar here in Co. Tipperary.
Since its inception about five years ago, it has attracted a loyal band of regular supporters, who wouldn’t miss it for the world and many see it as the beginning of the festivities for the Christmas season.
Others point to the variety of entertainment that is regularly on offer, as audiences over the years continue to be enthralled by top class singers, dancers, choirs, soloists, musicians, not forgetting memorable recitations and sketches.
This variety concert has always supported charitable causes, both local and national, and this year will be no exception as the Comfort Fund at Unit C of the Community Hospital of the Assumption, will benefit from the proceeds.
Master Of Recitations Mr Noel Joyce
This year’s programme is as attractive and varied as ever.
The Doran family are back again on Saturday night, while the indomitable Jim O’ the Milland family will entertain on Friday.
The singing of renowned soprano, Emma English, from Tipperary town will be a highlight of the evening.
Rathdowney’s Mick Creagh is new to the bill, but not to the stage as his one-man show has played to packed houses already this year.
Multi All-Ireland winner, Noel Joyce is back by popular acclaim and his recitations will, no doubt, have the audience in stitches.
The Presentation School dancers, recently returned from the stage at Nashville, the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee, are eagerly anticipated as are the group of Harpers who have delighted us in the past.
New to the programme this year are Sonas from New Inn, the Ryan Girls, Cashel and the talented Cailínís.
The ever popular Derrynaflan Male Choir has been busy rehearsing for the show.
The Horse and Jockey Singers are grateful for the wonderful support they have enjoyed in the past and are really looking forward to meeting old and new friends at the concert.
The choir first came into existence in September 2014 and comprises both male and female members. The love of singing permeates the group and the social outlet it provides enhances all their lives. Based at the Horse and Jockey Hotel, this fifty strong group, under the musical direction of Mr Patrick Conlon and accompanied by Ms Ann Marie Dwan, have participated in many concerts and choral festivals.
These popular concerts will take place on Friday November 22nd and Saturday November 23rd, at the Derrynaflan Theatre, in the Horse & Jockey Hotel, with winning author Mr Liam Ó Donnchú once again taking on the role of ‘Master of Ceremonies’.
Starting time is 8.00 p.m. sharp and tickets costing €20.00 are available from the hotel reception or from Connie O’Keeffe Tel: 087-6667988.
Please do come along and support this most deserving of causes.
Mutual trust, friendship and fun gained from the Colaiste Mhuire Sci-Fi Musical.
Full report courtesy Thurles journalist Tom Ryan.
Impressed patrons were afforded a heartwarming and courteous honour guard by student greeters, in both English and ‘as Gaeilge’, as they wended their way through a spectacularly lighted entrance, at ‘The Dome’, latter beside Colaiste Mhuire, Co-Ed School, Thurles; for the famed academy’s ninth annual musical show, “The Little Shop of Horrors”, which played to packed houses and much applause, for three hugely entertaining nights, just last week.
As a delighted Mr Denis Quinn(Colaiste Mhuire Principal), informed audiences; “This richly entertaining show was the culmination of seven weeks of rehearsals by the 179 dedicated students involved both on and off stage”.
The sparkling production received numerous kudos from appreciative patrons, including hundreds of correctly proud parents, together with other relatives and friends of students, from various parts of the Thurles school catchment area.
Mr Quinn stated, “Each year the school musical provides our students with the opportunity to develop socially, personally and artistically by each year joining the cast of each of the chosen productions. It’s wonderful to see so many students treading the boards this year, many for the very first time”.
He added “This production is a dark sci-fi horror musical, same befitting this time of year, Hallowe’en, and it has plenty of electrifying pop and rock songs. I know you will leave the Dome with many fond memories. Even during rehearsals we had great fun and cameraderie anong ourselves”.
He went on to thank all who had contributed to the wonderful success of the show todate.
The main cast comprised of Mr Caylum Gooney (Seymour); Ms Rose Shanahan (Audrey); Mr John Shaw and Mr Cormac Leahy (Mr Mushnik); Mr Ethan Butler (Voice of Audrey [11] ); Mr Rian Power (Orin, The Dentist); Ms Kayleigh Cronin (Crystal); Ms Annie loughnane (Ronette); Ms Rebecca Elphick (Chiffon); Mr Keelan Fahey (Skip Snip); Ms Ellen Clarke (Puppeteer for Audrey [11]); Mr Denis Slattery (Voice of God Bernstein from NBC); Ms Eve Carroll (The Editor’s Wife) and Mr Ben Nolan (Dentist’s Patient).
