The Tipp Echo March 6 2024

the

Clonmel View from

By Jamie O’Flaherty

Clonmel couple in fight to save home

A couple in Clonmel, Stephen Franey and Aileen Fitzgerald, find themselves in a battle against Tipperary County Council to save their cherished home at 22 Elm Park.

The pair received an unexpected blow when an eviction notice was issued to them by the council, putting their future in uncertainty.

Stephen, who has resided in the family home since 2015, has a poignant connection to the property.

Having lost his mother in 2018, he found solace in the familiar walls that held memories of his past. His name was duly added to the rent book by that time, cementing his presence in the residence.

Despite being on the housing list since 2010, Stephen has not been granted any alternative by the council. In a heartfelt

plea, the couple expressed their willingness to relinquish their current three-bedroom dwelling if only Tipperary County Council could provide them with a two-bedroom alternative. The council indicated that the couple did not meet the criteria for a three-bedroom house, further complicating the situation for Stephen and Aileen.

Following a heartbreaking court ruling, the ordeal for the couple in Clonmel took a dramatic turn when bailiffs and members of An Garda Síochána appeared at their doorstep last Friday.

The looming threat of forced eviction cast a shadow over the couple, with Aileen admitting to feeling an overwhelming fear she had never experienced before.

In a tense confrontation, the bailiffs and law enforcement

officials were poised to remove Stephen, Aileen, and their possessions from their cherished home at 22 Elm Park. However, after a discussion between Stephen and the bailiffs the bailiffs opted to postpone their efforts, granting the couple a temporary reprieve from the imminent loss.

“We were shocked and traumatised that it came to this after assurances were made in the court house by the County Council’s barrister that if we dropped our appeal we would be assured priority and that we wouldn’t be made homeless,” said Aileen.

The future remains uncertain for Stephen and Aileen as they navigate a complex and emotionally draining battle to hold onto their home against mounting odds and bureaucratic challenges.

“I owe it to my mother to keep fighting for our home.”

“We only have this home because of the hardship and struggle my mother went through,” said Stephen. I owe it to my mother to keep fighting for our home.

Stephen’s mother, the late Bridget Franey, found herself in a desperate situation when she was forced to squat in a Clonmel flat with her five children with no water or electricity after the local authority cut them off.

Mrs Franey was living in a flat at King Street and won

an injunction restraining the Corporation from interfering with her occupation of the flat and a mandatory injunction to have the water supply connected.

She was also granted a temporary injunction restraining the Corporation from taking any steps to prevent reconnection of the electricity supply.

Mrs Franey had been originally housed by the Corporation, but due to circumstances beyond her contol, she fell behind on the rent and they were evicted following arrears of £420.

Mrs Franey discharged the arrears to the Corporation through her own money and the help of voluntary organisations. She was subsequently re-homed at 22 Elm Park in 1993 and Stephen says he owes it to his late mother to continue fighting for their family home.

“This has not only been a home to me and Aileen but also to my nephew and at times my two nieces who didn’t have a home

to go to. We have always paid our rent and we are actually in credit with the rent, and the Council continue to take the rent”, said Stephen.

Indeed Stephen and Aileen’s neighbours have supported them with close to 200 people signing a petition to help keep them in their home.

Stephen, who has struggled with addiction in the past, has turned his life around in the last 10 years returning to education and sitting his Leaving Cert in 2020. He has since gone on to college and is currently studying Applied Social Care. As part of his college work he now works with the youths from Elm Park and Wilderness Grove.

“All we are looking for is some fairness and compassion. We are appealing to be left in our family home, or at least be allowed to live here, until the Council will be in a position to offer us a two-bedroom house, we qualify for a two-bedroom house,” said Aileen.

Stephen pictured with his mother Bridget at King Street flats.

Aileen and Stephen sorting through paperwork at their home in Elm Park, Clonmel.

own commercial property that you are finding challenging to rent?

Clonmel Arts Studios Group (CASG)* is looking for a temporary communal studio.

Allowing artists temporary use of commercial space can have several advantages for both parties. Vacant commercial space can be vulnerable to vandalism or suffer serious deterioration from unnoticed leaks and unchecked dampness. Artists acting in a caretaking role would detect and notify the owner of such conditions, thereby averting possible long-term damage and preventing the space from becoming an eyesore or a potential danger to the public.

An art studio can enhance the ambiance of commercial space, making it more appealing to potential tenants. Supporting local artists contributes to the cultural vibrancy of the community and helps build a positive image for the owner of commercial space as being a supporter of art and community focused entities. People are often appreciative of businesses that contribute to the local arts scene, which can translate into customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth. Commercial owners may be eligible for a waiver of property rates by Tipperary County

Council in recognition of their contribution to the local arts scene.

If you would like to explore this possibility, please contact CASG members: Kate Somerville 087 718 5309 or Brigid Teehan 087 9149494

*Clonmel Arts Studios Group is a pilot project between local artists, Clonmel Borough District Council, Tipperary County Council’s Arts Office and South Tipperary Arts Centre. CASG has an excellent track record with over 4 years in their first studio in Hughes Mill, Clonmel. References can be provided.

Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Carrick On Suir

The committee of this year’s parade are working hard behind the scenes getting entrants, floats and stewards together.

We were delighted to announce a short time ago that Shamrock Rovers star Lee Grace will be this year’s grand marshall and this has proved to be a really popular choice with all of our community. Lee is a quiet unassuming young man

off the field, who frequently gives his time up to assist the younger generation coming through in his old stomping grounds in Tom Drohan Park.

This year’s parade starts at 1pm from the Library car park at parkside. The organisers have arranged for some special surprises on the day to entertain during the parade and there will be some displays from

various groups in the same car park when the parade is completed. We would love to see as many as possible join us, either as participants or along the route to support those taking part.

If any groups would like some more information please contact any of the committee or drop us a message on facebook and we’ll assist in any way that we can.

People with disabilities and carers deserve better and would be prioritised by a Sinn Féin government - Browne

Tipperary Sinn Féin TD Martin

Browne has said that people with disabilities and carers deserve better and would be prioritised by a Sinn Féin government.

Deputy Browne was speaking ahead of Sinn Féin’s Dáil motion, brought forward by party spokesperson on Disability and Carers, Pauline Tully, and to be debated on Tuesday, which calls on the government to deliver rights-based access to supports and services, and to ratify the UNCRPD Optional Protocol once and for all.

Teachta Browne said:

“People with disabilities and carers in Tipperary deserve so much better.

“Instead, they feel abandoned and have been constantly let down by this government.

“They need to see much more substantial supports delivered.

“Sinn Féin spokesperson on Disability and Carers Pauline

Tully is this week bringing forward a Dáil motion which calls on the government to deliver rights-based access to supports for people with disabilities.

“These include assessments of need, therapy supports, personal assistants, homecare assistants, assistive technology and respite.

“We are also calling on the government to ratify the UNCRPD Optional Protocol once and for all, and to now commit to a date as to when it will do so.

“Sinn Féin’s motion also calls on the government to outline a multi-annual funding plan for delivering the Disability Action Plan, and in particular extending independent living supports, access to therapies, and availability of respite services.

“As well as this, the government must accept and realise that the €55.6 million in additional new development funding which was

provided for disability services in Budget 2024 is not adequate to deliver the measures contained in the Disability Services Action Plan.

“They must introduce a comprehensive rights-based charter for family carers and update the carers’ strategy to provide the necessary steps across all departments and in order to deliver the rights in the charter.

“They must also relax the Carer’s Allowance means test and increase disability allowance, invalidity pension, illness benefit, carer’s allowance and benefit, and the annual carer’s support grant.

“Financial supports for people with disabilities and family carers are inadequate and fail minimum essential standards of living tests.

“People with disabilities and carers deserve better and they deserve our support. They would be prioritised in a Sinn Féin government.”

Councillor Rocky McGrath to Retire

Independent Tipperary TD, Deputy Michael Lowry has confirmed that Lowry Team member, Councillor John ‘Rocky’ McGrath will not be contesting the local elections in June due to health reasons.

The Newport area Councillor who was first elected in 2009, has been credited with delivering on many local issues during his time as a public representative, but in particular in the areas of planning, local roads and enhancement of villages.

Councillor McGrath said that he is “very proud of my achievements as a public representative and I have to express my grateful appreciation to Deputy Michael Lowry for affording me the opportunity to be a member of his Team. It has been a real source of pride and enlightenment to me to work alongside Michael and his team. I thank the office staff in

Whose Poo?

By Myriam Madigan - Green Party Rep

Why do we have so much poo on our footpaths? Usually, we blame our four-footed friends, but sometimes there’s so much of it, I’ve even wondered if it belongs to the two-legged folk! Yuck –that is a disgusting thought, but when a dog-owner doesn’t bother cleaning up, it may as well have been their own faeces!

This is a hot topic with everyone.

Recently, I spoke with a young mother who has an 18-monthold toddler and a 3-years old. When she walks down to the shops, she has to be extremely careful with the buggy, as poo can so easily get squished into the wheels. When she gets home, she has to double-check all the wheels before bringing the buggy into the house. This is a tricky thing

to do when trying to watch two energetic little ones at the same time. We all know how easily toddlers flop onto the ground and play with anything in arm’s reach. I cringe when I think of a sweet little toddler grabbing a handful of poo! Ugh!

I also think of a very sweet senior citizen who has a walking aid; she is not able to bend down to clean the wheels. Plus, my neighbour, struggling to poke poo out of her runners. I have heard dozens of stories; everyone is upset. I was really curious to understand why someone would not clean up after themselves (or their pets), so I did some research and found some information, the subject is even included in a healthy lifestyle review.

• 16 Examples That You Lead a Gross, Filthy, Unclean Life (healthyway.com)

• Opinion: Dog fouling is driving Ireland’s residents barking mad (thejournal.ie)

• Dog licences and ownership (citizensinformation. ie)

Faeces on the street can cause a variety of diseases (eg salmonella and e-coli). It is very unattractive to visitors and can easily deter someone from buying a house or even living in the area. It affects the overall vibe and feel of a town, giving an impression of squalor and carelessness.

For the Council, cleaning up poo is a drain on public funds –in other words, they could have spent that money on something

far more beneficial for the community. We are legally required to pick up after our dogs and the law can be enforced. I really don’t like that word “enforce” – I feel the concept of being clean is so basic, we shouldn’t even have to talk about this. We are adults and supposed to be responsible, so I would like to encourage everyone to “have a think” – a really, really good think when out walking their “little darlings”. I have already contacted the Council and asked for more bins and stencils on footpaths. But most of all, I send out a plea to everyone in Clonmel: “Please pick up the poo and especially think about our toddlers and our lovely seniors.”

Abbey Road for their tremendous support at all times,”

Rocky added: “That the time has come for me to step away and as many will know, I have had a number of health issues which make it impossible for me to canvass and get through the volume of engagement required for an Election campaign. While I have decided to step off the pitch I will do my very best to support my successor on the Lowry Team”.

Deputy Lowry paid tribute to his team member describing him as “an invaluable member of the team and a great friend.”

“Rocky has been an excellent local representative who always had the best interests of his constituents and the community to the forefront. He would passionately and resolutely defend his locality and was always seeking to progress and enhance

communities. He has been a great personal friend to me and to the other members of the Team and though he is not standing in the local elections in June, we look forward to continuing having him on-board with us in many other ways.

