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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.
Once again Clonoulty Rossmore Macra na Feirme are very excited to announce details of this year’s Miss Macra Festival, which will take place over August Bank holiday weekend from Friday 2nd of August to Monday 5th of August 2013.
This year Clonoulty Rossmore Macra will embark on the 42nd International Miss Macra festival. After a very successful 41 years of this prominent festival, this year sees a new revamp with many firsts. Once again this year’s festival will see girls travelling from all over the country and beyond to Tipperary to compete for the honour of being crowned International Miss Macra 2013, succeeding the much admired, 2012 winner Aileen Hennessey from the Muskerry region of Cork. For the first time, the festival will commence on the Friday instead of Thursday, as traditionally was the case. This will ensure an action packed weekend for the contestants.
The luxurious Dundrum House Hotel, winner of the Certificate of Excellence 2012, has once again been chosen as the prominent venue for this year’s festival. Dundrum House Hotel has been described as an oasis in the Golden Vale, setting the perfect scene for those who are seeking relaxation and fun.
 Simone Loughman (International Miss Macra Secretary), Aileen Hennessey( International Miss Macra Winner 2012), Kieran Maguire, Tipperary Co-Op (Sponsor) Donnacha Ryan (International Miss Macra Chairman) & Declan Ryan (Clonoulty Rossmore Macra na Feirme President). Sponsors
The committee would like to send an enormous ‘Thank You‘ to all their sponsors, host families and local businesses who continue year after year to be generous supporters of the festival. In particular Dundrum House Hotel, Michael’s Jewellers Thurles, Tipperary Co-Op and Gleeson Concrete to name but a few.
Weekend Festival Entertainment
This year’s festival kicks off on Friday the 2nd of August when this year’s contestants will arrive at Dundrum House Hotel, where they will have lunch with the National President, Kieran O’Dowd, in the ‘Lady Clementina,’ restaurant. Friday is a very eventful day for the contestants and there is an emphasis on trying something new. As part of ‘First Time Friday,’ the contestants will embark on a tour of the world famous Coolmore Stud, home to the largest Equestrian Stud farm in Ireland and which boasts some of the best equine stock in the world. For any of the contestants who have an interest in horses and horse breeding this is a dream come true to see this impressive renowned stud farm.
Continue reading International Miss Macra 2013 Festival Dundrum Tipperary
With the Ryan Gathering beginning here in Thurles on the weekend of August 23rd -25th 2013, it is only right that we stop for a moment to remember those heroic Ryan’s scattered around the world in times of past wars.
Ryan’s Awarded The Victoria Cross.
There are at least four Ryan’s, that I am aware of, who were awarded the Victoria Cross, latter the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy, that can be awarded to members of British and Commonwealth forces.
 Private Edward John Francis Ryan VC Edward John Francis Ryan VC (9th February 1890 – 3rd June 1941), a Catholic Labourer was better known as John Ryan. He was approximately twenty eight years old, and a private in the 55th Battalion, (N.S.W.), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
His citation reads:-
“For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during an attack against the Hindenburg defences on 30th September 1918. In the initial assault on the enemy’s positions Private Ryan went forward with great dash and determination, and was one of the first to reach the enemy trench. His exceptional skill and daring inspired his comrades, and, despite heavy fire, the hostile garrison was soon overcome and the trench occupied. The enemy then counter attacked, and succeeded in establishing a bombing party in the rear of the position. Under fire from front and rear, the position was critical, and necessitated prompt action. Quickly appreciating the situation, he organized and led the men near him with bomb and bayonet against the enemy bombers, finally reaching the position with only three men. By skilful bayonet work, his small party succeeded in killing the first three Germans on the enemy’s flank, then, moving along the embarkment, Private Ryan alone rushed the remainder with bombs. He fell wounded after he had driven back the enemy, who suffered heavily as they retired across “No Man’s Land”. A particularly dangerous situation had been saved by this gallant soldier, whose example of determination bravery and initiative was an inspiration to all.”
His recorded character offers the impression that he was, as we say here in Tipperary “His own man.” He was regularly up on charges of overstaying leave passes, disobeying lawful commands, and using insubordinate language to superiors. Sadly and despite receiving, on the 22nd of May 1919, his V.C. from King George V at Buckingham Palace, after the war he was left to wander the roads of Australia, poverty stricken and alone for some 4 years seeking work. In May 1941, in poor health, he was again tramping the streets looking for work and was taken to hospital where he died of pneumonia in the Royal Melbourne Hospital on the 3rd June 1941. He was buried with military honours in the Catholic section of Springvale cemetery where eight other V.C. winners formed a guard of honour.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial (Canberra, Australia).
John Ryan VC (1839 – 29th December 1864) was born in Borrisoleigh, County Tipperary and was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross. Ryan was only 24 years old, and a Lance Corporal in the 65th Regiment of Foot British Army during the invasion of Waikato (one of the campaigns in the New Zealand Wars), when the following deed took place on the 7th September 1863, for which he was awarded his VC.
Continue reading Thurles Ryan Gathering – Lest We Forget The Military
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