Hidden Tipperary

“I keep six honest serving-men (They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When, And How and Where and Who.”

Thurles was proud to play host, on Friday morning last, to a large group of Ireland’s unsung heroes, from one of Ireland’s Top Universities, University College Cork. (UCC) (Irish-Colaiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh).

UCC Library Staff on a visit to Thurles.

The unsung heroes of whom I speak of course, in this case, are UCC’s wonderful  Library Staff, who keep all third level students supplied with learning materials, such as their necessary reference books and who also spend long hours researching information on their behalf.

The group, led by librarian Valerie Desmond, enjoyed a visit to St. Mary’s Famine Museum and to Thurles Library’s wonderful research centre, latter housed in our town’s ‘The Source,’ Arts Centre, before traveling on to lunch at the towns Anner Hotel.

UCC was founded as a college in 1845 under the original name of Queen’s College, Cork. It became University College, Cork, under a charter issued after the Irish Universities Act, 1908 became law. The Universities Act, 1997 renamed the university as National University of Ireland, Cork, and a Ministerial Order of 1998 renamed the university as University College Cork – National University of Ireland, Cork.

Today this University boasts over 17,000 students, of which there are over 14,000 undergraduate degree candidates. This student base is supported by approximately 2,578 staff, of which 764 are faculty. There are 1104 non academic staff and 710 research staff.

It is hoped that this visit will lead to a future sharing of information between UCC and Thurles Famine Museum.

Under the watchful eye of proprietor and host Michael O’Gorman, each visitor to “The Monks” public house, exercises his or her talent, by singing, dancing, storytelling, lilting or playing an instrument. The aforementioned arts have far from diminished here in Thurles, Co Tipperary.

“The ricks are thatched, the harvest saved, long nights are here again.
The year t’was good, but now ’tis time, to hear those ballad men.
Boul in, boul in and take your stool, admission here is free.
Sure you’re welcome to O’Gorman’s Pub to hear the Seanchai.”

Click to learn more about “The Monk O’Gorman’s Pub,” situated in Mitchel Street, Thurles, Co.Tipperary.

The Bridge Castle in Thurles is situated on the banks of the river Suir. This medieval castle dates back to 1453 during the Norman period in Irish history.

It is strategically located on the east side of Thurles and still dominates the town’s skyline today.

Click to view our full history of the Bridge Castle Thurles.

Loughmore Harvest Festival

Loughmore Harvest Festival will take place on Sunday 28th August next, beginning at 1.30pm. This Festival is in aid of Loughmore Church Renovation Fund and North Tipperary Cancer Care.

A great day out is planned for all, with lots of exciting spectacles, including a full Steam Threshing, children’s Fancy Dress competition, Tug o’ War and Cow Bingo.

There will be Bouncy Castles, Quizzes, Gardening Talks by Ultan Nesbitt, Pony Rides, an Old Style Ice-cream and Sweet Shop, Running Races, King and Queen of the Festival, Jewellery and Handbag Stalls.

Other events will include a Dog Show, a Tombola, Turf and Timber Auction, Set Dancing and Traditional Music.

There’s no need to go home for your supper that night, as there will be a Barbecue, with music by “Skies Are Blue,” and a Buckin’ Bronco in Stapleton’s Yard from 7.00pm-9.00pm. Barbecue is €10 for adults.

Two great causes, One great day!
Admission: €5 per adult and children are free!

Holy Trinity Church, Main Street, Fethard, Tipperary.

The Historical Harp Society of Ireland will visit Holy Trinity Church, Main Street, Fethard, Co.Tipperary, in Concert, on Friday August 19th next.

This venue, a freestanding multi-period Church of Ireland church, with its four-bay medieval nave, possibly thirteenth-century, and square-plan four-stage bell-tower c. 1480, is the perfect venue for their forthcoming Concert entitled:- Mac-talla nan Dun: Echoes of a Gaelic Chieftains’s Castle.

This is a rare opportunity to hear early Irish harps, the ancient instruments depicted in Ireland’s national emblem.

The Concert will feature an evening of 16th-18th Century Gaelic Harp and Vocal Music by musicians Ann Heymann, Andrew Lawrence-King and Siobhán Armstrong on Early Irish harps, Griogair Labhruidh – Gaelic singer and Barnaby Brown on Highland pipes.

Note: Siobhán Armstrong played the harp for Thurles native, Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II, during her Royal visit to Tipperary.

Ticket Cost: €12/10, (Payable at the door, but pre-booking is highly recommended.)
Bookings: Tel: 087 113 0578.
Time: Concert begins at 8.00pm sharp.

The ‘Tipperary Fayre,’ will take place in Thurles on Sunday, August 21st, 2011. You will find us on Friar Street, Old Baker Street and Parnell Street Car Park here in the town.

What can visitors expect?

Tipperary Fayre, Thurles, Aug 21st. 2011

• There will be a variety of Food, Craft and  Horticultural Stalls offering the best of Tipperary.

• Expect Cooking Demonstrations and Masterclasses from a variety of high quality Tipperary Food Producers.

• Lots of Music and Kids Entertainment.

• A Fun Dog show run by Cottage Rescue, and note all your four legged friends are welcome!

This promises to be a fantastic Free Family Day out filled with excitement, with lots to do and see.

For further information on this event, Click Here.