Recreation « Thurles Information

Death Of Oscar-Nominated Actor Ryan O’Neal.

Oscar-nominated, Los Angeles born, American actor Ryan O’Neal, who starred in such well known films as “Love Story”, and “Paper Moon”, sadly passed away yesterday, Friday, December 8th, 2023, at the age of 82 years.

The eldest son of actress Patricia Ruth Olga (née O’Callaghan; 1907–2003) and novelist and screenwriter Charles O’Neal.
Note: as their names suggest; his father was of both Irish and English descent, while his mother was of paternal Irish and maternal Ashkenazi* Jewish ancestry.
[*Ashkenazim, through the ages, made significant contributions to Europe’s philosophy, scholarship, literature, art, music, and science.]

The Tipperary Connection.
He starred in the late Stanley Kubrick (1928–1999) directed movie ‘Barry Lyndon‘, much of which was filmed here in South Tipperary, using location such as Cahir Castle; The Vee and Castlegrace in Clogheen and Moorstown Castle near Clonmel. The film based on the 1844 novel ‘The Luck of Barry Lyndon’, written by William Makepeace Thackeray, winning four Oscars in production categories and is today regarded as one of the late Mr Kubrick’s finest films ever made.

Mr O’Neal had initially trained as an amateur (Golden Gloves) boxer, before beginning a career in acting, as an extra; a film stand-in, and stunt man back in 1960, before making his first television appearance, guest starring on ‘The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis’ episode “The Hunger Strike” in the 1960’s.

The Hollywood star gained much popularity after his role in the American prime-time soap opera drama entitled ‘Peyton Place’ and later international claim after his Oscar-nominated performance as ‘Oliver’ in the 1970’s romantic film ‘Love Story’, latter one of the highest-grossing films of all time, when adjusted for inflation. His co-star American actress and activist Ms Ali MacGraw, was latter selected by ‘People Magazine’ as one of its “50 Most Beautiful People” in the world.

In ár gcroíthe go deo.

Limerick University To Host World Wallball Championships 2024.

Event coincides with 100th anniversary of GAA Handball.

University of Limerick (UL) has been announced as the host venue for the 2024 World Wallball Championships from August 18th to 23rd.

World Champion Conor McElduff; Gerald Mitchell, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick; and Rory Grace of UL Wolves at the announcement in UL today that University of Limerick will host the 2024 World Wallball Championships.

Formerly known as “The World Handball Championships”, the tournament will see more than 750 competitors, from across the world, battle it out on 10 newly constructed courts in one of Ireland’s leading indoor venues, at the UL Sport Arena.

Wallball is the fastest-growing version of the sport of handball with a significant presence in mainland Europe, the UK and the United States. The triennial event is traditionally hosted in rotation by Ireland, the United States and Canada, with Australia also hosting the 1988 event. Ireland last hosted the competition in 2012.

Hosted at UL Sport and supported by UL Events, the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Limerick City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland and the Munster Handball Council, next year’s event also coincides with the centenary of GAA Handball.

Welcoming today’s announcement, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr. Gerald Mitchell said, “This announcement is another huge win for Limerick and the Shannon Region. This six-day event will make a valuable contribution to the local economy. It helps to further enhance Limerick’s reputation as a sport tourism sport destination as we prepare for the hosting of The 2027 Ryder Cup in Adare.”

Mr Conor McDonnell, GAA Handball President commented, “We are delighted that next year’s World Wallball Championships and Irish Nationals will be staged in world class facilitates of the University of Limerick. This promises to be the biggest and most spectacular handball event ever. GAA Handball want to thank all our partners who have helped make this happen. Please support the Championships by volunteering and participating”.

Mr David Britton, Head of GAA Handball stated, “GAA Handball would like to thank the GAA, Munster Handball Council, Munster GAA and the University of Limerick for all their hard work and support in bringing the 2024 World Wallball Championships to the state-of-the-art UL complex. The event promises to be a fantastic platform for our sport to showcase itself on an international stage. Next year GAA Handball celebrates 100 years as a member of the GAA family, and I could not think of a more fitting way to mark such an important milestone.”

