Tipp Echo November 27 2024

Council awards contract for Carrick-on-Suir Regeneration Project

By Jamie O’Flaherty

Tipperary County Council (TCC) has announced that Marlhill Construction Services Ltd is the successful contractor for Phase 3 of the Carrick-on-Suir Regeneration Plan, titled “A Journey from the Suir Blueway to the Ormond Castle Quarter.”

This next phase of revitalisation includes the development of a new Digital and Enterprise Working Hub at the former derelict Post Office located at 43 Main Street in Carrick-on-Suir.

The contract, valued at €1,054,350.00, is being financed through the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, with additional support from Tipperary County Council. The formal contract signing took place on November 18. This initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing the local community and boosting economic activity in the area. More on page 22

Trudi Lalor’s Christmas Show in Bru Boru

Excitement is building amongst Trudi Lalor fans in anticipation of her return to Bru Boru in Cashel for her upcoming Christmas Concert. This annual event is always a big hit with music lovers and this December it will be no different. The concert will take place on Saturday 7th at 8 pm. Trudi says “ I can’t wait for this Christmas concert. I absolutely love everything about Christmas and this show really gets the season off to a great start. I look forward to singing some of my favourite Christmas songs as well as many of the songs people will want to hear on the night. I’m also delighted to welcoming some of my best friends from the music business to join me on this

special night”.

Trudi has a wonderful lineup of guest artists joining her on the night including the very popular Musketeers ( Mick Foster, Billy Morrissey and TR Dallas) performing some great ballads with a little bit of comedy too!

The Musketeers enjoyed reaching number 1 in the popular music download charts last year with their recording “ Outlaws, Sailors and Whiskey”. They are sure to have everybody clapping along to their lively set.

The ever popular Paddy O Brien will also be appearing in this Christmas special in Bru Boru on December 7th. Paddy enjoys a great following especially in the Tipperary area and his many hit

songs are regularly featured on local radio.

A new name on the Irish music scene comes from beautiful west Cork, the lovely Effie Neill. This young lady is quickly establishing herself as very popular artist and already has a great fan base throughout the country. Effie is the “real deal” as far as Irish Country Music is Concerned and no doubt she will charm the audience in Bru Boru at this Christmas concert. Tickets only €25 are available now from the Bru Boru box office on 062- 61122 or online from bruboru.ie

This promises to be a super evening of entertainment , and early booking is advisable

YOUR INDEPENDENT VOICE

TACKLE THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS

Prices in Ireland are 42% above the European Union average. Ireland has the most expensive electricity prices in the European Union.

DEMANDS

• Abolish the “temporary” Universal Social Charge for workers earning less than €100,000.

• U s e e x is t ing powe r unde r t he C ons um e r P r ot e c t ion A c t t o introduce price control.

• Cap Gas & Electricity prices.

• Cap Petrol & Diesel prices and reduce excise duty hikes.

• Abolish the Carbon Tax. Put a levy on big polluters instead.

• Abolish the hated Tax on the family home.

VOTE SEAMUS HEALY NO. 1 - TRIED & TRUSTED

3 key decisions when buying a new car

Buying a new car is a significant financial decision, second only to purchasing a new home for most. Over 120,000 vehicles will be sold across Ireland in 2025 and whilst there is no feeling quite like driving away in a new car, a sizable purchase like this needs careful consideration.

The team at Clonmel Credit Union has three key considerations to help you navigatr Ireland’s car market.

1. Choosing the fuel type

One of the first choices to face is whether to opt for petrol, diesel, hybrid, or fully electric (EV). Each option has its pros and cons, and the decision often hinges on the drivers’ habits, lifestyle and future plans.

Traditional options still dominate the Irish market, with petrol accounting for almost 33% of new registrations in 2024 and diesel following suit. EVs represent the future, with 60% of consumers optimistic about their long-term prospects, according to Simon-Kucher’s 2024 Automotive Study. Attractive grants of up to €5,000 are available in Ireland for

those considering a new electric car in January.

2. New vs. secondhand

Sales of used cars have proven very robust this year yet demand for new cars remains steady with an increase of 1.7% in 2023.

“Buying new guarantees cutting-edge technology, warranties, and all the latest safety features but without a doubt, there’s great value in the second-hand market. Buyers must consider the vehicle’s history and get it thoroughly checked before signing the dotted line.”

Pádraig Enright, Clonmel Credit Union CEO advises.

3. Financing your new car

A car is a major financial commitment, and deciding how to fund your new purchase is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make in this process. There are several car finance options available, these include

the Personal Contract Plan (PCP) which can be an affordable way to finance a new car but buyers must save for the balloon payment at the end of the term.

Hire Purchase (HP) is another option to pay down a loan over time. Shopping around for a personal loan can often prove the best value. The key lies in understanding which option puts you

in control of your finances.

Whether you’re drawn to a new model or a reliable second-hand option, Clonmel Credit Union can help turn your plans into reality. With fast approvals, high approval rates, and an excellent rate of 6.5%, Clonmel Credit Union has been a trusted part of the community helping its members finance

their life choices for over 60 years.

“Apply online and have the funds in your bank account within 24 hours.” Enright said, “We’re your local community bank, offering no fees, no admin costs, and no unnecessary paperwork—just great service and a commitment to supporting local families and businesses.

For anyone planning to buy a 251 car, take the time to research, test-drive, and weigh up the options. When you’re ready to take the leap, Clonmel Credit Union is there to support your journey with competitive rates designed to help you take to the road in your new car.”

For more information see www.clonmelcu.com

Mental Health Matters with Cathal O’Reilly

Election candidate Imelda Goldsboro shares her views on Mental Health

Can you tell me a little bit about the services in Clonmel and Tipperary?

Well there was a meeting when St Michael’s was closed in Hotel Minella where there was a commitment to a crisis house and Jigsaw. Haven House has been accomplished. I realise this is a short term intervention of two weeks and after Covid there was a sharp increase in demand for services.

With three children myself, I have concerns with regards to younger kids and mental health issues. There are kids of nine, ten and eleven years old now with mental health issues. I totally agree with the ban on smart phones due to the bullying that is going on and this is leading to self harming, eating disorders and suicidal tendencies. Pilot schemes need to be rolled out as well as counselling made more readily available. Another point I want to make is around children who are not into the GAA for example. We need things like music hubs for other interests and that needs to filter out into rural areas.

Can you comment a bit more on the education system?

Well there has been a large percentage drop in school attendance which is all mental health related so there needs to be a stronger emphasis placed on this. Parents need to take responsibility and become

Health Matters

more educated and aware of the negative impact phones are having on the children of today.

Please elaborate on the negative impact phones are having.

I am a strong advocate for Cocos Law and I know that pictures have been circulated online of people which has been having a severe impact again on peoples mental health and society at large.

What changes would you bring in if elected?

I would bring in more funding for men’s sheds which are providing a life line for people and they are not being recognised. Loneliness and isolation effects 40% of people of all ages in rural Ireland. For example I recently I spoke to a woman for 45 minutes and it was the first person she had seen in nine days. People do forget about their neighbour and we need to reintegrate people back into the community.

What about things like addiction in rural area and how that impacts mental health?

Things like online gambling and drinking at home is leading to domestic violence, dysfunction as well as dual diagnosis in some cases. But there needs to be a strong focus on community development and funding and more awareness. Meals On Wheels provides a lifeline and needs to be expanded.

How long have you been a counsellor now and what have you done in the community to help with these areas in that time?

11 years. I was passionate about mental health prior to becoming a counsellor. I always look for solutions to problems. For example so many people said the opening of the community Cafe in Ballingarry wouldn’t work but I opened it and it makes for a place where people are creating memories, making friends or simply coming in for a chat. If someone is sick in the area, food is dropped off. I will keep this going for as long as I possibly can and I will open community cafes in other areas also. I have been involved in mental health meetings about general mental health awareness also.

Can we come back to the issue of drugs and addiction and can you talk more about this issue that is causing so much destruction?

There is a big issue around people using the term mental health but we forget what is causing it which is drug misuse in many cases. I’m afraid for the current and future generations. Drugs have become too accessible and we need to clamp down on this. Services for people under the age of 18 need to be increased and become more cost effective. I would go into each community and bring people in who have been successful in their own recovery from addiction and share their life stories. That’s what makes the difference. If kids are in rural areas with no interest in the GAA, they are more susceptible to substance misuse, vandalism and criminal behaviour. We need more funding for services that keeps the mind active.

What about the issue of lost lives to suicide in Tipperary?

As I said people are living in Isolation. 80% of suicides are male whereas two thirds of the supports accessed are by women. There needs to be a stronger emphasis on males to open up and remove barriers. In Irish culture we are afraid of opening up and that rings alarm bells for me. There is an adult eating disorder in Kilkenny and I am looking for one to be opened in Clonmel. Self-image and passing comments is a huge thing and people passing one comment is all it can take for someone to have a serious issue. I have a strong, strong view on mental health but as a Councillor you can only do so much.

If you could change one thing in the morning with regards mental health what would it be?

More funding for rural counselling services. No one should be turned away. The Fianna Fáil Minister has a strong emphasis on dual diagnosis and there needs to be an open door policy with regards this. There has been a significant increase in the mental health budget over the past five years. People don’t realise the complexities of it (mental health). As I said drug misuse is a huge problem and getting worse with professional people now using drugs

Laura does nerve-jangling challenge for Irish Heart Foundation

A Tipperary woman has successfully completed a nerve-jangling challenge – and raised much needed funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.

Laura Ryan Kearns from Newport took on the Heart Heroes Abseil Challenge – a 60-metre abseil from the Generator Skyview Tower in Dublin’s Smithfield.

And her courage was rewarded when family and friends came together to raise more than €6,200 for the national stroke and heart charity.

The event, earlier this month, was also tinged with sadness as Laura remembered her dad Liam, who died

last year, aged 61, following a heart attack.

“My dad had no symptoms of heart disease prior to his untimely death, which highlights a need for further heart screening and awareness campaigns in Ireland,” said Laura.

“This is why I think the work of the Irish Heart Foundation is so crucial and the funds raised will enable them to continue their great work.

“It’s thanks to Dad and his legacy that we’ve raised so much for such a worthy cause. Thanks to every single person who donated. My family and

I are very grateful for your support.”

Jamie Conway, Community Fundraising Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation, said that people travelled from all over the country to support the Irish Heart Foundation on the day.

“We were absolutely blown away by their fundraising efforts. They truly are Heart heroes,” he said.

“Everyone that participated had a genuine reason to support the charity and it was really nice to speak to many of them and share their stories.

“We are already planning for next year’s event, which will take place on

Saturday, November 1 2025, so if you are interested, email jconway@irishheart.ie.”

This year’s event raised over €60,000, which will be used to help provide many services and supports to people in Ireland who have experienced a cardiac event or stroke. People are impacted by stroke and heart disease every day. The lives of these people are often cut tragically short and many are left disabled.

Over 9,000 people die each year, making heart disease and stroke one of Ireland’s biggest killers.

Fianna Fáil General Election candidate took time out from her campaign to talk to Cathal O’Reilly on Mental Health Matters

Mental

advocate Cathal O’Reilly interviews General Election candidate Imelda Goldsboro (Fianna Fáil)

Laura Ryan Kearns from Newport took on the Heart Heroes Abseil Challenge – a 60-metre abseil from the Generator Skyview Tower in Dublin’s Smithfield. Pic: Irish Heart Foundation.

Tipperary County Council

We, Waterford & Lismore Diocesan Trust intend to apply to the above Authority for Planning Permission to create a burial ground - and all associated site works at Saint Mary’s Church, Townparks, Cahir, Co. Tipperary. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Tipperary County Council Tipperary County Council

“Further Information” or “Revised Plans” Under planning referance number 2460776, Eamonn & Mary Delahunty intend to apply for planning Permission to construct (i) Stable building with effluent tank to replace existing stable building (ii) Access roadway and all associated site works. Demolition of stable building also required at Castlehiggins, Fethard , Co Tipperary.That significant further information/ revised plans in relation to the application have been furnished to the Planning Authority, and are available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Authority during public opening hours, and A submission or observation in relation to the significant further information/ revised plans may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper and site notices by the planning authority.

Tipp Echo Planning Notices accepted up to 11am on Tuesdays

I, Noel O’Keeffe intend to apply to the above Authority for Planning Permission for (i) the separation of the commercial unit from the existing dwelling as granted under Planning Reference Number 06/729 (ii) a new waste water treatment system to serve the existing commercial unit only, leaving the existing treatment system as granted under Planning Reference Number 06/729 to serve the existing dwelling only, as well as Retention Planning Permission for (iii) the existing entrance structure and existing boundary wall, (iv) existing signage, - and all associated site development works at Clashganny West, Newcastle, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Twin H ea rts M editation

The

Dr O’ Hurley Cashel Pipe Band is due to hold a short memorial service in honour of past band members. It will be held on Saturday, November 30th, at 6pm, at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Friar Street Cashel

Source:- https://www.pranichealing.ie/

https://mckscharity.ie/

Cashel Plaza hopes to be finished before Christmas with trees intact

In response to questions from Cllr Liam Browne, Tipperary County Council District Engineers advised this month’s meeting of the Council, that they hoped the current works taking place on the Plaza in Main Street will be finished before Christmas. Though a number of businesses queried why the works are taking place so late in the year, the councillors were informed that as the tourism season was not finished until late October, the decision was made to delay the new works on the Plaza. Bad weather has

also hampered the completion of new paving, and the digging of underground pipes, but it was anticipated that this would not cause many more significant delays.

When the works are finished, there will be significant coverage on the Plaza, with a number of large canvas umbrellas being erected in the weeks ahead. Another issue that has been resolved relates to the question of the trees being retained along the roadside with Main Street. In initial plans, these trees were

to be removed and replanted elsewhere, but after discussion with the council, changes were made to the plan, and the trees will happily remain in place.

Cllr Browne extended his thanks to the engineering section of the council for listening to the concerns of the local people, and finding a solution to this issue. All in all, the new works should have a very positive impact on the centre of town, and open up many new possibilities for using what is such an important public space.

CHRISTMAS COMPETITION!

Cashel Town in talk

By Liam Browne

Community School past pupil wins World Skills award

Cashel Community School were delighted last week to congratulate past pupil Sam Grene, on his win in the Apprenticeship World Skills Ireland competition recently held in the RDS in Dublin. Sam took home top prize in the Toolmaking Section of the Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Category.

Sam claimed top prize as Toolmaker in the Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Category. Designed to promote skills, apprenticeship careers and opportunities for young people, the event allows students, parents, teachers, and guidance counsellors to navigate the options available following secondary education.

With a huge emphasis on increasing the number of trades people in the country, it is important that schools like Cashel Community School continues to show off its prowess in education and development of young people like Sam. He will now go forward to the World Games, and all at his Alma Mater wish him the best

Godolphin Bursary Award goes to popular Cashel Student

This years Godolphin Bursary Award winner at Cashel Community School has been awarded to popular Cashel student Nora O Brien. The Godolphin Bursary is offered annually to sixth year students who intend to continue full-time study at an institute of technology or university in Ireland, or at an equivalent institution overseas. Now in its tenth year, the bursary is offered to students at nominated schools based in localities in which Godolphin Ireland has stud farms.

Candidates for the bursary are assessed on evidence of engagement in school and community activities and on the focus and clarity of their submissions. The successful candidates receive a laptop computer along with €1,500 per year of third-level study up to a maximum of four years. In keeping with the ethos of the Godolphin Bursary, recipients are encouraged to volunteer with charities and community groups throughout their undergraduate studies. And Nora meets all the criteria, both academic and community minded. She is a keen student, but also has more strings to her bow. She is a past winner of the Cashel Lions Club Young Person of the Year award, which she

won as a result of her participation in many different charitable drives, despite her young years. She also starred in Cashel Community School’s recent musical, playing the role of Rosie, which allowed her to show off her musical and comedic talents. A sixth year student, she can now look forward to concentrating on her Leaving Cert studies, with the knowledge that the costs of college are going to be a little easier to bear, as she has won a new laptop and a €1500 per year award towards her college expenses. It is more than deserved and we wish Nora and the best.

Le Chéile Cashel promise exciting Christmas Fair in Halla

Fresh from their Halloween success, newly formed community group Le Chéile Caiseal have jumped straight into their second project, and will present a Christmas Fair in Halla na Féile on Sunday, with over 30 stalls already signed up. The organisers are hoping that the crowds of a month ago can be replicated, and the longer-term plan is to have bigger and better Christmas Fairs in the town in the years ahead. A wide variety of stalls have

signed up, from arts & crafts, to food stalls, to clothing and photography, so there will be plenty for punters to peruse on the day. There will also be full tea and coffee facilities, so you can enjoy some of the baked goods on sale while listening to the planned entertainment provided by the Community School choir. This truly starts the Christmas period in Cashel, and the planners hope that those who come to the Hall, will also venture down the town

into Cashel, and consider shopping locally at this time of year. The Hall will be open from 1pm until 5pm, with just a small charge of two euro to help cover the costs, with children under 12 having free entry. The proceeds of the day will then go into a fund to run even more projects that benefit the local community into the future, so that a big turnout will be a great benefit not just on the day, but for events into next year.

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

Young Cashel Basketballer follows his Hoop Dreams in Green

BY LIAM BROWNE

It’s a long way from Kosovo to Cashel, but that’s the route a young Cashel man benefitted from, and is now about make his mark in one of Ireland’s less recognised, but widely played sports, Basketball. Rion Krasniqi is his name, and he’s one to watch for the future. And, while his surname might seem like it’s not of this parish, he has a very strong connection with the town of Cashel.

Rion is the son of Sandra Hourigan, the daughter of Paddy and Ann Hourigan, brought up at the top of Friar Street, across from St John the Baptist Church. Anne has long been a sacristan of the chapel, and is a well-known face to all the massgoers that go in and out on a daily basis. The other side of Rion’s family, had a little longer trip to get to the City of the Kings. The Balkans have long been a contested region, which saw peace post World War Two, but only as a consequence of the dictatorship of Josep Tito, the military leader of Yugoslavia. After the breakup of much of

Communist Eastern Europe in the early 1990’s, a series of conflicts arose across the Balkans as subjugated countries, rose to assert their independence. One of these broke out in Kosovo, a contested area between the newly formed country of Serbia, and the Kosovar Albanian militias of the KLA, the Kosovan Liberation Army.

This created a huge flow of refugees from Southern Europe, and one of those, who came to Ireland to meet two brothers who had already found refuge in this country, was Selami Krasniqi. Happy to receive this protection, Selami moved from Dublin, and found himself one weekend night, in one of Cashel’s two nightclubs, Grants in Kearney’s Castle. There he met Sandra Hourigan and from that first meeting, eventually married, having a family of three children, two girls and one boy. Arianna at twenty-one is the oldest, with Ora at eleven being the baby of the house. And in the middle, came Rion, now fifteen years of age. Rion grew up having much of a similar life as all the boys of his age. Sporting wise, he

tried the usual. GAA is always a mainstay in Cashel, and with his father having an interest in soccer, he tried that too. But, a chance invitation by a friend, saw Rion find a completely new sport to him, where he has now found his real passion. That friends name is Darragh Lonergan, from Ballytarsna, and he brought Rion to Thurles to basketball practice with the Thurles club, the Tipp Talons. Never having played the game before, Rion took to it like a duck to water, and was very quickly spotted by one of the Thurles club’s coaches, Lorraine Connor. Lorraine showed him the basics, which he mastered very quickly, and he was soon making star appearances on the court, to the surprise of many who had a few years head start on him.