“I congratulate Rocky on his great contribution to his community and thank Mary, Shane, Donnacha, Cormac, Darragh and the extended McGrath family also for their unstinting support and loyalty to Rocky, to me personally and to the Team.

Councillor McGrath has also served on Tipperary VEC; Tipperary Joint Policing Committee; County Tipperary Library Board; North Tipp GAA Chairman, Munster GAA Councils Appeals Committee; and many other local committees including the Mulcair and Kilmastulla River groups.

Liam Browne

Cashel Fire station recruiting new fire fighters this weekend

If you’ve ever considered becoming a fire fighter, now is your chance, with Tipperary Fire service having an open recruitment day at Cashel Fire Station on Saturday, 9th March. Whilst there are always dangers in an occupation such as this, the men and women of the fire

brigade hold a special place in peoples hearts for their bravery and sense of calm and assurance, often at a time when chaos reigns around them. As is often said, when everyone else is running from danger, they are the ones running towards it. So, it always attracts the best of people.

Tipperary Fire Service is an equal opportunities employer, and will have all the information needed for potential recruits on the day. Kicking off at 11 am to 4pm in the afternoon, if it’s something you’ve thought of in the past, now is the time to make the jump.

Mná Month continues at Cashel Library with “Stone Mad” and singing this week

Next week sees more not to be missed events at Cashel Library as Mná month continues with an exhibition of sculpting, some Karaoke sing along, and the continuation of the Memory Café that was successfully begun just last month. First up on International Women’s Day, Friday, 8th of March, Tipperary sculptor Philip Quinn will give a talk about his trade. He mainly works in stone, wood, bronze and found objects, and in this workshop, will show people how to make “worry

stones”, from limestone and marble. The finished pendants can then be polished and etched with Rune or other symbols and taken away. On Monday the 11th of March, the Library will host another episode of its “Karaoke sing a long”, an age friendly event, which combines singing and fun, with understanding the health benefits, both physical and mental that singing can bring. This was a very well received event when it was first put on, and was acknowledged as great craic by

all who attended it. And finally next week, the Memory Café, in association with the Alzheimers Society takes place on Tuesday, the 12th of March. This warm and inviting gathering is designed to bring together individuals connected with dementia, or those who have an interest in finding out more about dementia and its effects. The café provides a supportive environment where people connect with others who understand and share similar experiences.

Country singer Morrissey has them swaying at Cashel Library at Mna Month opening

Irish country singing star Dee Morrissey was the guest of honour at the opening of Mna Month at Cashel Library last Friday night, in front of a very appreciative crowd who stamped, clapped and swayed along to an hour and a half of golden hits of Irish and American country. The event was the first in Mna Month, the brainchild of Cashel Libraries Maura Barrett, and over the next month, there will be a full program of free events that celebrate the achievements of women in the arts and culture. The event was opened on Friday night by Cllr Declan Burgess, and he spoke about how the library was not just a place to borrow books anymore, but had become

a Town Hub, where people came to meet, interact and learn. Maura Barrett then spoke about how proud she was that the Library were hosting such an event, and the importance of women in the arts. She outlined many of the ways that the library supports women and women’s events, and that they would continue to do so into the future.

When the singing got going, Dee Morrissey of Bansha, brought her full repertoire to the stage and started out with a mix of songs by Tammy Wynette and Michael English. Dee has a great rapport with her audience, and was able to point out fans who had come to see her that she knew from other venues, playing some songs that

she know they loved, and that brought back special memories for them from long in the past. She knew how to get the hips swaying when she went into a series of waltzes and foxtrots, and the crowd showed off their singing voices when it came to the 60’s pop medleys, that proved very popular. Overall the time passed way too fast, testament to the talent of the Tipperary singer, who also told the crowd of her pride at being named the first ever “Mistress of the Parade” to be held in Tipperary town next week. She closed her show with the crowd favourite “Wagon Wheel”, and spent half an hour greeting fans, signing albums and taking pictures, a true fan favourite.

If you have a story, news of an event or you know something that we would be interested in. Email info@tippecho.ie or call 052 61 48800

Browne launches bid for County Council seat

After weeks and months of speculation, Cashel community activist Liam Browne announced last weekend that he will seek election to Tipperary County council at the upcoming local elections in June. He declared that he will stand as an Independent, in the Cashel/Tipperary electoral area. Liam has ran on two occasions in the past, and while he has always been available to help people from outside the council chamber, he decided that because of increasing calls from family and friends, he would formally seek election, so that he could better help people from the inside.

Liam rose to prominence once again when he chaired a local meeting about the placing of a large number of International Protection applicants in Cashel last November, without any consultation with local people. The meeting held at Halla na Feile was one of the largest in the town in decades, with many people angry about the short notice given, and the weak excuses from sitting councillors and TD’s, who seemed to accept the decision as a fait a compli, regardless of the feelings of the local community. Liam said that he felt “this was the straw that broke the camels back in terms of

him making his decision. Local government does not seem to be local anymore, with political party representatives more concerned with following the party line that is dictated to them from Dublin, over listening to people in their own community who trusted them to look out for them. There is a disconnect between Government and the people. There have never been more ways to give people information almost instantly, yet councillors and TDs constantly try to fob off their constituents with excuses about not knowing what it going on. People are fed up of this, and are angry,

Cashel and Carrick students plan trip to Ghana in June

Three transition year students from Cashel Community School, along with four more from Scoil Mhuire in Carrick on Suir, held a cake and bun sale at the weekend in Rosegreen, to raise funds for a trip to Ghana in June, where they will participate in a number of projects to help young African students, primarily helping to build a village school, and to teach English to the local students. The three Cashel students, Oisin O Grady, Tomas O Dwyer and Sean Slattery, will be joined by Oisin’s mother, Sile O Grady, who teaches in Scoil Mhuire, and who was the instigator of the idea. This won’t be the first time that Sile has participated in a program like this. She has already been to Tanzania in the past, and before that, she worked in Haiti, building schools and local infrastructure. It

is a bit of a family tradition for her, because her own mother, Mary Nash, worked in Eastern Nigeria in the late 1960’s, bringing charity and aid from Ireland. But it will be the first time that the younger students are involved in such a venture, and they are facing it with anticipation. The plan is to spend two weeks in a village outside of the Ghanian capital of Accra. There they will work with other aid groups providing voluntary efforts, but also in learning about the culture of rural Ghana itself. While many African cities now, have modern buildings and infrastructure that would rival any Western country, the rural parts of the country are still very much an under-developed, mainly agricultural society, where even young children are expected to

either work on a family farm, or in a roadside business to gain money to help themselves and their families. The Cashel students hope that their efforts in building a school and giving the young students English language skills that they will be able to help them, to help themselves out of poverty.

There will also be a culture shock in store, but the Irish students look forward to that, and are busily raising money to help fund the trip. That was the purpose of the bake sale at the weekend, and they hope to run some other events and have the local community in Cashel get behind them with their usual generosity. If people would like to help, Sile can be contacted via her social media pages, or contacts can be made through Cashel Community School.

and need an outlet to express that anger. In a democracy, that outlet is the ballot box, so I want to give people a choice to make” Liam went on to say, that this was about more than just the IPA matter. In so many other cases, the lack of information and lack of common sense when making decisions, was grating on people. He said “the council put aside over half a million euro in Cashel for a cycle path that nobody wants or uses, but people are without water every second day, because proper investment has not been put into the system. And when they have water, the quality is so bad, it’s

costing a fortune to replace kettles, washing machines and showers”

He concluded by saying, we need a return to honest, straightforward dealing with people. To stop treating the public like fools, and bring them back into the decisionmaking process. He hopes that Cashel people will take that opportunity in June, and return him to the council, an honour of which he would be immensely proud. He is ready and willing to serve.

Cashel come up short despite brave effort

Energia AIL Division 2A

Ballymena RFC 20

Cashel 13

It’s a long way to Tipperary from Ballymena, and that trip is much longer when your team has been beaten as happened on Saturday last, when Cashel went down by seven points to the Northerners. The game kicked off in perfect conditions with a slight breeze helping the visitors in the first half. They started well and dominated the early exchanges, with the trusty boot of Ben Twomey putting them ahead after seven minutes. It was a well-deserved lead after their early pressure, but disaster struck from the kick off when Cashel were unable to secure possession, and after some lovely passing, the hosts hit right back with a seven pointer, touching down almost under the posts. Ballymena had a good spell of possession after this, but eventually Cashel shook off

the torpor and regained the lead twenty minutes in, after the home conceded a penalty try. The game was being played at an almighty fast pace at this stage, and Cashel looked to have scored a second try minutes before the break, until a stray pass saw the move count for nought. In injury time Cashel were awarded a penalty forty metres out which Ben Twomey converted to leave Cashel ahead by six at half time, but they should really have been further ahead, and were left to rue their missed chances.

The second half saw the hosts come more into the game with the aid of the breeze. They kicked well and gained field position regularly and more effectively than Cashel did in the first half. Five minutes in, they cut the lead to three points with a penalty. With twenty minutes left and the game on knife edge the general feeling was the team that got the next score would win the game. A long clearance earned Ballymena a 50/22. The

ball was passed from the left wing to the right, and when a Cashel player tried to intercept, he was judged to have deliberately knocked on, and received a yellow card. Ballymena kicked to the corner and went in under the posts for a converted try. Cashel were now behind 17 points to 13 which against the breeze left them with a mountain to climb as their energy levels seemed to drop. Five minutes from time, Tom Tobin went on a run and set up a ruck on the opposition twenty-two. A Ballymena centre clearly went in at the side of the ruck and disrupted the Cashel scrum half. It was a clear penalty which would have given Cashel a kick to the corner and an opportunity to set up a lineout maul five metres out, but Ballymena cleared and that was as close as Cashel came for the rest of the game. Deep in injury time Ballymena kicked a penalty to push them seven points ahead, and that was enough to secure the points.

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CAHIR PARK AFC

Cahir Park AFC

Juniors - Last Sunday March 3

Cahir Park As were away in the Clonmel Credit Union Premier League game against Two Mile Borris which resulted in a final score of Two Mile Borris 0, 2 Cahir Park A. This is a great result and well done to the team and Management too.

In a Clonmel Credit Union Divisional 3 game Cahir Park Bs were at home v Ballingarry Albion last Sunday morning of March

3 on the All Weather. The game ended in a 1, 1 Draw. Thanks to everyone for the support for both Junior games, much appreciated.

TSDL Fixtures March 10 - This Sunday March 10 Cahir Park A is in the Tipperary Cup Second Round v Rosegreen Rangers with kick off 3pm and in a Clonmel Credit Union Divisional 3 game Cahir Park Bs play v Donohill and District at 12pm Best of luck to Teams and Managements, support is always appreciated home and away!

Cahir Park AFC Annual Golf Classic - Don’t forget to support our Annual fundraising Golf Classic taking place on Friday May

3, 2023 at Cahir Park Golf Club. 3 Ball Scramble, Prize for best All Ladies Team. Team of 3 is €90, Tee Box is €50. Golf Classic Prizes Kindly sponsored by ABP Cahir and ICC Irish Casing Company. Prizes will be given on the night. Have some fun while raising funds for our Soccer Club. For Tee Times call Colm on 087 7829 294.

