|
|
 Leinster House Dail Bar Authorities in Leinster House are being asked to consider shortening our Dáil Bars hours of trading. Ceann Comhairle Mr Sean Barrett has added this ‘after hour’s issue,’ to an agenda for consideration at the next meeting of the Dáil’s main technical committee.
This once unlicensed “speak easy,” which recently has been in the spotlight, since it emerged that several TDs had been drinking heavily during one of the Dáil’s rare late-night recent debates, beats local competition for the price of its tipple. Customers can avail of ‘Guinness,’ costing €4.30 a pint, and ‘Heineken,’ for €4.70 compared to an average €4.80 and €5.20 usually paid outside this club’s precinct.
This subsidised alcohol price, saw turnover increase at this once “No Women Allowed Síbín,” by 5% from €138,600 to €145,623 in the twelve months to the end of December 2012. (Not bad consumption rates for 166 people on a three day week.)
Anyway, could over fraternizing at this favoured watering hole be the reason then why Ministers, TD’s and their staff, fail to answer e-mails; e.g Leo Varadkar, Allen Kelly and Richard Bruton.
Here on Thurles.Info we wrote to Minister Leo Varadkar requesting why a rail ticket from Thurles to Monasterevin had increased by over 100% – no reply. We wrote to Minister Richard Bruton last April hoping to discuss job creation in the town. We received the standard automated customary, “Thank you for your communication …. Will talk soon,” communication, and then no further contact. With Alan Kelly and e-mails, well he and his staff operate a contemptuous “Pretend and deny we ever got it,” system, which if pushed is then excused by an e-mail whitelist/blacklists anti-virus filtering system.
Some weeks ago we received a call to meet Mr Kelly to discuss issues here in Thurles on some Friday he had in mind. Despite an e-mail reminding him and requesting a date suitable for him to meet us, alas no reply. (Curses; foiled yet again by his anti-virus filtering system.)
On the other side of the Coalition North Tipp Fine Gael Deputy Noel Coonan has credited The Gathering with the increase in overseas visitors to Ireland, informing Tipp FM that the increase of 5.4%, announced by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) nationally is proof of what he is being told from business owners in Tipperary, that the Gathering has given tourism here a welcome shot in the arm. Here is a TD who obviously is unaware that at least 8 hotels in the county are in receivership with two now completely closed. He also has not read the Draft North Tipperary Tourism Strategy & Action Plan 2012 – 2014. Please, please, please take the time to skim down through this short draft document.
See page 6 [Table 1.1 Tourism Numbers in Mid West (Preliminary) 2010, Source Fáilte Ireland.]
The number of people visiting Ireland in the first half of this year, according to the Central Statistics Office possibly did increased by 5.4 % with those coming from north America up by over 15%, but how many of these statistics identify labourers and builders coming from Canada (Yes, latter is part of North America) as recent emigrants on a visit to their families back home. Note none of this 5.4 % increase certainly hit North Tipperary and British tourists fell by 1.1% nationally in April and June compared to last year, down from 735,200 to 726,900, despite the massive funding spent marketing by Tourism Ireland on just Dublin city alone.
It is also imperative that our readers see the funding handed out through Leader under the heading; (See pages 6 – 11 Inc.) North Tipperary LEADER Partnership, Summary of Tourism Related Rural Development Programme Investment, 2009.
Thurles Summer Arts Festival 2011 [Total Investment Cost or TIC] €24,009.18 – Thurles Halloween Festival 2012 (TIC) €67,472.50 – The Source Arts Centre, Thurles (TIC) €57,398.00. This financial figure does not include bucket collections on Liberty Square. Were any job’s created, was one tourist attracted I ask?
Yet, a call for the return of the Derrynaflan Chalice, latter stolen from our midst to assist and promote a Dublin economy, was found by North Tipperary Co Council, according to the same Deputy Noel Coonan, to be financially not viable and would cost €100,000 to accommodate here in Thurles.
Deputy Coonan it appears has not yet worked out that “Customers only create Jobs.”
Yes it appears our ‘know all,’ TD’s do not wish to listen or communicate with those who elected them, outside the precincts of the Dail Snug. Our voices are only required on voting day. Their deafness reminds me of the yarn told about an elderly grumpy member of our envied Irish justice system, who had a similar hearing problem.