Some of these talented young thespians have given previous excellent performances at Colaiste Mhuire during earlier productions and also to the Thurles Community Pantomime Society.
All portends well for the future of local musical societies and drama groups. The overall show was an enchanting two hours of fine acting, great comedy, splendid choreographed sequences and, above all, beautiful and enthusiastic singing from Principals, the Chorus and Pit Singers.
It was indeed just a joyful triumph; worthy of note by the accomplished Musical Director Ms Helen Wallace; Director Ms Shelley Martin, assisted by Ms Aoife Carey; and Choreographed by Ms Danielle Martin. The remainder of this truly experienced and accomplished production team, included, Ms Ann Conroy; TY Students (Backstage Manager and Props); Colaiste Staff (Backstage Supervision, Make-up and Hair); Mr Jack Spillane; Mr Michael Power; Mr James Ryan; Mr Jamie Fanning; Mr Kevin Gleeson (Set Construction); Star Systems and Colaiste students (Lighting and Sound); Set & Puppet Hire (Kilkenny Musical Society with extra puppets from Katie Carr).
How delightful were those spot-on timed puppets, which blended with their human fellow actors, to create such eye catching stage pictures and fun, in a show that will linger long in the hearts of all who were in attendance.
Mr Ethan Butler and Ms Ellen Clarke were our gracious MC’S, latter who welcomed us all to the theatre of enchantment with its imaginative and beautifully dressed and lit set, its lovely groupings and exciting dance routines; colourful props and surprising sound effects.
What a memorable experience of camaraderie all annual school musical offer to our young people. And it was nice to see Mr Quinn recommend “Sister Act”, latter being staged by the Ursuline Convent in tandem.
Others who played parts included Mr Bill O’Dwyer (Musical Secretary); Ms Patricia Hickey (Prompter); Ms Rose Shanahan; Mr John Shaw, Ms Ines Bafaluy (Dance Captains); Mr Dara Fahy and Ms Una Fogarty (Bookings); with Ms Deirdre Ryan and Mr Bill O ‘Dwyer (Programme).
The colourful costumes came courtesy of Mr & Mrs Brendan and Mary Healy, together with Ms Mairead Hayes of Thurles Community Pantomime Society and Stakelums Menswear, Friar Street, Thurles.
The Set Construction team comprised of Mr Ronan Carroll; Mr Eoin Craddock; Mr Darragh Kelly; Mr Stephen Doyle; Mr Killian Hayes; Mr James Gleeson; Mr James Casey; Mr Killian Crosse and Mr Sean Britton.
The Costumes team comprised of Mr Gavin Shanahan; Mr Stephen Maher; Mr Conor Duffe; Mr Adriana Ruiz and Ms Diana Perez.
The parishioners and priests of Thurles, together with the wonderful Cathedral of the Assumption, here in Cathedral Street, is fully set to welcome “The Priests” to the town on tomorrow evening, Friday 27th 2019.
A very limited number of tickets still remain available to hear and enjoy this world acclaimed classical musical group, made up of three Roman Catholic priests, latter from the Diocese of Down and Connor.
This unique opportunity to sit and enjoy “The Priests” live, in a building which enjoys some of best acoustic properties available; will see all proceeds from this concert, going to the Cathedral’s urgent fundraising initiative, which now requires the replacement of the roof area, of this most beautiful of ecclesiastical edifices.
This welcome world-famous singing trio is made up of Fr. Eugene O’Hagan and his brother Fr. Martin O’Hagan, both from the village of Claudy, Co. Londonderry, whilst the third member, Fr. David Delargy, hails from Ballymena, Co. Antrim.
All three have been singing together since they were boarders back in the in the 1970’s, studying as students in Co. Antrim. Having come to the attention of Sony Records, the group became an overnight success, having signed a £1m record contract deal in 2008.
Same resulted in their debut album, entitled “The Priests”, an album which spent 13 weeks at number one. They again renewed their recording contract with Sony Music; recording, in 2016, an album entitled “Alleluia”, which was released in November 2018. By the end of that November, the original supply in the US had completely sold out.
The group continue to tour successfully in Europe, Canada and the U.S.A.
The few remaining tickets available for this concert can be purchased from the Thurles Parish Office, Tel: 0504 22229. Car parking will be available in MIC (St. Patrick’s College grounds) and at the rear of The Munster Hotel, both close by and opposite the Cathedral building.
Note: Doors will open at 7.00 p.m. with concert starting sharp at 8.00 p.m.
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