Football for All - Cahir Park AFC Football for All Boys and Girls

over the age of 8 are welcome to join us for training every Saturday at 12pm at Cahir Park AFC eircode E21R966. Register by clicking the QR code on our Facebook page or on our App. For more information please call Aiden on 087 666 7469. The Football For All Programme aims to promote activities for children, young people and adults with a physical, sensory or learning disability to participate in playing football.

New Cahir Park App - Download the new Cahir Park AFC App now. All details on our Facebook page. All Club memberships, fundraisers, competitions and our 50/50 Draw (under the Fundraising header) will be done through this App, so check it out. Cahir Park 50/50 Draw - The last 50/50 Draw took place on last Wednesday February 28, 2024 and Josie O’Brien was the winner of €400. Congratulations Josie! The winning ticket was sold at ABP by Colm Lonergan. Thank you to all our ticket sellers, all our sponsors and everyone who buys tickets; we truly appreciate your support of our Club. We remind everyone that there is a cash winner every week. Tickets can be purchased from Committee, online or through local businesses or through our Cahir Park AFC App under the fundraising header. All Weather -For information on booking the all weather pitch for training, matches, parties, camps etc contact Jim in the office on 74 43850 or visit the Cahir Park Facebook page.

CAHIR GAA NOTES

CAHIR GAA NOTES

DRAW THE JOKER - there was no winner of the €3,800 Jackpot in the Joker draw last Sunday March 3 in The Hill Bar . Other winners were €100 to Ava McKenna, €50 to Laura Simpson, €50 to Tina English, €30 to D Tarrant and €20 to Denise, Rob, Lily. The next draw is in No 22 The Abbey on this Sunday March 10, 2024. Jackpot will be €4,000 on the night. Support is appreciated. Tickets can be purchased in local shops, any Committee Member or through the Clubspot App.

SCOR COUNTY SENIOR

SCÓR FINAL 2024 - Moyne Community Centre will host our 2024 final on Friday March

15. Trath na gCeist at 6.30pm. If anyone is interested in entering a Team, please contact the Club’s Cultural & Irish Officer Paul O’Regan by Friday March 8 for more details.

EASTER CAMP - Cahir GAA

Juvenile Easter Camp will be held from March 26 - 28. Times are from 10am - 1pm and its €40 per person. FREE Football & Sliotar for all participants. To book follow the link on our FB page.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP -

around the

Cahir Town in

By Maria Taylor

Cahir Community Games

Last week Cahir Community Games held their Annual General Meeting and the following committee was elected; Chairman Paddy Caplice, Vice Chairman Niall Morrison, Secretary Martin Hanrahan, Treasurer John O’Connor, PRO Maria Taylor, other committee members are Larry Molam and Paula Dempsey Boles.

Established in 1967 Community Games is an independent voluntary

organisation, operating in local communities throughout Ireland. They aim to provide opportunities for children and young people aged 6 to16 years to develop active healthy lives in a safe environment through experiencing a wide range of sporting and cultural activities.

If you reside in the geographical Parish of Cahir then your child aged 6 -16 years is eligible to participate in Cahir Community Games. All you have to do is check out

‘Chromantic’ Group Show at Cahir Arts

Last Friday March 1 saw Cahir Arts showcase a new exhibition to start the spring and ‘Chromantic’ is a group show of Tipperary Ceramics. The show will run for the month of March. There was a fantastic crowd at the launch last Friday and Siobhan Caplice of Cahir Arts opened the exhibition with a warm welcome for all artists and visitors. Artist Dóirín Saurus

then spoke to the audience and gave details of the participating artists and the Group Show itself. As usual everyone was amazed by the wealth of talent on show and the variety too. This is once again an exhibition that can’t be missed so drop in a take a look. There is also a gallery space upstairs and entry is free to see the Cahir Arts Gallery and workshop on Castle Street in Cahir.

www.communitygames.ie/cahir for a list of all events, application forms for individual, team and representative events and once you enter your child’s date of birth the age calculator will give you a full list of all the events your child can participate in. Any queries will be directed to Cahir Community Games Secretary Martin Hanrahan through the link and his email is cahir@communitygames.eu The Swimming event is only

just over a week away and on Saturday March 16 and takes place in Thurles Swimming pool. The closing date for entries to the Swimming event is before midnight on this Sunday March 10 and these must be submitted to the County Secretary. So check out www.communitygames.ie/cahir as soon as possible if your child is interested in any events. Watch this space for more Cahir Community Games updates.

Cahir Tidy Towns

Membership is now due to be paid for 2024 and must be paid on or before March 31, 2024. Registration is open now on the Cahir GAA Club App which is on our Facebook page. All Players must be paid up before they train or play matches for insurance purposes.

NATIONAL CLUB DRAW/ CROKE PARK TICKETSTickets are now on sale for the Draw. The Club encourages all our members to purchase tickets and support the Club. Costs just €10 per ticket and every cent raised stays within the club. Get your ticket from committee members or any player. Tickets are available to buy on ‘Foireann’.

CAHIR GAA GOLF CLASSIC - A Cahir GAA Golf Classic will take place in Cahir Park Golf Club. Date is June 14, 2024. Cost is €200 for a team of 4. Format is Champagne Scramble. Tee times available from 8AM. Its €50 to sponsor a Tee and there are Refreshments for players on the day. There is also Live Music that night from 8pm. For Tee times and Sponsorship contact Seanie on 086-8475216, Ger on 087-6223357 or James on 0868472063.

Cahir Active Retirements Annual Lunch

Members of the Association got together last week to enjoy a Spring Lunch in Cahir House Hotel in the first event of the year for the very active group. Newly appointed Chairperson Cahir Active Retirement Anne Dowling welcomed everyone the lunch and thanked all those who came along on the day especially Maureen Kavanagh CEO of Active Retirement Ireland who travelled from Waterford to attend. With a Mass celebrated beforehand followed by a beautiful lunch and music and dancing with Eddie Golden afterwards. The lively group had great fun catching up and everyone enjoyed it immensely (including me by kind invitation!).

As usual there are plenty of activities already lined up for this

year and more already running already within the association. There is such enthusiasm amongst this group with many activities, day trips away, a trip to Scotland coming up, the boules tournament and classes in the pipeline as the group show that being retired does not mean being inactive at all!

Meeting - Cahir Active Retirements next meeting is on today, Wednesday March 6 in Cahir House Hotel at 2.30pm sharp. Membership fees outstanding are due by this date. Details of the trip to Scotland on April 14 will be outlined. If anyone else is interested in same please get in touch. Cookery class with the E.T.B is commencing shortly. For further information please call 086 050 7545. See you all at the meeting.

Last Saturday March 2 we held our can collection once again. Due to the number of people that are happy to see the results of our ‘Cans for Trees’ project over the past 3 years we have teamed up with ABP once again to continue this good work. Of course we welcome the government reuse scheme but we are delighted so many want to stick with us. Thanks to everyone for sticking with us in our recycling initiative and support is shown through huge collection again last Saturday. Last year you collected 4.2 tonne and allows us plant some of the trees that can be seen in all areas of the town. We are grateful of all donations no matter how big or small the count. We have some great

Rambling House

No 22 The Abbey 22 in Cahir (E21 DT02) will host A Rambling House on this Thursday March 7 at 8 pm. There will be music, song and dancing of a few figures of a set or two on the night. All welcome to come along and join in the fun.

Parish Notes

Parish Meeting - As detailed in last week’s notes St. Mary’s Parish will hold a Meeting on Thursday March 14, 2024 at 7.30pm in the Ballroom in Cahir House Hotel. An invitation is extended to parishioners to an open meeting to propose a way forward for Cahir in response to a letter from Bishop Cullinan on the implications of “the decline in the number of priests” available to celebrate Masses and pastor our parishes. There will also be a discussion about the formation of a Parish Pastoral Council on the evening and we hope to establish a Parish Pastoral Council by the end of the meeting. Parishioners are encour-

collectors around the district, and we really appreciate your help with this collection, the results are very evident around the town. Although we have had some poor weather recently which helps weed growth, so members are busy trying to keep on top of them and have the town looking as neat as possible. The geese are already on nests and the town is getting busy with tourists and buses arriving all the time. We are focusing on St. Patricks Day Parade at the moment although we still meet as normal by arrangement and as a group on Wednesday at 7pm. In the meantime we are asking the public to keep an eye outside your own doors in an effort to the place tidy.

aged to save the date now so that a consensus can be reached and moved forward together. Proposals and decisions have to be made and sent to Waterford by June 1, 2024. Changes to the weekday Schedule at St. Mary’s - For the time being, Fr. Jack Meade is unable to come to Cahir to celebrate Mass on Mondays and Tuesdays. While Fr. Jack is unavailable on Wednesday and Thursday no Mass will be held in Cahir. The weekday schedule started on Monday March 4 until further notice,

Monday & Tuesday - Holy Mass is at 10:30am, Wednesday & Thursday Mass is at 10:30am, Liturgy of The Word & Exposition of The Blessed Sacrament is on Friday at 10:30am, Holy Mass & Exposition of The Blessed Sacrament Sacrament of Penance. To encourage use of the Sacrament of Penance during Lent, Fr. Peter will be available to hear Confessions on Friday 11 - 11.30am & Saturday from 5- 5.40pm & also by appointment.

If you have a story, news of an event or you know something that we would be interested in, email info@tippecho.ie or call 052 61 48800

Fundraiser for Meitheal 21 draws big crowd

Local group ‘The Daughters of Dún Iascaigh’ hosted ‘The Person you most admire’ Fundraising Lunch in Cahir House Hotel last Sunday March 3. The event was organised to raise funds for Meitheal 21 Tipperary Down Syndrome in Thurles. Meitheal 21 provides vital resources and therapies to children, teenagers and adults from Cahir and surrounding areas. People started arriving at 1pm for the 2 o’clock lunch to have their photos taken and admire

each other’s outfits! And what a variety of outfits there were! With representation from all through the ages and eras from Vikings, historical figures, pop icons, political icons, royalty and saints as well as historical local legends too, it was a feast for the eyes! Everyone went above and beyond with their outfits and there was a fantastic atmosphere on the day. There was a great variety of entertainment too with well known and hilarious local

Comedian Tom O’Mahoney (The Hill Comedy Club) entertaining everyone during the lunch and there was music with a special appearance by Elvis and some beautiful classical guitar playing too. There was a raffle leading up to the event and on the day also with some fantastic spot prizes. An apartment for 4 in Lanzarote for a 1 week stay was amongst the amazing raffle prizes that were up for grabs on the day!

As usual this was an amazing effort from ‘The Daughters

of Dún Iascaigh’ team. There was fantastic support from the community too with many local businesses & individuals donating to the cause and of course the management & staff in Cahir House Hotel pulled out all the stops to accommodate everyone who came on the day. The Daughters are thankful to everyone who participated, donated and supported them in their bid to raise funds for Meitheal 21. More details next week.