This led to Rion then coming to the notice of Niall Berry, a very well-respected basketball coach, currently in charge of the Irish u18 national team. He wanted Rion to try out for the Munster u14 inter provincial team, the first step on the ladder to a national call up, but young Rion fell into that trap that many a GAA player falls foul

of, being born just a few days before year end, and being days too old to try out. That didn’t stop him however, he simply tried out for the next age group up, the u16s. But he didn’t get a chance. Such was the level of talent he showed, he was immediately bounced over the provincial u16s, and sent straight to the nationals, where he ended up as the youngest to make the cut, being just fourteen years of age. This year, at fifteen he has remained with the record, currently training now with the Irish u17s.

That training can be hard though. As said, basketball is a pretty niche sport in Tipperary, despite being played in many of the county’s secondary schools. He works closely on a personal basis with Declan Berry, a brother of Niall, who does one on one strength and conditioning training with him. For extra ball training, Rion travels to either St Munchins or University of Limerick in Limerick, or to the National Basketball Stadium in Tallaght in Dublin. A long trek, but he and his family think it’s worth it. Currently he is training for the Four Nations

Tournament in February or March of 2025, while also playing in schools’ competition with his Thurles CBS side. He was part of a successful team that reached the All-Ireland finals in 2023, and that team has also reached the u16 A regional finals this year. But without Rion, who is once again, hamstrung by being three days too old.

But being a good team mate, he supports his fellow classmates from the line.

Longer term, the young Cashel ballers ambition extends to playing a European and Olympic level. Ireland has never qualified a team to make it to the Olympics, but they have been steadily building programs that are turning out more and more good players every year. That with a better level of coaching that is also part of the program, gives hope to young players like Rion, that this pathway may be more open to them in the future. And then there is also the issue of dual nationality. Or, in Rion’s case, triple nationality, because as the product of an Irish mother and Kosovar father, Rion is eligible to play internationally not only

for Ireland, but also Kosovo and Albania. That is a long way from his mind at the moment however. As of now, his mind is concentrated on the green of Ireland, and making himself the best player he can be. He also has one other ambition, the same as any elite basketballer, and that is to play at the highest professional level, either in the NBA in the US, or in European professional basketball leagues. Of course, Sandra and Selami also consider his studies with the books to be important, and that too provides opportunities for the young Cashel man, with the American collegiate system providing the perfect place to get both a topclass education and test the best of the young basketball players that want to make the step to the NBA.

All lofty ambitions. But why not reach for the stars. As the song goes, “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary”. It certainly is from Kosovo, but Selami Krasniqi made it. Who’s to say that his son doesn’t have a long way to go yet. He’s a young man as of now, with the world in front of him. So why not follow his Hoop Dreams.

St Vincent de Paul Church Gate Collection

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (St Nicholas/St Mollerans Conference) Church Gate Collection will be taken up at all Masses in Carrick-on-Suir, Faugheen, Grangemockler,Ballyneale on next weekend Saturday 30th November and Sunday, 1st December

Christmas can be a very difficult time for families in our community to put food on the table or the elderly to heat their homes so please help us to support them at this difficult time of the year. Please support our Christmas Collection.

Well-known Carrick-on-Suir personality and Handball Club founder, Patsy Tobin, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Friday last.

Handball Club founder celebrates 90th birthday milestone

Friday last was a special day in the close knit community around Treacy Park and for the wider handball community in Carrick-on-Suir.

One of those who built the handball alley adjacent to the Davin Park on the N24 and who continues to this day to be an ever present sight on the high steps overlooking the court celebrated his 90th birthday.

Patsy Tobin, a lifelong handball enthusiast is seen every night that training takes place, casting a watchful eye over the next generations plying their skills on the court as he has been for the past five decades. Patsy has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the ancient Gaelic game and his expertise and clinical eye for the sport means that his words are absorbed by those around him and any advice given is taken on board fully.

Handball in Carrick has become an intergenerational affair as Patsy’s son, David has taken up the reigns in physically training the young, and not so young handballers on the court. Carrick has produced too many county, Munster and Irish champions to name in the sport and all of these competition winners can trace their success back to the men who started the handball club in the town and to the legend that is Patsy Tobin, who almost singlehandedly at times, kept the club going and kept the champions coming into the town.

‘We have been neglected time after time’

Use your vote wisely on Fridayand keep Carrick-on-Suir in mind

This coming Friday polling stations throughout the country will beopen from 7 am. until 10 pm for the General Election.

In the South Tipperary constituency there are 12 candidates seeking to take one of the three seats up for grabs. Of the 12 there are two sitting TDs, three councillors and one former TD.

The full list of hopefuls detailed below have all got their manifestos and promises available online and through their published literature.

BRENNAN – THE LABOUR PARTY

Michael ‘Chicken’ Brennan

BROWNE – SINN FÉIN

Martin Browne

FITZGERALD – NON-PARTY

Bill Fitzgerald

GOLDSBORO – FIANNA FÁIL

Imelda Goldsboro

HEALY – NON-PARTY

Seamus Healy

MADIGAN – GREEN PARTY/COMHAONTAS GLAS

Myriam Madigam

McGLONE – AONTÚ

Rosemary McGlone

McGRATH – THE NATIONAL PARTY –AN PÁIRTÍ NÁISIÚNTA

John McGrath

McGRATH – NON-PARTY

Mattie McGrath

MURPHY – FINE GAEL

Michael Murphy O’HENEY – NON-PARTY

John O’Heney

WEBSTER – INDEPENDENT IRELAND

Nadaline Webster

While this is a national election, the electorate of Carrick-on-Suir and its hinterland must surely realise at this stage that, for the most part, those who have been elected into the Dáil have completely forgotten about the town. We have been neglected time after time when it comes to housing, public transport, and most importantly health and employment.

A long and on-going battle with the H.S.E. and the current government over the closure of the hospital continues and will continue until at the very least the truth behind the lies regarding its closure is told. The hospice beds and rooms, self-funded for the most part by the local community, where painfully stripped of all fixtures and fittings and dispersed to the four corners of the country to service other hospitals, highlighting just how much disdain and contempt those in positions of authority think of the people who worked so hard to make Saint Brigid’s the facility that it was.

The lies around vague HIQA reports and engineer reports including fears around flooding, which never happened since the hospital first opened its doors in 1840 are still bones of

contention.. The hospital must be to the fore on the electorates minds when marking their numbers beside their chosen candidate.

In terms of employment, the dark days predicted by trade unions and businesses alike following the closure of the Tannery in Carrick in 1985 sadly bore fruition and the added job loss of the Schiessers factory in 1996 was another nail in the coffin of the town.

Since then the town has been completely forgotten by successive governments, and if it was not for the growth of several individual business ventures in construction and the like, as well as workers commuting to Clonmel and Waterford the unemployment figures would be much worse than they are.

The point has been made that geographically Carrick is at a disadvantage, due to its proximity to bigger towns like Clonmel and the cities of Kilkenny and Waterford but this excuse cannot be accepted any longer. We are a town that punches way above its weight in terms of sporting, musical and artistic talents and we deserve to be treated in the same manner as every other collective of citizens in the state.

Please use your vote whatever way you want, but also bear in mind that the person you are voting for is going to be your voice for the term of the next Dáil and you need to decide which of the 12 running candidates will best represent your voice, your concerns and your fears at national level.

Carrick Swan U21 hurlers bow

out

despite gallant effort in tough conditions

Commiserations to our U21 hurlers, who bowed out of the County Championship on Sunday afternoon in Golden after a narrow loss to Clonoulty/Rossmore. Despite the rough conditions, the team put in a gallant performance and came up agonisingly short. We’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to the players and management for their effort, dedication, and hard work throughout the year.

All in Carrick Swan Club

would like to send our heartfelt best wishes to Tony Hogan as he recovers from his surgery, last week. Tony epitomises everything a Swan club member should be. Over the years, he has coached every age group—boys, girls, and adults—while also serving as club chairman and dedicating countless hours to both the Juvenile and Adult committees. Clubs simply don’t succeed without people like Tony driving them forward! Wishing you the very best of

luck, Tony, and a smooth and speedy recovery. We look forward to seeing you back in The Páirc very soon!

SWAN LOTTO

There was no winner of last week’s Carrick Swan Lotto. Twelve people matched 3 and won €20 each. The numbers drawn last week were 06 - 18 - 20 - 28.

This week, our Lotto jackpot is €3,250. The draw takes place on Thursday night, each week, and it costs just €2 to enter.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all those who play our lotto – your continued support helps fund our young players and our Field Development Project.

Play our lotto, support the future of our club!

CONDOLENCES

Carrick Swan club would like to pass on our condolences to the Coughlan family of Carrick-Beg, and the Ryan family of Lisadell on their recent bereavements.

In Memoriam To place your anniversary

In Memoriam

Remembering our lovely forever friend Margaret, we miss you.

Love always Angie and Breada x

In Memoriam

(Lily) Landy, Bianconi Drive, Clonmel whose 6th anniversary occurs on November 29th.

Mam,

The years go by so quickly, our lives are not quite the same. You were so dearly loved and are so sorely missed xx

God’s grace and mercy is poured out to all who call on the name of his son our Saviour Jesus Christ.

John 3 verses 16-18: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”

You were a firm believer Mam, until we meet again xxxxxxxxxx

Memoriam

Fitzgerald

10 years have passed since you left us, But not a day goes by without thoughts of you. Your laughter, love, and kindness stay with us, Guiding our hearts through life’s journey.

Though you are gone, you’re never forgotten, Forever cherished, forever missed. Until we meet again, may you rest in peace. Remembered by your nephews, Kenneth & Jamie

In Memoriam In Memoriam In Memoriam

Wishing you were here today for even just a while

So we could say Happy Birthday Dad and see your loving smile,

The only gifts today will be the sweet memories you left behind

Of laughter, singing and happiness that still linger in our hearts. We gaze upon your picture and think of you with love and hope that you are doing fine with mam in Heaven above.

May the Angels hold you close and sing you a happy song and we will sing “happy birthday dad” and celebrate all year long.

Forever in our hearts love you Dad, hugs to Mam. Xxxx Sandra, Anthony, Samantha, Seanie, Siobhán, Joseph, Ella.

In Memoriam

3rd Anniversary

Patrick (Paddy) Keogh

3 Bianconi Drive and formerly Callan (Kilbride)

We hold you close within our hearts, And there you shall remain, To walk with us throughout our lives, Until we meet again. So rest in peace dear loved one, And thanks for all you’ve done, We pray that God has given you, The crown you’ve truly won.

Sadly missed by your daughters Ann, Helen and Patricia, son Edward, grandchildren and great grandsons, Tommy & Cillian.

Paddy’s anniversary mass takes place in St Oliver’s Church on December 1st at 12pm.

In loving memory of Breda, whose First Anniversary occurs on December 4th.

We, her family wish to express our gratitude and acknowledge the overwhelming kindness and support shown to our family during our sad loss.

A special word of thanks to our family, friends and neighbours and especially to Breda’s friends and former work colleagues. Thank you to each and every one who attended Breda’s wake and burial, to those who travelled long distances, sent mass cards and kind messages.

Our heartful appreciation for the donations to St. Theresa’s Hospital, Clogheen. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Pat Breen and colleagues at Western House Medical Centre, Dr. Eileen Kelleher and staff of St. Veronica’s Unit, St. Bernadette’s Unit at Bon Secours Hospital Cork.

A special thank you to the wonderful staff at CCU at Tipperary University Hospital Clonmel who cared for Breda with great care and compassion.

Thank you to the following: Condon Funeral Directors, Fr. Michael Toomey, Fr. Frawley, Grange Church and Hall Committees. It is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

Loved and remembered by Dick, Kevin, Elaine, Antoinette & Brendan.

Breda’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Nicholas Church Grange on Sunday 8th December at 10.30am.

Annie is now home in the Galtees.

With love, from the McGrath family Cappamore.

Breda (Brigid) Foley (nee Murray)

Marlfield Clonmel

Helen

Timmy O’Dwyer Summerhill Drive, Clonmel

Margaret Caulfield

Annie Cahill

Anne

Pearse Park, Clonmel

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

Tipperary Song of Peace Contest returns after a six year break

The Tipperary International Song of Peace Contest is back after a 6 year break. The Contest was last held in 2018 and organisers are now delighted to accept entries for the Contest which will take place in the Spring of 2025. Songwriters are invited to submit a song with a theme of peace. Songs of peace, love, faith joy or hope and harmony are eligible. In fact anything that one feels constitutes a ‘Sense of Peace’. The closing date for receipt of entries is January 15th, 2025. Entry forms are now available by email from tipppeace@gmail.com or through the Tipperary Song of Peace Facebook Page. The winners

of the Contest in 2018 were singer songwriting duo Karen Cross from Galway & Rob Martin from Dublin, who won the title with a song titled ‘Oceans of Peace’.

The best Irish entry award of the Mick Tuohy Perpetual Cup in 2018 went to a young Tipperary duo, Sophie Bartlett & Ciarán Coffey with their entry ‘Doesn’t have to be a Dream’. It is yet to be decided if there will be a School Peace Choir competition to run alongside the International Song of Peace Contest. The Hon. Secretary of Tipperary Peace Convention, Martin Quinn, says that he is looking forward to the Song of Peace

Very successful Craft and Food Market in Tipperary town

I called into the Tipperary town Craft and Food Market in the Marian Hall, Tipperary, on Saturday November 23rd. This was the only Christmas Market to take place this year. The hall was full of stalls with no shortage of Christmas fare on offer. The stall holders told me that they had a very good day and wanted to thank all those who had come out on an inclement day to support the event. There was a great se-

lection of crafts on display along with a nice selection of delicacies. It was great to see the hall bedecked with Christmas display items, an indication of the effort put in by the craftspeople to cater for those searching for Christmas gifts. Well done to all the craftspeople who had stalls for the market and hopefully those that supported the event will have picked up some special item for the Christmas season.

Contest returning in 2025. “The Song of Peace Contest was always a great event and brought contestants from different parts of the world. They all have great memories of their time spent in Tipperary. We already have a number of entries submitted for the 2025 Contest, and I would like to encourage all songwriters to consider entering the Contest. The world needs more messages of peace and what better way to do than in song” said Martin. A reminder then that entry forms are available by email from tipppeace@gmail.com and that the closing date for entries is January 15th, 2025.

with Martin Quinn

2018 Tipperary Song of Peace; Joe Quinn, John Shanahan, Rob Martin & Karen Cross (winners) and Martin Quinn

Aidan Moroney displays some of his range of Christmas Tree ornaments at the Tipperary Town Craft and Food Market

Ava, Gemma and Ann Devereux brought some of their home made delicacies to the Tipperary Town Craft and Food Market

Annie Hutton of Annie’s Cards with Ellie-Mai and Mason at the Tipperary Town Craft and Food Market

Members of the Ukrainian Community Tipperary display their craft work at the Tipperary Town Craft and Food Market at the Marian Hall, Tipperary

Mateusz from Simple Crafts meets Jimmy and Kay Tobin at the Tipperary Town Craft and Food Market

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

New book on Cumann na mBan in Tipperary is lauded by former Minister and historian

A book titled ‘Revolutionary Women of Tipperary, 19141923’ written by Noreen Higgins McHugh, was launched by Dr. Martin Mansergh, at the Tipperary Excel, on Saturday November 23rd. The 560 page volume has an index to Cumann na mBan Pension and Service Medal applicants. The book is in memory of Maureen Power (1896 - 1925) of Coolnagun, Tipperary, who inspired the book. The story of Maureen’s young life was outlined at the launch by a family descendant, Anne Power, who thanked Noreen on behalf of the Power Family, for the dedication to Maureen’s memory. Other contributions to the event came from Anna Wall and from Julia McHugh (Noreen’s daughter).

The MC at the event, Josephine O’Neill, welcomed everyone to the launch and said that it was a special celebration. “Today is a great celebration because only 0.5% of recorded history is about women. This makes no sense as women make up 50% of the population. Our role in Cumann na mBan brought us into the political revolution. We all know that when the new state was formed we were pushed back into the kitchen, so it is really important that Noreen has recorded the lives of these brave Cumann na mBan women”.

Dr. Martin Mansergh spoke in depth about Noreen’s work in compiling this book. “We should all be immensely grateful for the encyclopedic work carried out by Dr. Noreen Higgins McHugh on the members of Cumann na mBan from County Tipperary.

With the overall background context nationally also set out, much of the detail of which is not that well known, nor particularly highlighted in accounts of the Irish revolution. Not far from here outside what was ‘till recently the Post Office, the bright wooden statue of a Cumann na mBan member provides an attractive reminder here in Tipperary of their importance in the fight for national freedom. In the context of the Irish revolution, the single most vital element in the support structures that enabled the fight to be carried on was Cumann na mBan, founded in 1914, a few months after the Irish Volunteers. Noreen Higgins McHugh’s incredibly researched book is based on two things; personal motivation allied to her well established authority, and the abundant availability of new source material, or material that has been newly made available, waiting to be systematically used. As she explains in her foreword, her interest was sparked when she learned that a niece of her great grandmother, Maureen Power, together with her sister Tessie, were active in Cumann na mBan both during the War of Independence and on the Anti Treaty side in the Civil War, and they were contemporaries of Kevin Barry in UCD. Two of their brothers were active in the IRA in both Dublin and Tipperary. A family connection to some important event or movement is, I suspect, often a spur to historians in their desire to make sense of their families experience and contribution in other times and to rescue that for the historical

record, which leads them on to exploring the bigger picture, as Noreen has done. The other enabler of Noreen’s work she explains thus; the case study of Cumann na mBan in Tipperary was only possible due to the online publication of the various databases held by the Irish Military archives. These include the witness statements of the Bureau of Military History, BMH, the Military Service Pensions Collection and the Medals Collection. As former Deputy Chair of the Government’s Exper Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations, Chaired by Dr. Maurice Manning, which concluded its work at the end of 2023, I am delighted that this book is a vindication of a recommendation given to the Government to prioritise the digitisation of the entire Military History Collection, so that it is freely available and accessible online to all. This is of benefit to everyone interested, relatives obviously, but including students and researchers, schools and colleges, and helps illuminate county and community history, as well as family history to which Noreen has earlier written a guide for this county” said Dr. Mansergh.

Noreen Higgins said that she first heard of Cumann na mBan many years ago when she learned that her great grandfather, Patrick Mullaney of Ballymorris, Kilmoyler, had a first cousin named Maureen Power of Coolnagun, Tipperary, and that she was very involved in the Cumann na mBan organisation in Dublin, and this sparked her interest. “Initially I wanted to do the subject for my MA Thesis, but I had to shelve

the idea as there were so few sources available, online or in print. In recent years I started to make enquiries about Cumann na mBan from a lot of gentlemen historians. They would look at me and say ‘ah sure they were great women’ and they would add ‘they were treated very badly in the pension process’. They might add that ‘they carried dispatches everyday to meeting houses’. In those three or four sentences the subject of Cumann na mBan was basically finished. So my book

was born out of frustration, that I could not find any book that looked at the ordinary lives of Cumann na mBan within the Tipperary or Munster area. The book is divided into two parts; the first part is a narrative of the years 1914, the War of Independence, the Truce, the Civil War at National and Local level. The second part of the book is related to dependencies of members of Cumann na mBan and is very specific to Tipperary and East Limerick” said Noreen.

Noreen will be giving a series of talks about the book at venues around the county. The first talk will take place at Bookworm, Thurles, on Wednesday December 4th at 7:30pm, and the second talk is at Clonmel Library on Wednesday December 18th at 7:00pm.

Congratulations to Noreen on what is a very valuable volume of information on the important role played by Cumann na mBan members in the struggle for Irish freedom.