“Have you anything to say before I pass sentence?” asked the Judge.
“Feck all,” said the defendant.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear that,” replied the ageing Judge, & turning to the Clerk of the Court, he enquired as to what the man had said.
“He said ‘Feck all,’ Your Honour,” responded the Courtroom official.
“Really?” puzzled the judge. “I could have sworn I saw his lips move.”
One of the world’s greatest social musical commentators, New Jersey and rock legend Bruce Springsteen is appearing in Kilkenny this evening. I am sure his first number as usual will be “Death To My Hometown.” Do you remember the lyrics ?:
“They destroyed our families’ factories and they took our homes,
They left our bodies on the plains, The vultures picked our bones,
So listen up, my Sonny boy, Be ready for when they come,
For they’ll be returning sure as the rising sun.“
[From Springsteen’s Album “Wrecking Ball.” (2012)]
The people of Ballingarry (South), Thurles, Co Tipperary, latter situated at the foot of Slievenamon Mountain, are hosting the Ballingarry Gathering Cultural & Historical Festival, which begins this coming weekend, the 27th and 28th of July 2013 inclusive.
Saturday the 27th July will have a line up of varied events beginning at 12.30pm in The Commons, where a Mining exhibition will be held in ‘The Old School, showing Photographs and Artefacts. There will also be a re-enactment of the pre-rising meeting of the Young Ireland leaders.
The annual commemorative ‘Famine Warhouse Walk,’ led this year by Dr. Martin Mansergh, will commence as is customary at the National Flag monument in the village and proceed to the Widow McCormack’s 1848 Warhouse, a distance of 1.5 miles, which in 1848 was the scene of the only rebellion which took place during the ‘Great Famine,’ period 1845-1849.
On Sunday 28th July, Noreen Maher from ‘Hibernia Roots,’ will host a genealogy lecture in The Old School, The Commons, and entitled ‘How to Start Researching Your Family,’ which will commence at 1.00pm. Following this a free display of traditional music played by individual musicians and groups will take place, again at The Commons, commencing at 2.00pm.
 The signatures of Thomas Francis Meagher & Patrick O’Donoghue, both present at the Ballingarry uprising of 1848. The signatures are written on the inside cover of a book found in Richmond prison, Tasmania. The book is entitled “Wreath of Friendship,” & dated 26th February 1849. Same can be viewed currently at St Mary’s Famine Museum, Thurles, Co Tipperary.  Burial place of Maurice Richard Leyne. To give you all a taste for the history of this period, the following is an extract from the little known journal written by Patrick O’Donoghue, while on his way into exile in Tasmania, on board her Majesty’s sloop of war “Swift,” sections of which were published in The Nation newspaper. The Nation newspaper of course was co-edited by Maurice Richard Leyne, along with Charles Gavan Duffy, both following on from its re-launch in 1849.
Leyne was born in 1820 the grand-nephew of Daniel O’Connell and the only member of the family to align himself with the Young Ireland movement. He was an Irish nationalist, repeal agitator and like T.F. Meagher, William Smith O’Brien, P O’Donoghue & Terence MacManus was a member of Young Ireland and present with the latter in Ballingarry for the uprising. Leyne left ‘The Nation’ newspaper and moved to Thurles to become editor of the Tipperary Leader newspaper, where he died in 1854 days before its first publication in that same year and is buried in St Mary’s Churchyard, (Famine Museum) Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Leyne’s small limestone tombstone reads:- (Click on image left for greater for resolution.)
“He whose virtues deserve a temple can now scarcely find a stone.” “In this grave are deposited the remains of Maurice Richard Leyne Esq who died 29th June 1854. This stone has been placed over him by a few humble admirers of his great virtues and talents to preserve his memory until a competent hand shall write his epitaph and a more grateful and generous people regard his merits. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.”
Continue reading Ballingarry (South) Tipperary Host Cultural & Historical Festival
Question; “What does a Scotsman wear under his Kilt ?” Honest Answer; “I truly do not know.” However this age old question, which those of you who know the answer have never apparently informed those of us who have failed to find out, may be closer to being uncovered (no pun intended), if rumours, rife and currently circulating here in Thurles this morning, are found to be correct.