Martina Slattery & Maria Barrett at Fundraising Lunch for Meitheal 21

Eileen Hughes as Emily Bromte & Gerry Duffy, a Victorian gentleman

Friends Kate, Jenna, Emma, Lisa & Edel (not in order)all dressed up for Fundraising Lunch for Meitheal 21

Eileen Murphy, Cobh, Geraldine Hickey, Geraldine Connolly Murphy & Anita Murphy from Cobh at Fundraising Lunch for Meitheal 21

- Little Lily Halpin & Mum Sinead McNamara, Jessica Cantwell, Michelle Cremmins( Committee members)& Robert Scanlon of Cahir House Hotel playing his part!

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN NENAGH? Have your family celebration photographed by the Tipp Echo. There is no charge for this service. Email info@tippecho.ie

St. Joseph’s CBS Nenagh

Hard luck to our senior hurlers and management team. It was not our day with a one point loss on a scoreline of St. Raphael’s College Loughrea 1-20 (23) to St. Joseph’s CBS Nenagh 3-13 (22).

We are so proud of every single player. It has been an amazing journey to reach the Masita All-Ireland Croke Cup SemiFinal, clinching the coveted TUS Dr. Harty Cup title for the first time in the school’s history on Saturday 3rd of February 2024. This team will go down in Nenagh CBS folklore history with Andy Hoolan clinching a goal deep into injury time to secure a one point victory over Ardscoil Rís of Limerick. The team have worked hard between early morning gym sessions, training after school, challenge matches during

the school holidays - the list is endless! The team are a credit to themselves, their families, clubs and schools. The team was led by Captain Fantastic Darragh McCarthy and had many leaders all over the pitch. They are true role models for all of the younger boys in our school and are proof that if you work hard, you can make great things happen!

This is what happens when you bring 42 adolescents who love hurling and are driven to work hard from 10 different clubs, supported by an amazing backroom team and a huge band of supporters. Well done to all the mentors and coaches in all ten clubs for developing the boys into the fine hurlers that we have enjoyed watching throughout the campaign.

To the supporters who have

cheered the team on from the very start, thank you so much. The atmosphere you helped create and the support you showed our hurlers has been outstanding.

Thanks to the Abbey Court Hotel and Leisure Centre who support our U19 A Hurling team and Cian McDonnell and all his team at Gold Standard Physiotherapy who worked closely with the mentors to ensure all the team were at peak fitness.��

And finally a massive thank you to the management team for their dedication in being with the team every step of the way and their huge belief in the team and instilling a never-saydie attitude. Take a bow Donach O’Donnell, Jack Peters, Mark Gennery, Miriam Campion and Seán Kenneally.

Nenagh through a glance

By Rob Downs

Open: Monday - Saturday 9am - 5.30pm

Recollections from 1992 with Joe Kenny

Pictured at a lecture by Fr. F. X. Martin O.S.A. on ‘William Tirry, Fethard’s Augustinian Martyr’, in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard, on January 15, 1992, are L to R: Fr. F. X. Martin OSA, Mary Hanrahan (chairperson, Fethard Historical Society), Canon John Lambe (Glengoole), Fr. Daniel Ormond OSA, and Fr. John Meagher OSA. The lecture was organised to mark the occasion of Fr. William Tirry’s forthcoming beatification. Fr Tirry was later beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 27, 1992, together with sixteen other Irish martyrs.

Pictured at the ‘Friends of St. Joseph’s Hospital’ social held in Brendan’s Lounge, Clonmel on January 21, 1992, are L to R: Bernie Ryan, Aine Wall and Fiona Crotty, all from Ballymacarbry.

Gerry Moynihan from Clonmel, at 85 years old, claims this coursing week in Clonmel on February 2, 1992, was his 73rd year attending the event, and he’s only beginning.

Patrick Robinson (left), Caretaker of Carrick-on-Suir Heritage Centre, photographed on the grounds on February 2, 1992, talking to Ann Lonergan, Paddy Lonergan and Kay Walsh (right).

Young visitors to Carrick-on-Suir Heritage Centre, John Hennessy and Sean Carroll, both from Nicholas Park, Carrick-on-Suir, photographed at the exhibition of paintings on display at the centre on February 1, 1992.

Photographed at Coursing Week in Clonmel on February 3, 1992 are L to R: Margaret Ronan, Clerihan; Wesley Patterson, Yorkshire; and Rebecca Dromey, Clonmel.

Recollections from 1992 with Joe Kenny

Photographed at South Tipperary County Council Dinner Dance on January 17, 1992, are Back L to R: John Carey, Paddy O’Sullivan, Kitty O’Sullivan, Bridget Scully, Danny Scully, Catherine Lonergan. Front L to R: Catriona Fitzgerald, Edmond Scully and Marian Scully.

African Queen, Eunice A. Amuah, Queen Mother of the central region of Ghana on Cape Coast, pictured on January 14, 1992, with pupils at Clonmel Presentation Convent School classroom where she will spend six weeks teaching as part of a special teacher exchange programme with Interculture Ireland.

Councillor Tom Ambrose of Fianna Fáil took over as Chairman of South Tipperary County Council on Monday, January 13, 1992, putting an end to legal speculation about the vacancy left by Education Minister Noel Davern. Councillor Ambrose was elected by a majority of ten votes to five, defeating his Clonmel colleague, Councillor Sean Lyons who was put forward by the Labour Party. The chain of office was handed over by the vice-chairman, Councillor Michael Fitzgerald, at the Council meeting which was held in the Band Hall. Clonmel Town’s Seanie Brannigan (left) and Evergreen’s Perry Hannigan in full flight during their First Division Soccer game played at the by-pass pitch on January 19, 1992. The final score was Clonmel Town 3, Evergreen 0.

Group photographed at the presentation of First Aid Certs to staff members of Dunnes Stores Clonmel, on January 21, 1992, at the Civil Defence Control Centre, Clonmel. Included are Mr. Tom Ambrose, chairman South Tipperary County Council; Mr. Alex Fleming, County Secretary / Acting County Controller; and Mr Bernard Green, Civil Defence Instructor.

Eire Og, Nenagh, U21 Football Team who beat Aherlow 1-12 to 1-9, in the County U21 Football Final played in Boherlahan on January 19, 1992.

In Memoriam

Hallet 2nd Anniversary

Bernard Hallett

Bernard Hallett

2nd Anniversary which occurred on 5th March.

It’s lonely here without you We miss you more each day For life is not the same to us

Since you were called away

To your resting place, we visit Place flowers there with care But no one knows our heartache When we turn and leave you there.

Loved and Deeply Missed Samantha, Darren, Robyn, Eva Paul, Malcolm, Sheilla, Sasha & Luke.

Ge t th e su p p ort you ne e d to q u it for good

We Can Quit is a free group programme for people who want support to quit smoking.

The programme runs for 7 to 12 weeks and offers you free stop smoking medication, a weekly stop smoking group, and 1-1 support. You get support to quit from a local facilitator, people in your group and a local pharmacist.

You are 5 times more likely to quit for good if you:

● commit to quit for 28 days

● get support to change your behaviour

● use stop smoking medicines

We Can Quit is offered by the HSE in partnership with Clonmel CRC

Location: Clonmel Community Resource Centre, Kickham Street, E91 P2N5

Dates: 20th March, 27th March, 3rd April, 10th April, 17th April, 24th April and 1st May

Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Registration for the programme is now open in Clonmel. For further Details please

Contact: Geraldine Moloney (087 1880690)

Email: Geraldine.Moloney@hse.ie

Gardening for Wildlife

By Albert Nolan

March is the month of many weathers and it has certainly has been living up to its name with sleet, warm sunshine and even snow. This is a reminder that it is still very early in the gardening season and there is no rush to be sowing seeds.

A friend of mine has all of her flower seeds germinated, but it is still far too early to plant them outside and they will all have to be transplanted into bigger pots to the weather improves.

The forsythia shrub at work has burst into flower and this brings a welcome splash of yellow against the dull sky. This shrub is a native to China and is one of the earliest flowering shrub that

grows in Ireland. The flowers grow on bare branches but will only last a few weeks before the leaves emerge. This shrub is well worth growing for its spring display and the flowers also feed bees and other insects. It is also suitable for a small space and takes well to a hard pruning. The elder in my garden has been slowly opening its leaves for the last few weeks. This is an errand shrub that I used to prune back to the base to keep under control, but each year it would vigorously grow back with long arching stems. I have surrendered that part of the garden and on a hot summer days it at least casts a good shade

from the mid-day sun.

The starlings have returned to my garden, and they have nested in the vent of my dad’s apartment for the last several years. I don’t know if it is the same pair or their descendants, but their noisy antics have meant that they have been threatened with eviction. Their notice has been served many times but at the allotted date hearts have softened and they are still there.

The male arrives first, and I can see him from the kitchen window perched on the branches of the elder tree and taking his time was sizing up his nesting place. After a few

days he starts to sing, and this is usually very close to the vent. This quickly establishes if there is any rival male in the area and also proclaims that this is his spot.

Next, he crosses the road to the tv aerial of the neighbour’s house and perches there. This is a very prominent spot and from here he tries to entice a mate. There is still plenty of work to be done from building the nest to chasing away other males.

If I go into the apartment, I can hear the starlings in the vent. They quickly get used to the loud noises of westerns and war movies that a certain generation of men enjoy and the louder the better.

On the farm I have seen starlings eating the berries of ivy and this is a very important source of spring energy. They will also eat worms and a few years ago in St Marys Church in Tipperary town I watched as dozens of starlings on the newly mown grass. This was muddy in parts and full of earthworms. They filled up their beaks and flew back to their nests to feed their hungry chicks.

As the temperature dips don’t forget to feed the birds and also provide fresh drinking water. Comments/Questions to albert. nolan@rocketmaail.com or 089 4230502. Albert is also available to give walks/ talks and do surveys for groups, schools and community organisations.

Contact: Catherine Murphy

Email: Healthycommunities@clonmelcrc.ie

“Jackdaw”

Countryside and wildlife matters with Rupert Butler

When we think of the different members of the crow family sometimes the humble Jackdaw can be forgotten. But forget him at your peril for he can be cunning and mischievous in equal measures. Most of you will have had some interaction over the years with this smallest member of the family, many in an effort to prevent them from building in your chimney no doubt. But they are persistent little buggers and can take a lot of persuading to relocate to premises new. On one particular occasion whilst driving down some country lane I pulled over to watch a very persistent Jackdaw bring building material to a chimney pot, the amusing fact being that the pot in question had smoke billowing out of it, none of which seemed to worry the chap in question.

Many moons ago a pair of these curious birds used to nest in a hole in an old Oak tree across from our house. Of course I had to climb up and investigate and was amazed by the amount of multi-coloured materials used in the construction.

They feed on a variety of plant and animal matter and will readily raid other birds nests if the opportunity arises. Only recently i watched a video on social media of a pair of Jackdaws raid the nest of a Kestrel and attempt to take some chicks away. Even the presence of the female Kestrel didn’t seem to deter their efforts.

Jackdaws will readily feed and roost with other members of the crow family, particularly Rooks, and are very social birds in the main. This said however, only a field or so away from my abode lies a small Ash plantation. Every evening just as the light begins to fade thousands of Jackdaws descend to roost here. It is the only place I know where such a roost comprises almost entirely of these wee birds. I am not aware of a communal name for roosting Jackdaws but if Rooks is Rookery, then surely Jackery could be a an option.

