The 50 years old Thurles Drama Group were accorded a very enthusiastic standing ovation at the conclusion of Conor McPhearson’s “The Seafarer”, in a packed St. Michael’s Community Centre Holycross, last week.
It was a truly sterling and hugely entertaining production that last Sunday night saw them scoop the awards for Best Production (The Tipp FM Trophy) presented by Geraldine O’Neill to Johnny Fogarty; Best Tipperary Play (Dr. Morris Cup), Most Entertaining Play (Hannifin Trophy) and Best Producer (Frank Gleeson Award) to Margaret McCormack Purcell.
Picture Courtesy Thurles Drama Group
The Tipperary Star cup for Best Play in the Confined Category went to Harvest Moon (“God of Carnage”) and Stephen Gleeson of the Tipperary Star was present.
Thurles, who have appeared in eight All-Irelands at Athlone had qualified for this year’s All-Ireland also in Athlone, with four festival wins achieved before Holycross. And this may not be the end of the Thurles success story. The national finals will be held in late April or early May.
The nine top groups who competed were from as far away as Lifford in Donegal and Rossmore in West Cork and a number of top thespians with professional experience were present in the audience including a member of RTE’s “The Offenders” from Cobh.
So also were many faithful festival fans from all over Tipperary and further afield. Festival Director for the last 40 years, Mr Donal Duggan, paid tribute to these great amateur theatre folk for their dedication; people he said who all have jobs to go to in the mornings after the show and after along journey for many miles through the nights and mornings for months from October onwards.
The Festival committee in Holycross also had dedicated much time and effort into organizing this wonderful festival the only one of its kind in County Tipperary. The Adjudicator, whose insightful remarks were appreciated by discerning and theatre loving audiences, was Mr Peter O’Driscoll. He was an actor, designer, and director with Strand Players and many other companies.
The hard working committee, who deserve to be congratulated on their trojan efforts, comprised of Very Rev. Celsus Tierney (President), Donal Duggan (Festival Director), Tommy Lanigan (Chairman), Claire Ryan (Secretary), Maudie Bourke and Tommy Lanigan (Joint Treasurers), Geraldine O Neill (PRO), Marty O’Neill and Ger O’Dwyer (sponsorship), Diana Lacey (Raffle), Marty O’Neill and Paddy Connolly (Technical), and Marie Spillane, Peg Ryan Elaine O’Dwyer, Andy Slattery (Committee).
The Sub Committee comprised of Jack Henchion, John Glasheen, Aishling Henchion, Gerry Kennedy, Derek Doherty and Jim Fin.
The popular festival continues to attract many loyal fans and also new faces including Presentation Thurles secondary school teacher Deborah Harty.
What Splendid entertainment we had in the picturesque village from Ireland’s top theatre groups performing top plays from tragedy to comedy.
It is also a great social occasion when friendships are formed or renewed. It is one of the most convivial occasions of the year and, of course, the tea breaks and Diana Lacey’s raffles for splendid prizes are all an integral part of the occasion always.
The large attendances included Archbishop (Emeritus) Dermot Clifford, a faithful festival fan, Denis Carroll Clonoulty, Tom Purcell Littleton, Josephine O’ Gorman Thurles, Mary Moore Thurles, Pat Maher Freighduff Cashel, Nora Maher Thurles, Martin Fitzgerald Holycross, Michael and Mary Blake Thurles, John Quinlan and friends Moyne, Comedian Tim Curran Thurles, top actresses Patricia Lowry and Jacqui Lacey Thurles and Cashel.
Other Awards. GALLAGHER AWARD – for most promising actor/actress – Siobhain Corcoran Helen (“The Cripple of Inishmaan”). BEST SET OVERALL- Josie Slattery Award – (“Blithe Spirit”): Kilmeen D.G. BEST LIGHTING: – Declan McCarthy – (“The Father”): Brideview D.G. BEST SOUND: – Zara Holmes – (“When Elephants Collide”): Lifford Players. 1st ADJUDICATOR AWARD: – For Live Music – (“Playboy of the Western World”): Hinterland. 2nd ADJUDICATOR AWARD : – Allison Murphy as the Maid – (”Blithe Spirit”): Kilmeen.
Sadly, Mrs Bowe-Saunders passed away in the United Kingdom, following a short illness. Her passing in February last, is most deeply regretted and sadly missed by her loving husband Kevin. Mrs Bowe-Saunders, having lived a life full of laughter and kindness, will be greatly missed and forever loved by her brothers, sisters, extended relatives and friends, especially her former nursing colleagues. She departed this world to join her late mother and father (Nora and Jermiah) and her brother Willie.
For those persons who are unable to attend the Memorial Mass for Mrs Bowe-Saunders, same can be viewed, streamed live online HERE.
The extended Bowe-Saunders families wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Pre-deceased by her parents Michael and Eileen and infant brother Michael; the passing of Mrs Campion is most deeply regretted by her heartbroken family Catrina, T.J., brothers Sylvester (Slyvie) and John and sister Kathleen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Mrs Campion, will repose at Doyle’s Funeral Home, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny on Tuesday afternoon, March 28th, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm same evening. Her remains will be received into the Church of St. Patrick and St. Oliver Church, Glengoole, Thurles, on Wednesday morning, March 29th, at 11:00am to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:30am. Cremation will follow at the Island Crematorium, Rocky Island, Spike Island, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork at 3:00pm.
For those persons who are unable to attend the funeral service for Mrs Campion, same can be viewed, streamed live online HERE.
The extended Campion family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
The occupants of the car, a man in his 30s and two male teenagers following the collision, were rushed to University Hospital Limerick to be treated for serious injuries.
The junction remained closed for a time yesterday to allow for an examination to be conducted by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, but has since reopened.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses who may have dash-cam footage obtained while travelling on the R505 or R661 between 5:00am and 6:30am to please contact them at Tipperary Town Garda Station on Tel. No. 062 806 70; the Garda Confidential Line Tel. No. 1800 666 111, or indeed any Garda Station.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tipperary Town Garda Station on 062 806 70, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Lyrics: M. Coleman Singer: Liverpool native; English comedian; music hall entertainer; singer, and actor, the late, great Sir Kenneth Arthur Dodd. OBE. (1927 – 2018)
Hold My Hand.
Hello world of yesterday, We’re looking out to find a way, For the children. With a happy song and a happy face, We can make this world a better place, For the children. If all the nations join and sing, The bells around the world will ring, For the children. And what we have we’d like to share, And show you all that the children care, For the children. And when beaming out around the world, To every other boy and girl We’re holding hands and reaching out for all of you. Hold my hand, hold it tight, Hold my hand if you’re yellow, black or white, Children of the world unite, Keep the candle burning bright, Hold my hand if your yellow, black or white. Over the oceans nationwide, You can always reach to the other side, For the children. We can send our love, we can send some smiles, Send love and peace a thousand miles, For the children. We shall leave a guiding light, And sing along into the night, For the children. What a wonderful place this world would stay, If we all held hands each and every day, Like the children. And when singing out around the world, To every other boy and girl, We’re holding hands and reaching out for all of you. Hold my hand, hold it tight, Hold my hand if you’re yellow, black or white, Children of the world unite, See the candle burning bright, Hold my hand if your yellow, black or white. Hold my hand, hold it tight, Hold my hand if you’re yellow, black or white, Children of the world unite, See your candle burning bright, Hold my hand if your yellow, black or white. Hold my hand if your yellow, black or white.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Recent Comments