This rumour, currently gaining momentum, would appear to indicate that a Scottish Highland Games troupe of up to 60 individuals are all set to descend on our quiet hamlet, on a date as yet to be confirmed, and whose purpose is to hold a Scottish Highland Games style festival.
Trusted sources close to Thurles.Info have confirmed that such an upcoming event is most likely to be announced shortly.
This unconfirmed rumour also states that this intended weekend of festivities will be hosted by the Cabragh Wetland Trust, who by the way are holding an ‘Open Day,’ on Sunday August 11th. This latter ‘Open Day,’ will offer first rate entertainment for all families and their children. Children’s Events are from 2.00pm – 4.00pm, with farm animals to see, water creepy-crawlies to observe, talks and guided walks by our local experts and a pottery wheel demonstration. There will be a Children’s Fancy Dress Show, so start to plan your outfit now. The theme will be “Nature,” so we anticipate a great turn out of birds and animals, with perhaps a few creative minds producing flowers, fish or insects, so do let your imagination run wild. Surely someone can arrive as a convincing stinging nettle, a rabbit or a frog? Games & Races will include the old traditional Egg & Spoon Race, the Sack Race and a 3-legged Race for those of you with three legs… and plenty more for all of the family.
But getting back to the topic of Scottish Highland Games, we contacted Mr Tom Grace of the Cabragh Wetland Trust, Mr P.J. Shanahan President of Thurles Chamber and his Chamber associate Mr Tim Looby, however all three individuals strangely refused to be drawn on this issue, but were also not prepared to either confirm or deny the existence of such an event. Yes, very strange.
What Are Highland Games?
The Highland Games, which are a huge crowd gathering event, are held annually across the Irish sea in the beautiful, wild, picturesque Scottish Highlands and indeed in many other countries world wide, where boast a strong Celtic/Scottish Community. These games are a way of celebrating Scottish/Celtic culture and heritage, especially that of the Scottish Highlands.
Certain aspects of such games are so well known as to have become emblematic of Scotland. Bagpipes, the Kilt, and the heavy strenuous gaming events of; Sheaf Tossing, the Stone Put, Scottish Hammer Throwing and in particular the well known act of ‘Tossing of the Caber,’ are all synonymous with such events.
While also very much centred on competitions in Piping, Drumming, Dancing, and Scottish Athletics, these games, as already stated, draw a multitude of spectators and never take place without massive entertainment events and exhibitions all relating to other aspects of Gaelic culture.
Highland games are largely a Victorian invention, developed after the Highland Clearances of the late 1700 and 1800’s. Same, like our Irish Famine, resulted in starvation and death, with families either immigrating from the Scottish Highlands voluntarily or being forcibly evicted, thus ending up with these Highland folk moving to overcrowded coastal areas or emigrating like Irish men and women, to the Americas, in ever increasing numbers.
Please Keep Us Informed
This now said, if there are to be big cuddly, handsome, muscular, Scottish guys, with great hairy knees, soon to be found swaggering around this town, we need to be informed. After all it is only proper that our women folk are given the opportunity to leave town or go into hiding, for the duration of any such upcoming event.
Yes folks, something “Fishy,” is going on here, but we plan to get to the bottom of it. So if any of you, our readers, get wind of anything, please do keep us informed and up to date. Someone somewhere must surely know something!
After all as we say here “Thurles Info is our Name and Thurles Information is our Game.”
“War does not determine who is right – only who is left.” Quote attributed to Bertrand Russell.
It was on 21st January 1919 that two Irish born Roman Catholic RIC constables, James Alec McDonnell and Patrick O’Connell, were escorting a horse drawn cart containing gelignite from the Tipperary town Military Barracks to the local Soloheadbeg Quarry, a distance of 7.7km or just 10 minutes modern day driving time apart. The driver of the cart was James Godfrey, accompanied by Patrick Flynn, the latter a County Council employee.
Constable McDonnell, a native of Belmullet, Co. Mayo and father of seven children, together with comrade Constable O’Connell, latter a native of Coachford, County Cork and unmarried, were both guarding this cargo of explosives.
