We welcome the anticipated new Thurles Tourism Office to the building once known as the old National Bank building and gifted to Thurles by Shannon Development under the governance of Thurles Development Association, Shannon Development and Tipperary County Board G.A.A..
Thurles has, it now appears, two Tourist Offices, one new office on Slievenamon road and one other, some 100 metres away in Bookworm on Liberty Square.
Same is being opened at a time when Liberty Square is desolate, being redeveloped/upgraded; at a time when even the Swifts and Swallows have returned back to Africa; in the middle of a COVID-19 virus pandemic; and of course at a time when Tipperary County Council has decided to destroy much of Thurles Town’s valuable heritage, namely the Great Famine Double Ditch monument. Nevertheless we wish those involved, in the Thurles Tourism Office, every good wish for the future.
Thurles To Open A Second Tourist Office.
For those of our readers following our efforts to preserve and retain our heritage, please read HERE to refresh your memories before reading content hereunder.
My reply to Mr David Coleman, (Ethics Registrar, Corporate Services, Tipperary Co. Council.)
Sir, I thank you for your communication of the 23rd instant.
Let me deal with the first part of your communication. You stated: “The appropriate response in the case of your queries should come from the Thurles Municipal District Executive, i.e. the District Manager or the District Administrator. I understand that you have received a reply to your queries from the Acting District Manager.“
Allow me to remind you of the original question asked two months ago: “Will the planned Thurles inner relief road impinge, in a negative way, on the 1846 Thurles “Double Ditch”, which has been a right of way and a Mass Path for almost 175 years and which is the property of the people of Thurles and a national monument?
The reply which came from Ms Janice Gardiner(Acting District Manager) stated:- “Tipperary County Council has reviewed all documentation relating to the planning aspects of the Thurles Inner Relief Road Project and can find no reference to the existence of the feature/path/monument you describe.”
Do you now, Mr Coleman, believe that the above reply from Ms Gardiner(Acting District Manager), answers the original question asked 6 weeks previously?
As you can see from the link HERE, I have requested (on September 17th 2020) from Ms Gardiner, (and referring to the An Bord Pleanala Report PL79.JP00242013; Archaeological Impact Statement; and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Report 2013), quote, “I now request copies of all 3 reports to be sent directly to me, in the knowledge that there is a charge for such copies, which I will pay for, immediately on receipt.”
Mr Coleman, I first made contact with you via Mr Ger Walsh in my effort to obtain answers to questions which seven of nine elected Councillors refused to answer over a then seven week period. The nature of the questions, numbering 1 & 2, were urgent, as developers were already in place, beginning their contractual commitments.
Note: The Standards in Public Office Commission which promotes transparency and accountability in Irish public life, (SIPO) correctly informed me via their Complaints Shared Mailbox on 28th August 2020, at 11:49 : – “Dear Mr Willoughby, Our most up to date records state that the Ethics Registrar for Tipperary County Council is Mr Ger Walsh. This position is one which is required by statute to change frequently however, so it may be prudent to check with the Council who holds the position currently. The Oireachtas should be able to advise you on when a new Committee will be established, the Standards in Public Office Commission has no role in considering Ethics complaints concerning TDs.”
So that there now remains no misunderstanding, having checked with a telephonist at Tipperary Co. Council, (Tel: 0761 065000), I was Informed that Mr Ger Walsh remained the Ethics Registrar.
The functions of any local authority are to provide a forum for the democratic representation of the local community and to provide civic leadership for that community. It is also charged under the Local Government Act, 2001 (section 64) “to promote interest among young people in democracy and local government and in community and civic affairs generally”.
Do you believe therefore that it is in keeping that one elected Council member, namely Mr Michaél Lowry should ask me, 7 weeks after addressing my questions to him twice, quote “Who the f..k do you think you are?”.
Since we now learn that Ms Janice Gardener is the only person that can be approached with queries, why do we need County Councillors on huge salaries at all, latter who hold already alternative 9 to 5 full-time employment, thus wasting taxpayer’s money?