Upon review I have just been informed that a group of Jackdaws is known as ‘clattering’, and given their noisy nature I’m not really surprised.

Send us your news to info@tippecho.ie

If you have a story, news of an event or you know something that we would be interested in. Email info@tippecho.ie or call 052 61 48800

Christmas Day fifty seven, a legend is born,

The blood of Tipperary, flows strong through his veins.

Bound for fame and for glory, an artist comes forth, A singer, a poet, in music halls entertains.

In punk scene he found a home for his talent, Fusing with trad became Pogue Mahone. Rising to fame in signing and writing, Days overfilled with struggles and more.

The big Christmas hit, a Fairytale come true, With beautiful vocals made platinum twice over. Shane and Kirsty together, a sound from the heavens, Reminder of emigrants and those we hold closer.

A reader, a writer, his interests were many, In guitar and piano, so very well versed. His spirit so strong, if you search you will find it, On the broad majestic Shannon, is where it’s emersed.

Though he travelled far, Carney Commons was home, To County Tipperary he would always return.

A drink at Philly’s and a game of pool to play, As the midnight oil they would frequently burn.

The last day of November in the year of twenty three, Shane joined his mother Therese in the heavens up above.

They danced on the altar and they sang in the aisles, To celebrate his life and to send him all our love.

We would have wished for longer as he still had lots to do,

But the good Lord had other plans, and his call was full and true.

A voice now part of memory, the funny crackle laugh too,

So fill to me the parting glass, as we bid Shane a fond adieu.

Composed by Martin Quinn ©

An Post has advertised a contractor led service for Tipperary Town

Local man takes up role as South Tipperary Coordinator of the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme

should contact the Regional Office on 021 - 4851026 / 086 - 6069115 or via email to retail.partners@ anpost.ie. Completed applications must be received by 5pm on Friday 15th March 2024. Meanwhile a campaign by S.F. Councillors Tony Black and

Annemarie Ryan has reached over 1,200 signatures. The local Councillors are reiterating their call that the service must stay in the town centre. They are asking the general public to give a final push on signatures before they send the petition to An Post. “Whoever is going to look to take over the Post Office Counter Service must understand that anything but a town centre location cannot be accepted. People need assurances that its post office will remain in Tipperary Town Centre” says a statement from the Councillors. The following is a link to the petition; https://my.uplift.ie/ petitions/maintain-post-office-services-in-tipperarytown-centre

David Whelan from Tipperary Town, who now resides in Bansha, has taken up the role of South Tipperary Coordinator for the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme. The Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme aims to support older people to live in their own home with dignity and independence, for as long as possible. The programme’s ambition is to enable everyone to live longer healthier lives by keeping care close to home and expanding the range of health and social care services in the community. It is about providing a range of alternatives for older people who may otherwise transition into long term residential care prematurely. The programme was being piloted in 9 Local Authority areas but is now being scaled up nationally. I caught up with David recently and he told me that he has called Bansha his home for the last 12 years. “I have worked in the public sector for almost 2 decades, and have spent half that time working for specialist branches of An Garda Siochana, most notably the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Garda National Vetting Bureau. I then moved to the Local Authority Sector where I worked in housing roles with Tipperary Co Co, HAP and the Local Government Management Agency, where I was National ICT project lead. I have a number of Honours degrees in Public Administration, Community Development and Housing Studies and

I also hold a SPA Masters in Combating Challenging Behavior. I am originally from Tipperary Town but have called Bansha my home for the last 12 years. I am kept on my toes with 3 children and another on the way. In my spare time I help out with coaching the Tipperary Town FC schoolgirls academy, and both I and my Ali are currently coaching the u10’s” said David.

As Coordinator for the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Coordinator Programme David will case manage a support package for each person referred, linking the supports from the variety of public, voluntary, private and community agencies in the area. He will carry out a home based assessment and, in partnership with the older person, will identify and design a range of supports to enable the older person to continue living independently. I asked David as to how he felt about taking up the role. “I am delighted to be appointed as South Tipperary Coordinator for the programme. This is a free service designed for Older People aged 65 and over. It is a unique model of support coordination, bringing together health and housing, to deliver a service that responds directly to the needs and preferences of Older People. Referrals can be made by anyone once consent of the participants has been received or participants can also selfrefer to the programme. We also link in with the HSE, public health nurses, GP’s, community groups, public

representatives etc. There are dire cases out there with elderly people living in poverty and unsuitable conditions which we will be targeting, but there are also people in the prime of their life who may think that this programme does not apply to them. These same people can often be the same ones that do not know about their benefits and entitlements, hence I would urge anyone over the age of 65 to make a referral, even just to safeguard for the future and to know about the different options available to them. It is my hope that the programme will make a real impact to the lives of people living in communities across Tipperary and nationwide” said David.

On referral the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Coordinator will carry out a needs assessment to establish what supports are required to enable you to continue living independently in your own home for longer. Information can be provided on adapting your existing home and the relevant grants available to support you to make those changes, with a focus on universal design and energy efficiency. Being part of the programme does not affect any current home help, medical card, pension or other services being received and it is a Free Service. David wants to thank his colleague Tracey Thompson who was part of the national pilot for this programme in Tipperary,

with Martin Quinn

and who has done a tremendous job in getting the Healthy Age Friendly Homes programme off the ground. Tracey will continue as coordinator for the North of County Tipperary and will be collaborating in some other areas. If

you would like to make a referral to David then please contact the National Office at 046-924 8899. You can also send an email to the following address; healthyagefriendlyhomes@ meathcoco.ie or dawhelan@ meathcoco.ie

David Whelan, who as taken up the role of coordinator of the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme.

If you have a story, news of an event or you know something that we would be interested in. Email info@tippecho.ie or call 052 61 48800

St. Ailbe’s Students win Tipperary Garda Youth Award as the School Strives to Promote Biodiversity

St Ailbe’s school is very proud of their 5th year students Darragh Healy, Evan Ryan, Jack Halligan, Drew Looby and Adam Kuss, who were awarded a Tipperary Garda Youth Award at a ceremony held at the Garda Training College in Templemore recently. The students received their award in recognition of the outstanding work they carried out in the commencement of a sensory garden within the school. The Garda Youth Award celebrated and recognised the good work that they are doing in their community. During transition year, the students in conjunction with their science teacher and green schools coordinator,

Dr. Tim Butler, began the design and construction of a sensory garden in the school. The concept behind the garden was to build and plant a garden environment with the purpose of stimulating the senses. This stimulation occurs because of the plants and the use of materials that engage one’s senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. Sensory gardens for schools not only stimulate students senses, but they also help promote a healthy emotional and mental well-being. The students undertook the design, construction, painting and filling raised beds in the garden. These beds were filled with edible herbs

and fruit and vegetables. Following on from this the students set about building pergolas as focal points in the garden and planted these with plants that are scented. Since the start of the project, the sensory garden has continued to evolve with native planting, fruit trees, seating areas and walkways. Currently transition year students are planning a mosaic for the garden as well as a water feature for the sense of sound. Due to the overwhelming success of the sensory garden project, other biodiversity and environmental projects have started to develop within the school, which link in well with our current work of getting a Green school’s

flag for water. The aim of the school project is to create educational spaces that nurture a love of nature and which develop a knowledge of biodiversity and respect for nature. Through biodiversity education, the students will become aware of the impact of their actions on the environment and nature, which includes all the living beings that live there. The biodiversity theme will help to connect students and the wider community with the natural environment and develop a value for the biodiversity all around us. Our current transition year group have built a polytunnel with the aspiration of using the tunnel to teach students

across the entire school about growing food crops, understanding soil health, crop rotations and develop an understanding and appreciation of locally grown food with regard to supporting Irish farmers and reducing climate change. Students were involved from start to finish in the project; from digging foundations, to installing the frame, building and filling raised beds and cladding the structure. Produce from the tunnel will be used by the school Home Economics Department, which will help to reinforce cross curricular development. Students in St. Ailbe’s school have also had the opportunity to become involved in a

range of activities such as building and installing bird houses, identifying native trees, installing bird feeding stations, planting insect pollinator friendly plants and bulbs, and learning about pollinators and nectar sources. ABP group kindly donated insect towers for the school grounds which have been an invaluable habitat for insects and bees. The school is very fortunate to have a close working relationship with Tipperary Tidy Towns and our transition year students are working on a number of initiatives including litter picking, on a weekly basis around Tipperary town. Students are very proud to be involved in their community

and a sense of pride in their community is very evident amongst them. Tipperary

Tidy Towns have donated fruit trees and bushes to the school which we have planted as a biodiversity corridor on the school grounds. School gardening brings learning alive. Growing plants and being involved in the gardening process contributes towards improving children’s wellbeing. Gardening has helped to develop student personal achievement and pride. The project is constantly evolving, and it is planned to continue to develop over the coming years, with the help of the students. Well done to the students in St. Ailbe’s on this wonderful initiative.

St. Ailbe’s students Mollie Moore, Aoibh Peters, Harry Looby, Marko Grubor, Lucy Ryan, Ava Frewen, Katie Louise Ryan and Cirdan O’Chearnaigh doing their bit for the environment in Tipperary Town.

Not afraid of getting their hands dirty in the polytunnel are St. Ailbe’s students Michael Breen and Clayton Blake Kavanagh.

Building Biodiversity at St. Ailbe’s school are students Catherine Harding, Harry Looby, Jack O’Dwyer, Molly Bargary, Abigail O’Connor, Jasmin O’Gorman, Clayton Blake Kavanagh and Angelo Pearse.

Thurles Parish News

Easter Raffle

Tickets are now available in the Parish Centre for the annual Easter Raffle – all proceeds to the Cathedral Reroofing Project. A variety of great prizes are on offer. Tickets cost €2 each or 3 for €5. If you are not in you cannot win.

Family Mass

The Family Mass takes place in the Cathedral next weekend Saturday, 9th March @ 7.00 p.m. The theme is “Celebrating the gift of Motherhood”. Come along and let’s celebrate, remember and pray.

First Communion and Confirmation

A special Sacramental preparation gathering for First Holy Communion parents, and Confirmation candidates parents will be held on Wednesday, March 13th at 7:00pm in Bothar na Naomh Church. All are invited you all to the talk by Olivia Maher who leads Sacramental Preparation in her local parish of Gortnahoe/Glengoole.

Pilgrimage to Lourdes

The annual Cashel and Emly Archdiocesan 50th Anniversary Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from 14th to 20th June, led by the Archbishop of Cashel and Emly Most Rev. Kieran O’Reilly. Pilgrimage Director is Rev Fr Jimmy Donnelly. For bookings and enquires contact Joe Walsh Tours by email –info@joewalshtours.ie or by phone – 01 241 0800.

For Assisted Pilgrims only, please contact: Very Rev. Joe Tynan, PP: by email – lourdesassistedpilgrimage@cashel-emly.ie or by phone – 087 222 5445.

Femfest

On Wednesday 6th March, Ruth Talbot, Librarian at MIC Thurles, St. Patrick’s

College, will host a tour of the campus, as part of the FemFest festival. This tour will focus on the history of the campus and women’s role in the college. Commencing at 3.00 p.m. this event is open to all.

