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Tipperary’s Anton Banaghan Wowed X Factor Judges

Romanian native and Tipperary resident Anton Banaghan, certainly wowed judges Simon Cowell, Nick Grimshaw, plus lovelies Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Rita Ora on last night’s X Factor, with his impressive rendition of George Ezra’s ‘Budapest’.

The 21-year-old Anton, who moved here to Ireland with his adopted family, received four unanimous ‘Yes’ thumbs up’s from the judging panel after he performed last night on the final audition show of the 2015 X Factor season.

“I’m from County Tipperary and I am a part time bar man. I work in a local pub and they have open ‘mic nights’ where I get up on stage and entertain the locals,” he told the panel

“I have only been singing for about three years. I have not had any lessons. Singing makes me happy and I feel something that you can’t explain sometimes. My dream is to sell records, that’s what I want to do,” he continued.

All fingers will be crossed here in Tipperary for Anton tonight, in the hope that he will be among those selected to make it to the X Factor Bootcamp, under the ‘Boys’ category.

The televised programme goes out on TV3 tonight at 8:00pm.

Go Anton Banaghan, certainly the gorgeous Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is in your corner.

Thurles – Pothole Study Under Way By NRA Officials

Local County Councillors have discovered in recent days that a large pothole has emerged on Barry’s Bridge in Thurles, Co. Tipperary. In fact same has been there since Xmas last but somehow went unnoticed until last Tuesday’s monthly Co. Council meeting.

Mick was the first to arrive at 8.30am this morning, whistling “Sliabh na mBan,” (Irish Translation – ‘Mountain of the women’) as he free-wheeled down Liberty Square, Thurles, on his rusty ‘High Nelly’ bicycle; to come to a staggered halt on Barry’s bridge.

“Bejasus you are out and about early Mick,” said I.

**Pothole found on Thurles bridge. NRA to investigate.**

“Yea,” Mick replied, “I was told to get my arse down here pronto; some emergency regarding the surface on this bridge,” he continued, as he untied his shovel from the crossbar.

“Are we in danger Mick,” said I smiling. “Wouldn’t think so”, said Mick, “but some feckin County Councillor leaked information to the local radio station this morning, from yesterdays County Council meeting; now it appears panic is spreading locally. Don’t forget it’s an election year and according to the NRA (National Roads Authority) Minister Alan Kelly could be recalled from his debate on ‘Climate Change,’ taking place today in Rome, in the presence of His Holiness Pope Francis.”

“Begob that sounds serious Mick,” said I, quickly tripping lightly to firmer ground on the Kobii Cafe side.

Having secured the bike, Mick, shovel in hand, joined me.

“You know this feckin bridge has always been a problem,” confided Mick. “It would be back in the 80’s shortly after the mother died; I was home from England for the funeral. I was on the way back when I discovered she had willed me the cottage instead of me sister, so I remained here and joined the dole. I had worked spreading tarmac for McAlpine, across the water and he had gotten a few jobs over here, so he approached meself, Paddy Ryan and Johnny Connors; (God be good to both of them) to work on this same bloody bridge.”

“All of us were claiming Social Welfare at the time but working quietly on the side. McAlpine’s foreman, Mousey Flynn, gave us our instructions and told us to remember, if any Inspector from the Social Welfare office came sniffing around, to give him a false name,” continued Mick.

“Sure,” Mick continued, “Johnny said, yes Mousey, but what if he catches us unaware like and we can’t think of a name fast enough?” Mousey replied “Look, are ye feckin stupid or what, in a case of difficulty just look around and use one of the names written on the shop fronts in Liberty Square.” (Before he headed off himself to find a snug corner in the Arch Bar.)

“I can see straight away why Mousey was chosen as your foreman,” says I.

“No listen you ejit!” says a frowning Mick. “About an hour passes and as sure as God, lo and behold, a Social Welfare fraud officer turns up. “Right now ye three” says he approaching us, “Ye’re under suspicion of working whilst claiming the dole; give me your names,” he yelled. “Well” said Mick, “I looked around and seeing Hayes’ Hotel said, ‘Mick Hayes’ sir.

Paddy Ryan looked briefly around and spotting Dempsey’s Ladies Drapery (I believe, Paddy spent a lot of his life viewing Dempsey’s Ladies drapery, if you understand my meaning.) and lowering his gaze yells ‘Paddy Dempsey’ sir.

