The late Mattie Ryan would have been very proud indeed. But no doubt he was watching down with a smile as the Gucci Handbags got dusted down, hairs got super glued, false nails were coloured and highlighted (Or was it the other way around, Can’t remember), and new frocks got their first official outing. Tail feathers were plucked from every exotic bird found holidaying in the Thurles area, only to be used later to decorate many of the unusually shaped hats, displayed in abundance.
The ‘glam’ preparations, which I describe, of course were for yesterday’s right Royal Mock Wedding event, held in aid of a most worthy cause, the Thurles Cancer Support Group, Suir Haven, latter a charity once very close to Mattie Ryan’s heart.
The bride for this right ‘Royal Bash,’ was the very lovely Princess Sharon Kerrigan, the groom, the equally handsome Prince Brendan O’Donnell.
Escorted down the aisle by Deputy Michael Lowry TD, the bride looked breathtaking in a brushed silk white bridal evening gown, with delicately laced bodice.
The couple both publicly declared their love for each other in front of a large gathering of family and close friends in that ‘Basilica of Rock Music,’ locally known as HQ Nightclub here in Thurles, presided over by Tipp FM ‘s Breakfast Bowl impersario and the radio stations resident parish priest Rev.Fr. Aidan Mac MC.
A video recording of the ceremony was undertaken by top videographer, Mr Garry Butler and the newly married couple later joined their guests for a large amount of light refreshments, in a pub crawl which included Michael Bowes Pub Friar Street, The Arch Bar, Millay’s Tavern and of course the home of the GAA, Hayes Hotel all located in Liberty Square, just to name a few.
The happy couple were tight lipped on information regarding their honeymoon destination, but to Sharon and Brendan go the good wishes of all their families members and many friends here in Thurles, for a happy, healthy and prosperous life together. (Personally, I just can’t see the marriage lasting.)
Nevertheless a most enjoyable event in aid of a worthy cause, and to all involved well done.
The Thurles and District Vintage Club was formed following the enormous success of their millennium celebrations in 2001. Over the past ten years the event has grown considerably and has now become one of the top annual attractions in Tipperary, drawing visitors and vintage machinery exhibitors /collectors from far outside its local natural environment.
In 2001 the club started with three members and today membership has grown to over eighty three, not just from all over North Tipperary, but from surrounding counties such as Co. Limerick and Co. Laois.
The clubs main aim is to promote the collection and restoration of all types of vehicles and memorabilia, thus preserving past heritage and providing valuable primary sources for lovers of rural Irish history.
Our world, over the past ten years, has observed more change and experienced more rapid progress than in the previous one thousand years of man’s existence, so it is extremely important that we display not just our old rural artifacts and labour saving devices, but that also we demonstrate the skills required to operate these devices.
Between annual events the club organise different charity fun events, raising large sums for various designated local and national charities.
The highlight of their year, however, is the clubs Annual Vintage Rally which normally takes place in Corbally, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and already the club have begun planning for this event, and of course are always on the lookout for willing volunteers and helpers, whose assistance is very much appreciated.
We learn from club chairman Mr Jim Fogarty that two, up and coming, events for are already well into the planning stages and worthy of note for those who love to travel back in time and reminisce.
Note : Thurles Vintage Rally is planned for 12th June 2011, while their Thurles and District Road Run will take place on the 17th July 2011.
The club is affiliated to the Irish Vintage Engine and Tractor Association and last year they had the honour of hosting the I.V.E.T.A. National Rally.
For further information on this clubs activities contact Paddy Kelly, Thurles, Tel 087 9678114 or Jim, Tel 087 9678114 or 086 2743442.
For all of their great work and effort, this organisation is truly worthy of Tipperary’s full support.
Johnny B and the Boogie Men have just released a fantastic new song and video called Lar Outside! This song follows on from their very successful hit last year called Premier Rap which everybody loved, including our sporting rivals. The new song is once again all about our great Tipperary hurling team and Lar Corbett in particular. The video has only just been put up on YouTube but already it has had over 40,000 views. You can check out the video below, it rocks!
Well done to Johnny B and The Boogie Men, this song is going to be huge. You can expect to hear ‘Lar Outside’ on local radio stations like TippFM and even national radio. Here’s to Tipperary winning this years All Ireland Hurling Championship.
Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret Girl Guides in 1937.
