Attending the gathering of four hundred Irish, American and Australian Girl Guides, which included their Leaders, here in ‘The Dome’, Semple Stadium, on Saturday last, set me to thinking.
My thoughts, (a very dangerous practice many would forecast) were focused on the major event in progress.
Four hundred young people were all lodged in less than three acre of activity space and despite an abundance of Fruit Drinks in plastic containers, Twix Bars, Mars Bars, Lolly Pops, Chewing Gum, Sweets and Treats of all make, manner and description, not one solitary paper wrapper or plastic bottle could be found carelessly dumped on the ground during the afternoon events. No one shouted or verbally argued, pushed, shoved or were disrespectful to those leaders who from time to time issued commands. Questions were asked and fully answered in a pleasant civil manner, silence was fully observed when necessary, without any request from authority, when leaders and guests spoke publicly. Contentment, enjoyment, fun, a thirst for knowledge, civility and wisdom was everywhere in abundance, yet these Girl Guides were not hand picked and came from all denominations and varying social backgrounds, to attend this event.
What was the secret to achieving this harmonious setting I pondered?
Afraid to ask the question, I watched in the full expectation that all would be self revealing. Later, leaving the event, close to the close of business, the answer was clear as crystal.
To my mind, it was a successful combination of what most of us have now sacrificed on the alter of that most powerful and insatiable deity, the god of greed, during that short period, known as the ‘Celtic Tiger Era’. Their secret was a mixed bag of goodies they collected and now carried with them, each item clearly wrapped and labeled. The labels bore the words ‘share’, ‘team work’, ‘practical education’, ‘self discipline’ and ‘respect for fellow beings’.
Having watched these bright inquisitive young people, I left with the feeling that despite the current absence of honest leadership in this county and country, the future of Tipperary and Ireland was in safe hands, thanks to the mighty work and effort, much of it unpaid, by this worthy organisation, who gave so unselfishly of their time and vast experience. Well done.
Weather conditions for the annual St.Patrick’s Day Parade 2010 in Thurles were excellent this year and this led to a great atmosphere here in Liberty Square.
This was the biggest and best parade, in living memory, to be held in Thurles, with a record 60 entries, each filled with great imagination, colour and a wide variety of topic. Over €3,000 in cash, prizes and medals were handed out on the day.
The parade was viewed from the reviewing stand by local representatives from the Army, Police, all Religious and Political sectors and the Mayor of Thurles Mrs Evelyn Nevin.
The Parade was officially started by His Grace Dr. Dermot Clifford, Archbishop of Cashel and the commentary for this event was provided by Thomas Gleeson, Committee Chairman.
Over 100 business people, clubs, schools, organisations and individuals were involved in the overall celebrations and the organising committee extended a big thank you to all who assisted in any way.
Entertainment commenced in Liberty Square at 2.30pm with excellent music supplied by “The Moynihan Brothers“. Colourful street stilt-walkers from Cork Circus, who appeared representing the four elements, “Air, Fire, Earth and Water”, entertaining both young and old assembled. Other entertainers included Jack Flash (Juggler), Aussie the Emu, Hoppy and Presto, and Face Painters and a Balloon Modellers were also very much evidence, adding greatly to the parade’s overall huge success and enjoyment for the huge crowd assembled.
Here is a small piece of live video footage to give our readers just a small taste of the day’s enjoyment.
The Rosegreen Players won the prize for the best float with their entry “Balls at the Dail” with Trevor Sergeant and Willie O’Dea as the ugly sisters while Mary Harney played the part of Cinderella, and all having a ball. (Who said Mary was in New Zealand?)
The parade included a total of 9 bands, a record for a St. Paddy’s Parade in Thurles.