According to Mick, the inspector then turned to Johnny Connors yelling “And you, what’s your name?” to which Johnny replied “Buck” sir, I’m an American”. The Inspector glared at Johnny before demanding “And your second name Buck ?” Johnny replied back “Buck Worm, sir”

“Listen,” said Mick ” I’ll let you go; I’m off to break open me flask of hot Bovril, before the feckin NRA officials land in on top of me and Alan Kelly and Noel Coonan start announcing one new job in Thurles. If I had me way I’d just fill that feckin hole up with 2 small shovels of cold tarmac and be finished with it “

Local Band ‘Seskin Lane’ To Play Electric Picnic

A local thurles band, Seskin Lane, are to play Electric Picnic on Friday 4th September 2015 on the Salty Dog stage @ 7:00 pm.

More details are available on the Electric Picnic website here: http://www.electricpicnic.ie/line-up/artist/seskin-lane

Seskin Lane was founded in 2010 by Eoin Ryan Anthony. Seskin Lane’s debut album “Tasty Rainbow Rain” was released in 2011 and was followed by the release of their second album: “The History Of Things To Come”, in 2014.

Seskin Lane are growing in popularity and can often be heard in Thurles venues and other venues throughout the country. They’re latest single I Never Forget A Face is doing particularly well on iTunes at the moment.

The band consists of: Eoin Ryan Anthony; (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard, Banjo & Harmonica), Cian Cronin; (Drums & Percussion), Paudie Ryan; (Bass Guitar) & Niall O’ Shaughnessy; (Guitar & Vocals).

Thurles – St Mary’s Graveyard Project Update

A project undertaken to reclaim / transform the old late 13th century St. Mary’s graveyard, begun last November (2014) here in Thurles, is progressing very satisfactory. The former part dump and weed infested “Gods Acre” is now 50% complete thanks to Tús operatives, Thurles Municipal District Council and the many local people who have undertaken to support this project.

With three car trailer loads of broken dishes, plastic and glass bottles, bicycle and electrical parts etc now removed, some interesting pieces of old Thurles history were also uncovered. These located surface artefacts included two badly decomposed 19th and 20th century hand guns, some interesting old bottles, a few 19th and 20th century coins and a hand-made, open fire, wire, fish griddle (Great Famine Period); this latter now fully restored by the ingenuity of Littleton resident Mr Michael Bannon.

The part proceeds of a local crime were also uncovered; hidden under a large stone, taking on the form of a 14 year old stolen purse, containing various credit type cards. (In all cases the appropriate authorities were notified.)

Click HERE to view progress to date in High Definition.

St. Mary’s Graveyard. (Part 2) from George Willoughby on Vimeo.

Thurles – Undertaking A Visitor Attraction Project For Themselves

Of course the spring crop of Cherry blossom, Blue Bells, Three Cornered Leeks, Snowdrops and Lent Lilies have all departed for yet another year. So too now fading are the summer crop of Solomon Seal, Lily of the Valley, Primroses, Yellow Loosestrife and Lungworth. However the Common Poppy, Chinese Black Mondo Grass, White Foxgloves, Fleece Flower, Buddleia Bushes, Elephant Ears, African daisy, Marigolds and Feverfew all continue to grant late summer /autumn colour to this most historic of Tipperary graveyards.

The first gravelled footpath, one of four planned to guide visitors around this historic oasis, is also in place, joining the existing Thurles Memorial Garden.

To date this project has cost a minuscule €800.00 in financial funding for the massive work undertaken and a huge ‘Thank You’ must now go to all the volunteer supporters / advisor’s to this project and in particular to the Tús operatives and Thurles Municipal District Council (Administrator Michael Ryan). A ‘Thank You’ also to Aileen O’Sullivan and family (U.S.A.) who handsomely contributed to the purchase of garden furniture, yet to be installed later this year in this area, (More details will appear regarding this installation later).

Of course if there are any Politicians out there who feel that funding should /can be made available to support / progress this ongoing project more speedily, perhaps they could let us know.

How can you the people of this community further assist in this new project?
(1) Do you have any “Overcrowded Perennials” in your garden drastically in need of thinning? Remember overcrowded perennials often have fewer and smaller flowers than their well-spaced and divided counterparts.