Dr. Martin Mansergh, Noreen Higgins McHugh (author) and Martin McHugh are pictured at the launch of ‘Revolutionary Women of Tipperary’ at the Tipperary Excel

Julia McHugh daughter of Noreen Higgins McHugh reads a poem at the launch of ‘Revolutionary Women of Tipperary’ at the Tipperary Excel

John Connors & Sylvia Greene are pictured at the launch of ‘Revolutionary Women of Tipperary’ at the Tipperary Excel

Tom O’Brien & Martin O’Shea are pictured at the launch of ‘Revolutionary Women of Tipperary’ at the Tipperary Excel

Rahealty National School Special Christmas event

This December, Rahealty National School will host a very special Christmas event. On Saturday 7th December, “A Premier Night to Remember” will take place in the Premier Hall, Thurles, at 7.00pm with all proceeds to Rahealty National School. This festive evening promises to be filled with joy, music, and community spirit, and the school would love for everyone to join them.

The evening will feature performances from various groups around the Thurles area, as well as the children of Rahealty National School – the children are so excited to have this opportunity for the school.

Tickets have been distributed to families and extra tickets are available from the school if needed. So please spread the word and make your way to the Premier Hall for this very special event.

Cathedral Choir all set to raise the roof

Thurles Cathedral Choir are all set to raise the roof on Sunday evening next when they host their annual festive concert in the Cathedral of the Assumption.

The wonderful choir which performs each weekend at the 11:00am Mass and on many other occasions also, has been working hard preparing for the concert which has become part and parcel of the annual calendar in advance of the Festive Season.

An open invitation is extended to all to come along and enjoy an evening of jubilant and festive music and song at this year’s Raise the Roof Gala concert.

The Cathedral Choir will once again be accompanied by the

Recently Deceased

Clonmel Concert Band next Sunday, 1st December in the Cathedral at 7.30 p.m. No booking required for this concert and there is no charge for entry. However, donations would be most welcome on the night as the choir seeks to help with the fundraising project to replace the ailing roof of the famous Cathedral. Special Guest on the evening will be Irish soprano Gina Oberoi and a special Thurles céad mile failte will be extended to all those who will perform on the night. All proceeds will go towards the Cathedral Reroofing Project, so make sure to mark the date in your diary and get along for a real treat.

Prayed for at all Masses in Thurles parish at the weekend, were the following who have died:

John Egan, Kickham Street.

Austin O’Flaherty, Dublin formerly Croke Street

Tipperary Talons Basketball Club

The club would like to thank all parishioners and members who generously contributed to their Church Gate Collection last weekend.

St Vincent de Paul

For families or people who need help this Christmas they can make a request by ringing St Vincent de Paul at 061 317327 or email info.midwest@svp.ie Requests have to be in by December 13th. Unfortunately, due to shortage of volunteers SVP are unable to assist Santa with toys.

The St Vincent de Paul Annual Appeal takes place on December 7th and 8th. Please drop donation envelopes to SVP Centre, Parish Centre or either Church. Thank you.

Dementia Friendly, Thurles

Annual Christmas Party Cafe on Wednesday December 4th at 11 a.m. in Bookworm. Music, song and maybe a few stories for all. Mince Pies plus the annual Christmas raffle. The group looks forward to seeing everyone and all the music men and women. Christmas dress is welcome too.

Christmas Raffle

Tickets on sale at the Parish Office from Monday November 25th

A great variety of prizes. All proceeds to the Cathedral Reroofing Project. Ticket €2 each or 3 for €5.

Handcrafted Christmas Cards

Handcrafted Christmas cards kindly made by parishioners, Marina and Moireen, are available in the Parish Centre. Donations only -proceeds to Cathedral Reroofing Fund. Thurles Parish Christmas Cards and Christmas Mass Bouquets also available, (€2).

Eye onThurles

By the Cathedral Townie

Plans in train to expand Thurles company Dew Valley Foods

Dew Valley Foods, located on the Holycross Road out of Thurles and one of the largest producers of cooked bacon in Europe, is planning a substantial expansion of its factory that could create 180 jobs.

The company, founded in 1987 by local man Jack Blake whose family ran a very successful butcher business, is a privately owned meat processor, and it is now planning a “substantial capital investment” on the site, according to planning documents

submitted to Tipperary County Council. It is seeking a 10-year planning permission for the development, including an 11,267 sq m extension to the existing food-manufacturing facility and a two-storey office space.

In the documents presented to the local authority, planners for the company said there had been “significant demand for Irish-produced cooked bacon products” in recent years.

Planning documents also state that the proposed development was a “significant infrastructural construction project” and would be carried out on a phased basis, subject to operational and commercial requirements.

The construction phase of the proposed project would take place over around 10 years. Subject to receipt of planning permission, the company hopes to start next year.

‘Think Languages Week’ in Thurles schools

Transition Year students in Thurles were were busy celebrating “Think Languages week” this week.

Trinity College student, Kate Doyle came to Thurles CBS and delivered a very interesting presentation in association with Languages Connect. She spoke about studying modern Languages at third level in Ireland and the wide variety of future job opportunities for language graduates. The huge number of employers in Ireland currently hiring language graduates directly from university was highlighted.

On Thursday TY language students visited UL to take part in a variety of language-awareness and language -learning workshops, ranging from German hip-hop classes, Spanish Flamenco dancing, Escape

room, Japanese calligraphy, to name but a few. Students were also given a Campus tour by UL students.

On Friday all TY students experienced ‘language through movement’ by taking part in a Korean Taekwondo workshop.

The partaking in these activities have helped bring different languages and cultures to life for the boys.

Meanwhile in the Presentation Secondary School, Transition Year students had a fantastic day celebrating Think Languages week 2024! They participated in some exciting workshops such as Around the world in 80 minutes, Dreolín, Sign language and much more. The school was delighted to welcome back former teacher and Deputy Principal Mary B Lanigan to speak to the students.

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

A most amiable man who enjoyed the highest of regard of all who knew him

The late Johnny Egan, Kickham Street, Thurles

Johnny Egan, Kickham Street, Thurles who passed away last week, was in his 96th year and in all that time, nobody had anything but good to say about this kind, gentle soul.

It’s safe to say that Johnny never crossed swords with anybody – he was a most amiable man who enjoyed the highest of regard of all who knew him, with his pleasant, kind and caring disposition endearing him to all.

Johnny spent many years working in Thurles CBS Secondary School and he was one of those men who could turn his hand to anything – fixing, repairing, altering, changing – Johnny could do it all and he did it with a pleasant smile and with a kind word for all the boys who passed through the corridors of the famed school.

Johnny was also a most popular member of staff with all of the others who spent time in the school and his rapport with all sectors of the school community was living evidence of a man who was highly valued.

He loved the game of hurling and took special interest in the exploits of his brother-in-law, the late great Tommy Doyle, and all of the extended Doyle

clan – Johnny, like five time All-Ireland senior medal winner Tommy, hurled for Thurles Kickhams and was involved in the club, but he always retained a great interest in Thurles Sarsfields and Tipperary affairs when Tommy moved to hurl for the senior club. And Johnny delighted in the many conversations which materialised when the ancient game cropped up, gently offering his well-thought out and articulated views.

In his wife Mary (nee Ryan), Johnny found a thoroughly devoted soulmate who was with him right to the very end. They shared many joys and happiness during their life together and the arrival of their son Philip was an especially joyous occasion – they were enormously proud of Philip and his many achievements in life, professionally and otherwise.

The arrival of grandchildren Kate, Ava and John delighted Johnny and Mary and they doted on them, thrilled and delighted that the next generation is in safe hands.

Johnny and Mary were very fortunate that Philip welcomed his own wife Mary into their lives, and the support that she proffered on her new family has

helped to sustain them greatly over many years but most especially in later times as Johnny’s health deteriorated.

Johnny Egan’s popularity was borne out by the large attendance throughout the funeral period. People came from far a near – members of the legal profession (Philip’s colleagues), teachers past and present, former pupils, neighbours and a plethora of friends made their way to Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home and the Cathedral of the Assumption before Johnny was laid to rest in St Kevin’s Cemetery, Littleton.

Johnny passed away in the wonderful care of the Staff of the Community Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles. He was predeceased by his brothers Nicky, Philly and Paddy, sisters Nancy (Doyle) and Kathleen (Sheedy). Johnny is deeply regretted by his loving family; devoted wife Mary, son Philip, daughter-inlaw Mary, beloved grandchildren Kate, Ava and John, nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law Tommy Croke and John Ryan, sister-in-law Joan Ryan (Littleton), relatives, neighbours and friends.

A man who was very close to God during his life, may this gentle son of Thurles rest peacefully in the Heaven he fervently believed in.

Lebanese flag at half-mast on Memorial Day in Thurles

On Sunday, 10th November Dúrlas

Éile Eliogarty Memorial Committee held it’s 25th Annual Remembrance Sunday Ceremonies in the Cathedral of the Assumption and in St Mary’s International Garden of Remembrance Thurles Co Tipperary.

It was a beautiful day for all who attended the Mass and after the concluding ceremonies in St Mary’s. The ceremonies were attended by Councillor Peggy Ryan on behalf of Thurles, Templemore, Roscrea Municipal Council; HE Mr Muhammed Al Muhammad, Kuwait Ambassador to Ireland; HE. Mr Giovanni Buttigieg, Malta Ambassador to Ireland; Mr Sung -min Ko Deputy Head of the Republic of Korea Mission in Ireland; Rev Fr James Purcell PP, Thurles; Canon Ian Coulter, Church of Ireland; Fr Paul Murphy KM, Chaplin Mellows Barracks, Galway; Dr Michael Casey, Fellow of the Irish State; Dr Martin Mansergh; Superintendent Eddie Golden; Inspector James White, An Garda Siochana; Oglaigh Naisiunta na h-Eireann Veterans from Cobh, Co Cork and Nenagh Co Tipperary; United Nations Veterans Association from Cobh; Irish Red Cross; high ranking officers from the Order of Malta Commander Michael Lowry KM, Mr P.J Ryan K.M, Commander Aidan O Brien k.M, MR Jim Keough KM; Ms Olga Gaffney, Irish Law Society; Mr Martin Quinn, Secretary of the Tipperary International Peace Committee; Mr Guy Jones, Chairman of the Irish Lebanese Culture Foundation; Mr Dominic Moore, President of Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee; Mr John Wort, Chairman and Founder Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee who organised the event.

Mr Guy Jones was Master of Ceremonies on the day and welcomed our four everyone to the event. Two plaques were unveiled to deceased members of the Irish Red Cross and Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee by Mr Pat Carroll, Chairman Irish Red Cross and Mr John Wort.

Thirteen wreaths were laid at all the memorials in St Mary’s Garden of remembrance by VIPs, veterans and invited guests. Chairman Mr John Wort recited the Exhortation before piper Tadgh Ryan played a Lament.

Members of the Cashel Brass Band played the Last Post and Revile and Mr Peter Byrne raised the Irish Flag to full mast - the Lebanese Flag was lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect to all the people of Lebanon who died in the invasion of their country.

Mr John Wort gave the final address thanking all who attended the ceremonies in the Cathedral of the Assumption and in St Mary’s International Garden of Remembrance especially all those who travelled from Dublin. Cork City. Cobh Co Cork. Limerick, Kells Co Meath, Kilkenny, Galway, Tipperary Town, Templemore, Nenagh, Kildare.

A special word of thanks went to Cashel Brass Band members, Tadgh Ryan on the Bagpipes, the Colour Party, Fr James Purcell PP, Fr Paul Murphy KM, Canon Ian Coulter, the Cathedral Choir, Mr Jim Woodlock all the readers and the gift bearers.

Sponsors Dr Martin and Joe Semple, Denver Colorado U.S.A and the Republic of Korea Embassy Dublin were also thanked as was Mr James Slattery monumental sculpture who sponsored the Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Plaque.

The late Johnny Egan, Kickham Street, Thurles

Shock and heartbreak as Mount Melleray Abbey faces an uncertain future

Ina decision that has sent shockwaves through the local, national, and international communities, Mount Melleray Abbey, a cherished spiritual and cultural landmark, is set to undergo a dramatic transformation. On January 25, 2025, the Abbey will close its doors, and its beloved Community of Monks will relocate to Mount St. Joseph’s Abbey in Roscrea. While the move is described as temporary, reportedly for a minimum period of 24 months, there is growing concern that it could spell the end for Mount Melleray as we know it.

The decision, made by the General Chapter of the Cistercian Order, was administered by Fr. Mauro-Giuseppe Lepori, the Abbot General of the Cistercian Order, in consultation with Dom Bernardus Peeters, Abbot General of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (OSCO). However, no details have been provided regarding the future operation of the Abbey’s farm, coffee shop, or day to day activities, leaving the local community in limbo.

This news has devastated the monks of Mount Melleray Abbey, a community that has long been at the heart of the local area, providing solace, support, and spiritual guidance. Many are deeply concerned about the future of the Abbey itself, as well as the impact on those who rely on its presence for their livelihoods and well being.

The Abbey’s farm and coffee shop have been vital components of the local economy, drawing vis-

itors from across the country and beyond. Pilgrims and tourists alike have long been enchanted by Mount Melleray’s serene beauty, its historical significance, and its sense of peace. The potential closure of this sacred space is being described as a devastating cultural and spiritual loss.

For generations, Mount Melleray Abbey has been a beacon of hope and reflection. Its closure is being met with disbelief and sorrow, not just by the monks, but by the countless people whose lives have been touched by their kindness and hospitality.

“I’m devastated for the monks, for the local community, and for everyone who holds this place close to their hearts,” said one anonymous supporter, who received the news from a member of the community.

“We have to do everything we can to reverse this decision before it’s too late.”

Supporters are now rallying to save the Abbey and are urging the public to take action. A petition is being organised, and calls are being made for letters and emails to be sent to key decision makers. Advocates hope to flood the offices of Dom Bernardus Peeters and the General House of the Trappist Cistercian Fathers in Rome with messages imploring them to reconsider.

The public is being urged to make their voices heard.

Supporters can email Dom Bernardus Peeters at abp22.ocso@gmail.com or write to the General House of the Trappist Cistercian Fathers at Viale Africa 33, 00144 Rome, Italy.

“This is not just about a building, it’s about a way of life, a piece of our history, and a source of inspiration for so many,” the supporter added.

As the Abbey’s fate hangs in the balance, its community and supporters remain united in their grief and determination. For now, they hope that collective action and public outcry will keep the spirit of Mount Melleray alive.

Mount Melleray Abbey has weathered centuries of change, and its legacy is too significant to be lost. Whether through petitions, prayers, or public support, one thing is clear: this fight is far from over.

For updates and ways to help, visit local community pages or reach out to campaign organisers. Together, we can ensure that this sacred space continues to inspire and serve for generations to come.

Report by Clonmel Stories.

Mount Melleray Abbey in the Knockmealdown Mountains, near Cappoquin, County Waterford

MAGIC

Clonmel Community Choir’s dazzling debut concert A NIGHT OF

A star is born as Zoe woos

On Saturday night, November 16, CTI, The Mall became the beating heart of Clonmel’s music scene as the Clonmel Community Choir held their debut concert. From soulful ballads to raucous rock anthems, the evening delivered a symphony of talent and emotion that left the audience awestruck. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of community, artistry, and the boundless future of local music.

The spotlight belonged to 17-year old Zoe Gavin, who took to the stage for her first ever performance and delivered a masterclass in poise, passion, and vocal brilliance. Opening with a set of five beautiful songs, Zoe captivated the audience, who were visibly moved by her heartfelt delivery. A star is born.

Her rendition of The Cranberries’ Dreams, where she was accompanied by the powerhouse band Crow Black Chicken and the Clonmel Community Choir, was a defining moment. It’s rare to witness such command and vulnerability in a debut performance. Zoe is a name to remember, her talent is unmistakable, and her future in music shines brighter than ever.

COOL, CONFIDENT, AND COMMANDING

Next to take the stage was Clonmel’s very own rising rock band, Garage Inc.

The group, Harry, Peadar, Killian, and Matthew, oozed confidence and charisma, delivering a high octane set that had the crowd on their feet.

Their rendition of Psycho Killer, by Talking Heads was an absolute showstopper, bringing the house down with their energy and precision. These lads proved they’re more than a band; they’re a movement. With a blend of raw talent and impeccable style, Garage Inc. left no doubt they’re destined for big things.

The evening reached its crescendo with the much anticipated performance by the Clonmel Community Choir. Their harmonies and infectious energy filled the hall, reminding everyone of the magic that happens when voices unite. From their spirited opening numbers to the emotional climax with Dreams, their set was a triumph of community and artistry.

with ‘Dreams’

Special mention must go to the choir’s collaboration with Crow Black Chicken, whose powerful musicianship added a layer of depth to the performance. Together, they created a moment that will be etched in the memories of the audience for years to come.

Hosting the event was the ever graceful Kate Twohig, whose warmth and professionalism set the tone for the night.

Her dedication, along with the efforts of her tireless team, brought this incredible event to life. CTI Principal John McCarthy was seen beaming with pride, a sentiment echoed by everyone who attended.

The audience responded with thunderous applause and heartfelt appreciation, their energy a testament to the night’s

resounding success. This debut concert wasn’t just a showcase of talent; it was a reminder of the power of music to bring people together.

As the final note faded and the lights dimmed, one thing was clear: Clonmel is brimming with talent. From Zoe Gavin’s extraordinary debut to Garage Inc.’s undeniable potential and the choir’s inspiring unity, this concert marked the start of something special.

Clonmel Stories will be eagerly awaiting the next event. If this debut is anything to go by, the future of music in Clonmel is nothing short of extraordinary. Well done to all involved, you’ve set the stage for something truly magical.

Report by Clonmel Stories

Contract signed for next phase of €17.8m

Carrick-on-Suir Regeneration Scheme

Tipperary County Council (TCC) are delighted to announce that Marlhill Construction Services Ltd. have been awarded the construction works contract for Phase 3 of the Carrick-on-Suir Regeneration Plan “A Journey from the Suir Blueway to the Ormond Castle Quarter”. The Phase 3 works consist of a new Digital and Enterprise Working Hub at the former derelict Post Office, 43 Main Street, Carrick-on-Suir. The value of this Phase 3 contract is €1,054,350.00 which is being funded by the Rural Regeneration Development Fund and part funded by Tipperary County Council. The contract was signed on 18th, November 2024 at Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Offices. This project has evolved and developed over a number of years with invaluable support and input from multiple stakeholders and with extensive

public consultation greatly influencing the design of the scheme.

Jack Coughlan Architects (JCA), Malachy Walsh & Partners, Engineering and Environmental Consultants and Michael Barrett Partnership Quantity Surveyors (MBQS) are the Design Team for this project and they are a leading provider of integrated design consultancy services across the Republic of Ireland with extensive experience in historic building renovation. The Design Team were engaged by the Council in June 2023, initially to design the Phase 3 retrofit scheme and bring it to planning stage, and subsequently to design and oversee the works. The total construction costs of the 5 Phases is expected to be €17.8 million.

The physical works included in Phase 3 are:

• A change of use from the old derelict Post Office at 43 Main Street, Carrick-on-Suir to a new Digital and Enterprise Working Hub.

• The Digital and Enterprise Working Hub will incorporate single and shared offices including toilets, showers and kitchen facilities. Works also include conservation repair to the existing building fabric and the demolition of two disused sheds in the rear garden.

• The works include minor adjustments to the existing plan layout at ground and first floor level and will incorporate a new lift within the existing building footprint.

• The carriage arch at the front of the building will be converted to a reception / public entrance leading to the rear garden which will be landscaped.