Mr David Ward of UL Events added, “We are delighted to have been chosen as the host venue for the World Wallball Championships, which will see the provision of 10 newly constructed courts at the UL Sport Arena. These World Championships will bring a sporting and economic boost to Limerick with an anticipated 6000 bed nights. We look forward to working with all stakeholders in providing the athletes an amazing one stop shop Olympic Village experience and to showcase the sport of GAA Handball at its very best.”

According to Ms Karen Brosnahan, General Manager of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, “The Bureau’s goal is to attract business and sports tourism to The Shannon Region to help underpin services at Shannon Airport and deliver an economic impact to the tourism sector in the region. I want to acknowledge the role of ambassadors who are hugely important in sourcing and winning lucrative tourism business for the Shannon Region. Fáilte Ireland’s support for the region in bidding for international business also has been instrumental in securing this and other events.”

The World Handball Championships take place in UL Arena from August 18th to 23rd, 2024, and will be followed by the 4-Wall (40×20) World Championships, later in the year in Dublin, Kilkenny, Laois and Carlow.

ESRI Research On Problem Gambling Welcomed.

3.3% of the adult population in Ireland, or 130,000 people, are people with problem gambling.
An additional 7.1% of the adult population, or 279,000 people, show moderate evidence of problem gambling.
People with problem gambling, on average, spend more than €1,000 per month on gambling, accounting for 28 per cent of total spending on gambling.
Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 will provide a framework and legislative basis for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate all forms of gambling.
The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022, is, at its core, a public health measure aimed at protecting citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities.

The publication today of research on problem gambling, gambling behaviours and perceptions of gambling in Ireland, was carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute’s Behavioural Research Unit.

The study was commissioned through the Implementation Team supporting the establishment of a new independent statutory body called Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.

The review records that 3.3% of the adult population in Ireland, or 130,000 people, are people with problem gambling, a figure that is ten times higher than previous estimates.

Furthermore, the research finds that an additional 7.1% of the adult population, or 279,000 people, show moderate evidence of problem gambling and a further 15%, or 590,000 people, who report at least some problematic experiences or behaviours in relation to gambling.

It should be noted, the researchers point out that their study is more likely to have underestimated the prevalence of problem gambling than have overestimated it.

The research also finds that people with problem gambling, on average, spend more than €1,000 per month on gambling, accounting for 28 per cent of total spending on gambling.

The research concludes that nearly half of the gambling industry’s revenue in Ireland is generated from people experiencing multiple negative effects from gambling.

The ESRI’s research also found that:

While problem gambling is more common among adults aged under 50 (and highest in the 30-39 year age group), men and those with lower educational attainment, it is widespread, with 2.9% of women and 2.6% of people educated to degree level estimated to have problem gambling.
two-thirds of people with problem gambling stated their wish to gamble less, indicating problems with self-control.
the public, holding a generally negative attitude to gambling, believes that the availability of opportunities to gamble and exposure to gambling advertising are the main causes of problem gambling.

Mid-West Region’s Premier Live Entertainment & Cultural Venue Celebrates 30 years On Friday.

The Mid-West Region’s premier live entertainment and cultural venue, University Concert Hall (UCH) celebrates its 30th anniversary on Friday evening next, September 29th, with a performance by one of Ireland’s most prestigious orchestras.

Conducted by Joshua Gersen, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra will be accompanied by world-renowned pianist John O’Conor, who was one of the first musicians to perform at UCH.

UCH became the first purpose-built concert hall in Ireland when it was officially opened on the University of Limerick campus in September 1993 by Taoiseach Albert Reynolds T.D. and U.S. Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith.

The 1,038-seat auditorium has since attracted performances from some of the biggest names in entertainment including Johnny Cash and June Carter, James Taylor, Billy Connolly, Leslie Garrett, Van Morrison, The King’s Singers, Albert Hammond, Jimmy Carr, Sir James Galway, Christy Moore and the late Sinead O’Connor.