Dementia Friendly Thurles

The Memory Café will be held in Bookworm on Wednesday March 6th at 11.00 a.m. Michael Cronin, HSE Service User Engagement Officer, will continue his talk on assisted decision making, next of kin, and capacity and consent. Some of the technology available for carers of a person with dementia will also be introduced and explained on the day. All are welcome to attend.

St Vincent de Paul Shop

The St Vincent de Paul Shop is Thurles is urgently seeking volunteers. Please apply by email to aliciacolgm.110@ gmail.com or call into the shop, look for Alicia, Manager, Monday – Friday.

Thurles St Patrick’s Day Parade

The annual parade takes place on Sunday 17th March arriving in Liberty Square at 2.30 p.m. As has become the norm, there will be live music and street attractions before and during the parade. Come early to support your local community. Entry forms are available from the Thurles Tourist Office or email hello@thurlestouristoffice.ie for further information.

Newly Baptised

Aaron Jay Quinn, Monadreen.

Recently Deceased

Nora Quirke née Kennedy, Matthew Avenue formerly Bredagh, Toomevara.

Annmarie Campbell, née Rice, Antrim.

Brendan O’Kelly, Ballytigue, Bruree, Co. Limerick.

Thurles Golf Club Drive-In

A great day was had by all for the Captains/President Drive-In at Thurles Golf Club this week. President Arthur Griffin; Captain, Chris Delahunt; Lady Captain, Reena O’ Brien; and Junior Captain, Conor Doherty were on hand to celebrate the event along with many members of the Thurles Golf

Club. They are pictured with local piper Mikey Flanagan of the Sean Treacy Pipe Band –a keen golfer himself. Thurles Golf Club expresses thanks to everyone who showed their support and playing in cold conditions. There was great activity and positivity around the clubhouse on the day.

Eye onThurles

By the Cathedral Townie

Munster Hotel Car Park is regrettably closed to the public

There is much regret in Thurles this week following news that the car park attached to the Munster Hotel has now closed to the general public.

The car park was used extensively by many people in the locality – especially those attending ceremonies and celebrations in the Cathedral of the Assumption, or events in the nearby Presentation primary and secondary schools. Entry to the car park was off the Cathedral Street roundabout at the junction between Mitchel Street and Kickham Street.

The car park was made available to the public some years ago following an agreement between the owner of the property and the Thurles Municipal District Council – the car park had been disused following the closure of the hotel. However, it is understood that the agreement has now come to an end and the car park will not be available to the public for the foreseeable future – it is understood that a dispute arose in relation to rent of the car park.

The Munster Hotel itself

has been closed for many years and is in a very poor state of repair despite the best efforts of the proprietor to redevelop the building – a number of planning applications and proposals have been associated with the building but up to now none of those have been successful much to the disappointment of the proprietor – a well known local business man who has been involved in the development of a number of similar sites in the county.

The building, which is adjacent to the Cathedral Presbytery, has been the topic of much discussion with more than a few calls to have it taken in charge and refurbished. The once iconic Munster Hotel in Thurles was a popular venue for social gatherings of all kinds and was an important business for many visiting the town for funerals across the road in the Cathedral.

It was then under the ownership and management of local man Jim O’Connor and his family and was regarded as a very successful and important business in Thurles.

Thurles Musical Society

Online booking is well underway for our annual show - the Irish premiere of Big Fish - which takes place in the Premier Hall from Tuesday March 19-Saturday 23rd inclusive.

And, this week, dates of the booking office in Bookworm, Liberty Square, Thurles have been announced and will see our booking personnel

The matter was discussed at a meeting of the Municipal District Council recently and there was hope that an agreement could be reached between the local authority and the owner. However, those attending Mass in the Cathedral of the Assumption at the weekend were advised of the regrettable news. The weekly newsletter noted: “As you are probably aware, the Munster Hotel Car Park has now closed for public

use. This is a regrettable decision for all who visit and attend ceremonies in our Cathedral. Please be aware of this and plan your parking accordingly when visiting the Cathedral. Please note the MIC (St. Patrick’s College) is available for weekend parking. However, due to the increased number of students, the MIC car park is not available on weekdays during college term.”

While there is parking

present on Saturday next, March 9th, and Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 14, 15 and 16th from 11:30am - 2:30pm.

We express our sincerest thanks to proprietor John Butler and to the staff of Bookworm for their assistance and we look forward to welcoming many of our regular patrons as

they book their tickets for the show. Speaking of patrons, this is a last call for anyone wishing to submit patrons subs to Hickey’s Pharmacy, Liberty Square, Thurles. We express our thanks to all those who have so kindly assisted us with this show which is set to be the most expensive

available close to the Cathedral of the Assumption at Thurles Leisure Centre and in the adjoining car park, spaces are limited and tight. With so much parking having been removed from Liberty Square in favour of off-street parking in adjoining car parks, the Munster Hotel facility was seen as being vital to motorists at the eastern side of the River Suir bridge. Regrettably, that is now no longer the case.

ever staged by Thurles Musical Society. We have endeavoured to maintain the highest of standards with our shows down through the years and this year is no different. Our audiences will be transported to the fantastical journeys of Edward Bloom and we will be using the most up-to-date

theatrical methods to do soa new departure for sure, and something which our cast and chorus are very excited about. See how the Premier Hall will be transformed for the run of the show.

Pictured are Ben Collins and Linda Ryan who play central roles in this wonderfully entertaining show.

Ben Collins Linda Ryan

If you have a story, news of an event or you know something that we would be interested in, email info@tippecho.ie or call 052 61 48800

Eye on Thurles

Sandy Kelly and David McSavage are coming to The Source Theatre

After the October 2023 release of Sandy Kelly’s new album ‘Leaving It All Behind’ and autobiography ‘In My Own Words’, Sandy is embarking on an island wide tour of Ireland in Spring 2024 for her ‘Leaving It All Behind Tour’ with a special date at The Source Theatre on Saturday next, March 9th at 8:00pm.

Sandy Kelly announces very special guests for her Spring album and book launch tour. Ashley Campbell, Thor Jensen and Niall McCabe will appear on all dates nationwide including at The Source. Following a long hiatus from the recording studio, in October 2023, Sandy released her first studio album in thirty years, in tandem with her self-penned life story, ‘In My Own Words’, published by O’Brien Press and now in Spring 2024, she is embarking on this eagerly awaited nationwide tour

which has excited her many fans.

With Sandy’s live band, this promises to be an intimate evening of new and old songs, stories and featuring the very best emerging country and folk talent. This promises to be an evening to remember and an opportunity to catch up with one of Ireland’s indisputably successful country music artists. Tickets for the event cost €30.

Also coming to the Source is renowned comedian David McSavage with his show “If that makes sense.”

Common Phrase: when you say something but you aren’t sure if you explained it well and the other person understood it. David McSavage is stand-up comedy’s answer to spontaneous human combustion, an explosive and always surprising phenomenon that simply

cannot be contained in a box or transposed to TV. His new show is a unique blend of energy, improvisation, and leaps of imagination that take his audience on a joyride they’ll never forget. Even David has no idea what might happen when he unleashes his crazy brand of improvised comedy mayhem. He possesses the rare gift of creating a space where audiences feel like they are kids again, all taking part in a practical joke. This event takes place on Friday March 15th at 8:00pm and tickets cost €25 – the perfect way to kickoff the St Patrick’s weekend festivities.

On St Patricck’s Eve, Uproar Choir will be in town for one of their renowned powerhouse performances and eclectic repertoire and all for just €12UpRoar Choir promises an unforgettable evening

of musical brilliance. The Source auditorium will provide the perfect backdrop for this oneof-a-kind experience, showcasing the choir’s versatility and passion for delivering soul-stirring renditions.

UpRoar Choir, celebrated for seamlessly blending rock and choral elements, invites music enthusiasts of all ages to join them on this musical journey. The performance will feature a diverse range of songs, from classic rock anthems to contemporary hits, ensuring a night filled with energy and emotion. This show promises an evening that transcends traditional boundaries, creating an immersive and enchanting experience for all attendees.

Tickets for all the above events are available online or by calling the Source Theatre at 0504 90204.

Quiz

How many faces does a Dodecahedron have?

Queen guitarist Brian May is also an expert in what scientific field?

Aureolin is a shade of what color?

How many ghosts chase Pac-Man at the start of each game?

What Renaissance artist is buried in Rome’s Pantheon?

What shoe brand makes the “Mexico 66”?

What game studio makes the Red Dead Redemption series?

Last week’s answers

Codeword

Who was the last Tsar of Russia?

What character have both Robert Downey Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch played?

What country drinks the most coffee per capita?

Which planet in the Milky Way is the hottest?

What is the 4th letter of the Greek alphabet?

What sports car company manufactures the 911?

What city is known as “The Eternal City”? Rome

Restful Bathrooms

For achieving a restful bathroom consider earth-tones and wood finishes as they have the added benefit of working with the soothing, impactful element of water. An ideal earthy bathroom would recreate some of the natural outside world through carefully chosen fixtures and fittings that mimic nature.

Consider a natural stone tile to bring stunning texture to your bathroom, paired with an Oak vanity unit to increase the tranquility, you could opt for a solid surface basin & worktop with the richness of a copper faucet for a style that’s guaranteed to stand the test of time.

https://www.facebook.com/MercantileBathrooms

News from the community

FETHARD: Joe Kenny

Munster Champions – Patrician Presentation

Secondary School’s Ladies Senior Football Team

‘The Henry Girls’ will perform in the Abymill Theatre

Tickets are almost sold out for the ‘The Henry Girls’, who will perform in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard, on Friday, April 19, 2024, starting at 8pm. Tickets are available at www.clonmelworldmusic.

com

The Henry Girls are 3 sisters- Karen, Lorna and Joleen, and between them they play Harp, Accordian, Fiddle, Ukelele, Tin Whistle and Keyboard, as well as beautiful harmony singing that only sisters can achieve. They were brought up by music loving parents who introduced them to an eclectic array of sounds such as The Everly Brothers, The Bothy Band, The Beatles, Johnny Cash and

Ella Fitzgerald as well being surrounded by traditional Irish music. They are renowned for their fine close harmonies and musical arrangements and have been likened to such great musical acts as Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Dixie Chicks and The Be Good Tanyas. Their repertoire is scattered with old and new and their style reflects many influences and tastes.

‘These sisters have a sensational talent. The quality of their harmony singing goes beyond mere technique. They possess an unerring ability to blend tone and resonance in a seamless fashion.’ - Eamon Carr, The Evening Herald (IRL)

Died Recently

The death has occurred on March 1, 2024, of Seamus Hackett, Strylea, Fethard, at Clonmel University Hospital. Pre-deceased by his wife Margaret, his daughter Catriona and his sons Mark and Kenny. Deeply regretted by his sons John, Diarmuid, Colm, Luke and Paul, brother George, daughters-in-law Mary, Fiona, Noreen and Nidia, sonin-law Terence, sisters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.

Funeral Mass took place in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Monday, March 4, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.

Fethard Day Care Centre Are Hiring!

Fethard and District Day Care Centre CLG are looking for a Health Care Assistant for 6 months maternity cover (18.5 hours per week). Successful applicant must have Fetac level 5 Health Care qualification or be working towards this

award. Candidates with an enthusiastic and caring disposition are desirable. Full clean driver’s licence is required.