• The new Digital and Enterprise Working Hub will also have a state-of-the-art multi-media room with facilities for creating podcasts.

Sinead Carr, Chief Executive TCC, warmly welcomed the start of the next phase of the €17.8 million investment of Rural Regeneration Development Fund monies in the town, particularly as it means the refurbishment and restoration of a vacant derelict building in the town centre.

Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald welcomed the next phase of the regeneration and spoke about the positive impact of the first phase of the regeneration plan and the commitment of the Municipal District to the large-scale investment in the future of Carrick-on-Suir and its district

Aiseirí Cahir thanks

Aiseiri Cahir would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Clonmel Credit Union for their generous donation, which will go a long way in supporting the essential recovery services provided by the charity.

This generous cheque will play a significant role in helping Aiseiri continue its mission of offering life-changing support to individuals and families affected by addiction.

Aiseiri Cahir has been a cornerstone in the community for many years, offering residential and outpatient treatment services, as well as aftercare, to individuals who are battling addiction. With a strong focus on personalised care, Aiseiri’s team of dedicated professionals

work tirelessly to help individuals reclaim their lives, build healthier futures, and reintegrate into society with confidence and support.

“We are incredibly grateful to Clonmel Credit Union for their ongoing support. This donation will make a tangible difference in the lives of those who rely on our services,” said Mary Hennessy CEO at Aiseiri Cahir. “The generosity of local businesses and community members allows us to continue offering the vital programs that are needed now more than ever.”

Aiseiri relies heavily on the kindness and generosity of local businesses, organisations, and individuals, and the contribution from Clonmel Credit Union is a reminder of the strength of the community

in supporting those in need. Aiseiri remains committed to providing the highest standard of care and support, and this donation from Clonmel Credit Union will ensure that their services can continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in recovery.

Aiseiri Cahir is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by addiction. Offering residential and outpatient treatment, counselling, and aftercare services, Aiseiri provides a holistic approach to recovery, helping people regain control of their lives and rebuild their futures.

For more information about Aiseiri and how you can support their work, please visit aiseiri.ie

Pictured at the recent contract signing at Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Office were: Front row, from left to right: Alan Macilwraith, JCA Architects, Cathaoirleach Tipperary County Council Cllr Declan Burgess, Tipperary County Council CE Sinead Carr, Cathaoirleach Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, Seamus Butler, Marlhill Construction Services Ltd. Back row, from left to right: Carrick-on-Suir MD Engineer Denis Power, Christopher Olden JCA Architects, Cllr David Dunne, Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Administrator Marie Cox, Jamie Butler, Marlhill Construction Services Ltd, Ciarán O’Shea, Project Manager TCC, Donal Linehan MBQS, Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Director of Services Brian Beck

Holycross honours the legacy of a legend

Willie Hayes, the genius behind the restoration work at the Abbey

Fifty years ago the biggest restoration project of the time in Ireland was underway in Holycross, Co. Tipperary.

The genius behind the major works was Willie Hayes. He had been appointed curate in Holycross-Ballycahill in 1966 and was deeply involved in the parish. The old Holycross church was in need of full refurbishment but it was suggested to him that the Abbey could be restored as the parish church. Being a keen historian he enthusiastically undertook the restoration with the great support of Archbishop Thomas Morris.

Major obstacles had to be surmounted.

The first was to change the law of the land so that the abbey could again be used as a place of worship. Due to Willie’s connections and gentle approach the ‘Holycross Abbey (Co. Tipperary)

Bill’ was read by Jack Lynch on a very historic day on the 50th anniversary of the first Dáil which took place in the Mansion House on 21st January 1969. The bill was unanimously passed on 23rd April that same year.

With the legal obstacle removed the parishioners were informed of

what was necessary to progress the restoration. At that time the Abbey was a burial ground for many, many families. The very sensitive issue of the removal of the graves from the abbey church interior was put to family members and the vote was overwhelmingly in favour of exhuming the remains and reinterring them in the plot to the north of the abbey. In 1970 the reburial services took place on a weekly basis. In that year, too, large scale archaeological excavations in areas affected by the resto-

ration had to be undertaken. This was organised by the OPW.

Funding for the restoration was challenging so Mario Martinez was appointed as a professional Fund Raiser in June 1971 by Archbishop Morris.

Over the next five years the detailed rebuilding of the Abbey Church was progressed under the stewardship of Willie Hayes, Fr. P. Lynch PP, Percy le Clerc (chief architect of the OPW); Paddy Fogarty (the Clerk of Works) and a large group of dedicated workers. On 5th October, 1975 the Abbey was officially opened in what was a national event, attended by thousands, including dignitaries of church and state.

Now in 2024, on the occasion of Willie Hayes’ First Anniversary Mass on 8th December the archdiocese and the parish will honour Willie and his magnificent legacy with the unveiling of a sculpture carved by Philip Quinn of Stonemad Studios, Holycross. The Mass is at 2.30pm followed by the unveiling ceremony. We welcome all from far and wide to this special event to honour a much loved and revered member of the county and beyond.

Golden/Kilfeacle Historical

Journal launch

A new parish history journal for Golden-Kilfeacle, will be launched on Friday 29th November at 7 pm in the Golden GAA centre. The journal, which is jam packed with articles and photographs, will be on sale for €20 per copy.

The road towards the journal began in March this year when a meeting was called to gauge interest in the project. The committee were blown away by the good will from across the parish and the clubs and societies of the parish were very generous in their support, helping the committee to spread the word. Pretty soon, a team of writers was assembled, who committed to write articles and provide materials.

The journal was edited by Mary Alice O’Connor, Martina O’Keeffe and Robert O’Keeffe.

The journal deals with the extraordinary lives of the ordinary people of the parish. Every road, boreen, building and home in the parish has a story to tell and we were interested in recording some of the stories and events that have contributed to the rich tapestry of life in the community.

The writers were drawn from across the parish and includes contributors who grew up and live in the locality and some who settled elsewhere. Our youngest contributor was in his Leaving Cert year when he committed to provide an article and, despite the pressures of exams, produced a wonderful piece of history on the Battle for Golden. One of our oldest contributors gave a marvellous interview which drew on her life, outlining what life was like in the parish from the 1930s to the modern times. We were very privileged to get an article on the Leper hospital in Golden from the late Richard Williams, which was kindly supplied by his wife Sinead.

Other topics include incidents which took place locally during the War of Independence and the Civil War. Dr Noreen Higgins McHugh took time out from preparing her forthcoming book on Cumann na mBan, to provide an article on the Cumann na mBan movement, with a focus on Golden. We have articles on local sporting heroes from across the last century and pictures of some of the teams from the 1950s and 1960s. Several

sporting clubs kindly provided histories of their organisations.

There are articles on notable local incidents such as the Cloughaleigh Evictions, as well as drawing out the biographies of local people, such as Kendal O’Brien M.P. and Fr. Theobald Mathew. There is a fascinating article on the Post Office in Golden and another on one of the Gardai in Golden in the 1940s. There are articles on folk history of the parish, as remembered in a group interview with the older people in Mantlehill and another on place names along the River Suir at Golden. The Queen of the Suir competition is also covered, with photographs of some of those involved over the years.

The journal is packed with photographs of local people, taken over the course of the last century, and it is lovely to see remembered faces emerging from the past. Our thanks to all those people who provided photographs and who worked to identify the people in the photos.

There really is something for everyone and we look forward to welcoming everyone to attend the launch of this im-

Philip Quinn of Stonemad Studios, Holycross, is seen here carving a stone sculpture of Willie Hayes RIP. This will be unveiled on Sunday, 8th December after Willie’s First Anniversary Mass at 2.30 pm; the Mass will be in the Abbey, the restoration of which ‘he was inspired to promote as a living church again’.

The late William J. Hayes

Recollections from 2001 with Joe Kenny

Leugh National School who played Drom in the ‘F’ Final at the Primary Games County Finals held at Semple Stadium on June 14, 2001. Leugh NS is a country school located three miles from Thurles town.

Members of Ballynonty Athletic Club who were successful in the AAI National Marathon run in Dungarvan. The team, photographed on May 29, 2001, came in 3rd overall in the senior men’s section and came second in the Munster team section. L to R: Neillie Hall, Jimmy McCormack, Noel O’Dwyer and team coach Sean Healy.

Photographed at an Open Day held at Fethard & Killusty Community Centre on May 29, 2001 are L to R: Jackie Aylward, Peter Napier and Joan O’Connor.

Gardening group at Kilvemnon National School tending to the ‘white cabbage’ on January 19, 2001 L to R: Marie Lyons, Brian O’Riordan, Úna Egan, Niall Cronin, Shane Egan and Paul Gayson.

Junior Infants playing with the sand tray at Poulacapple National School on January 16, 2001. L to R: Ciara McDonald, Kieran Morris, Catherine Foley, Chris O’Brien and Sarah Murray.

Ballingarry supporters watching Ballingarry Albion beat Bilboa 7-2 in the Tipperary Challenge Cup played at The Commons on Sunday, January 21, 2001. L to R: Liam Murray, Pat Cleere, Bill Fitzgerald, Richard Butler and Tom Butler.

Recollections from 2001 with Joe Kenny

Recipients from Clonmel photographed at the VEC Awards presentation held in Hearn’s Hotel Clonmel on February 19, 2001. Back L to R: Jim Kiely, Maura Kiely, Kevin Kiely, Anne Condon, Paddy Condon, Niall O’Neill (School Principal). Front L to R: Tony Kiely (Best Leaving Certificate Applied), Aisling Harpur (Personal Achievement) and Stephen Condon (Best Leaving Certificate).

Cllr Seamus Healy, T.D. met with members of the newly formed Woodvale Walk Residents Association on March 15, 2001. A large attendance came to voice their opinions and also hand a petition to Deputy Healy seeking support to improve facilities in their housing estate. Cllr. Healy suggested to prioritise the items on the list and tackle them over a period of time. He was delighted with the turn out and said the County Council will work positively with a Residents’ Association. The newly elected officers were: Chairperson Mary Murphy, Vice-chairperson Bill Pollard, Secretary Dolores O’Donnell, Treasurer Fiona Lawrence and PRO Brud Roche.

the

Photographed at

opening of photographic exhibition ‘Changing Townscape’ on February 1, 2001, are L to R: John Cooney, Mary Henry, Tim Goodbody and Canice Egan.

Scoil Ruain Killenaule - All Ireland Basketball ‘A’ Champions – photographed on February 12, 2001. Back L to R: Ann Marie Healy, Teresa Cleary, Sarah Healy, Aine O’Dwyer, Aisling Codd. Front: L to R: Irene Codd, Aoife O’Dwyer and Louise O’Dwyer.

Fifth class pupils at St. Mary’s National School, Killenaule, having a flower arranging demonstration given by Paul Toomey from sixth class, on January 24, 2001.

Recipients from Tipperary Town photographed at the VEC Awards presentation held in Hearn’s Hotel Clonmel on February 19, 2001. Back L to R: Thomas Ellard, Phil Ellard, Peter Lawlor, Yvonne Ellard, John Blackburn, Mary Esmonde, Paul O’Callaghan, John Esmonde. Front L to R: Doireann Lawlor (Best Leaving Certificate), Thomas Ellard (Personal Achievement) and Claire Esmonde (Best Leaving Certificate Applied).

Family carer, Jim Roche recognised with Carer of the Year Award

Clonmel man named Netwatch Tipp Family Carer of the Year

Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s family carers has announced that this year’s Netwatch Tipperary Family Carer of the Year is Jim Roche from Dillon Street, Clonmel.

Jim, 86, has shown unwavering dedication in caring for his wife Nuala, 84, through profound personal and physical challenges. Nearly three years ago, Jim experienced a series of severe heart attacks that led to multiple resuscitations and a triple bypass, followed by extended hospital stays due to COVID complications. Though once an active cyclist, he found himself with limited mobility and facing his own health struggles. Around this time, Nuala began showing symptoms of dementia, later diagnosed as Alzheimer’s. Recognising her discomfort in residential care, Jim worked hard to bring her home after only a month, committed to caring for her himself.

Today, Jim manages the daily responsibilities of Nuala’s care with quiet resilience, focusing on her comfort and happiness despite his own battles. His steadfast love and commitment - rooted in 63 years of marriage - serve as an inspiration to his family and highlight the strength of his devotion and the depth of his compassion.

Now in their 17th year, the awards seek to honour all family carers while shining a light on the urgent need for greater recognition and support of those who go above and beyond in caring for their loved ones, often without the necessary support from the State including appropriate financial compensation, re-

spite and vital therapies for their loved ones.

There are over 500,000 family carers in Ireland caring for children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges or addiction. Family carers play a critical role in our society and each week provide 19 million hours in unpaid work. If the State were to seek to replace this support, it would cost an astonishing €20 billion annually.

Richie Molloy, local Community Support Manager with Family Carers Ireland, highlighted the significance of the recognition: “Each year, the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year awards remind us of the vital role that family carers play in our society and shine a light on the incredible work that they do, which is too often unseen and unrecognised. As a society, we must do much more to ensure that family carers are properly recognised, valued and supported to care safely for their loved ones at home.”

Netwatch Brand Ambassador and Irish rugby legend Mick Galwey emphasised the importance of recognising this work: “I’ve seen the dedication family carers show day after day, often without any acknowledgement. Whether it’s a mother caring for a child with additional needs or a young carer supporting a parent, the commitment and love they show is truly inspiring. These awards offer us all a chance to give something back and to let these carers know we see their struggles and their strength.”

Young Tipperary patient Penny helps design special Christmas card for Children’s Health Ireland

This Christmas, local girl Penny from Nenagh, and seven other incredible young patients from Children’s Health Ireland have come together to design a special Christmas card collection with MoonPig. These young artists, who have each experienced care at Children’s Health Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres at Temple Street, Crumlin, Connolly and Tallaght, are using their creativity to give back to the hospitals where they were treated and help other sick children across Ireland. The collection contains ten unique and festive card designs, each reflecting the magic and joy of Christmas in the individual style of each young artist. The eight children behind the designs are:

Penny (aged 10, Nenagh, Co.

Tipperary)

Caoimhe (aged 5, Tullow, Co Carlow)

Brody (aged 8, Sallynoggin, Co. Dublin)

Hazel (aged 19, Kimmage, Co. Dublin)

Freddie (aged 9, Castleknock, Co. Dublin)

Darcie (aged 7, Tallaght, Co. Dublin)

Roisin (aged 9, Cookstown, Co. Dublin)

Chloe (aged 9, Walkinstown, Co. Dublin)

After being diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in 2020, Penny underwent treatment in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin and received loving care throughout the time she was there. When asked about her favourite thing at Christmas, Penny

told us that she was excited about “Having Christmas Day without having to go to the hospital and being able to see all my cousins.” These cards were not just deigned to bring joy, and hope, but to showcase their gratitude for the care that they received from their time in Children’s Health Ireland hospitals. 100% of the proceeds from each card will go directly toward supporting other sick children and their families this Christmas, ensuring they have everything they need to fight illness and injury at this time of year. Starting today, the collection is available for purchase at https:// www.moonpig.com/ie/childrens-health-foundation/, making it easy for everyone to make a difference with every card they

send.

Liam Redmond, Corporate Manager, for Children’s Health Foundation expressed his gratitude; “We are so proud of Penny and the other seven talented patients that created these beautiful cards. We hope people help support them on their mission to raise funds for other sick children across Ireland. A heartfelt thank you to everyone at MoonPig for making this possible.”

Alex Toft, General Manager at MoonPig; “This Christmas, help support Caoimhe and the other young patients by choosing a card that brings joy not only to your friends and family but also to children in need. Every card purchased is a step towards bringing hope and vital resources to sick children across Ireland.”

10-year-old Penny from Nenagh shares the Christmas magic with her Christmas card, part of the MoonPig collection, supporting sick children across Ireland.

Mick Galwey, Netwatch Brand Ambassador and Irish rugby legend, Mayor of Clonmel Cllr Michael Murphy, Jim Roche, Cllr Richie Molloy, Carers Support Manager, Catherine Murphy, President of Clonmel Lions Club, and Deputy Mattie McGrath

Nuala Roche with her husband Jim at the recent Family Carer of the Year award presentation.

Cllr Michael Murphy presents Jim Roche with his Family Carer of the Year award. On right is Cllr Richie Molloy, Carer Supports Manager,Family Carers Ireland,

FREE FREE FREE

STAG offers its painted panels to schools/groups/clubs for free

STAG now has several panels of painted hoarding available FREE to take away by contacting the STAG Organiser at 0868096823. The hoarding is suitable for Schools/Groups/Clubs for use indoors or outdoors. Some of the panels will need repainting and varnishing which the STAG Work Team will do.

Most of the panels are perfect as they’ve only been around the building of the new St. Anthony’s Unit, St Luke’s Hospital up in

Glenconnor for about 12 months.

To date a number of the panels have been booked by Tipperary University Hospital and St. Mary’s Primary School (Green School) Carrick-on-Suir.

Check out the photos of some of the panels on STAG’s website, www. South Tipperary Art Group and Facebook page and Like and Share this page Please!

ADULT STAG

Adult STAG members are painting and crafting away at

Liliana wins Clonmel Lions’ Club Annual Peace Poster Competition

The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high and made the adjudication all the more difficult. Catherine thanked Maureen Purcell for her invaluable input.

This year’s theme was “Peace without limits”. The competition has proven to be very popular with all the schools and pupils who take part. The award ceremony took place in the Talbot Hotel and was attended by parents and teachers.

Catherine thanked everyone for making the event such a success and wished Liliana the very best as she now goes on to represent Clommel Lions Club at national level in the contest.

the moment. The STAG Work Team are preparing designs for some new murals that are in the piprline. More news next week!

Check out STAG artwork in the Out patient’s Corridor, Tipperary University Hosipital, Befani’s Restaurant, the Showgrounds Shopping Centre and the Leisure Centre, Hotel Minella.

To buy a STAG Artwork contact the Organiser at 0868096823.

JUNIOR STAG

Junior STAG membership is

Harvest Thanksgiving at St Mary’s Parochial School

now full for this 6 week session. The Organiser is taking names for the waiting list for the New Year session starting Mid January2025. Contact 0868096823. The age profile is 9 years to 6th class ( Primary Group) and 1st year to Leaving Cert. (Seniors).

Lino printing is now in progress with the Seniors and the Primary Group are very busy painting their Autumn scenes and stencilling and cutting and pasting which they love!

St. Mary’s Parochial School held their annual Harvest Thanksgiving led by Revd. Mike O’Meara recently. Pupils brought baskets of fresh fruit and vegetables which were donated to Clonmel Community Soup Kitchen and Free Food Bank with the help of Bernard from our Board of Management. Great singing and good energy on the day when parents joined in the celebration.

Right: Principal Mairéad Hogan with Revd. Mike O’Meara on Harvest Thanksgiving day.

Browne pledges to get reopening of St Brigid’s on the programme for Sinn Fein led Government

Bringing care back into our communities is a key feature of Sinn Féin’s health and social care policy.

So said Tipperary Sinn Féin TD and General Election candidate for South Tipperary Martin Browne as he pledged to get the reopening of St Brigid’s put on the programme for a Sinn Fein led Government.

Teachta Browne made the comments against the background of the closure, by stealth, of St Brigid’s District Hospital in Carrick-on-Suir by the outgoing FF/ FG government in 2020.

Teachta Browne said:

“The legacy of successive governments involving Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael is to leave communities bereft of much needed services.

“Carrick-on-Suir is one example of this, after St Brigid’s was closed by stealth in 2020.

“This decision was resisted locally, and an active campaign developed.