I get the impression from your reply that perhaps you and some of your Council colleagues, see me as some kind of asinine, doltish and meaningless, time waster and while I thank you for having contacted 7 of our 9 councillors in terms of their having no regard to and not being guided by the Council’s Code of Conduct, the question remains, have you also contacted senior officials employed on Tipperary County Council’s workforce, from whom replies were also sought and remain unanswered?.
I trust you have familiarized yourself fully with the Local Government Act of 2001 [ Section 174 (i) ] regarding your dealings with Elected Councillors and Council officials. To date 5 councillors and 3 Tipperary Co. Council. officials have failed to reply to me in writing.
Suffice to state that to date, shamefully, two months after the questions were initially asked, I still, today, together with my readers, await even one satisfactory, honest or candid answer, in my dealings regarding this unpalatable matter.
There now appear to be no single person within Tipperary Co. Council, led by Mr Joe MacGrath CE that can conduct, with any real authority, the moral principles that should govern the behaviour or activity of Council officials or Locally Elected Representatives.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Above quote by American author, Socialist party member, political activist, and lecturer Helen Adams Keller (1880 – 1968); first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Rev. Archdeacon Dr. Henry Cotton, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
At the start of 2020, no one could have predicted that the people of Ireland would be fighting a global pandemic.
Presently, as we battle the spread of Covid-19, it is a must that we endure ongoing social restrictions, isolation and economic fallout.
Thankfully however we are not alone. Amidst all of this turmoil, the Irish people have been guided by great leadership. In time the history books will remember these people for their judicious nature, initiative, honesty, commitment, loyalty, sacrifice and empathy. These leaders will include Dr. Tony Holohan, Taoiseach Mr Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Mr Simon Coveney, Minister for Health Mr Simon Harris and Minister for Finance Mr Paschal Donohoe. Let’s not forget at this time our unsung leaders either, namely our frontline heroes, including doctors, nurses, Gardaí, shop assistants, volunteers, community groups and servants.
The power and potential of great leadership to guide us through times of hardship and calamity is a theme repeatedly evident throughout history.
Great Famine (1845-1849)
The year 2020 marks the 175th year, since the start of one of Ireland’s darkest and most devastating catastrophes – the Great Famine (1845-1849).
Here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, during this great calamity, eminence leadership in our midst locally, helped our ancestors’ weather what was then, also, the darkest of times.
Among other tasks, this committee sourced and managed food, supplies and much needed paid employment for the poor and starving local inhabitants.
The transcription hereunder, published here for the first time publicly, is a final communication report, written by Rev. Archdeacon Dr. Henry Cotton and his committee, in relation to local efforts championed during the Great Famine. As you read it, you will be struck by the parallels to our present-day pandemic crisis, as well as the many differences.
Remember: Ireland’s Great Famine brought about by the failure of the potato crop, was a calamity that hit Ireland in 1845, causing the deaths of some 1.3 million people and the emigration of up to 2.5 million more, over the course of the following six years.
One lesson from Archdeacon Cotton’s final letter that remains so very true today, is that to get through any crisis we must continue to work together as a community.
Final Report of the Thurles Relief Committee addressed to the Relief Commissioners at their request.
Archdeacon Dr. Henry Cotton writes: –
“The Relief Committee of the Electoral Division of Thurles and Rahealty being about to close their general labours under the Act of 10 Vic. Chap 7, beg to send for the satisfaction of the Relief Commissioners the following summary of their proceedings during a part of the period of the late lamentable distress. The circumstances of the district which has been the field of the Committees operations are these: –
The united parishes and electoral divisions of Thurles and Rahealty contain a population of nearly 14,000 persons, a very large majority of whom depend upon agriculture for support.
The loss of the potato crop fell with peculiar severity upon this district for it not only deprived the poorer classes of their present food, but likewise cut off their chief hope of employment and therefore of subsistence for at least another year.
It was unfortunate for us at such a crisis that the chief proprietors of land within this district are non-resident. It is true that most of these sent us a portion of aid when applied to, but if they had been present with us during the last winter, spring and summer and had personally witnessed the miseries endured by thousands, and endured with wondrous patience, their Christian sympathies would have been called into more active exercise and they might have furthered the benevolent designs of Government by their local influence and have lightened the labours of our committee by their counsel and cooperation.