On the 7th of May 2011, the Dome, here in Thurles Co, Tipperary saw over 6,200 disciplined, spirited, inquisitive and members of the Irish Girl Guides gather to celebrate 100 years of their organisation, and what an organisation.
One of the disappointment felt by me, reflecting on the ceremonies organised for the recent visit by Queen Elizabeth II, was the visual absence of senior officials from the Irish Girl Guides Association. While we appear to have fitted in an invite for every other member of the ‘great and the good,’ there was not a sign of a Girl Guide anywhere in sight, despite celebrating their 100th Irish Birthday this year. The fact that Queen Elisabeth herself and her late sister Margaret were both Girl Guides, with the Queen presently the associations patron, this appears to have been a major oversight on behalf of the organisers.
Yes disappointing, no matter, no doubt this will be corrected when US President Barack Obama comes to Ireland on Monday, especially since his wife Michelle is President of the American Girl Scouts. But enough about this, ‘Dedication and Organisation,’ always has it’s own reward and real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination.
Against the background of our hallowed Semple Stadium, this Girl Guide celebration was packed with Avitars, Moving Statues, Circus Performers, TD’s, Government Ministers, Giant Pigs, Helter Skelters, Musicians, Line Dancers and to close off this fun day an Abba Tribute Band.
The day got off to a brisk start with a Gold Award Ceremony, where 78 teenage girls each received the prestigious ‘Gold Award,’ the highest achievement that a Girl Guide can ever attain. These same group a short time later led the Members Parade, themselves kick starting the groups centenary celebrations, which fully demonstrated the total dedication and commitment by not just Girl Guides, but their leades representing the whole of Ireland.
Fine Gael TD, Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs was on hand to officially opened this 100th birthday event. The Minister in addressing the large crowd stated “This is a wonderful, historic, colourful day for you all. It is truly inspiring to see so many young people, and their leaders of all ages, latter still so young in spirit, gathered together to celebrate 100 years of success and true dedication. The organisation has an incredible role to play in supporting the young people of this country; helping them to develop our greatest natural resource to their fullest potential.”
The remainder of the day was spent by the girls becoming involved in their different age group activities. These activities included Circus Skills, Drumming, Dancing, Science Workshops, Animal Roadshows, together with having the time to enjoy a free flow area, which housed a Helter Skelter, many large scale Inflatables, a Carousel and numerous Street Entertainers. The excitement of the day’s events were clearly written and easily read, on the faces of all those in attendance.
Coming near to the close of events, a presentation of ’30 year service pins,’ were presented by IGG’s President Maureen Dillon, Chief Commissioner Emer O’Sullivan and special guest Mary McPhail, Chief Executive of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, to some of the older yet still dedicated leaders.
The girls and their officers ended the day singing and dancing with music and song courtesy of the ABBA tribute band, ABBAesque, and in keeping with the 100th anniversary celebrations, this band lead all in attendance with a wonderful rendition of ‘Happy Birthday.’
A special thanks to Catherine Noone, Carmelia Jordan and PRO Catherine O’Connor for their kindness on the day.
Next huge event will be “Camp 101“, which is the International Girl Guide Camp, taking place in Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon in July 2012, with Guides from around the world in attendance. Camp 101 for Girl Guides represents the beginning of a new centenary, and the opportunity to further build on a most successful past 100 years of Guiding in Ireland.
Want To Join Irish Girl Guides? Please contact the Irish Girl Guides National Office:- Telephone 01-6683898.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh arrived at the Rock of Cashel this morning by royal helicopter, hovering over the site which was the former ecclesiastical capital of Ireland.
George IV as Prince Regent
Her visit to the Rock, the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion in 1169, marked yet another milestone in the history of Irish /English relations. As Queen of England, she became the first reigning British monarch to visit this imposing site, since her forebear King Henry II visited in 1171, although King George IV is believed to have visited the site, while a guest of the Mathew family in Thurles, while then Prince Regent, and prior to ascending the British Throne in 1820.
On landing she was driven from the helicopter by the state Bently to the summit of the rocks outcrop. To loud applause from a group of invited guests and local dignitaries, the Queen went on to visit the 15th century building known as the Hall of the Vicars Choral. She examined a 13th century bronze enamelled Crozier, said to have belonged to Bishop King, Cormac McCarthy, together with the ancient Cashel bell, dating from early 9th century.
Many residents in Cashel felt that security was too tight and regretted not getting a closer view and a chance to properly show their appreciation to the Queen, on her acceptance of their invitation to visit.
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