The matter was brought to Leinster House where I raised it in the Dail Chamber on many occasions.

“It was also discussed at length and in detail at the Committee of Public Petitions which I chaired, and the HSE was questioned on their reasons for closing it. The answers given did not stand up to scrutiny.

“Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has also visited the site and held a meeting with the HSE concerning its closure. She described the removal of this service from Carrick-on-Suir as a scandalous waste

of a public asset and gave her full support to the campaign to return St Brigid’s to the community.

“The matter remains unresolved as a result of a failure by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to do what is right by the community.

“And that is why I have pledged that if Sinn Féin leads government after the upcoming General Election St Brigid’s will be reopened. I will get its reopening put on the programme for government and will deliver for the area from whom Fianna Fail and Fine Gael took this important service.”

The photo shows the overall winner of this years Annual Peace Poster Competition organised by Clonmel Lions Club. Liliana Stankiewicz is seen here with Club President, Catherine Murphy. Liliana is a Sixth Class pupil in the Presentation Primary School, Clonmel.

PARKVILLE FARM CLONMELTHE SAGA CONTINUES

By Dr Alan Moore, Hedgerows Ireland. hedgerowsireland.org

Parkville farm on the Fethard road from Clonmel was bought by Coolmore Stud in March of this year for almost 38,000 euro per acre and has since become the subject of an ongoing controversy for a number of reasons.

There were 47 bids for the land at auction, including from a number of local buyers, before the hammer came down in favour of Coolmore for the 64 acre pasture farm which is a lovely traditional holding laid out in meadows and bounded by mature hedgerows and trees. The property includes a complex of disused vernacular farm buildings, a walled garden, stone lined well, limekiln and a duck pond.

CLAIMS BY COOLMORE

In September, a Coolmore subsidiary company called Melclon applied to Tipperary Co Council to demolish the farm buildings claiming that they are “dangerous” and “ a serious health and safety concern”. In response to this application our Tipperary based group Hedgerows Ireland organised a farm gate protest at Parkville in early October attended by over 70 people including local residents, farmers and representatives of beekeeping and other community groups.

SPEECHES

At the meeting, speakers expressed concern about a range of issues relating to the farm purchase. Alan Moore (author)

from Hedgerows Ireland spoke of the established pattern of Coolmore buying up farmland for tillage and then removing the hedgerows, trees and ponds and other landscape features. He said that his organisation gets numerous calls and letters from people who are angry and distressed by the loss of these landmarks in their locality along with the wildlife and beauty that makes our countryside special. He said that while there is wide agreement that modern farm machinery requires bigger fields, there is now ample evidence that a balance must be struck and that hedgerows play a vital role in combating climate and biodiversity breakdown. He said that a typical Coolmore eighty to one hundred acre field is now seen by agricultural experts as the opposite of good practice and leads to flooding, soil erosion,wind damage and other problems including the loss of wildlife from the countryside.

John Hurley, whose family have been leasing and farming Parkville for nearly fifty years took the microphone and said he had no problem with Mr Magnier buying land, but “why did he have to destroy it?” He went on: “He’s a millionaire with thousands and thousands of acres, but at the end of the day, six by three will have to do every single one of us.”

BILLIONAIRE LAND INVESTMENT: AN ELECTION ISSUE

Daniel Long, Cahir farmer and farming

journalist then spoke and took up the theme of unchecked billionaire land purchase. He told the audience that Ireland is seeing a trend similar to that in continental Europe and beyond, with small and medium sized farmers being forced off the land by corporate investment in land for tax avoidance, carbon offsetting and other financial reasons. He said that land is becoming totally unaffordable by local farmers needing to expand and survive, and he called on policy makers to look at ways of managing land purchase

in favour of the family farm model. He said that France has a very successful system whereby local farmers are given first opportunity to buy any land that comes on the market at current market value and he urged politicians and policy makers to examine such options. This should be an election issue, he said, especially in Tipperary.

SUBMISSIONS TO THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT

Thirty written submissions from the public were submitted in recent weeks to the Planning Department of Tipperary Co Council all demanding that the Parkville farm buildings and other historic features be preserved. Many of the letters challenged Coolmore’s assertion that the farmyard is dangerous and drew attention to the County Development Plan which recommends the ‘sympathetic restoration and appropriate re-use and maintenance of buildings/features which are considered to be of local and vernacular architectural importance.’ Of great significance, there was a submission to Tipperary Co Council from the Department of Housing dated October 22 which made a strong recommendation that the planners should seek “a detailed assessment of the farm complex to establish its architectural interest and its contribution to the historic built environment and to assess its potential reuse in whole or in part.” The letter also reminded the plan-

ners of their obligations to restore and reuse old buildings under the Tipperary County Development Plan.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT IGNORES RECOMMENDATION

However, in an extraordinary development in the Parkville saga, TippCoCo planners have ignored the recommendation by the Department of Housing to carry out an architectural survey, and instead have simply instructed Coolmore to carry out a bat survey on the farm buildings before making a decision on the demolition application. The Save Parkville Farm group are deeply concerned about this latest development and have now written to both Tipperary Co Council and the Department of Housing on the matter to try to discover why the Department’s submission was dismissed outright by TippCoCo planners.

IDEAS PLEASE!

Meanwhile, the group is asking the public for their suggestions for new uses for the farm buildings as suggested by the Department of Housing letter, and are encouraging people to send their ideas to the Save Parkville Farm group at saveourhedgerows@gmail.com who in turn will present these to Coolmore in the hope of a change of heart by the Magnier family.

Hedgerows Ireland

https://linktr.ee/hedgerows.ireland

DR ALAN MOORE

DANIEL LONG JOHN HURLEY

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Irish Craft #3 New Exhibition launch

Join Cahir Arts on this Friday, November 29 for the launch of the Irish Craft #3. This is a group show with an amazing line-up of Irish craft makers including unique Christmas gifts, all 100% made in Ireland. Siobhan Caplice of Cahir Arts invites all to the launch and will have a few special offers for those that turn up on Friday evening. So, kick off the Christmas cheer with a glass of wine and a few nibbles at Cahir Arts this Friday November 29 from 6pm. This Group Show will run until December 24 to give you a chance to pop in and see the beautiful Irish crafts yourself. Entry is free to all.

Cahir Social and Historical Society

The Society is delighted to announce the welcome return of our friend, Margaret Galvin, to Cahir. A former Editor of ‘Ireland’s Own’, Margaret will discuss the evolution of the magazine in a lecture entitled ‘Ireland’s Own, A Publishing Phenomenon Since 1902’. Margaret will pay particular attention to advertisements featured over the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

This talk will take place in Cahir House Hotel at 8pm on next Thursday, December 5. Admission is for €5 Members, €7 for Guests and its Free Admission for Students. The Society looks forward to seeing everyone on the night. All welcome.

Cahir Tidy Towns

The Group has finished the final preparations to that needed to be done to get the Tourist Office turned into Santa’s Grotto in time for the for Santa visits beginning on December 7 from 3 – 5pm (& also after the Switching On of the Christmas Lights) from 6-8pm located in the Tourist Office on Castle Street. A visit to Santa with a present is €5 and still great value. Santa will also be welcoming children into the Grotto on Sunday, December 8 from 2 – 5pm. Go easy on Santa this year children, he isn’t getting any younger!

Our winter programme is in full swing with pruning, winter planting and general tidying up. We will make a decision on the can collection next month as the recently introduced recycling machines seem to be a success, so our yield is back 66%. Our next collection is on Saturday December 7 in the usual spot of the car park from 10 -11am. Our thanks go to all who continue to collect their drinks cans for us. We will have more details on Santa Claus next week.

Rathkeevin Macra

Congratulations to the Men’s Basketball team of Rathkeevin Macra who won the South Tipperary county round on Saturday, November 19 in Monroe. They will now go on to compete in the Macra National Final in a few weeks time. Best of luck lads!

Community Lotto

There was no winner of the Community Lotto Draw that took place last week on Wednesday November 20, 2024. The Draw was witnessed by Kateryna Shulya. The numbers drawn were 15, 29, 31 & 32. The lucky Dip winners each winning €25 were Mary McCarthy, Barrack Street, Cahir, Chris Carrigan, Cahir Day Care Centre, Teresa Kelly, Birchdale, Clonmel Road, Cahir and Maureen, Anne & Joan, Cahir Bingo, Cahir. Congratulations to all.

The next Lotto Draw will take place on today Wednesday, November 27, 2024 in the Social Welfare Office at 12 noon with results next week. The Jackpot is €2,400 and tickets are available in the Enterprise Centre and in local shops too. We wish everyone the best of luck in the next draw.

Notice of Cahir Credit Union Annual General Meeting

Congratulations to Joseph McLaughlin, who was winner of the One4All voucher for receiving the e AGM notice by email! A reminder to al members that the Annual General Meeting of Cahir Credit Union will take place virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 7pm.

To attend, please request your invitation by emailing agm2024@ cahircu.ie with your name, member number and member address. See you online!

Christmas Memorial Service

The Annual Christmas Memorial service will take place this year on Tuesday, December 10 at 7.30pm in St. Mary’s Church Cahir. At this Remembrance we will remember the little Angel’s gone too soon, by miscarriage, stillbirth, in infancy or older years. They are forever our children. It will be followed by a tree of Angel’s where you can hang an angel/bauble on the tree in memory of your child. The tree will be up until the January 6, 2025.

Anyone that can’t make it to the service please feel free to add anything to the tree in your own time. All parents, grandparents, families & friend’s are welcome. All the children’s names to date will automatically be included, but if you want a child’s name added please feel free to contact Mary Cleary.

Tea/coffee will be served afterwards in the tearoom beside the parish office.

Cahir Town in around the

By Maria Taylor

Cahir Christmas Lights 2024

With Christmas only 6 weeks away, Cahir Development CLG has issued letters to fellow traders once again to ask for help in covering the cost of the erecting and taking down of the Christmas lights in the town for 2024. The quotation this year for the erecting and taking down of the lights is approx. €17k including VAT. Once again traders have been asked for a donation of €150.00 to help offset these costs. It simply is not possible to cover these costs without help and all help is greatly appreciated. A representative will be calling to businesses in the next few weeks to collect any donations and will also issue receipts. This year the Christmas lights in Cahir will be turned on from December 7 and will be switched off on January 6, 2025. Cahir Development will be running the Christmas Retail support programme once again this year in conjunction with Tipperary County Council where they will be giving out 3 x €50 vouchers per day for 10 days to people who shop in Cahir (from December 2 – December 13, 2024) and all you have to do is email or drop in your till receipts into the Business & Training Centre during these dates. This programme will enable Cahir Development to give back €1,500 to the traders of

the town as a thank you for their ongoing support.

Cahir Development appreciates this continued support over the years and would like to take this opportunity to wish all traders as well as locals a happy, successful and fruitful Christmas this year.

EVENTS FOR CHRISTMAS 2024

On Saturday, December 7, 2024 the Christmas season in Cahir gets off to a great start with the Christmas Tractor Parade of Tractors, Trucks, & Bikes all decked out with Christmas Lights who are gathering to parade through the town, making for a wonderful sight and all aid of South Tipperary Hospice. Registration for this parade is at the Cahir Mart on the Cashel Road on the day and the Parade is leaving at 5.45pm via the By-pass to arrive in town for 6pm. Please call Mike Cunningham on 086 6009290 for more details. Registration is €20. There are great prizes to be won!

CHILDREN’S LIGHTS PARADE

The Kiddies Tractors and Bikes decorated with lights will start at the Castle Car Park from 6pm, along with the Parade of Nations organised by The Cahir International Club. Call Andy Moloney for further details on 086 3609110.

Cahir GAA Club

DRAW THE JOKER- the Draw took place in The Shamrock Lounge last Sunday November 24 and the Jackpot of €11,400 was not won. Other winners were €100 to Raymond Coffey, €50 to Tracey Coughlan online, €50 to Michael O’Brien, €30 to Mossy c/o Richie Rowe and €20 to Shane Keaney online. The next Draw Jackpot will be €11,600 and takes place this Sunday December 1, 2024 in The Galtee Inn. Support appreciated.

AGM - the Cahir GAA Annual General Meeting will be held on this Sunday, December 1, 2024 in Cahir House Hotel at 3pm. All are welcome to attend.

JUVENILE AGM - Cahir Juvenile AGM will be held on today, Wednesday, November 27 in the Clubrooms at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend.

RESULTS - in the U21B South Championship Football Final Cahir travelled to Fethard Town Park on Saturday evening to play St. Patrick’s. Full Time score was St Patricks: 3-10(19), Cahir: 2-06(12)

JUVENILE- last Saturday the club made presentations to the boys representing the Club playing with the County. The presentations were made to Patrick McDonagh - Minor County Football, James O’Brien - Celtic Challenge Hurling, Euan Magee - U16 County Hurling, Evan Cotter - U15 County Football, Cian Boles - U15 County Football, Travis McLoughlin - U15 County Hurling, Luke O’Regan - U14 County Hurling, Jojo Magee - U14 County Hurling & Football, David Ahern - U14 County Football and Ethan Hanrahan - U14 County Hurling. Thanks to The 2 Johnnies for presenting the trophies on the day.

CAHIR GAA CLUB PRESENTATIONS

ABOVE RIGHT

Travis McLoughlin (centre) was presented with an award for U15 County Hurling by The 2 Johnnies last Saturday at Cahir GAA. RIGHT

David Ahern (centre) was presented with an award for U14 County Football by The 2 Johnnies last Saturday at Cahir GAA.

The Christmas Lights will be switched on Saturday, December 7; at 6pm. Santa’s popular Grotto will operate once again this year on Saturday, December 7 from 3-5 pm (and also after the Switching On of the Christmas Lights) from 6-8pm located in the Tourist Office on Castle Street. Santa will also be in the Grotto on Sunday December 8 from 2 – 5pm. GO FUND ME

Now that the Christmas Lights campaign has started a Go Fund Me page has been set up, so anyone who wishes to do so can donate through the Go Fund Me page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/lightupcahir24. Give a little this year to light up Cahir once again.

A representative will be calling to traders shortly to collect donations. Alternatively, cheques can be made payable to CDA Promoting Cahir and posted to Nellie Williams, Enterprise Centre, Market Yard, Cahir, or by Bank transfer to CDA Limited Promoting Cahir bank account, IBAN number IE81AIBK93504207624494, BIC AIBKIE2D or a donation can be dropped into reception at the Enterprise Centre. Receipts will be issued for all monies received. For more information call Nellie on 086 8051643.

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

Cookery Demonstration at Bunscoil draws a crowd

The Parents Association of Bunscoil na Cathrach held a fundraiser Last Wednesday, November 20 with special guest the fantastic chef Zack Gallagher, Irish Food Guide returned once again returning to Bunscoil for another Cookery Demonstration after the success of last year’s one. Zack cooked up a storm and showed everyone how to create a delicious feast in a beautiful, fully functioning kitchen set up especially on a stage for the event. There was a great crowd as usual and everyone went home with a few bits of shopping, armed with the knowledge of how to cook up a wonderful meal from scratch.

There were also some amazing vendors on site with some beautiful Christmas fare and fancies as well as some delicious home baked goods for sale with Cahir Farmers Market, Crann Ard Craft, The

Apple Farm, Away with Nature, Derrygrath Soaps & Candles, Sweet Bee’s Fudge, Bowbelle Bowtique, Adorable Florals, The Bean Box, Personalised Parties by M, All Knitted Up 2023 and Karina Burke, Baking by de Burca were just some of the vendors on site on the evening.

The wonderful ladies of the Parents Association were the main organisers of the event and with help from teachers and staff they also held a mega raffle on the night with prizes donated by local businesses. The Parents Association is very grateful for the support shown to the School on the night. It was a very entertaining and enjoyable evening for everyone and a great way to raise funds towards ongoing costs and events for the children at Bunscoil Na Cathrach. Well done to all involved.

Cahir Park AFC

Juniors - Cahir Parks First Team were away to Clonmel Celtic in the Premier League last Sunday, November 24 in a game that ended in a draw. Final score was Clonmel Celtic 1, Cahir Park 1. B Team - the Cahir Park (B) V Rosegreen game in Division 3 last Saturday, November 23 at home was called off.

Youths - Last Sunday, November 24 Cahir Park Youths were away to Moneygourney in the FAI Youth Cup Round 3. Final Score was Douglas Hall V Cahir Park 4-0

Meanwhile the Cahir Park Youths (B) V Mullinahone match in Youths Division 2 at home last Saturday November 23 was called off.

Cahir Park Player scores at the IFCPF World Cup - last Thursday

Cahir Park player James Bateman scored twice in the Ireland Mens CP Team match against Canada in the IFCPF World Cup (International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football) while his teammates Dillon Sheridan and Charlie By-

rne scored one goal each resulting in a final score of Ireland 4 - 0 Canada. This fantastic win for the Irish team put them through to a Final against Spain last Thursday. Congratulations to James and his teammates for a fantastic effort at the IFCPF World Cup which is taking place in Salou, Spain. Congratulations- to Cahir Park Goalie Daniels Lakis who has been selected to represent Munster at this year’s Irish Interprovincial Under 18 Boys Tournament following on from a strong League of Ireland season U17 and U20 for Cobh Ramblers FC. The tournament takes place next week from this Friday November 29 to Sunday December 1. Best of luck

Daniels Sponsorship - the Cahir Park U13B Boys Team proundly showed off their new jerseys last Wednesday. The Team and management would like to thank Damien of Daltons Haulage Services for the kind sponsorship. Well done Daltons Haulage Services, very nice jerseys indeed!

Molly competes in Dublin

Molly Boles is a young gymnast living in Bansha who has competed all over the country achieving great success in her field already and at the tender age of only 11. Molly was in Dublin recently at the National Series 2024 competing for Douglas Gymnastics Club in Cork. The team came away with third place.

Unfortunately Molly didn’t make a place in the individual rounds but came fourth on vault and sixteenth overall out of 50 competitors on the day, so she performed superbly. Molly is following in the footsteps of her mother Paula, a former silver national community games medallist in gymnastics and to keep it in the family she has a younger sister Harlee Boles who is a also a talented gymnast.

Well done Molly, keep it up!

PICTURED RIGHT

Molly Boles competed in Dublin recently at the National Series 2024 competing for Douglas Gymnastics Club in Cork

Aiseiri Cahir Fashion Show

Sunday, 8th December at Cahir House Hotel - See you!

Aiseiri Cahir is excited to announce a fabulous fashion event on Sunday, 8th December, from 2 to 6 pm at the Cahir House Hotel. There will also be a selection of charcuterie boards available to taste throughout the day.

This glamorous afternoon promises a stunning showcase of high-end fashion, and all proceeds will go directly to supporting Aiseiri Cahir’s vital services.

Tickets are available now for just €20 on event brite, and all are invited to enjoy an afternoon of beautiful fashion, expert styling advice, and the opportunity to shop for unique pieces. With a fantastic line-up featuring a color consultant, a makeup artist, and a curated collection of beautiful fashion available for purchase, this is the perfect occasion to

treat yourself, your loved ones, or even get a head start on your Christmas shopping.

The event will also feature a variety of pre-loved high-end fashion and some new pieces from local boutiques that has been generously donated, with all proceeds benefiting the important work of Aiseiri Cahir.

If you have any stylish, pre-loved items you’d like to donate, Aiseiri would greatly appreciate your contribution. Your donation can make a real difference in the lives of those supported by this local charity.

“Give the Gift of Pre-Loved Fashion This Christmas” – Aiseiri Cahir invites you to support a great cause while treating yourself to something special.

The fashion on display is sure to delight, with a focus on quality,

elegance, and timeless style.