The committee constituted by the Lieutenant of the County in March last pursuant to the directions of the Act 10 Vic. Chap 7, commenced its labours immediately and continued them with a steady perseverance of men who were conscious of the magnitude of the task imposed on them. The greatest harmony prevailed among the members. The same spirit animated both Protestant and Roman Catholic, all appeared to remember that poverty and misery know no distinction of sect and that it was the duty of all to unite in alleviating that calamity which providence had thought fit to send upon our land.
The good effects of this cordiality were soon evident. The poor felt confidence in us and looked up to us and were guided by us, and although we were never able to do for them all which we desired and often had to cross their wishes and refuse their requests, their patience and forbearance were most exemplary to the last. Nothing in the shape of outbreak of violence has taken place in our district since the opening of the committee although the population is dense, their privations and sufferings most severe and temptations to plunder were many and close at hand.
We endeavoured to conduct all our business in strict conformity with the instructions of the Relief Commissioners and Col. Douglas, an officer deputed by Government to inspect local committees, expressed his satisfaction with the regularity of our proceedings. In any case where we found ourselves unable to comply with the letter of the Commissioners directions, we offered them our reasons for the deviation and detailed the circumstances which had governed our conduct in that matter.
We do not pretend to say that all the applications made to us for relief were strictly agreeable to the truth. Sharp biting poverty will often put moral principal to a very secure trail. But every care was taken to ascertain the real state of applicants, and we are in hope that no very serious errors have been communicated on that score.
Nor can we admit that the amount of relief (though great) was adequate to the overwhelming mass of destruction which covered the land. But at all events we have the happiness of feeling assured that innumerable lives were saved by the prompt and benevolent exertion made; and although many of our poor have fallen under the complicated privations of the last twelve months, we of this district have mercifully been spared those heart rending scenes of death from actual starvation, which are said to have occurred in other parts of the country.
We subjoin a detailed statement showing the account of our estimates forwarded to the Finance Committee and the numbers of destitute poor, relieved by us in each of the ten fortnights during which food rations were issued. By this it will be seen that we distributed in the Thurles Electoral Division 659,162 whole rations at a cost of one penny and four ninths of a penny per ration, and in Rahealty Electoral Division 53,340 rations at a cost of one penny and two thirds of a penny per ration, including all expenses of kitchen, offices, servants etc.
Our expenses have ever been within our estimates sent to the Finance Committee and there now remains a balance in out treasurer’s hands of £6.18.4 for which the proper sic [latter ‘sic’ a Latin word meaning ‘thus’], an acknowledgement has been given to the inspecting officer.
With these details of the past, we cannot help connecting an anxious glance into the future, for we cannot conceal from ourselves the conviction that the present is a most critical time. It has pleased providence in its mercy to remove the famine and to grant us an abundant harvest, and the problem now is, in what way that abundance can be most readily and safely made available for the benefit of the labouring classes. It is beyond all doubt that, for the coming year, they will require not only assistance but the most prudent advice and watchful care.
Let us take courage from the success of the past year as well as warning from its mistakes.
If we feel that the country still contains within it the seeds of a return to a healthy and prosperous activity, let us study how we can best develop all its resources, and as the surest prospect of this appears to lie in the general and continued employment of the people by individuals, let us hope that the early attention of Government may be directed to the encouragement and promotion of this great object; that property of every kind without exception may be declared liable for its due share of the necessary burden of that district in which it lies; and that in any scheme which private benevolence may suggest, we never may lose sight of the principal that it is our duty to elevate the peasantry as well as to feed them; to teach them self-respect and self-reliance; to make them a credit to themselves and useful to the community; to see them become labourers not beggars; earning the wages of honest industry, instead of receiving alms in thankless idleness.