Please apply with CV to: The Directors, Fethard and District Day Care Centre,

Social dancing in Fethard Ballroom

Social dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom’s on Sunday, March 10, to the music of the ‘Magic Moments’. All are welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing from 8.30pm to 11.30pm. Admission is €10, which includes tea and cakes. For further information or for booking the Ballroom, contact Eileen Coady, Tel: 086 0776420.

Fethard GAA Sports Development Lotto Results

Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, February 27, 2024, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 3, 18, 26, and 30. We had no Jackpot winner and two Match 3 winners who received €75 each: Patrick Lawrence, and Monica Aherne. One lucky dip winner received €100: Martha Sheehan. Fethard GAA will hold a Golf Classic on Sunday, May 6, at Slievenamon Golf Club. Teams of 4 cost €120. Hoping to see you all there.

The next draw takes place on Tuesday, March 5, when the jackpot is €28,200. The committee of Fethard GAA Development Lotto would like to thank all our supporters for the continued support.

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results

There was no jackpot winner in this week’s Parish Lotto on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

The numbers drawn were 3, 7, 15 and 18. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Ann Marie Kenny. Next week’s Jackpot for Thursday, March 7, will be €3,125.

Fr Tirry Centre, Barrack Street, Fethard, or email to: chairperson@fetharddaycare. com on or before Friday March 29, at 4pm. Candidates must be free to take up employment on Monday, April 22.

We are delighted with the support shown for our Parish Lotto, it is a fundraising initiative that is of great benefit to the parish. Please pass the word on and invite friends and family to take part. You can join, see the draw results, and details of how your support is making a big difference.

Congratulations to Patrician Presentations Senior Ladies Football team who won the Munster Final against Scoil Pól Kilfinane, on Friday, March 1, 2024. Captained by our 5th year student Sarah Smith, the girls played superb in very wet and cold conditions. They worked very hard and played brilliant together. Right from the get-go, the girls played the ball in and scored 3 goals. There was no stopping the Fethard girls, but Scoil Pól never gave up and fought back in the second half. The final scoreline was 6-06 to 3-06, in favour of Fethard. Well done girls

CLOGHEEN:

DUNDRUM: PJ English

Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring.

Rehearsals are on going for this years production of Arsenic and Old Lace in Clogheen Community Hall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 21st, 22nd and 23rd of March. Play kicks off at 8.15pm each night. Tickets are on sale at the Fruit and Veg shop Clogheen and in Ballyporeen Post Office. Or phone 0877984929. Tickets are 10 euro. Our director is Justin Irwin.

Social Dancing in Clogheen. Come dancing to Clogheen on Saturday 30th of March at 8.30pm. Dancing to the brilliant Peter Burke. Admission 10 euro and refreshments served and a free raffle.

Vee Rovers F.C

The Juniors were at home to Moyglass United in the Paddy Purtill cup at Scart on Sunday. The second division side had the brighter start and Rovers were lucky not to go a goal down early on when a Moyglass effort came off the bar. The home side gradually grew into the game and Mark Haide gave Vee the lead on 38minutes when he found the net with a powerful header from a corner.

Shane McGrath increased the lead two minutes later when he finished off a good move involving Jesse Kiely and Zak Keating. Moyglass however pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time with a penalty strike.

Shane McGrath gave Rovers a two goal cushion on 60 minutes with a clever lob between defender and keeper. A number of substitutes were then introduced and it paid dividends on 64 minutes when Anthony Crotty scored with a screamer from distance. Moyglass stuck at their task and pulled two goals to guaranteed an exciting finish.

Dylan Keating finally put the game to bed in the 92nd minute when he chased down what looked like a lost cause and finish to the net to put Vee Rovers name in the hat for the semi-final.

Congratulations to Burncourt Celtic on their 25th anniversary which was celebrated recently at Kilcoran Hotel. Well done to all

GOLDEN:

involved.

Fr David McGuiness R.I.P.

Fr David arrived in the parish of Clogheen and Burncourt in 1995 and ministered here for 6 years. Fr McGuinness was also a lecturer in economics at U.C.C. and W.I.T..During his time here in our parish he organized and delivered a two year course in Social and Community studies with U.C.C. and a two year Bussness studies course with W.I.T. both yielding diplomas and certificats for many, of all ages, in our parish a number of people went on to complete their degrees and so enhance their cereers and life opportunities.

After leaving Clogheen Fr David went to Georgia, USA where he continued his efforts in education by fundraising and building a school and sports field, always working tirelessly for the promotion of his parish and its people. He came back to his native Limerick a few years ago and died there on the 4th Feburary 2024 after a long illness. He was buried in Mount Street Oliver cemetery followed by requiem mass in the Dominican church, concelebrated by 13 priests and Bishop Alpfonsus Cullinan, Waterford and Lismore. May his kind and gentle soul rest in peace.

Fr Sheay’s GAA

Fixtures

Saturday March 9th

South U13B football

Fr. Sheehy’s v Cahir In Cahir at 10.30AM

Minor B football South/West league

Knockmealdown Gaels v Emly In Clogheen at 5.30PM

The Tipperary GAA Easter camp takes place in Fr Sheehy’s on April 2nd-4th ,10AM-1PM. Age 6-13, Free football and sliotar. €40 per child. Book online at Tipperary GAA Lotto result 5,13,14,19. We had no jackpot winner, 3 match 3’s win €50 each- Josh Foran c/o Letias Bar Ardfinnan, Rachel Morrissey Online, Michael O’Connor Scart. Next weeks jackpot will be €6,300 in The Market Stone Clogheen. Thanks for your support:

Marcella Collins

Quiz Golden Tidy Villages committee are organising their annual table quiz in the Bridge House Bar Golden on Good Friday night 29th March at 9pm. Tables of 4 €40. Your support would be greatly appreciated

Festival Dance

Our big Saturday night dance extravaganza with Jimmy Buckley and full band with early dancing to DJ Richie will be a huge part of our Festival weekend in Golden. Taking place from Wednesday to Sat 1st June with loads to entertain everyone Lotto

No winners of our GAA club lotto jackpot. Next weeks jackpot now stands at €7,700. Tickets just €2 available locally and online at www. locallotto.ie

Mike Denver

Wow folks. A night of top class dancing to Mike Denver with dj Richie in our GAA complex Golden on Saturday 6th April from 8.30pm. Pay on the door €20 with bar facilities Exercise class

2 fantastic Exercise classes continue every Tuesday night upstairs in our GAA complex Golden 6.30pm movement and mobility exercise classes for active retired and suitable for anyone with arthritis and joint pains 7pm Full Body advanced Fitness Classes. Just €35 for 4 classes or pay as you go! Ladies from other parishes very welcome to join us Contact Adrian on 087 2257095 for more info

GAA Bingo

Our bingo continues every Thursday night at 8pm in our GAA complex Golden.

Sean Breen

NOTES FOR THE PAPER.

If you wish to put in local notes please send same to rangerbreen@ gmail.com no later than 6pm on the previous Sunday night.

DUNDRUM AC NOTES

FETHARDTOWN PARKRUN

This is a weekly parkrun held every Saturday morning in Fethard. It was a very wet morning and this week they had their largest attendance of 140 people take part. There was Lidl sponsors

at the finish line with T-shirts and refreshments. Tom O Connell was 1st home in a fantastic time of 17.03.

IMRA MUNSTER LEAGUE

RAHEEN WOODS MALLOW, CO.CORK

The competition took place on Sunday 18th February. This was the 5th race in the Winter/Spring Trail League. In the long course of 9.2k we had three senior athletes take part. Barry Hartnett, who

finished 2nd overall Male, Michael Moore & Jim Halley. In the short course of 3k we had two juvenile athletes compete. Bella Curling was 1st junior girl and Isabelle Hartnett was 2nd. A super strong race ran by the girls, front running the whole way to battle it out over the last 800m. Bella showed great strength on the tough uphill finish to take her 1st golden at an IMRA event

KNOCKAVILLA COMMUNITY

COUNCIL NOTES.

SHARE THE SPOILS.

Congratulations to Mary Morrissey, our share the spoils winner last week winning e230. Thanks to everyone for your continued support. Envelopes are available in all business is Dundrum and from the dispenser boxes in Knockavilla and Donaskeigh villages.

An on line purchase option is also available.

Table

A view of the Clock Tower in Tipperary Town with the well in the foreground and Aldi to the rear

052 61 48800

the week in

sport

All three TSDL sides crash out of FAI Junior Cup

FAI Junior Cup

Villa

FAI Junior Cup

Saints lost out on Sunday to the 2022 winners Villa F.C who were worthy winners on the day but Saints will rue a good spell towards the end of the first half that didn’t yield any reward as the part of the game that may have cost them a chance of victory. It was nervy edgy start with both sides looking for a way to get the opening goal. Jimmy Carr, playing a captain’s role had an inspiring period just before half time winning numerous frees and putting in a series of good

FAI Junior Cup

St Michael’s Cockhill

0

It was good while it lasted, but Clonmel Celtic’s run in this year’s FAI Junior Cup came to an end on Sunday when they went down by two goals to nil, against Donegal side Cockhill Celtic, the favourites to win this year’s competition. Though no

doubt disappointed Celtic can’t have too many complaints about the outcome as on the day they were second best to a strong and well drilled side. It was a lively opening to a game that drew a fine attendance and the home side gave as good as they got in the early stages. Indeed, they had the first effort on goal when Philly Drohan did well on the left and his cross found Jack Purcell

Waterford Clonmel Celtic ClonmelTown Two

they added a second three minutes into the second period, when Daniel O Dwyer again beat the home keeper with a rasping shot from the edge of the area. Stunned by this, the hosts had no response, and Bansha put the game to bed on the hour mark, when a header from a cross came back off the post, and Daniel O Dwyer was on hand to tap in the rebound for his second, and his sides third of the game. They were rampant at this stage and added a fourth fifteen minutes from time with a finish at the back post by Tony Egan. Town got a consolation goal five minutes from time when after the Bansha keeper made a great save, the ball rebounded to Juan Arguedas, and he finished off the rebound from six yards out. But it was too little too late and Celtic picked up the three precious points.

long periods. Crucially they were winning the vital second balls and on sixty-seven minutes, sunk a dagger in the hearts of the Saints when a good move saw Dylan Walsh finish to the net. This deflated the Tipperary side, but they tried hard to steady the ship. However, it all became a bit frantic and when that happens you rarely tend to get the luck you sometimes need. In the end time ran out on them, but they can be proud of their effort, not just today but over the last number of years, where they have always been a name to fear in this most brutal of competitions.

but his first-time effort was easily gathered by Hugh Doherty. The visitors came close on nineteen minutes when Luke Rudden got on the end of a cross, but his header was tipped over by Fabian Kerton in the home goal. It was end to end at this stage, though Celtic were finding it hard to create any clearcut chances against a resolute Cockhill rearguard. The visitors hit the

(AET. Gorey 3–0 on penalties)

front on thirty-one minutes, and once again it was a cross field ball that undone the home side. Rudden was on the end of it, and his header back across goal was tapped in by Jack Mullan. It was a vital breakthrough and Donegal side saw out the first half relatively comfortably. Celtic almost created a chance just on half time when Peter O’Dowd got on the end of Philly Drohan’s cross but

Cahir Park moved up to second place in the TSDL Premier League table with a win away in Newhill Park on Sunday afternoon. The game was evenly fought, despite the visitors being much more physical than the younger Borris side. Both sides had early chances, but the deadlock was finally broken in the twentieth minute when a John O Brien cross into the Borris area was met on the volley by Craig Guiry, whose excellent shot fizzed past the motionless home keeper. After that for the rest of the half, the better chances fell to the home side, with Daniel Rafter forcing a good save from

the Park keeper on the hour mark, and a Loran O Toole header going narrowly wide just before the break. The second half followed much the same pattern as the latter half of the first, with Cahir happy to give up possession and look for opportunities to hit on the break. Daniel Rafter did have a chance to level the game twenty minutes from time, but his free flew inches the wrong side of the post. The game was finally decided five minutes from time, when Cahir were awarded a penalty kick, and Niall Dally despatched the ball to the net, to ensure they would take home all three points.

in and score. But while they were still celebrating, Villa hit straight back, and good build-up play between Keith Cahill and Pippy Carrol, saw Carroll find Ronan Mc Guire in space in the area, and he found the bottom corner to the delight of the travelling crowd. Unfortunately the game settled back down after that, with defences on top, and there were no more chances of note in the first half. The second period seen Villa press higher and they were nearly rewarded when Ronan McGuire had a great chance ten minutes in, but his effort was well saved by the Gorey Keeper.