Ms Judith Woodworth, Chairperson of the UCH Board, said this Friday’s concert is a milestone moment in the venue’s history.

She continued, “We are immensely proud of our role in adding breadth and depth to the cultural life of the Mid-West, and our ongoing work to reflect and promote the longstanding artistic ethos of the University of Limerick by offering a wide range of cultural events and experiences.”

UCH Director Ms Sinead Hope said, “Attracting some of the world’s leading singer songwriters, standup comedians, pantomimes and classical performers to the Mid-West has had a hugely positive impact on the Region’s arts and entertainment sector, as well as the local economy.”

For more information see HERE.

Traditional Harvest Day Makes Long Awaited Return To Bunratty.

Co. Tipperary lovers of history take note.

Ireland’s agricultural heritage and the Fair Days of the 19th century will be brought to life when ‘Traditional Harvest Day’ returns for the first time since 2017 to Bunratty Folk Park on Sunday next September 17th.

**Traditional threshing machine at work.**

Rural Irish life and traditions from over a century ago will be showcased as part of the family day out, which will feature a display of vintage machinery and tractors, craft demonstrations, and dancers, musicians and performers from across the Banner County. (Co. Clare)

A traditional threshing machine will be put to work giving visitors an insight into how neighbours and friends once gathered during the harvest in the spirit of “meitheal” [Latter Irish word meaning ‘Group‘]. Enthusiasts will be on hand to speak about the evolution of the vintage farm machinery on display on the day, including tractors, and stationary engines. Visitors will also view a range of various ploughs, hay rakes, Root Cutter (Pulper), Turnip and a Mangel Seeder.

The public will be able to witness local craftspeople at work, including Michael Foudy, as he carries on the time-honoured tradition of basket making, Blacksmith Ger Treacy, Elizabeth O’Connor and Geraldine O’Sullivan who will demonstrating the ancient craft of wool spinning, using locally sourced wool, a practice first introduced by Neolithic farmers over 6000 years ago. Bunratty’s ‘Bean an Tí’s’ also will be on hand throughout the day to demonstrate the art of bread and butter making and with tasting opportunities for those who pay a visit to the Golden Vale and Loop Head Farmhouses.

As well as so much to see throughout the 26-acre site, there will be entertainment from Sean Nós Singer MacDara Ó Conaola, the Mary Liddy School of Music from Newmarket on Fergus, the Helen Hehir School of Dance, and resident musicians James Anglim and Michael Grogan, while resident Seanchaí Mike ‘Mickey Joe’ Flynn will regale stories of tales of bygone days and traditional ways from Corry’s Pub on the Village Street. At the Old Schoolhouse, located in the Village Street, the school master will be on duty to greet children and adults as they hand over their customary sod of turf for the tiny school room fire.

A range of native Irish and Heritage Breeds of animals will be located throughout the Folk Park paddocks on the day, including Irish Red Deer, Peacocks, Highland Cattle, Tamworth Pigs, goats, geese, bronze turkeys and the recently arrived Irish Wolfhounds Míde and Rian.

Ms Marie Brennan, (Events Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park), commented, “We are delighted to bring back this event after a six-year hiatus and to give everyone, both young and old, a flavour of what life would have been like in Ireland during harvest time at the turn of the 19th century.
The essence of a Harvest Day was bringing communities together, to support, celebrate and toast the end of a good season,” she explained. “Threshing was backbreaking work, which started early in the mornings and continued until the end of the day with neighbours and friends, all gathering to help out. The machine, and all the activity about it, had a special attraction for children. Its moving belts, the noise from inside and the way it put out straw and oats, was as intriguing back then as the latest computer game is today.
We are looking forward to providing a true glimpse of life in rural 19th century Ireland and celebrating the immense sense of community and hospitality that existed during harvest time. Throughout the Folk Park, for example, there will be plenty of activities available to visitors just like during the fairs of old” added Ms. Brennan.

Visit www.bunrattycastle.ie for more on the Traditional Harvest Day. Normal admission rates apply.