(2) Do you have relatives buried in St Mary’s Graveyard? Perhaps, finance permitting of course, you would like to take this opportunity to have the headstone cleaned, lettering repainted or a grave kerb added, replaced or repaired. Unable to undertake this work yourself, then talk to James Slattery, Tel 0504 – 22219, who specialises in dealing with ancient limestone headstones.

(3) Are you feeling generous? Why not make a small financial contribution to this worthwhile Thurles history / environmental conservation project. Your donation and full details of how your money was spent will be publicly acknowledged here on Thurles.Info in future regular news updates.

Note: Extreme care has been taken to ensure that this historic burial ground is respected in full, firstly, with regards to the rights of the living family members of those deceased, and secondly, in regard to the rules already put in place by the Heritage Council with regard to the Guidance for the Care, Conservation and Recording of Historic Graveyards.

44th International Miss Macra Festival – Friday July 31st 2015

Miss Eibhlis Maher (International Miss Macra festival PRO), reports:-

This year (2015) celebrates the 44th anniversary of the International Miss Macra Festival. The festival is run annually by the Clonoulty/Rossmore Macra na Feirme club; held over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights of the annual August Bank Holiday weekend.

Once again this year’s festival will see young ladies travelling from all over Ireland and beyond and all converging on Co. Tipperary to compete for the honour of being crowned International Miss Macra 2015 (succeeding the much admired, 2014 winner Miss Bríd Cooney.).

History of the Miss Macra Festival

With regards to the history of this most prestigious of events, the International Miss Macra Festival is one real example of a ‘personality competition’. This festival was originally founded by Mr Paddy Heffernan, Mr Tom Horan and Mr Michael Slattery back in 1972 and has grown from strength to strength every year since conception.

In the very beginning after approaching Macra National Headquarters, the founding members received little enthusiastic support for their idea, however they were determined to succeed and decided to organise the competition ‘of their own bat’. Major success followed and by 1987, for the twenty-fifth anniversary there were thirty-two contestants, one from every county in Ireland. Also during the 1980’s the festival began to attract participation from rural youth and agricultural organisations abroad, such as the 4H clubs in America, the Scottish Young Farmers and many more.

The International Miss Macra competition is unique, due mainly to the fact that it is organised solely by a local Macra Club and not via any County Executive. The Miss Macra festival has a huge community base also, with the contestants staying with host families from around the locality for the duration of the festival period. The pinnacle point of the festival is that it is, perhaps, the best example within Macra of what a local club can achieve, demonstrating strong dedication and team-like commitment.

The local community play an important part in this festival, with many households taking on the role of a host family for each of the contestants, year after year. The tradition of the contestants staying with host families is very strong and contestants are adopted into the very heart of each host family’s home for the full duration of the festival, where a warm welcome is guaranteed. The host families are a very important part of this community based festival and Clonoulty/Rossmore Macra na Feirme club are very grateful each year for this support, generosity, commitment and loyalty.

International Miss Macra Festival Venue – Dundrum House Hotel, Tipperary

The luxurious Dundrum House Hotel (latter winner of a certificate of excellence in 2012) has once again been chosen as the prominent venue for this year’s festival. Described as an oasis in the Golden Vale; Dundrum House Hotel boasts the perfect setting for those seeking relaxation and fun. The historic, picturesque building was originally constructed in the early eighteenth century by the O’Dwyers of Kilnamanagh, as the centrepiece of their vast estate.

Dundrum House was purchased by Austin and Mary Crowe in 1978 and after extensive refurbishment and renovation it was opened as Dundrum House Hotel in 1981. The grounds of this hotel also boast an impressive and popular eighteen-hole golf course. The festival committee are very grateful to Dundrum House Hotel for their past, present and hopefully future support of this International Miss Macra Festival.

International Miss Macra Programme 2015

This festival will kick-start on Friday July 31st when this year’s contestants will meet the festival committee in the grounds of the luxurious Dundrum House Hotel at midday. Friday afternoon comprises an adventure for the contestant, where they are treated like royalty and get the opportunity to see something new. This year the contestants will be taken on a personal tour of the world renowned and worldly acclaimed Coolmore Stud farm.

The contestants will then be treated to lunch in the much acclaimed ‘Lady Clementine Restaurant at Dundrum House Hotel. Later the contestants will take part in a ‘Zumba Class’ in Clonoulty Community Hall. This will be followed by a meet and greet session, where the ladies will meet there host families; a long-standing tradition of the festival.