Gorey did get back into the game near the final whistle and came close only for a great defensive clearance by Dale Loughnane, but in the end it finished level at one all.

Extra Time could not separate the sides with the best effort for Villa falling to Micheal Quinlan right at the death with his effort just going wide of the post. Penalties are a lottery, and it wasn’t to be Villa’s day missing their first three, while the Wexford side were deadly from twelve yards, and this saw them through to the semi-final for the second year in a row on a three to nil scoreline.

his shot was well blocked. The Clonmel side were still very much in this tie as the second half kicked off, but the game deteriorated into a scrappy affair bereft of any quality. Both sides battled hard but the game was littered with stoppages. Cockhill put the game to bed on sixty nine minutes when Luke Rudden got on the end of a centre and fired home to effectively seal

the win for the Donegal outfit. Celtic made some changes in an effort to get back into the tie but the visitors snuffed out their challenge and saw out the game in relative comfort. Celtic will regret that they were unable to produce their best on such a big day but you would have to credit Cockhill for that as it was very much mission accomplished for them.

TSDL Premier League

TSDL Premier League

This game was switched to Clonmel as the Bansha pitch was unplayable, but Celtic brought their best form, when they dismantled a Town side that had returned to form in recent weeks. The home side did start better however, and had a header from a corner cleared off the line, in the opening minutes. But Bansha eventually worked their way back into the game, especially on the counter attack, and it was a quick breakaway from another Town corner, that allowed them break up field and find Adam Hennessy, and he made no mistake with a rasping finish to the roof of the net, midway through the half. That was how it stayed until half time, but

Tipp make it three wins in a row

VERY Division 2B

League

Tipperary Galway 0-10 0-06

Tipperary had 4 points to spare over Galway on Saturday in the 4th round of the VERY Division 2B league to make it 3 wins on the trot and leave them behind Cork in second place on score difference heading into the final round of games. With the top two teams progressing to a league final the final fixture away to Kilkenny (on Saturday March 9th) will be a huge game for Bill Mullaney’s side.

Saturday’s game against Galway was played in the County Camogie Grounds where both Tipperary and Galway served up an enthralling encounter full of grit and determination against dreadful weather conditions. With freezing cold temperatures, gale force winds and persistent rain showers credit must go to both teams who gave it their all and showed a huge appetite to win. Tipperary had the advantage of the strong wind in the opening half and after 15 minutes were 4 points up thanks to the accurate free taking of Jenny Grace and a well taken point from play

from Anna Fahie who impressed throughout.

Despite enjoying plenty of possession with Leah Burke and Kyla Madden working tirelessly in midfield it was 18 minutes before Galway registered their first score, a point from free taker Aoibheann Barry. She added their second on the 26th minute as Tipp went in at the break 7 points to 2 with Jenny Grace and Jill Ann Quirke raising white flags while Gemma Fox who was a powerhouse at centre back also got her name on the scoreboard with a great run forward and a sweetly struck score. With the wind so strong Galway were still very much in this game and they had the opening score of the second half from Aoibheann Barry. Scores were at a premium but Jenny Grace managed to put Tipperary 5 points in front again with a free on the 40th minute. Galway then struck 3 points in a row and the Tipp lead was looking in trouble with a dangerous 2 points between the sides with only 5 minutes of normal time remaining. The backs continued to play brilliantly with Fox and Laura Shinners beside her at number 5 in particular very good. Further out the field Ciara Brennan put in another good shift while Grace, Jill-Anne Quirke and Anna Fahie continued

to battle for every ball in attack. Another pointed free from the ever reliable Jenny Grace in the 59th minute gave Tipp breathing space once again and despite Galway’s best efforts they couldn’t manage another score in the dying minutes. An injury time free from Jenny Grace put 4 between the sides and secured the 2 points for the homeside.

Tipperary: Laura Leenane; Lorna Ryan, Miriam Murphy, Tara Hoare; Laura Shinners, Gemma Fox (0-1), Lily Fahie; Caroline Shanahan, Ciara Brennan; Jenny Grace (0-7,0-6f), Jill Anne Quirke (0-1), Orla O’Brien; Anna Fahie (0-1), Amy Quinlisk, Emma Flanagan.

Subs used: Ciara Ryan for L Ryan (HT); Maria Connolly for T Hoare (HT); Saoirse McGrarth for A.Quinlisk (40); Eva O’Dwyer for E. Flanagan (57).

Galway: Caoimhe Hickey; Siofra Kelly, Sarah Lyons, Reisteal Kelly; Chloe Allen, Ria McPhilibin, Joanne Daly; Leah Burke, Leana Nic Dhonncha; Katie Donohoe, Kayla Madden, Ciara Dolan; Ava Lynskey (0-1), Aoibheann Barry (0-5f), Aoife Kelly.

Subs used: Grainne O’Neill for A Kelly (21); Pearl Finnerty for C.Allen (27); Niamh Spellman for C. Dolan (46); Clodagh O’Meara for K. Donohue (46).

“If surgery is needed on fixtures, the starting point should be the number of games being played at inter county level. Reducing the number of championship games at club level would be a backward step.”

The words of Munster GAA Secretary Kieran Leddy, written in his annual report to Convention provide much food for thought as we embark upon the new club campaign for 2024.

The so-called split season is now in its third year and there has been a lot of commentary, both positive and negative, about the impact of the new fixtures calendar.

For some, it is working well; for others no so well; and for others still, it doesn’t have much of an impact.

The Munster Council Secretary - a very highly regarded official who has his head screwed on- wrote extensively on the subject in his report and his comments, which went largely without discussion, are worth considering.

“The GAA is unique in that the elite level and the grass roots level are firmly linked as players play at both levels. Therefore, we do not have the fixture freedom that other sports have, and I believe that to separate the two levels where players chose to play at one level only would be the biggest mistake the Association could ever make. ”One of our greatest strengths is the value that players place on playing in their club colours and competing for and winning championships with

their club and community...... We must never create a situation where that cannot occur, and my fear is that if we try and run both club and county championships concurrently, then intercounty players will find it very difficult to play for their county one week, and their club the next, given the heavy fixture schedule at both levels.”

That is a very real fear at the present time, I would say. As the inter county scene continues to run away on an out of control train, the level of preparation increases by the season. It is true to say that most inter county players are now in as good a physical shape as many of our athletes competing in the World Championships or the Olympics.

Were they to play soccer or rugby they would likely achieve the same elite level as they have managed in the GAA codes, in both the male and female disciplines.

Kieran Leddy continues on the topic of the All-Ireland Finals being moved back into August.

“Trying to accommodate the huge programme of club championship fixtures in place if we take 2 weeks from the Club window is particularly problematic in dual counties.

“Munster GAA collated data on the club championships covering a 10-week period from the end of July to the end of September, and in those 10 weeks, 1,835 adult club championship games were played across the Senior, Intermediate and Junior grades. 814 of these

games were Gaelic Football games and 1,021 were Hurling. A total of 305 of these games were played in the last 2 weeks of September, so taking 2 extra weeks from the club championship window will push a significant number of games into October.

“Once we leave September, evening light is an issue, and training and playing games in the evening becomes very challenging. Therefore, it makes sense that championships progress to the knockout stages at the start of October, where the minority of clubs are still involved, as opposed to the majority still involved as we head into the winter months. That leaves August and September as the months that clubs play the championship group stages.

Ideally, we would have our AllIreland Finals in August, and we would have a better spaced programme of games at club and at county level. It is difficult to see how we can do this though, given that almost all club championships and all inter county championships are now played on a round robin basis, and this leads to a very heavy schedule of games, particularly in counties where clubs play both codes.

Given that the inter county games are the real cash cow, it is hard to see these being cut thoughclub games would seem more vulnerable, it would appear. A long debate is to be had, but there is little appetite to have it.

More from The View anon. Don‘t miss it.

Galway 3-10 2-07 Electric

Tipperary

between two provincial winners, and the match did not disappoint. The sides were evenly matched in the opening quarter with scores difficult to come by as both defences dominated. With 17 minutes gone Tipp’s sole score of the game had come from a Caoimhe Stakelum point while Kilkennys’s Tara Roche well struck shot off the ground found the back of the Tipp net. The game began to open up in the second quarter with Ciara O’Shea (0-03, 1 free), Katie Brennan and Angela Carroll all registering fine scores for the visitors. Tipperary also began to

get the scoreboard ticking with Danielle Ryan and Ciara Shelly carrying on their good form from the Munster championship with points while Cashel’s Hannah Butler scored a goal and a point in succession to leave the half time score 1-05 to 1-04 in Kilkenny’s favour at the break.

However, Tipperary emerged from the break with renewed vigor and determination. Crucial goals from Lucy Purcell and Caoimhe Stakelum helped to put John Ryan’s team into the driving seat and they finished the half strong outscoring the visitors to run out 6 point winners. Despite the performance being far from a polished display there was plenty of positives for John Ryan’s management team to take away including a spread of 9 different scorers with 2 subsitutes Elana McGrath and Eimhear Troy making an impact with a point each. Limiting Kilkenny to just 1-02 in the second half was also a big plus and a testament to the strength of the defence and the overall workrate of the team.

Several standout performances were key to Tipperary’s victory, with players such as Caithlyn

Treacy, Ciara Shelly, Caoimhe Stakelum, and Hannah Butler delivering stellar displays on the field. Next up is an away trip to Galway this Sunday. Galway enjoyed an opening round victory over Waterford and will sure to be very stiff opposition.

Tipperary: Danielle Butler, Paula Quirke, Aoife Mellerick, Ellie Franklin, Eabha Dolan, Sarah Corcoran, Caithyln Treacy(0-01), Lucy Heffernan, Emer Dwan, Lucy Purcell (1-0), Danielle Ryan(0-02), Ciara Shelly(0-01), Ava Bevans(0-01), Caoimhe Stakelum (1-02,1 free) , Hannah Butler(1-01).

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