While in the awful events of the past year we visibly trace the hand of providence and humbly bless the almighty for disposing the hearts both of our rulers and our people, that the late severe visitation may be turned into an eventual blessing, our warm thanks are due to the Queen’s Government for its benevolent intentions towards us, and for the seasonable aid afforded to meet a sudden calamity of the most unexampled magnitude. They are also numerous individuals in Great Britain, in Ireland, and in foreign countries for the truly Christian sympathy and most munificent donations. Among those benefactors we particularly desire to recognise the British Association, The Irish Relief Committee in Dublin and the Relief Association of the Society of Friends.
We offer our best acknowledgements to the Relief Commissioners for their readiness in attending to our communications and their liberality in forwarding supplies; and to the inspecting officer of Her Majesties Government Mr Moore Labarte (Barrister), a special vote of thanks has been passed by out committee for his prudent and conciliating conduct towards us.”
Signed: Dr. Henry Cotton, Archdeacon, Chairman, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
“We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.” Extract from “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” by author J.K. Rowling, OBE, FRSL.
The world outside your private home is not your personal dump.
Last week I had the privilege, for two days, to show a number of American & Canadian persons around the town of Thurles, all intent on combining together to write a Great Famine TV script. Not having recently visited the “Double Ditch”, on the Mill Road, once a Great Famine project initiated for those starving here in Thurles; imagine my embarrassment on discovering the state of this National Monument.
A National Monument in the Republic of Ireland is a structure or site, the preservation of which has been deemed to be of national importance and therefore worthy of state protection.
Proud people just don’t litter.
This 174 year-old-old famine project has had its Mill Road entrance firstly destroyed by the very contractors employed by Tipperary Co. Council to erect fencing and a short concrete footpath, but now someone has erected posts and barbed wire on this public-right-of-way and once pedestrian Mass Path. It has also been turned into a graveyard for unwanted supermarket trollies. Observe it yourself as I viewed it last week.
“Double Ditch” at Mill Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
A ditch is a narrow channel dug at the side of a road or in a field. Its purpose to either hold or carry away flood water. In Anglo-Saxon, the word ‘dïc’ was pronounced ‘deek’ or ‘deetch’. In digging such a water trench the upcast soil will form into a bank alongside it. This banked soil thus means that the word ‘dïc’ included not just the excavation itself, but also the bank of soil derived from such effort. Later word would later evolve into the words we more commonly use today, e.g.‘dyke’ and ‘ditch’.
The idea of this Thurles “Double Ditch” was firstly to provide work for those unemployed and starving, but was it also possibly erected to provide a dry shortcut for Dr. J.Knaggs himself, when he was wont to cross from his home, (today’s Ulster Bank premises, in Liberty Square, then known as Main Street); travelling via College Lane, The Pike, (today Kickham Street), to visit family relatives in Knaggs Mill, Brewery and Bakery at Archerstown watermill, same later to become Brady’s Mill.
Thurles Committee then responsible in 1846 were :- Rev. Dr Henry Cotton, Rev. Mr Barron, Rev. Mr Leahy, Rev. Dr O’Connor, Rev. Mr Laffan, Rev. Mr Lanigan, Rev. Mr Baker, Mr Joshua Lester Esq., Mr Robert C. Knaggs.
The Double Ditch featured in our video was built in 1846 and remains a well-worn public right-of-way and also later became a Mass Path to the ‘Lady’s Well’ area. During the 19th and early 20th century same naturally became a short cut for all pupils attending schools in Thurles coming from outlying areas and villages e.g. Littleton.
With next year commemorating the 175th year of the Great Famine, [Same officially began on September 13th, 1845 – 1849], today this video must surely bring a blush of shame, not just to the faces of those we have been elected locally to represent us, but also to Tipperary Co. Council officials, who have failed to provide a Recycling Depot in Thurles. Same depots are readily available in the towns of Cashel, Nenagh, Clonmel, Donohill and Roscrea, but Thurles local councillors have once again failed us miserably in every way, except on their social media pages. For the few who hold a driving licence to tow a trailer, a rough costing for those who wish to clean up such litter can be found HERE.
Meanwhile, those of our starving ancestors, must surely be turning in their graves due to the disrespect shown in their efforts to feed their children / families.