All funds raised on the day will go to Aiseiri Cahir, a charity that offers a range of support services for individuals affected by addiction and their families. By attending the fashion show, you’ll be helping to provide much-needed resources and support for people in our community.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy a stylish afternoon while supporting an incredible cause!

Tickets: €20 Date & Time: Sunday, 8th December, 2-6 p, at Cahir House Hotel, Cahir All proceeds in aid of Aiseiri Cahir For more information or to donate items, please contact Noreen on 0831842013.

We look forward to welcoming you to a fantastic afternoon of fashion, fun, and giving back.

Girls Sponsorship - A huge thanks to Grainne of No. 22 The Abbey for the kind sponsorship of a Medical bag and refill for our girl’s team. We were delighted with the visit from Grainne at training last week to present them. It is a lovely gesture for the girls and much appreciated. We thank Grainne for her continued support.

Cahir Park 50/50 DrawThe 50/50 Draw took place last Wednesday November 20, 2024 at 8pm live on Facebook.

Congratulations to Richie O’Dwyer who was last week’s winner. The winning ticket was sold by Ger Coonan. 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, through local businesses or through our Cahir Park AFC App under the fundraising header.

Some of the fantastic ladies of the Parents Association and Vice Principal Mairead Gallagher at Cookery Demonstration last Wednesday at Bunscoil Na Cathrach

Rathkeevin Macra Men’s Basketball Team- Back row from left to right: Conor Cooney, Sean Wall, Daniel Long and John Mulcahy, Front row from left to right: Tom Long and Diarmuid Monoghan

Race to the Dáil

Disability Rights Campaigner Cara Darmody puts the hard questions to Dáil candidates

Q. Fine Gael candidate Michael Murphy - welcome to the amazing series of ‘The Race to the Dáil’ and thank you so much for sitting with me. Firstly, I think you’re very brave to allow yourself to be recorded as part of my European documentary, so a big well done on that! Can you briefly tell the voters about yourself?

A. Thanks for this opportunity Cara and I’m delighted to host you and the documentary crew here in the Mayor’s office in Clonmel. So, I’m a native of Clonmel, I’m 57 years of age, married to Jess, who works in the HSE with adults who have challenging behaviour. I myself have been working for the Enfer group for the last 35 years. We’ve one son Alex, and we’re very proud of him, he’s now in his second year doing Criminal Justice in the University of Limerick.

Q. Thanks Michael. Can you briefly tell us about your political experience?

A. I was first elected to the County Council in 2009, and I’m very grateful to the citizens of the Clonmel District for repeatedly putting their confidence in me. I think my 15 years as a Councillor, my term as Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, my two terms as Mayor of Clonmel, my 10 years at the EU level as Head of the Irish Delegation to the EU Committee of the Regions, and my 35 years in the private sector – all these roles have prepared me well for the national stage.

Q. To my issue of Disability first. My campaign had a big breakthrough two weeks ago with the Taoiseach writing to me to confirm that €10million of additional funding has been allocated to “Cara’s Fund”, to deal with the long Assessment of Needs waiting lists. He has credited me directly with this allocation. I have to declare that you were the politician in the background that was instrumental in securing this commitment in writing, so congratulations & thank you so much for that, and a special thank you to the Taoiseach for his work. But what do you say to sceptics out there who question the timing and say that it was only done to ‘buy votes’ with an election just around the corner?

A. I’ve made it quite clear in this campaign that there are many challenges out there, and I can’t be all things to all challenges, so I’ve decided to frame my candidacy around 3 big ideas, and one of those ideas in terms of trying to make a difference is in the area of Disability. So I’m committed to making a difference in terms of older people, people with disabilities, being involved in policies that improve people’s lives and their day-to-day living, and that includes children. In terms of that funding, I’m just happy to work with all politicians elected locally & nationally, working with you Cara – you’ve

been such a positive force to improve Assessments & Services for everyone on waiting lists. Whether an announcement is made months ago, at an election, or afterwards, the most important thing is that the announcement is actually made. If elected, and if Fine Gael forms part of the next government, I will be working to ensure that this additional funding of €10 million is spent and is followed up with further funding commitments to the disability sector.

Q. A 14-year old from your constituency, namely me, has been protesting outside the Taoiseach’s Department or Leinster House every Tuesday morning for the last 5 months to get better Assessments & Services for autistic children. And there are now over 100,000 special needs children now waiting on Assessments or Services of some type. Why should people believe that FG can fix this issue?

A. That’s a good question Cara. I was at the launch of the Fine Gael Manifesto on Sunday week last. But I wouldn’t be involved with Fine Gael if they weren’t genuinely committed to making a difference in the area of special needs & education, in terms of Assessments/Services, access to appropriate school places, dealing with the financial burden, etc. The Taoiseach, Fine Gael, and I are fully committed to delivering for children in this area.

Q. The Taoiseach has announced that Tipperary is one of the Counties to get a new Special School. Have you any details on that, and is the proposed Scoil Aonghusa separate from that?

A. I’ve had some conversations with the relevant Minister about this. I welcome the announcement that Tipperary is one of only 5 Counties that has been identified for additional school capacity. I’m confident, but can’t guarantee, that this investment will take place on the site of Scoil Aonghusa. Let me be very clear, the expansion of Scoil Aonghusa is a key priority for me.

Q. To Health. Was the closing of St. Michaels in Clonmel a big mistake? And what will you do about mental health services for Tipperary if elected?

A. At the time, I didn’t support the closure of St. Michaels. I can’t change the past. I now want to work with all public representatives to deliver a 10 or 20 bed acute unit in Clonmel on the grounds of Tipperary University Hospital, which I support. I welcome the Haven Crisis Centre on the Glenconnor Road where there are 10 crisis beds.

Q. Let’s go back to the Local Elections in 2024. You were the big winner with over 2700 votes in the Clonmel LEA. Everyone I speak to, and I mean everyone, says that Michael Murphy and Mattie McGrath are 100% certainties to get in. But is there a danger of complacency setting in with voters?

A. Yes Cara, there is. I got a tremendous vote in June and I want to again thank the people of the Clonmel District. The outcome of this election cannot be taken for granted. Every single vote counts. I think this is the most important General Election of a generation, and I would ask people to put confidence in me and Vote Number 1 - Michael Murphy. Complacency is the enemy of any candidate and no candidate can, or should, take his or her support for granted.

Q. To Irish Water. You said on Tipp FM last Friday that taking Water from the Council entirely, was a mistake. Every politician I speak to, even Government politicians, seems to want their local Council staff way more involved in local issues. Can you explain to the voters what exactly is the barrier to stopping the Councils getting Water back?

A. What is needed is a greater involvement of Local Authorities in the day-to-day running of the service. Irish Water has an important role to play in relation to large-scale capital projects, particularly where economies of scale can be made for major, but similar, investments in the water and wastewater infrastructure. Currently, there are service level agreements between Uisce Ėireann and Local Authorities, and I’m looking for the continuation of those agreements, where Local Authorities will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the services. I have been accused of championing Uisce Ėireann, it isn’t about championing them; it’s about being honest with the people and telling them that it won’t be abolished. It’s so easy to call for abolition, a bit like calling for the HSE to be abolished with no alternative on the table. But I don’t see it happening. Improving the service agreements is the key. Local Authorities are best placed to operate the service on the ground as they have the staff who are familiar with the various treatment plants and networks.

Q. I have to ask you about the Property Tax as it caused a lot of controversy here in Tipperary recently, with the majority of Councillors voting to increase it by 5%. Were you one of those, and why?

A. Yes Cara, I did support the increase in Property Tax. For 94% of property owners, it was an average increase of €10 per year. For our festivals, funding for community groups, indeed leveraging additional funds for RRDF and UDRF funding for key towns, these financial resources are absolutely vital. When a new Government is formed, we’re about to launch a new UDRF funding application for Clonmel, and matching funding is absolutely critical. But that was the implications of the decision – on average, 94% of households had an average increase of €10 per annum.

And I think for approximately 54% of households, it was a yearly increase of €4. For the record 30 of the 40 members of Tipperary County Council voted for this increase with only 8 voting against it (1 abstained and 1 was absent from the meeting).

Q. But was that a hard decision to make Michael?

A. Yes Cara it was a hard decision to make, but politics sometimes is about making tough decisions. But I made that decision in the best interests of the people that I represent, in particular to leverage additional monies for our towns and villages from URDF funding, RRDF funding, town & village renewal, where matching funding from the Council is absolutely critical.

Q. The narrative from some critics about the Councillors who voted for the increase could be summarised by the general allegation that “they screwed the public.” How do you answer that allegation?

A. Many difficult decisions were made during the lifetime of the last Government. Why was I one of only 4 Councillors to vote against a 5% increase in Commercial rates, along with 2 of my Fine Gael colleagues at the Council’s Annual Budget meeting in 2022. Nobody is asking why did Sinn Fein or Independents vote for a that 5% increase. That’s another question that they should be asked.

Q. I’ve heard you say that you want to run a positive campaign and not get into the personal mud-slinging or stone-throwing. What do you say to people who think you’re “too nice” for senior

politics?

A. Fundamentally, I’m an optimist. I know there are many challenges and I don’t need anyone to tell me what those challenges are. I have the experience of working on the ground over the last 15 years. And one of the reasons that I’ve set aside my career in the private sector and resigned from my European role, is so I can get my teeth into those challenges. I’m just positive by nature. Where there’s a challenge, I always see an opportunity as well. I’m an optimist, a positive person, and that’s just the way I am.

Q. The Nationalist’s front page last week led with the awful pictures of your posters burning. What happened Michael?

A. A number of my posters were burned in the Fethard area. Even today, there are posters with the word tyrant on them. My wife had to wash the word scumbag off the window of my constituency office on two occasions in the last fortnight. Any investigation is a matter for An Garda Siochana and I’d appeal to people with any information to contact Garda Gavin Hughes at the Garda station. I have to rise above all of this, and the overwhelming reaction at the doors has been extremely courteous, respectful & supportive to me, and I’m so grateful to people for that.

Q. On the negative side, I’ve heard people say things like “Murphy is milking it, playing the victim, looking for votes”. I’ve even seen crazy statements online like “He probably set it alight himself”. How do you deal with that type of allegation, and has this campaign been tougher than anything you’ve ever dealt with before?

A. I’ve contested many elections, but look, this is championship hurling, and I’m all for that. I can deal with it, but it’s the impact that it has on my family. It’s not nice to ask your wife to help you wash the word scumbag off the window of your office on two different occasions. I’m many things Cara, but I’m not a scumbag, I’m not a tyrant – I try my best, I work extremely hard, and if elected I’ll work night and day to deliver for the people of South Tipperary. It’s pointless responding to those types of allegations. I think I have enough to be doing rather than burning my own posters!

Q. Well let me say emphatically that I’ve known you now for 3 years and I think you’re a great person, with an amazing family!! And I’m proud of how you’ve dealt with this, so well done you!! Now back to the tough questions!! The Taoiseach said yesterday “I want to be very clear. My party won’t engage with Sinn Féin.” Why did he say that and what’s Fine Gael’s problem with Sinn Féin?

A. I think Sinn Féin, in recent months in particular, demonstrated how incapable they are of running the country. It’s policy driven why we won’t go into Government with Sinn Féin - their proposals around taxation, their attitude to the European model, they’re a tax-more, spend-more party. It’s just the Taoiseach being honest, you know, that he will not go into Government with Sinn Féin. And I think that Fianna Fáil have also said the same. Remember, that for the first 75 years of the history of the State, Sinn Féin did not recognise Dáil

Cllr Michael Murphy sitting with Cara on the steps of the Mayor’s office with Cara’s letter from the Taoiseach announcing €10million of Government funding to AONs

Ėireann and refused to take their seats in the Dáil.

Q. Mary-Lou McDonald continues to say that all parties should speak after the Election, that that’s what the public wants. Does it worry you that Fine Gael could be seen to alienate sections of the public by not doing that?

A. I think there’s an irony there because I’ve heard Mary-Lou McDonald publicly calling for a change of Government, she talks of 100 years of Fine Gael & Fianna Fáil in Government, which the people of Ireland democratically voted for. But she is calling for a change of Government, she has put on record that Sinn Féin will not go into Government with Fine Gael. So the question is – what is she talking about.

Q. To Housing. Where does Fine Gael differ to Sinn Féin on this issue?

A. I can tell you Cara that Housing is the number one issue on the doorsteps. A Fine Gael led Government will improve housing output, improve affordability and deliver more social housing. I think that activation measures like the development contribution waiver scheme, the help-to-buy scheme, the first-home scheme - they’re all important. Dealing with the constraints within the labour market, I think Fine Gael has the right vision & policy there as well. Sinn Féin, on the other hand, are proposing building houses on land that the houseowner won’t even own. It’s still unknown if someone will be able to get a mortgage on land that you don’t technically own.

Q. You know that Housing is a major issue here in Tipperary, with over 600 on a waiting list right now locally. If elected, can you promise that things will improve significantly over the next two years?

A. Under a Fine Gael Government, yes. It’s an emergency and that’s why Fine Gael are committing €40billion over the lifetime of the next Government towards Housing. That’s why Fine Gael more than any other party are committing more of the Apple reserves towards Housing, more than €10billion. That’s why the outgoing Government have set aside €3billion from the sale of AIB shares to deal with the infrastructural constraints.

That’s why Fine Gael are driving more apprentices, particularly in trades where there are constraints like the wet-trades, you know, plasterers, blocklayers, etc. I am also confident that the new Planning Act, will address the roadblocks in

the planning process to accelerate housing developments, particularly in urban areas.

Q. Many voters are struggling to see the difference between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. How do you address the allegation that both parties are very, very similar right now?

A. While we have worked with other Government parties in implementing the Programme for Government, we are now setting out our ambitious vision to secure a brighter future for Ireland, to the electorate. Fine Gael stands apart by consistently making the right calls in good times and in tough times, championing local and national interests, and offering the right combination of experienced leaders, and new innovative voices. Fine Gael prioritises practical solutions and a future-focused approach, ensuring Ireland’s success at home, and resilience on the global stage.

Q. Fine Gael launched it’s Manifesto last weekend, and it’s clearly an impressive document. But the negative comments I’m hearing can basically be summarised by “It’s all political spin, they’re trying to fool the public, and will do nothing once they get elected”. How will you convince people that this manifesto is “the real deal”?

A. First of all, I was delighted that we launched the manifesto in South Tipperary. It was a great boost for my own candidacy, and a great vote of confidence in South Tipperary. At least we have a manifesto, unlike Sinn Féin who have yet to publish their manifesto (at the time of this interview - 11 days prior to the election). The manifesto sets out the vision that Fine Gael has for the Country for the next five years, in areas like Housing, Childcare, Law & Order, Migration, and so on. It’s a very honest document that responds to what the Taoiseach and all FG candidates are hearing on the doorsteps. I would ask people to read the manifesto, to look at our record since 2011, the big decisions in particular, and to make up their own minds.

Q. People are now really concerned about Law & Order. FG are proposing 6,000 new Gardai. But where will they come from Michael?

A. Law & Order is also a huge issue on the doorsteps, particularly in towns centres, all of them. We often talk about serious crime, but people are as concerned about loitering, harassment, drug-dealing in our town centres. We really

need a return to real & meaningful community policing. Behind the figures, the bottom line is that we need more Gardai. There have been changes to the allowances that training Gardai get, and I do think that we need to look at that again. We also have to look at real and meaningful incentives to encourage people to join – my own son, 21 years of age, is interested in becoming a member of An Garda Siochana, but will obviously complete his education first. The reality is that Gardai are retiring early and we can look again at giving them the option of extending their service, and incentivise them to stay on beyond 60 years of age. So recruitment and retention of members of An Garda Siochána is very important.

Q. The two sitting TDs, and one former TD, will claim that they simply have vastly more experience than you – fullstop. Some will point to decades of achievements. Why should voters choose you over them?

A. As I mentioned earlier, I now have 15 years of political experience on the ground, as a Councillor, Cathaoirleach, Mayor, my European experience, my 35 years in the private sector – I would ask people to give me a chance. I can’t buy into this thing that we need two Independents and one Sinn Fein. What’s lacking in South Tipperary is a voice within Government. We need somebody inside Government. My overarching ambition, in terms of resources available at the national level, is that South Tipperary gets its fair share. It’s all about investment, investment, investment, whether it’s in special needs, whether it’s in more Gardai on the streets, whether it’s about Childcare – it’s all about investment. And in terms of trying to secure that investment, we’re better off with a TD inside the tent rather than shouting from outside. And remember, every TD was a first-time TD at one time!

Q. So effectively, are you asking people to take a “leap of faith” with you?

A. Yes Cara, I’m asking people to put their faith in me and my record at the local level. And if elected, the one promise I can make is that I’ll work night and day for the people of South Tipperary to address the challenges that we face.

Q. Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary recently slagged off teachers who are or have been TDs in Leinster House, and Fine Gael got a lot of stick for that, with teachers very upset on the RTE news. Was that regrettable for FG? And was he right or wrong?

A. First of all Cara, someone recently asked me why I didn’t have a campaign launch and the reason is that I just didn’t have time for one –I was too busy knocking on doors! I would have to question why any public representative would invite Michael O’Leary to a launch of their campaign. Michael O’Leary is what he is, he is what it says on the tin. I’ve great respect for teachers. Two people that I looked up to in my career were Enda Kenny and Michael Noonan, both teachers. Michael Noonan himself was an excellent Finance Minister, Enda Kenny a great Taoiseach. I certainly think there’s room in Dáil Éireann for teachers, but of course we don’t need 174 teachers in Dáil Éireann. But in the context of national challenges, of course it’s good to have teachers’ perspectives, why not. Q. But was Michael O’Leary right or wrong?

A. I think he was wrong Cara. Michael O’Leary is what he is. Every time he opens his mouth, there’s controversy. But he’s an extraordinary successful businessman, and I’ve great admiration for what he’s achieved. But going back to what I originally said Cara, I wish I had time for a launch!

Q. My Dad and I have a lot of contact with people from the great area of Tipperary Town and West Tipperary. I’m sensing that there’s a lot of built-up anger over the N24 issue, and the general feeling overall seems to be that West Tipperary ‘hasn’t gotten a fair slice of the cake’. You’re well aware that West Tipperary is traditionally an FG stronghold. But do you worry that the anger may boil over and that local candidate John O’Heney will take the majority of the FG 1st preference vote? And what do you say to the West Tipperary voters who say that their area has been left behind?

A. The upgrading of the N24 has been a priority for me for a long time; not just the section which would bypass Tipperary but the remainder around Clonmel and down beyond Carrick-on-Suir. If elected, I will work night and day to deliver for all of South Tipperary, including West Tipperary. There have been many Government announcements in recent years in relation to the provision of funding for community-led and other projects in that part of South Tipperary, for example the 2022 Gov announcement around €10m RRDF funding for Tipperary Town and of course, the dedicated Task Force, established by a Fine Gael-led Government, looking at

the town of Tipperary, is working hard to develop the town. Finally, I must mention my extensive family connections across West Tipperary.

Q. Is there anything that we haven’t covered that you’d like to mention Michael?

A. I would make the point that, ultimately, you’re a legislator at the national level. It’s something different and I have an interest in legislation. And I would have a keen interest in reforming legislation around commercial rates, and the consolidation of approximately 20 pieces of legislation into a fit for purpose modern piece of legislation, and to use that as a tool to reduce rates in our town centres.

