Thurles Information

Here at Thurles.Info we get regular requests, mainly from elderly Irish people living & working abroad, asking for details of publications containing stories, anecdotes etc. which would remind them of home & past memories. Two such books have appeared in recent months, both of which make for most enjoyable holiday reading and both of which come from the imaginative pen of Co. Clare native & now retired Thurles school teacher, Mr Flan Quigney.

SCHOOLDAYS – Cool days or cruel days?  By Flan Quigney

“Schooldays- Cool days or cruel days?” is a snapshot of what primary school life was like, to some degree, for the average child in 19th century Ireland but, to a greater extent, during the 20th century and up to the present day. This account takes us on a journey from the Hedge Schools to the Information Age of 2011.

To assist him along the way the author, a retired primary school teacher and former school principal, elicited the school-day experiences of 23 people ( and a group of 6th class boys ) ranging in age from 11 to 85. These enthusiastic, willing and supportive people shared their many thoughts and experiences on such topics as clothes, hairstyles, footwear, playground games, fights, corporal punishment, songs, funny incidents, sweets, past-times outside school, Confirmation, First Communion, Primary Cert, illnesses, cures, homework, myths and superstitions of childhood and much more.

This book is a chance to relive all those encounters of one’s school-days once again and to form your own opinion on that well worn adage, Aoibhinn Beatha an Scolaire. (Translation from Irish; “The scholar loves life.”)

TO THE BANNER BORN! By Flan Quigney

This publication is a sociological study of a cross-section of the Banner County’s passionate followers – the type who would go to see fifteen Clare jerseys hanging on a clothesline. It explores their experiences of encountering different kinds of supporters; of memorable games and venues; of banter, humour and the hunt for, and location of tickets.

“To the Banner Born,” examines modes of transport to matches from walking, cycling, thumbing, driving by pony and trap, travelling by boat, truck, car, bus, train, helicopter and aeroplane. It unveils anecdotes pertaining to hostelries, food, team colours, betting, slogans, songs, music and match day routines. Furthermore, the book charts Co Clare’s greatest triumphs, disappointments and injustices as seen by the fans.

To commemorate the Centenary of the founding of the GAA, RTE broadcast a documentary in 1984 entitled ‘Sunday after Sunday.’ In an hour-long programme, the Clare jersey was visible for about ten seconds. The programme was dominated by action involving the small group of very successful counties. Between senior, junior, intermediate, minor, under-21 and senior club, Clare had won just eight Munster titles and two All-Irelands between 1884 and 1984, most before RTE were established.

However, in the intervening twenty-seven years to 2011, ‘The Banner,’ have won seventeen Munster titles and eight All-Irelands. Sufficient reason for the loyal sons and daughters of Dál gCais to once more keep the bodhrán beating, the spirits raised and the throats cleared for “The Banner Roar,” and “The Clare Shout.”

All profits from the sale of both books go to Pieta House – The Centre for Prevention of Self- Harm or Suicide & The Irish Association of Suicidology. Copies are available in Ennis Bookshop, The Bookworm (Thurles), at Eason’s branches in Thurles, Nenagh and Clonmel, Co Tipperary.

Of course a limited edition only of signed copies by the author can be had direct from flanquigney@yahoo.ie .