The gift to the town of fruit bearing crab-apple trees, once secretly sowed by these people bounding on this double ditch, are now set on fire; the existing young shutes of Japanese knotweed, which featured in many a “Spring rhubarb tart” during two world wars, are now forced to emerge through filth and grime. [Yes, we should be controlling Japanese knotweed by eating it, instead of Tipperary Co. Council inviting specialist companies to destroy it using poisonous chemicals and at considerable cost to rate payers.]
The “Double Ditch” featured in the above video gets mentioned for the first time in the “Minutes of the Thurles Famine Food Committee”, on Monday, April 20th, 1846.
Those attending that 1846 meeting included Venerable Archdeacon Rev. Henry Cotton [Chairperson [(C. of I.)]. Present also were Dr. O’Connor, Very Rev. Fr. Barron, [(R.C.) St. Patrick’s College, Thurles], Rev. Mr Baker, Rev. Mr Lanigan, Mr O’Brien [Treasurer], Dr. Joshua Knaggs [Medical Doctor] and Mr James B. Kennedy [Secretary].
From these same minutes we learn that the Famine Relief Committee have already begun creating work for those unemployed, ensuring that money in the form of wages, will enable those starving to purchase food. Dr. Knaggs reports his having inspected the works to be undertaken at College Lane and the proposed “Double Ditch”; calculating the expense for the works at College Lane at £20, latter sum today the equivalent of £20,000.
It was agreed that barrows should be purchased from Mr Patrick McGrath [½doz @ 9 shillings]; Mr Daniel Carroll [½doz @ 9/6] and also Mr Dan Dwyer; latter if he wishes to make them. It was further agreed that, when necessary, the Committee have the power to hire asses’ carts at 15 pence per day.
The previous day, April 19th 1846, Mr J. B. Kennedy Esq had informed relief commissioners of the state of Thurles: – “243 families containing 739 men, women and children unable to work and almost totally destitute; and 525 families containing 2625 individuals totally depending on the heads and sons to the number of 790 who cannot procure employment; thus, making in the town, 3364 persons to be relieved”. With regards to the immediate environs [referred to as ‘country parts’] of the town he states: – “The country parts of our District are divided into wards and similar enquiries are in progress, the result of which I have reason to believe will be painful in the extreme”.
On the same day we learn from further written communication sent to the Trustees appointed for the distribution of Indian Meal, quote: – “In the town of Thurles alone there are at this moment 768 families containing 3364 inhabitants in actual want; of these 739 are old men, women and children, unable to work and who have no one to labour for them; and the remaining 2625 are depending on the daily hire of the sons and heads of the families to the number of 790 able to work and now out of employment”.
The following rules for labourers employed to work on this ‘Double Ditch’ were adopted: – (1)Hours of labour to be from 7.00am to 7.00pm with 2 hours for meals. (2)Any labourer found to shirk from reasonable and fair work or refusing to follow the directions of his overseer shall forthwith be discharged and not admitted to the works again. (3) That the persons employed shall be paid every evening. (4)That in case a greater number of labourers shall offer themselves than the funds will enable the committee to pay, a preference shall be given to those who have the largest and most necessitous families”.
Work was ordered to commence on the following Tuesday and quote; “Iron is to be purchased to make 20 crow bars, and 6 picks are also to be purchased”.
It was further agreed that, quote: – “Henceforth there be two rates of payment; 8 pence and 5 pence, and that no boy under 12 years old be employed. That tickets of the form now agreed on, should be printed to admit labourers to work – those for men in black ink and those for boys in red ink; Ordered that 500 red and 500 black tickets be printed. Families containing 7 members and over and having 2 men over 17 shall, at the discretion of Committee, be entitled to 2 black tickets; Families having a less number shall, if the Committee wish, get 2 tickets, one red and one black”.
Yes, expect tourists and visiting footfall to flood Liberty Square soon, but in what century I do not know.
A total of 26 rural towns; including one in Co. Tipperary, have been approved for a scheme which will see a million euros spend on tackling dereliction and creating new community spaces.
Destruction of Thurles, Great Famine Double Ditch, by Tipperary Co. Council, led by Mr Joe MacGrath (Chief Executive). and local Fianna FáilCllr. Mr Seamus Hanafin.