Q. Just for a bit of fun, I’m going to say something. - can you just say the first words that come into your mind!!!

Q. Cara Darmody?

A. Inspirational!

Q. Simon Harris?

A. Energy!

Q. Gerry Adams?

A. No comment!

Q. Sinn Féin?

A. Where’s their manifesto!

Q. Danny Healy Rae?

A. Who!

Q. Donald Trump?

A. President Elect!

Q. Mattie McGrath?

A. His mother was a lovely lady!

Q. Fianna Fáil?

A. Loan me your vote!

Q. Bertie Ahern?

A. Good Friday Agreement!

Q. Our dog Crumble?

A. Can I take him home!

Q. On social media, I saw the Taoiseach pulling a creamy pint of Guinness in Pat Fox’s pub in Cashel the other day, with you standing beside him! No political spin now Michael – Who drank the pint!!!

A. Well it was just a bit of craic Cara! The truth is that I think nobody drank it! And for no other reason other than it was a zero-zero pint – there were no takers for it at the bar!

Q. Finally, can you make your final pitch as to why people should give you their Number One vote on November 29th?

A. I have to make the point of the importance in South Tipperary of having a TD in Government, especially in the context of the challenges we face. If elected, I will work night and day to deliver, in terms of the resources available at the national level, so that South Tipperary gets it’s fair share. I promise

- Fresh Thinking - Straight Talking - Hard Working

Cara: Best of luck in the big election Michael!!

Michael: Thank you so much Cara!

The Mayor last week playing with the Darmody’s new dog Crumble

Cllr Michael Murphy sitting with Cara in the Mayor’s office, which was recorded live by a European documentary for ARTE TV Playing Football outside Leinster House last June during one of Cara’s protests

Celebrating Excellence: Chamber Business Awards Best of Tipperary’s Businesses

The County Tipperary Chamber Business Awards

2024 lit up the Talbot Hotel Clonmel on Friday night in a spectacular celebration of the outstanding achievements of Tipperary’s business community. The soldout event brought together business leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the county for a night of recognition, inspiration, and celebration.

The awards ceremony honoured businesses that have made exceptional contributions across various sectors, recognising their innovation, leadership, and positive impact on the community.

Highlight of the Night

The coveted Overall Business of the Year Award was presented to Duggan Veterinary Supplies Ltd, a testament to their excellence across all aspects of their operations. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and their peo-

ple made them a standout choice for this top accolade. Winners Announced in 13 Categories

The awards showcased the breadth and depth of talent driving Tipperary’s economy. This year’s winners are:

• Emerging Business Award: Slieve Crafts

• SME Excellence Award: SYS Group

• Large Business of the Year Award: Skanstec Engineering Ltd

• Community Impact Award: Count On Us Recruitment

• Retailer of the Year Award: Clonmel Plumbing Supplies Ltd

• Innovation & Digitalisation Award: Skanstec Engineering Ltd

• Training & Development Award: Boston Scientific

• Sustainability Award: MSD

• Service Provider of the Year Award: Turas Nua

• Employer of the

Year Award: Duggan Veterinary Supplies Ltd

• Best Dining Experience Award: Bodega 1830

• Tourism & Hospitality Award: Cashel Palace Hotel

• New Start-Up Award: A New Mum Una Healy Receives Special Recognition

The prestigious President’s Award was presented to Tipperary’s own Una Healy, celebrating her incredible contributions as a role model and advocate for local pride and excellence. Her journey continues to inspire the next generation of Tipperary talent.

Acknowledging the Sponsors

This event would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors. We are deeply grateful to:

• Carey Glass (Main Sponsor)

• Ryans Cleaning, PTSB, Unitec, MSD,

Tipperary County Council, Tipperary LEO, County Tipperary Chamber Skillnet, IDPAA, Bulmers, Chartered Capital, Ryan Marketing Solutions, Boston Scientific, AIB, Camida, Irish Water and Value Centre

Their commitment to fostering a vibrant business community is deeply appreciated.

Words from the Chamber CEO

Michelle Aylward, CEO of County Tipperary Chamber, praised the resilience and innovation of the local business community:

“Tonight is about celebrating the incredible spirit of our businesses—their ability to innovate, adapt, and thrive in challenging times. Tipperary’s future is bright, and it’s thanks to the businesses in this room. I encourage everyone to keep supporting our local economy, and the Tipperary Gift Card is one simple but powerful way to do that.”

President Award Recipient – Una Healy

Retailer Of The Year Winners – Clonmel Plumbing Supplies Ltd

Excellence: County Tipperary Awards Showcase the Businesses

Slieve Crafts

Chamber Team Photo

News from the Community

FETHARD NEWS by

Joe Kenny

Santa to switch on lights in Fethard on Sunday

On this coming Sunday, December 1, Santa will come to Fethard’s Christmas Street Market at 2.30pm with his helpers to meet all the local children and switch on the new Christmas Lights at 4pm, that are currently being erected on Main Street in time for the exciting event planned for Sunday afternoon.

We’ll have lots of free entertainment on Main Street, including Christmas Crafts on the street and indoors at the Convent Community Hall. Children can avail of free rides on ‘Santa’s Train’ which will tour up and down the Main Street. There will also be plenty of free treats available on the way.

Fethard Bridge Club

Fox Photos will be available for family photographs ‘Christmas Session’ at Fethard Horse County Experience from 2pm.Weather permitting we are going to wrap up our Christmas Market Day by ‘Rocking The Boat’ on the Main Street at4.45pmwith DJ Aidan Mac!

MAIN STREET CLOSED

Important Notice – Main Street

Closed to Traffic from 8am on Sunday

Please note that Main Street will be pedestrian only and closed to traffic from 8am to 5.30pm, with diversions in place. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Results On November 13 we played for prizes sponsored by Francis Lacey and David O’Meara and the results were: 1st Nett, Dena Mulcahy and Bridget Cuddihy; 2nd Nett, Judy Doyle and Bernie Phelan; 3rd Nett, Gabrielle Schofield and Nora Ryan. 1st Gross, Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh; 2nd Gross, Anna Cooke and Eileen Frewen; 3rd Gross Francis Lacey and David O’Meara. We play Bridge in Fethard Ballroom every Wednesday evening at 7pm. New members are always welcome to join us.

St. Vincent de Paul Appeal

As Christmas is just around the corner, we invite anybody who needs our help to contact us as soon as possible, by giving your name and address to any member of the Fethard Conference, or by texting any of the following numbers 085 8086099, 086 1940016, 086 8443622 or 086 8588118. Please get in touch with us before December 11, as after that date we may have difficulty getting back to you before Christmas.

Annual Collection

Our Annual Church Gate collection will be held at all masses on weekend of December 7 and 8. Donations can also be made online at www.svp.ie/donate/ Select our conference named: Holy Trinity Conference Fethard Co Tipp, and your donation will reach us directly, eventually. Alternatively, if you want to donate by mail, please address it to: The Treasurer, St. Vincent de Paul, Fethard, and a receipt will be sent to you. We remind you to please do not send cash in the mail.

Christmas Flower Demo

A Christmas Flower Demonstration will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, December 3, at Slievenamon Golf Club, by Mandy at Fethard Flowers, in aid of Holy Trinity Church of Ireland Fethard and a donation to Scoil Aonghusa, Cashel. Ticket Price is €15 and are available from Fethard Flowers and Slievenamon Golf Club. Refreshments served afterwards.

Social Dancing at Ballroom

Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday, December 1, to the music of ‘Peter Burke’. All are welcome to come along and enjoy us for a terrific night’s social dancing from 8.30pm to 11.30pm. Admission is €10, which includes tea and cakes and raffle.

Parish Church Lotto Draw

There was no jackpot winner in this week’s Parish Lotto on Thursday, November 21, 2024. The numbers drawn were 4, 12, 13, and 24. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Sharon O’Meara. Next week’s Jackpot for Thursday, November 28, will be €5,000.

GAA Sports Lotto Results

Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for November 19, 2024, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 14, 17, 21 and 22. We had no Jackpot winner and one Match 3 winner who received €150, Matthew O’Shea. One lucky dip winner received €100: Martha Sheehan. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, November 26, when the jackpot is €30,000.

DIED RECENTLY

The death has occurred on Friday, November 22, of Tadhg Duggan, Fethard and late of Barnaleen, Donohill, peacefully at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin. Predeceased by his uncle Jack Hogan and his aunt Mary Murphy. Sadly missed by his partner Fiona Dorney, parents Paddy and Pauline Duggan, daughters Samantha and Melanie, son Timmie, Fiona’s children Michael and Megan, sisters Marie, Geraldine, Margaret and Patricia, brothers Tom and Michael, relatives and friends relatives and friends. Funeral Mass took place in St. Nicholas’ Church, Solohead, on Tuesday November 26, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. R.I.P.

Fethard athletes compete in Munster Relays Cross-Country

The Munster Athletics Masters and Juvenile Relay Cross-Country Championships took place on Sunday November 24, in Two Mile Borris, and Fethard AC athletes turned out in great numbers to represent the club. The blue and black jerseys were prominent across both the masters and juvenile events.

MASTERS XC:

The Masters athletes faced a challenging 7K, however this didn’t phase our Athletes. Michael McCarthy (over 40) showcased his endurance and speed, finishing in 9th place overall with a time of 23:41. His stellar performance earned him a spot on the Tipperary Over 35 team, that went on to claim the silver team medal.

Fintan Rice (over 55) demonstrated his consistent form, completing the course in 26.57, securing 39th place overall. His efforts were rewarded with an individual bronze medal in the Over 55 category. Neilie Hall (over 60) made his first cross-country appearance

of the season and crossed the finish line in 32.49, placing 66th overall. A fantastic effort by Neilie. Well done to all three athletes.

JUVENILE XC RELAY TEAMS: Fethard AC’s young athletes participated in the highly competitive 4x500m Juvenile Relays, proudly representing their club in both the Girls’ and Boys’ U10 categories. Our Girls U10 Relay Team consisted of Mackenzie Barry, Ella Coffey, Leah Brett and Annabelle Barry. Despite not placing, the girls put in a strong performance and embraced the experience of competing at this level. Our Boys U10 Relay Team included Aaron Tyrell, Fionn Halley, Darragh Smyth and Billy Horan. The boys gave a strong effort, working well together as a team. While they didn’t place this time, their focus and determination stood out throughout the race. Congratulations to everyone who participated, and a special mention to the coaches, parents, and supporters.

Fethard’s Masters athletes at the Munster Athletics Masters and Juvenile Relays Cross-Country Championships. L to R: Michael McCarthy (over 40), Fintan Rice (over 55) and Neilie Hall (over 60).

Fethard Girls U10 Relay Team included Mackenzie Barry, Ella Coffey, Leah Brett and Annabelle Barry.

Fethard Boys U10 Relay team included Aaron Tyrell, Fionn Halley, Darragh Smyth and Billy Horan.

Late Joe Tadhg Duggan.

News from the Community

Mullinahone

LOCAL LOTTO

There was no winner if last weeks lotto jackpot worth €4,600. The numbers drawn were 2,5 9,14. There were four match 3 winners, each receiving €40. Congratulations to Joe Williams, Seán Curran, Pat Brennan & Mary Walsh.

Tickets can be purchased in all local businesses and from committee members.

ASTRO TURF DEVELOPMENT

The much anticipated Astro Turf and skills wall in CJ Kickhams Gaa club is nearing it’s final stage. Development has been moving rapidly and it’s all systems go to turn green.

CAMOGIE HISTORY

Well done to all involved in this minor camogie team. This was the first year in their history to field a 15 aside minor camogie team in the champion-

ship. The girls played four rounds against Slieve Felim, Shannon Rovers, Nenagh and Roscrea. A great achievement for the ladies and their management team.

AN EVENING OF CAROLS & SONGS OF CHRISTMAS

St. Michaels Parish Choir in association with Le Chairde, Alzheimer Society Day Care, invite you to an evening of carols and songs of Christmas in St. Michaels church Mullinahone on Sunday, 8th December at 7pm. All donations on the night to Le Chairde.

SPLIT THE POT

Last week’s draw took place in Wednesday November 20th. €160 was on offer this week and the lucky winner was Charlie Egan. Envelopes can be purchased for just €2 in all local businesses.

Drangan/Cloneen

DRANGAN TIDY TOWNSDATE FOR THE DIARY

Drangan Tidy Towns will hold our Christmas Flower Demonstration on Thursday December 12 in Drangan Community Hall at 7.30pm. We will also have a raffle for a Hamper on the night. More details to follow later.

It was again wonderful to achieve an extra 8 marks this year and to read some lovely comments on how well our village was presented on the day of judging. Well done to the volunteers who helped to make this possible and to all who helped in our recent clean-up day.

Hoping to see you all on Thursday December 12.

SCHOOL ENROLMENT

“St Patrick’s Junior N.S Drangan are now accepting applications for September 2025. Enrolment packs are available from Drangan Playschool and the school office. Please email office@dranganns.ie or phone 052-9152278.

GAA Lotto Results GAA Lotto results Tuesday November 19

Numbers Drawn were 2, 12, 14, 23. No jackpot winner. One match 3 winner was Pat & Tina O’Dwyer, Clonyhea, Drangan who won €100. Congrats.

Second chance lotto for €1,000, numbers drawn were 5, 11, 14, 15. No winners. Next draw will be on Tuesday December 3 for jackpot of €12,600, don’t miss out, play online or in your local shops, pubs, garages or hairdressers and it could be you

Well Done Seán & Cathal Well done to Seán Nash and Cathal Foley on being selected on the team of top Junior A hurlers in Co. Tipperary in 2024. Seán was selected at right half back and Cathal at left half forward. Cathal was also selected as the Tipperary Young Junior hurler of the year.

WELL DONE TOM & JACK

Well done to Tom Butler and Jack Gleeson who were members of the South Tipperary under 14

footballers victorious after extra time over West Tipperary in the Final of the Mick Frawley Inter Divisional Cup.

SOUTH U 21 B FOOTBALL

Our U21 Footballers made history when they won the South U21 B title for the first time last Saturday night when they overcame Cahir on a scoreline of 3-10 to 2-6 in Fethard Town Park. The team was captained by AiThey will now play the west winners in the County Semi Final on Sunday December 8 in Ardfinnan at 1.30pm. AGMS

The Annual General Meeting of St. Patricks Senior GAA Club will be held at 8.00 on Friday December 6 in the clubrooms at Anner Park Cloneen. The meeting will be preceded by the Annual Mass for deceased members of the GAA in The Church of the Immaculate Conception Drangan at 7.30pm on the same evening Friday December 6.

The Annual General Meeting of St. Patricks Juvenile GAA Club will be held in the club rooms at Anner Park Cloneen on Friday December 13 at 8. pm.

BEREAVEMENTS

We extend sympathy to Julieann Gahan on the death of her grandmother Mrs. Sheila Fitzell Cashel who died recently. The Fitzell Family are well known in Cashel and all over Tipperary for their involvement in and prowess on the GAA fields of Tipperary and much further afield. This continues in our parish where Julieann is Chairperson of Drangan Badminton Club, Cloneen Sports and Social Club and also St. Patricks Juvenile GAA Club. Gemma Gahan has been a prominent member of club and schools Camogie and Ladies Football teams over the last 10 years, while Oran has also been very prominent on club and school teams and has worn the Blue and Gold of Co. Tipperary on several under

Sologhead

ACE OF HEARTS DRAW

The €1,800 Jackpot for Monday, November 11, was not won while the following took the runners-up prizes, €50 to Joe O’Sullivan Online and the following received €25 Ger Myers Ballyryan, Jane Irwin Lr Monard, PDoherty Jnr Online, and Betty Rea Gorthdrum.

The sellers prize went to the Saturday Morning Group and the Jackpot for last Monday night, November 25, increased to €2,000. SYMPATHY

Sincere sympathy is extended to Paddy and Pauline Duggan Barnaleen on the passing of Tadgh RIP who following requiem mass in St. Nicholas’Church Sologhead on Tuesday, last, November 25, was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

age teams, the most recent being when he lined out at centre field for the Co. Tipperary minor footballers earlier this year.

May the soul of Sheila Fitzell Rest in Peace.

We also extend sympathy to Jim, Milo and Anna McGrath on the recent death of their aunt Mrs. Mary (Imelda) Grennan nee McGrath of Glasnevin Dublin and formerly of Cloneen. The McGraths have had a long and active involvement in community life in the parish and most especially in the GAA where her brother the late Michael and her nephew Jim were both former Chairmen of the GAA Club with Michael, Jim and Milo all former players with the club. Anna Moffitt nee McGrath is a talented artist and painted the original GAA logo on the gable end of the club rooms in Anner Park Cloneen.

May Mary (Imelda) Rest in peace.

We sympathise also with his partner Fiona Dorney, his daughters Samantha and Melanie, son Timmie and their sister Tanya, Fiona’s children Michael and

Burncourt

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS PARTY

Are you, a family member, a friend available to help set up for the Christmas Community Party which is happening on Sunday, the first day of December? Please let a member of BCC know if you are as it would help in making out the rota. Contact 0876967661.Remember, it is a Community Party. RESPOND TO INVITE.

Can those who received invitations to the Christmas Party, please reply to Margaret 0872887615. Indeed, if you were inadvertently not on the list and

Megan, sisters Marie, Geraldine, Margaret and Patricia, brothers Tom and Michael, brothers-inlaw, sisters-in-law, uncle, aunts, nephews, nieces, relatives and his many friends.

Rest in peace

We also sympathise with the Adams family of Gotinstown, Limerick Junction on the passing of George Adams RIP, who was laid to rest in St. Michaels Cemetery Tipperary on Friday, November 22, following service in St. Marys Church of Ireland Tipperary Town.

Predeceased by his wife Bridget and sisters Betty, Violet and May, he will be sadly missed by his loving family daughter Maureen and her husband Seamus, his grandchildren Ross, Fintan, Kevin, Niall and his wife Roz, great-grandchildren Orla and Eddie, devoted sisters Maude and Belle, nephews, nieces, neighbours extended family and Georges many friends.

Rest in peace

ST NICHOLAS FC

The winner of the 50/50 fundraiser and €205 for Wednesday night, November 20, was Rita Riordan and the free Christmas Draw entry for €1,000 went to Breda Doherty.

Last Sundays TSDL Division 2 tie with Old Bridge was cancelled due to an unplayable pitch and with no fixture pencilled in for this weekend, November 30 / December 1, will be an ideal opportunity to clear up any injuries with the visit of Tralee Dynamos FC to Bohertrime on Sunday December 8, for the last 32 round in the Munster Div 2 Shield

SOLOGHEAD NOTES

Should any club, group or committee within the parish have an item for inclusion in the weekly Sologhead notes in the Tipp Echo please phone or email before 9pm on Sunday nights to 086 6084761 / thomasfitzgerald645@gmail.com

would like to enjoy the start up to Christmas please contact Margaret.

LATE LUCY CROKER, R.I.P.

It was with deep sadness that the news of Lucy Croker’s passing was received during the week. A Dublin woman to the core who came to live with her daughter Alison and family in Burncourt a number of years ago, she adapted well to rural life.

Having suffered many trials in life with the deaths of daughters Jacqueline and Denise and son baby Christopher, Lucy was still able to look forward with generousity and respond to the needs of others. A skilled seamstress and knitter, Lucy was rarely without her needles creating comforting clothing and lap blankets for the little babies in the neonatal units.

Lucy was a pleasure and joy to meet and talk with and her weekly visits to the Vee Valley Day Care Centre saw her open hearted and spirited approach to life at its best.

Dear Lucy who for so many exemplified the principle of fortitude in adversity

May You Rest in Peace.

Our deepest sympathy to daughter Alison, son Alan, son inlaw Mark, daughter in-law Caitriona, grandchildren, great-grandchild, nephews, nieces and a large circle of friends.