 James McDonnell & Anastasia (Doyle) (Sepia Pic) – His son Christopher McDonnell & Bridget (McGrath) (Black & White Pic)
Pictures come courtesy of the Sweeney family. History records that possibly up to eight armed and masked men, members of the then Irish Volunteers from the South Tipperary Brigade, which included their leader Séamus Robinson, Sean Tracy, Dan Breen, Sean Hogan, Tadgh Crowe, Patrick Dwyer, Michael Ryan, and Patrick McCormack opened fire on the Constables, killing both men. Volunteer GHQ had not sanctioned this ambush.
The driver and County Council worker were left unharmed. In the pocket of Constable McDonnell’s uniform were 30 electric detonators which remained undiscovered by their assailants. Hogan with Treacy and Breen drove the cart together with the explosives away from the scene. Eye witnesses later saw the cart being driven at high speed in the direction of Dundrum village, County Tipperary, and indeed the horse and cart minus its contents were later found abandoned at Allen Creamery near Dundrum, by the District Inspector of Clonmel Poer O’Shee.
 The picture directly above shows; Back Row: – Bonnie, Alden & Doug Rohrer from Texas. Front Row:- Aileen Sweeney (Left), her husband Roy (Right), with their children Neil, Eoin & Blaine, & St Mary’s Famine Museum, Thurles, guide Stewart Willoughby. A major historic event took place in St Mary’s Famine Museum in June of this year 2013, which truly should have demanded a far wider audience. It was the visit by Mrs Aileen Sweeney, latter the great granddaughter of James Alec McDonnell, the first victim of the War of Independence against England, together with her immediate family. Picture above shows McDonnell’s great, great grandson holding the gun, a Colt 45, which killed his great, great grandfather and possible the gun which fired the first shot which began the War of Independence, eventually leading to brother fighting brother, in an ensuing civil war.
Continue reading Rare Unseen Pictures Which Relate To Tipperary
 Two major events taking place in Upperchurch in the coming weeks; The Upperchurch Dromane Vision Walk on Sunday July 28th 2013 (Note full details shown on poster displayed above,) and the Upperchurch Drombane Cycling Club (UDCC) which are inviting you to join them in Upperchurch, Thurles, Co Tipperary for their Annual Charity Cycle on Sunday 1st September 2013.
Their Irish National Tandem-Para Time Trial Champions (2013) Peter Ryan and Damien Shaw will be present at this cycle.
Peter Ryan of Drombane, a member of UDCC, suffers from Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy which leads to the loss of central vision. Peter first experienced the effects of LHON at the age of 20 with his condition worsening by the time he turned 21, when he effectively lost sight in both eyes, Peter is now just 23.
Prior to Peter experiencing the effects of LHON, he was a keen GAA player for the Upperchurch/Drombane Minor and Under 21 Hurling teams. He also played football and soccer for Upperchurch/Drombane. Peter was employed locally by OMC engineering; and has been unable to work since his condition deteriorated.
Following his sight loss, Peter has been focussing on building a life and finding a passion to take on. Following the success of the Irish Olympic and Paralympic teams in London 2012, the Cycling Ireland call for Para-cyclists in October 2012 was the catalyst that brought Peter and cycling together.
Peter had his first race (a time trial) in March 2013 and while the team finished 3rd, it was a very respectable result for a new comer to cycling. Since then, Peter has focussed on his training and was fortunate enough to get a pilot for the National Tandem-Para Time Trial Championships in June 2013, and along with his pilot Damien Shaw, put in a brilliant effort to post the fastest time on the day.
In the past UDCC with your help has raised money for other local charities (Suir Haven Hospice and Nenagh Rehab), this year the Upperchurch/Drombane community have chosen to support Peter as he attempts to get on the Irish Cycling team for the World Tandem-Para cycling championships in Canada in September.
They would greatly appreciate your support by letting your club members know that this event is on. There will be 100km, 50km and 25km routes available on the day. Refreshments will be provided on the longer route and following all of the cycles events in the Upperchurch village Hall.
Enjoy the challenge and of course the wonderful scenery, as you cycle in the pure clean air of the Slieve Felim mountains.
|
Support Us Help keep Thurles.info online by donating below. Thank you.
Total Donated 2026: €300.00
Thank You!
Daily Thurles Mass Livestream
|
Recent Comments