Note Well: The following commitments, posted on the Tipperary Co. Council website have since been deliberately deleted; but not before being read by thousands of Tipperary and world wide readers. SEE HERE. E.G.“The aim of the plan is to connect the citizens of Tipperary to their heritage and to make it an integral part of everyday life at the core of our communities” – Fianna FáilCllr. Siobhán Ambrose, Tipperary County Council.
“Our heritage is a precious asset and one we must look after. Part of looking after it is to raise awareness of what it is and its value to us as citizens of Tipperary.” – Fianna Fáil Cllr. Roger Kennedy, Tipperary Heritage Forum. Same should be remembered by their electorate, prior to next local election due this year.
These new towns join 26 others, one in each county, whose final action plans were published by Minister for Rural and Community Development Ms Heather Humphreys and Minister of State for Local Government Mr Kieran O’Donnell, today.
The named town situated in Co. Tipperary is Carrick-on-Suir.
Ms Humphreys stated that the scheme is about empowering people, to develop a vision for their town, thus making it a better place to reside, work, invest in and enjoy. New town regeneration officers will ensure that the projects on vacancy, will have a strategic and coherent approach at local level. Although it is unlikely that local people will have any say in how this limited funding is used.
Ms Humphreys said “Government is firmly committed to strategic projects that will transform rural Ireland, such as under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, and we are already seeing the hugely positive impacts of investment right across the country. It is very welcome that the Department of Rural and Community Development is giving local authorities funding of up to €10,000 to establish new town teams or build up existing teams”.
The 26 successful named towns will receive €30,000 each to complete their redevelopment plan. The Town Centre First initiative is also designed to increase housing supply, by bringing vacant buildings back into residential use.
The programme’s national co-ordinator, Ms Mairead Hunt said it is hoped that many more town teams will come forward.
In a dismal attempt at “Waterford Whispers News” style humour, the tipperarylive.ie reporter attempted to confirm that the then H.R.H Prince of Wales and then H.R.H Duchess of Cornwall would be “relocating to Tipperary permanently”.
Claiming an exclusive interview, references to “the pair dazzled with their dance moves as they were taught a traditional Irish jig, during a visit to the Brú Bórú cultural centre”, — “couple to give up their Royal duties and do a “Harry and Meghan on it” and abscond to Tipperary”, — “Prince Charles confirmed he and Camilla would be making the move, but added ……….. he is expected to live in the Cashel Palace as he loves their scones”.
Anonymous Letter Published By Tipperary Star Newspaper. (Note the poor spelling conveyed here and in other communications viewed, sent by the same author, who should now resign with immediate effect.)
To further add insult to injury, same local press source stated that the present King Charles III had in turn said: “Sure, I love you Irish, particularly the Tipperary lads. I never have to put my hand in my pocket for anything”; with Camilla supposedly adding “Oh I’m over the moon with the plans to move and Netflix are going to do a documentary on our lives in Tipperary. It’ll be grand! Oprah also wants to do an interview but she can f..k off.”
This somewhat derisory published article, sadly reflects on our attitude towards attracting tourists and Tipperary tourism failure in general.
Now we have learned, recently, via TippFm radio, that King Charles III (King of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms), together with his wife, Queen Camilla, (also Queen of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms), is to be invited to visit the grave of his progenitor, here in the weed infested St. Mary’s graveyard, in Thurles Town, Co. Tipperary.
A committed environmentalist with a long history of campaigning for better conservation, organic farming and tackling climate change; King Charles will no doubt be encouraged to visit Thurles, having learned that a live hare was savagely sacrificed to an unmuzzled Whippet. Same act of barbarity carried out in a Christian graveyard, being accepted as some sort of ‘right of passage‘; following a recent funeral in our local St. Patrick’s Cemetery, situated at Moyne Road, in the town.
Strict Warning to those with a modicum of sensitivity, when it comes to their love of animal. Best to avoid watching this shamerful video shown HERE; same sadly watched in silence by almost 74,000 viewers todate, according to the social media outlet Twitter.