St Patrick’s Day 2010 Parade Winners in Thurles
Overall Winner: Darmody’s Bar Littleton (Potholes in Ireland) Best School Entry: Upperchurch National School Best Traditional Irish Entry: Clonoulty and Rossmore Vintage Club Best Float: Rosegreen Players (Balls in the Dail) Best Float Runner Up: Tipperary Institute (Pacman & The Mario Bros) Best Old Time and Vintage: Thurles & District Vintage Club Best Local Club: Stakelums Hardware Social Club (Snow White) Best Marching Band: Blarney Brass and Reed Band Best Float Display Cabra Wetlands Best Walking Group: The Special Olympics Best Dressed windows1st: Sammons Chemist Shop, 2nd: Virgo Liberty Square, 3rd: The Pike Take-away Other Prize Winners were:-
Paddy Oz Style: Catch your own Leprechaun: World Taekwondo: Two to Avoid Potholes:The Order of Malta:Holycross Beavers: Thurles Gaels: Durlas Og: Thurles Brownies: Save the Animals:1932 Road Roller.
The youngest prize winner was Jordon Cullen, aged eight, with his creative theme “Save and Protect Wild Life.”
The committee would like to thank the following businesses for their sponsorship:- Bookworm, Dew Valley Foods, Thurles Sarsfields, Dunnes Stores, Top Oil, Cleary’s Toys and Nursery, Pat Hayes (The Arch Bar and HQ Nightclub), and Thurles and Tipperary Institute.
Thirteen year old Chloe Coyle, described as having the voice of an angel, has been crowned the winner of RTE’s All-Ireland Talent show competition.
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Chloe’s voice, together with her calm, innocent, stage presence and pure presentation, reminiscent of top recording artist Charlotte Church (Charlotte Maria Reed) in her younger days, won over the viewing audience to claim the competition’s top prize of €50,000. (Coincidentally, she has the same initials as Charlotte Church.)
The talented young singer from Tyrone, represented the northern end of Ireland and was mentored by former Euro-Vision winner Dana (Rosemary Scallon).
In association with Music Network, the Source Arts Centre, here in Thurles, compliments this years Easter Ceremonies with Biber’s First Rosary Sonata in D minor, performed by Ariadne Daskalakis and Trio Vintage (US/Germany).
This magical event is regrettably for one night only, on Thursday 25th March at 8.00pm and is a must see, particularly, for students of the Cello and Violin.
This classical tour sees prize-winning Boston born violinist and beauty, Ariadne Daskalakis, perform with two of Germany’s foremost, early music specialists, Markus Möllenbeck (On Cello) and Gerald Hambitzer (On Harpichord).
Here is a real opportunity to see and hear some real, beautiful and rich performances on your very own doorstep.
Check hereunder for just a taste of this companies rich talents.
So if an evening in the company of these wonderful performers is for you, why not drop down to The Source and allow yourself to soak up and be transported by this rich classical sound.
By the way Ariadne Daskalakis will be interviewed on Pat Kenny’s radio show on the morning of Wed 25th March.
This is a special evening not to be missed and tickets are priced at just €18. (€16 concession).
Book now by calling the Source Box Office on 0504 90204 or log on at www.thesourceartscentre.ie
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Now after years of misfires, misfits and a mischievous turkey, Ireland has spoken and placed their 2010 Eurovision hopes and dreams in the hands of a real talent who has already tasted that sweet success that is Eurovision glory, Niamh Kavanagh.
Niamh successfully topped Friday night’s public vote and regional judging on the Late Late Show to earn her place in Oslo for what surely promises to be Ireland’s most realistic hope for Euro glory in over a decade.
The winning song ‘It’s For You’ fought off some stiff competition, but in the end, scoring maximum points, this song correctly came out the clear winner.
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Eurovision purists will know Niamh from her past heroics, way back in 1993, where in a unforgettable night in Millstreet, she won over the Union with her rapturous rendition of ‘In Your Eyes’, the second of Ireland’s ‘3 in a row’ Euro successes on the 1990’s.
The Dubliner, who now lives in County Antrim, surely has what it takes to drag Ireland out of the Eurovision doldrums and back to the glory days that defined the nation’s songbook in the 90’s.
Ireland holds the record for the most number of wins in the contest, having won a total of seven times, including three times in a row in 1992, 1993 and 1994.
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