Following on from the success of previous Friday nights, this year will also be a themed event. So grab your ‘Holsters’ and hold on to your ‘Stetsons’, as this year’s fancy-dress theme is ‘Cowboys and Indians’. Doors will open at 10:00pm and tickets are €10 each.

Saturday morning heralds an intense day for the contestants, as they must rise early and prepare for their interviews with the judges. As in other years, there are three judges who are given the difficult task of selecting one girl from this year’s twenty two contestants, one of which will to be crowned International Miss Macra 2015. This year’s judges are Joan Pollard Carew, published poet, long term patron of the festival and well known in Irish artistic and traditional dancing circles. Joan is also the wife of Michael Carew, of ‘Michael Carew Jewellers‘ who remains one of the main sponsors of this festival and who has also contributed greatly to the festival in terms of granting immeasurable time, resources and advice.

Joan Pollard Carew will be joined by Declan Ryan, who has held every post on the Miss Macra festival committee and currently holds the title of President of the Clonoulty/Rossmore Macra club. This year the judging panel will also be joined by Noirin Ryan Forrestall. Noirin represented County Tipperary in the Rose of Tralee Festival in 2011 and has previously been a member of the International Miss Macra Festival Committee while also performing a very active role in her local community of Clonoulty/Rossmore.

All contestant’s interviews will be concluded by 1:00pm and will be followed by a Surprise Event which will begin sharp at 2:00pm, involving all contestants, supporters, friends and family. As the afternoon draws to a close, its back to Dundrum House Hotel for the ‘Cabaret’, where each contestant will be interviewed (two at a time) on stage by Mike Egan, a previous Macra member and indeed long-term friend of the festival. This year these interviews will take place in the specially constructed festival marquee and will be followed by live music from Midnight Run and DJ in ‘The Venue‘ Nightclub, where the contestants and their supporters can dance the night away. Tickets for this Saturday night extravaganza are just €15 each.

Sunday Morning will start with the contestants attending a special Mass in Clonoulty Parish Church. The choir performing at this ceremony are comprised of members of Clonoulty Rossmore Macra together with members of the local parish community. Following Mass, the contestants will take part in a family fun field day, in the local Clonoulty G.A.A grounds. This fun event is a mixture between a ‘Macra Field Day’ and ‘School Sports Day’ and here the contestants will have to show their worth by participating in many country inspired activities. All this will be followed by an outdoor barbecue, (weather permitting).

Immediately after the sports day the preparations for the Miss Macra Ball will commence. There will be hairdressers and beauticians on site for both the contestants and committee members to avail, but note – pre-booking is essential. Sunday night is always the highlight of this festival as the International Miss Macra Gala Banquet draws to a close in Dundrum House Hotel Ballroom. To begin with, all the contestants plus their escorts are photographed professionally before a Champagne Reception, beginning sharp at 6:00pm. The contestants, their handsome escorts, the invaluable host-families, and various supporters together with Macra and non Macra members, will all sit down to enjoy a delicious five course meal. Tickets for the banquet are €50 each and pre-booking is essential. The meal is followed by various speeches, which will include, this year, an address by newly elected Macra President Mr Sean Finan.

Speeches are followed by live music and dancing and, at the enchanted hour of 12:00 midnight, silence will descend on the ballroom, as anticipation reaches climax point as to the chosen winner of this year’s International Miss Macra festival. The newly crowned winner and two runner ups will then have their photographs taken with the main sponsors of the festival e.g. Dundrum House Hotel and Golf Course, Joan and Michael Carew Jewellers, FBD Insurance and Tipperary Co-op.

As the 2015 festival draws to a close; the entire ballroom fills with Macra and non-Macra members who dance into the early hours. Here tickets can be booked by ringing Festival Chairperson Donnacha Ryan on Mobile 085 7771859.

Note: Special Ticket Concessions

This year there are two special offers; with an entire ‘all areas‘ weekend ticket costing just €70, which includes entry into the Friday and Saturday night events as well as the Sunday banquet and ‘afters’. Also there is available an entertainment package costing €35, which includes entry for the Friday, Saturday and the afters of the Banquet on Sunday night.

This weekend, as always, promises to be a great weekend of fun and Clonoulty/Rossmore Macra na Feirme club look forward meeting and greeting, once again, past old friends from last and previous years events.