Music « Thurles Information

When Jesus Comes Calling For Me

When Jesus Comes Calling For Me.

Lyrics and Vocals: Ms Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean (née Parton) [1946–2026].

“In remembrance of the late Dolly Parton, we turn to one of her most moving gospel songs, ‘When Jesus Comes Calling for Me’. Written by Dolly and released on her 1998 album Hungry Again, the song tells of approaching death not with fear, but with faith, peace, and the assurance of going home. In light of her passing at age 80, its message feels especially poignant; a tender reflection from an artist whose music, generosity, and spirit touched generations”.

When Jesus Comes Calling For Me.

When I was a child I recall an old man, everybody loved old Zeke
He was all alone, his family was gone; one day he said to me.

I’m just sittin’ here thinkin’ about Jesus, rockin’ as my old chair creaks.
Some glad day I’ll fly away when Jesus comes calling for me.
It might be today, it might be tomorrow, maybe one day next week.
I’ll soon be done with trouble and sorrow when he comes calling for me.
When Jesus comes calling for me,
When I die don’t grieve and cry,
Lordy, don’t feel sorry for me.
Oh what a day, what a mighty fine day,
When Jesus comes calling for me.
When he comes calling for me.
I might be in the graveyard walking talking to my family,
Or I might be plowing in the field down yonder, just old Muley and me.
Wherever I am, whatever I’m a doing, some sweet day I’ll see,
A band of angels in a cloud of glory when Jesus comes calling for me.
When he comes calling for me.
When I die just close my eyes,
And lay me ‘neath the willow tree.
Oh what a day, what a mighty fine day,
When Jesus comes calling for me.
When Jesus comes calling for me.
I’m just sittin’ here watchin’ for Jesus, rockin’ as my old chair creaks.
Some sweet day I’ll fly away when Jesus comes calling for me.
When he comes calling for me.

END

Remembering Ms Dolly Parton – A Life Of Music, Kindness And Enduring Hope

It is with profound sadness that we mark the death of Dolly Parton, the beloved singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist and cultural icon, who passed away peacefully in Nashville today August 25th, 2026. She was aged 80 years.

Born on January 19th, 1946, in a one-room cabin in rural Tennessee, Dolly Rebecca Parton was the fourth of 12 children. From those humble beginnings, she built an extraordinary career spanning nearly six decades; bringing warmth, wit and an unmistakable voice to audiences around the world.

As a songwriter, Dolly had a rare gift for turning deeply personal experiences into universal stories. She wrote thousands of songs, including “Jolene,” – “Coat of Many Colors,” – “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her music crossed the boundaries of country, pop, rock and gospel, while her honesty and humanity enabled her to connect with people from every generation and background.

“Coat of Many Colors”
Autobiographical song, based on one of her most vivid childhood memories.

The above song tells the story of when her family could not afford a new winter coat, her mother stitched one together from donated scraps of fabric. While sewing, she told Dolly the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Dolly proudly wore her coat to school, where other children mocked her for wearing rags. The experience inspired her song about poverty, a mother’s love and recognising wealth in forms other than money.

Her talents extended far beyond music. Dolly brought her characteristic humour and heart to films including “9 to 5“ and “Steel Magnolias”. She also became a successful businesswoman, establishing ‘Dollywood’ in her native Tennessee and creating opportunities for the community that had shaped her.

Perhaps her most meaningful legacy can be found in the lives she changed through her generosity. The Imagination Library, founded in 1995, has placed hundreds of millions of books into the hands of young children. She also supported disaster relief, medical research and numerous community causes; often helping quietly and without seeking recognition.

Among her many honours were 11 Grammy Awards and induction into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Yet awards alone cannot measure the joy, comfort and hope she gave to millions.

Her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, died in 2025. Our deepest sympathies are with Dolly’s family, friends, colleagues and the countless admirers mourning her loss.

Dolly Parton leaves behind far more than a remarkable body of work. She leaves a legacy of kindness, courage, humor and songs that will continue to speak for generations.

In ár gcroíthe go deo.

Tipperary Festival Fans Set For Electric Picnic As Main Stage Times Are Revealed

Large numbers of music fans from across Tipperary are preparing to make the journey to Stradbally this weekend as Electric Picnic returns with a packed programme of headline performances.

The sold-out festival takes place at Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois, from Friday, August 28th, to Sunday, August 30th, with around 80,000 people expected to attend. Organisers have now released the Main Stage timetable, allowing Tipp festival goers to plan their weekend.