Note: A joint operation is currently being conducted by Thurles Gardaí and the National Parks and Wildlife Service with regards to this same incident. Anyone with information relating to this or other related incidents are asked to contact Thurles Garda Station Tel: 0504-25100.
Before any invite to this town is issued, a lot needs to be undertaken, but it shouldn’t be done simply because a dignitary may be visiting. It should be done because the people of Thurles deserve it and should have a basic understanding of their local heritage.
An invitation should not be extended under the guise of exploiting his status to boost our tourism. It should be extended to acknowledge the historical links between the Windsors and Thurles.
We should also spend less time importing people and festivals to “boost” our tourism, we should concentrate on celebrating and preserving our rich local history.
A number of outstanding issues will also need to be addressed Planning permission etc
Alas, it would appear that in the absence of the Korean ambassador; King Charles III is to be the new target of the Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee, of which Councillor Ryan is a prominent leading member.
Sadly, with almost every business having been forced out of Liberty Square, Thurles, by Tipperary Co. Council, this lukewarm invitation now proposed to be extended to King Charles, will target only the 3 month period set aside for tourism.
Nevertheless, could this invitation now indicate that at least one local Councillor has suddenly realised that history attracts tourists, despite the efforts of current Fianna Fail councillors, aided by Tipperary Co. Council and led by their Chief Executive Mr Joe MacGrath, successfully eradicating the last morsels of a rich Thurles heritage, e.g. Great Famine Double Ditch, being just one example.
What would have to be accomplished in Thurles, Co. Tipperary before attempting to attract King Charles III and Queen Camilla to visit ?
The short answer, using a phrase containing just 14 letters and in plain language – “A Bloody Miracle”.
Thurles based politicians (Lowry and Cahill), together with local Councillors are great when it comes to reacting, but same show little or no ability to, or indeed interest in, pre-empting issues when it comes to assessing the real needs of those who elected them.
One would assume that any such forthcoming visit would result in Tipperary Co. Council spending considerable sums of taxpayers money. Same would most likely result, [in a local council election year], in an immediate increase in Local Property Tax, which currently for 2024 has ‘cute whoreishly’ been avoided.
Then there is the second half of the Liberty Square upgrade to be undertaken. The upgrade of entry roads into the town, e.g.Kickham Street, Slievenamon Road, etc.
With little or no parking available, security staff would end up double parking, while King and Queen attempted to walk amid the beer barrels in the hallowed muck of the Black Castle grounds, as they both traced the steps of his ancestor, Lady Elizabeth Butler / Mathew. Here also the present owner of the castle would no doubt be anxious to make a good impression, since there is strong evidence that the ground floor of this Black Castle was, in more recent times, used as an animal slaughter house, and would therefore require certain modifications.
Before personnel within Tipperary Co. Council compose their invitation for the Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee, the following information should be noted:
There is no grave site which identifies the area where Lady Elizabeth of Thurles is interred. The Archer tomb, currently positioned east of the graveyard had, over previous years, been allowed to collapse. Tipperary Co. Council workers were instructed to move same to an area devoid of grave markers to be reassembled, resulting in pieces of the collapsed tomb being erected in the wrong order and the true, general area of Lady Elizabeth’s last resting place, lost forever.
Then of course there was, in the past, the anonymous letter sent by a partially illiterate member of Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee, using the non-existent name of Don Connor, Bay-Ridge, Brooklyn, New York, claiming that the graveyard was being used to sell drugs. This anonymous letter, pushed through the letter box of the offices of the Tipperary Star newspaper, was published without any proper investigation, resulting eventually in the loss to Thurles of the Great Famine Museum.
If this anonymous letter were true, which it was not, is there a chance that King Charles or Queen Camilla could be offered the drugs available locally, e.g. ‘Purple Passion’, ‘Mexican Tar’, ‘Black Mamba’, ‘Yellow Sunset’ or God forbid ‘Aunt Nora’ or ‘Jolly Green’?
Sure look, all we can do in a neglected town boasting two TD’s is keep silent, vote early and vote often, as we continue to dream.
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