Electric Picnic MAIN STAGE Times:-
Friday’s Main Stage programme will see JADE open the Main Stage action at 6:00pm, followed by Zara Larsson at 7:30pm and Sombr at 9:00pm. Lewis Capaldi will bring the opening night to a close with a headline set beginning at 10:45pm.

Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved.

Saturday’s Main Stage programme includes Role Model at 5:30pm, The Mary Wallopers at 7:15pm and CMAT at 9:00pm. Gorillaz will headline from 11:05pm until 12:35am.

A full day of Sunday Main Stage entertainment begins with the RTÉ Céilí Mór at 1:00pm. James Marriott, Van Morrison, The Saw Doctors, Djo and Amble will follow before Fontaines D.C. close the festival with a 10:30pm headline performance.

With Stradbally located just over the county boundary, a sizeable Tipperary contingent is expected to be among the crowds arriving for one of Ireland’s biggest weekends of live music.

The schedule and festival dates shown above are confirmed by the official Electric Picnic website
and the published Main Stage timetable.

I Am Not At War With Anyone.

Lyrics and Vocals: Irish born (Co. Kildare) folk singer-songwriter Kevin Barry Moore better known professionally as Luka Bloom, (younger brother of folk singer Christy Moore).

Written in 2003 as the Iraq War loomed, Luka Bloom’s song offers a quiet but resolute response to the fear and division of its time. Speaking from the perspective of an ordinary Irish citizen, it rejects the rush toward conflict and affirms our shared desire to live together in peace. More than two decades later, its simple message has lost none of its urgency or humanity.

I Am Not At War With Anyone.

Note: Luka Bloom will be performing live at Finn’s Bar, Main Street, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, Co Tipperary, (Eircode E41 K294) on Saturday, August 29th next (2026), Time 8:30pm, Tickets: €25.00.

I Am Not At War With Anyone.

I am not at war with anyone.
I am not at war with anyone.
Go away war planes,
You bring fear and shame,
I am not at war with anyone.
I give my love to Iraq and to Syria.
I give my love to Israel and to Palestine.
We could live as one between the sea and sun.
I am not at war with anyone.
I don’t need to be friends with everyone,
But I’d like to live in peace with everyone.
This rush to war was wrong,
I just sing my song,
I am not at war with anyone.
I risked my life to cross the Mediterranean.
I’d love to go back home and live in peace again.
But now I hope I’ll find the heart of humankind,
‘Cause I am not at war with anyone.
I am not at war with anyone.

End.

Thurles-Linked Pop Icon Boy George Releases New Song, We Will Dance Again.

International pop star Boy George, whose paternal family has strong connections with Thurles, Co. Tipperary has released a new song titled “We Will Dance Again”.

The Culture Club frontman; born George Alan O’Dowd in England, has spoken warmly about his Irish background. In a 2013 Hot Press interview, he said his father’s relatives were from Thurles, adding that his family visited Ireland regularly during his childhood.

**George Alan O’Dowd** – **Boy George**.

His new pop-reggae song was posted to X and Instagram under both its English title and the Hebrew title עוד נרקוד (Od Nirkod). Its central message supports Israel and Jewish communities following the Hamas-led attack of October 7th 2023.

The song refers particularly to the attack on the Nova music festival, where 344 civilians and 34 members of the security services were killed and 44 people were taken hostage. Its title adopts a phrase that became an expression of hope and resilience among Israelis following the massacre.

In the song, Boy George rejects allegations of genocide against Israel, characterises its military campaign as a response to the Hamas attack and declares: “I stand with the Jews.” He also criticises musicians and activists whom he believes have condemned Israel without adequately acknowledging the events of October 7th.

The release has generated sharply divided reactions. Supporters have praised Boy George for confronting antisemitism and remembering the Nova victims, while critics say the song disregards the enormous Palestinian death toll and the findings of UN inquiries concerning Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Israel rejects allegations that it has committed genocide.

Boy George is not Jewish but has frequently spoken about his affinity with Jewish people and his determination to support Jewish friends and communities. He has also said that this support does not mean he lacks compassion for Palestinians or agrees with everything happening in Israel.

For Thurles readers, the release carries an additional local point of interest; one of Britain’s most distinctive pop performers has openly identified the town as part of his extended O’Dowd family story.