FUNDRAISER FOR GAZA

Ballyporeen Fundraising Committee has kickstarted a major event to bring clean water and one meal a day to some of the thousands of orphaned kids in Gaza, with every single euro going to UNICEF Ireland.

Local communities are being

asked to support a child by buying raffle tickets, which are on sale in businesses and shops in Ballyporeen, Burncourt and Mitchelstown. The grand finale of this present fundraiser will be a Major Fundraiser on Sunday, 15th December, starting at 11 am. It will include a cake sale, coffee morning, and a fabulous popup sale shop with new and nearly new clothes sale.

It is also the day of the draw for the wonderful prizes on the raffle card.

SYMPATHY - THE LATE

TOMMY WALSH

Deepest sympathy to Christine, Mick, Adam and Ciara on the death of Christine’s father, Tommy Walsh in his 91st year. Our condolences to sons Tom, Alister and Paul, daughter Karen, grandchildren, sons in-law, daughters in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, his dear neighbours and a large circle of friends.

Returning to Glengar in the 1990s, Tommy relished life in the countryside, building up a wonderful rapport and friendship with his neighbours who will miss his companionship.

Tommy was a man of style, a dancer of note, a good man to tell a story who greeted those he met with a warm interest and openness and who has now passed to his eternal reward.

May Tommy Rest in Peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK.

“Our self-importance requires that we spend most of our lives offended by someone.”

-

Carlos Castaneda

Tommy Fitzgerald

Breeda Fitzgerald

Nicholas Moroney

Sinead Moore

Dundrum AC’s Fit4Life members Mary Ann McHugh and Caitriona Armstrong who ran the 5km Run in the Dark in Limerick.

News from the Community

The Clogheen Community Party will take place on Sunday, 8th December. All welcome to come to St.Paul’s,this is a lovely Community event,and a very enjoyable evening is guaranteed. Tapas night took place on Saturday night, feedback very positive for this event, a great night was had by all.

Gortnahoe/Glengoole

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm. The rosary is recited before Mass in Glengoole every Saturday evening.

12 CRIBS OF CHRISTMAS

Pobal Eile Youth Ministry Group invites you to join us on our crib tour leaving Bohernanave Church on Sunday 15th December at 5.30pm. Tour includes cribs in our area, fun and games and McDonalds in Cashel. Open to teenagers from the parishes of Pobal Eile Parish Combination which includes the parishes of Thurles, Moyne/Templetuohy, Moycarkey/Two-Mile-Borris/Littleton and Gortnahoe Glengoole. To book contact Olivia McCormack on 087-1273273.

SACRAMENTAL DATES

The dates have been announced for the following sacraments in the parish. Confirmation will take place on Friday 28th February at 11am and First Holy Communion will be held on Saturday 17th May at 11am.

CHURCH GATE COLLECTION

A collection for christmas lights in Gortnahoe will take place this Sunday 1st December. Help would be appreciated so as to have the village looking great for Christmas.

GLENGOOLE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Will take place in Glengoole Hall on Saturday 30th November. Craft fair at 5pm. Santa arrives after 6pm Mass followed by switching on the Christmas lights.

400 CLUB DRAW

A sincere thanks to everyone who supported the 400 club draw in support of the Gortnahoe Glengoole parish. A sincere thanks to all the promoters and to everyone bought tickets. The first draw for this year was held last week. The results were as follows, 1st Prize €200 Vincent Norton,

Graiguewood, 2nd Prize €100 Rose Phelan, Graiguemane. Other prize winners were Paddy Maher, Inchorourke, Alicia O’Keefe, Ballysloe, Michael & Eileen Cahill, Gortnahoe, John & Eileen Coleman, Graigue, Nuala & Declan Hickey, Lisduff, John Phelan, Inchorourke, Liam Norton, Clonora and Cathriona & Nicky Tobin, Grange. Promoters prize winner was Eleanor Brophy.

GORTNAHOE COMMUNITY

HALL CHRISTMAS DRAW

Gortnahoe Community Hall are holding their Christmas draw on Sunday 22nd December in Gortnahoe Hall. Further details of prizes and the distribution of tickets will follow in the coming weeks. The Christmas Draw is an important fundraiser for the upkeep of the Community Hall

GORTNAHOE BINGO

A special Black Saturday bingo will be held this Saturday 30th November at 4pm, doors open at 3pm. Over €4,400 in prize money on offer including a €500 game, €800 game and a free Black Saturday game for prize money of €400. There will also be hampers and Split the Pot. It will be a great afternoons entertainment for all.

TUESDAY BRIDGE

Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106

SPLIT THE POT

Congratulations to Gerry Hannon c/o Peggy, who won €211 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange and at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220.

For the month of November Split the Pot will be in support of the Gortnahoe Christmas lights. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

Urlingford

EMERALDS URLINGFORD & GRAINE LOTTO

November 18 prize fund was €4,800. Jackpot: €2,800.

Numbers drawn: 6, 10, 22 and 28, bonus no 23. No match three winners.

Five lucky dips of €20 each: Noreen Boland, Janet Cullen, Martin Hayde, Paula Scott, Shane Ahern.

Promoters prize: Joan Campion.

Next draw takes place on Monday, November 25 in the Clubrooms.

Results next week.

URLINGFORD NS

Richard Dunne

ELLEN DELANEY RIP

The death has occurred of Ellen (Nellie) Delaney (nee McCormack), New Birmingham, Thurles, 19th November. Ellen passed peacefully at Beacon Hospital, Dublin.

Predeceased by her husband Tim and daughter Evelyn, her sisters Kitty and Mary, brothers Johnny, Ned and Patrick. Deeply regretted by her loving family, Sr. Nora (PBVM), Marie, Richard, Kay, Dolores, Grace, Padraig and Tim, her much loved grandchildren, her very special and much loved god-daughter Bridget, nieces, nephews, daughter-in-law Norma, sons-in-law John, Michael and Denis, neighbours and friends.

Ellen’s funeral arrived to Ss Patrick & Oliver Church, Glengoole last Friday evening.

Funeral Mass took place last Saturday morning followed by burial in adjoining Cemetery.

Girls Gaelic Football Success: Friday, November 15 topped off a great year for the Urlingford NS Girls Gaelic Footballers. After three consecutive wins against Ballyragget NS, Freshford NS and Ballyhale NS the Urlingford NS girls qualified for a Schools County Gaelic Football Final vs Windgap NS.

In a closely contested first half refereed by John McCormack the Urlingford NS girls led by 2-00 to 0-01 at half time. Another early second half goal helped secure a memorable win on a final scoreline of Urlingford NS 3-3 Windgap NS 1-01.

LGFA County Board represenative Kay Phelan presented the Schools Gaelic Football Cup to the Urlingford NS 6th Class captains. On County Final Day the Girls wore their newly sponsored Tesco Schools Football Jerseys designed by the schools 5th Class pupils. The Urlingford NS Panel was Orla Sweetman, Kate Erika Perez, Sarah Harrington, Saoirse Joyce, Aoibhinn Manton, Aoife Gibbons, Niamh Joyce, Emily Costelloe, Ellen Harrington, Michelle Cole, Laura Minogue, Amelia Barnaville, Carragh Phel-

an, Maisie Caldwell, Tara Keane, Amelia Fogarty Slattery, Maisie Caldwell, Vanessa Caschera, Sophie Power, Evelyn Power, Teegan Stokes, Ari Dursin, Robin Upsdell, Mia Rajakovic and Lily May Hayden. Mentors for this years schools Gaelic Football are Mr Lonergan, Ms Ahern, Mr Hennessy, Mr Dowling and Mr Grace. Well Done Girls and Best of luck to the Boys Gaelic Footballers who play Mooncoin schools in the Country Cup semi Final next week.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

Craft Fair: Annual Christmas Craft Fair, Friday, December 6 from 11am to 1pm. Join us for light refreshments, handmade crafts and raffle here at Centre.

Cois Nore Cancer Support Coffee morning also here at the Centre Friday December 6, from 10am to 11am. All welcome.

St Kieran’s Homes for the Elderly: Applications are invited for the Vacant Tenancy of a one-bedroom house at St Kieran’s Place, Urlingford. To be eligible to apply you must be on the Kilkenny County Council Housing list. Applications are available from the Centre.

Local Training Programme LTI: Free LTI Course, which includes Driving Theory/Driving lessons, Safe Pass and HACCP. Places still available. Contact us for further information.

Cois Nore: Outreach Advice Clinic, at the Mill every Friday morning from 10am to 12pm Counselling Services: Our low cost Counselling Services, includes one-to-one, adult and teens.

General Counselling: Bereavement, stress, anxiety and depression.

Other counselling services available: Drug, substance and

gambling addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Age 4+. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

Senior Alert: If you need to apply for a personal alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine. Appeal for Clothes Donations: Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling/play therapy services. Donations can be dropped off during our opening hours. Please call before dropping off. For further information please contact us here at the Centre on 056 8838466.

SET DANCING

Set Dancing in Graine Hall every Tuesday at 8.30pm. Music by Danny Webster. Sets called by Paddy Norton. New members welcome, young and old.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT

THE POT

November 24 winner of Split the Pot is Elaine Hughes who received €767. Congrats on behalf of Urlingford National School Parents’ Council Association. Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town. Thanks to everyone for their continued support. Next week’s draw is for Urlingford National School Parents’ Association.

GRAINE CARDS

Progressive 25 card game in Graine Hall every Wednesday night at 8pm sharp. All are welcome.

URLINGFORD NEWS

Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@gmail.com. If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address.

Valerie Carey

Congratulation to Urlingford Nationa School Girls Gaelic Football on their recent success. (See report in Urlingford Notes above).

News from the Community

New Inn/Knockgraffon Parish News

TAIZÉ SERVICE

Taizé service (music centered prayer) continues in Knockgraffon Church this Wednesday November 27 at 7.30pm for Holy Souls in November. All are welcome!

VILLAGE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON

Join us for a heartwarming community celebration as we switch on the village Christmas tree lights at the Grotto on Friday, December 6th, at 6pm. This festive occasion marks the perfect start to Toy Show night and promises to be a delightful evening. Enjoy the enchanting performances by talented singers from our local primary schools, adding to the joyful atmosphere. We invite everyone to come along for a singalong and share in a moment of festive magic. Don’t miss this chance to kick off the holiday season together!

OLIVIA FLOWERS:

As the holiday season approaches, don’t forget to order your festive wreaths! Olivia Flowers is offering beautifully crafted wreaths featuring festive foliage, holly, and flowers. The last day to place your order is November 29. Wreaths will be available for collection or delivery starting December 16. For more information or to place your order, please contact Olivia Ryan at 086-233-7390 or email olivia@oliviasflowers.ie.

Spread the holiday cheer with a lovely wreath from Olivia Flowers!

PARISH LINKS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The AGM took place recently at the NICC. During the meeting, the following officers were elected/returned: Chairperson: Es-

ther Boland, Secretary: Margaret O’Gorman, Assistant Secretary/ PRO: Sandra English, Treasurer: Mary O’Donnell, Assistant Treasurers: Niamh O’Farrell and Ann Clifford. Committee members include Mary Shanahan, Eileen Hally, Mary Peters, Frances Keating, and Philly Fahey.

We would like to express our gratitude to all who attended the meeting and to everyone who supported our recent church gate collection at both churches.

Special thanks are extended to the New Inn & District Vintage Club and the New Inn Women’s Group for their contributions. Mark your calendars for our next meeting on Thursday, December 5, at 6:45pm in the NICC. Additionally, please save the date for our Christmas Party, scheduled for Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 12.30pm in the NICC. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

DANGAN GRAVEYARD NOTICE

A recording of the headstones in Dangan graveyard is now available for viewing on the historic graves’ website ‘www.historicgraves.com’. A website which allows visitors to search, and trace loved ones buried in graveyards across Ireland’.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL

The annual St Vincent De Paul collection will take place on Sunday December 8 at both New Inn and Knockgraffon churches. The St Vincent de Paul (SVP) Ireland is part of an international Christian voluntary network dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by providing practical assistance to people in need. Founded in Ireland in 1844, it helps to foster diverse and inclusive connections,

as a Society that is welcoming of people of all faiths and none. Your support would be greatly appreciated!

WOMEN’S GROUP KEEP FIT CLASSES

Join us every Monday evening at 7pm at New Inn Community Centre for our Keep Fit Classes! Stay active and healthy while having fun. For more information, contact Mary Frances at (087) 759 5512. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated!

HOSPICE MORNING

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 7th, from 11am to 2pm at Barrons, New Inn. Enjoy a delightful flower demonstration from 12 noon to 2pm. Everyone is welcome to come and support this wonderful cause!

25 CARD KNOCKGRAFFON

Winners on Wednesday November 20 with 13 games were Paddy Freaney / Margaret Quinlan and in joint second place with 10 games each were Billy / Vincent Phelan and Roseanne Carew / Dick Lonergan. Well done all. Cards start at 8.30pm sharp and all are welcome. Tea & refreshment afterwards.

NEW INN VOICES PRESENTS “CHRISTMAS IN SONG”

Join us for a festive evening of music on December 14 at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm) at Rockwell Chapel, Rockwell College. Tickets are €15 and can be purchased at Cashel Dental, Main Street, Cashel; The Shop, New Inn; or from choir members.

This concert will support New Inn Voices and the Jack & Jill Foundation. We extend our gratitude to the Tipp County council Art Grant Scheme 2024 for their assistance.

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holiday season through song!

SEEDS OF HOPE

Returning Biodiversity to Our Parishes is a Laudato Si conference for the dioceses of Cashel & Emly, Kerry, Kilkaloe, and Limerick. In the face of ongoing environmental crises, this conference seeks to inspire parish communities to care more deeply for God’s creation.

Join us on Saturday, 25 January 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Springfort Hall, Mallow, Co. Cork. To register, please email maria.murphy@trocaire.org. A suggested donation of €10 will be collected on the day. “Together, we can sow and nurture the seeds of hope”.

SANTA COMES TO NEW INN

Santa is taking some time out from his hectic schedule to come to Ollie’s, New Inn on Sunday December 15 from 4pm to 6pm. Meet Santa, a gift for each child, photo opportunity, story stelling, colouring and disco music. Child €5 each, No booking required. A great day is assured with plenty of Christmas cheer!

TIPPERARY GAA HISTORIC FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

Tipperary GAA has officially launched a landmark fundraising campaign aimed at enhancing GAA facilities across the county. The campaign features an exciting grand prize: a fully furnished home located in Bregawn, Cashel, valued at €350,000. Alternatively, the winner has the option to receive a cash prize of €300,000. Tickets for this remarkable draw are priced at €100 and can be purchased through the Rockwell

Rovers GAA club or via the official ‘Win a House’ website. Notably, €30 from each ticket sold through the club will be retained to support local initiatives. Tickets are currently available through club treasurer Mary Newman or Andy Hennessy. Additionally, the first Bonus Draw is scheduled for December 15, where lucky winners will have the chance to win a luxurious two-night hotel break in Ireland, along with €1,000 in spending money. Don’t miss this opportunity to support Tipperary GAA while also entering to win fantastic prizes!

LOTTO DRAW RESULTS

Lotto Draw results for Sunday November 24, Numbers drawn2, 19, 18 & 28. NO WINNER(s).

Lucky dips x4: - Frances Looby, Helen Fitzgerald, Eamon & Mgt Barron, James Kirby to be entered into November’s lucky dip draw with a chance to win €500. Sellers – Jimmy Looby, Ml Purcell, Rockwell Rovers x 2 to be entered into November’s sellers draw with a chance to win €100.This week’s jackpot is €6,000 - thank you for your continued support.

ROCKWELL ROVERS SENIOR AGM

The Senior AGM has changed date to Saturday 7th December at 7pm at the Clubhouse. Nomination forms are now available. Please email the secretary secretary.rockwellrovers.tipperary@ gaa.ie for a nomination form. All

Kilsheelan

GAA

Congratulations to our Under 21 hurlers who defeated Moyle Rovers in Fethard on Saturday last on a scoreline of 4.18 to 1.16 in the South Under 21 ‘B’ Final at Fethard Town Park. Well done to Mikey McGuire who gave a man of the match performance when scoring 1-7.

See match report elsewhere in this edition.

Best of luck to them in the county semi-final on Sunday in Cahir where they face Galtee Rovers at 1.30pm.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Congratulations also to Mikey McGuire, Tadhg McGuire, Michael Bates, Ben Roche, Colin Roche and Conor Freaney who helped Clonmel High School defeat Kinsale Community School in the TUS Corn Comhairle Tomas Mhic Choilm and have now reached the quarter-final.

Again Mikey McGuire put in a star performance forcing the High School ahead in the closing stages for a one point victory in Dungarvan on Wednesday last.

nomination forms to be returned by Friday 6th December at 7pm to the above email address or handed to Elaine Cummins.

ROCKWELL ROVERS LADIES FOOTBALL

Well done to Rockwell Rovers Ladies football team who got to the final of the Tipperary LGFA LISTER U19 Championship only to be beaten by Slieve Felim Rapparees by 4 points in Fethard last Sunday November 24. Final score 2-12 to 2-08. Hard luck to the players. A big thank you to all the supporters, parents and the management team of Baínísteoir: Kieran Durkan, Selectors: Colm Heaney and Ciaran McGrath, Flo: Mary Collins, Physio: Julie Hennessy.

CONGRATULATIONS

Maeve Carroll from Garrandee, New Inn, has been honoured as the Cashel Lions Club Young Person of the Year. Earlier this year, Maeve was a prize winner at the Young Scientist Competition and currently serves as the Chairperson of the Student Council at Cashel Community School. Maeve is an active member of the Brú Ború traditional music group. As a result of her accomplishments, she will now represent the Cashel Lions Club in the National Final of the Lions Clubs Young Ambassador of the 21st Century. Congratulations, Maeve, on this well-deserved recognition!

Well done to all involved.

SOCIAL NIGHT

Many thanks to all who helped make our social such a success in Nagles on Saturday night last, many thanks to all who helped with the organising and also huge thanks to Ross, Joanne and the team for making the night a huge success. A special word for Billy Stokes who has been a colossus for the club over many years and best wishes on his very special upcoming birthday.

KILCASH CARD GAME.

The accumulator for the Christmas Hampers continues this Wednesday, 27th November, 4th December, and 11th December in Kilcash Community Centre. The game begins each Wednesday night at 8.30pm sharp Party night with presentation of Prizes and Raffle for great prizes on Wednesday 18th December. All are very welcome.

KILCASH LADIES CLUB . Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, 28th November at 8pm followed by our guest at 8.30pm. Membership is €20 and new members very welcome.

ROCKWELL ROVERS LADIES FOOTBALL - COUNTY FINALISTS

Well done to Rockwell Rovers Ladies football team who got to the final of the Tipperary LGFA LISTER U19 Championship only to be beaten by Slieve Felim Rapparees by 4 points in Fethard last Sunday November 24. Final score 2-12 to 2-08. Pictured here

Back L to R: Emily McNamara, Kate Fogarty, Sophie Doyle, Ciara Collins, Ciara Fitzpatrick, Kate Hennessy, Niamh Marnane, Louisa McConnan, Jane Corcoran, Maggie Blake, Ericka Cully, Margaret McGrath.

Front L to R: Emma Durkan, Emily McGrath, Ella Heaney, Cara Hennessy, Ella O’Donnell (JC), Anna O’Donoghue (JC), Ava Harnett, Nessa Moloney, Katie Durkan, Katie Condon.

Sandra English

News from the Community

Bansha/Kilmoyler

GALTEE ROVERS ST. PECAUNS

In Sean Treacy Park, on Sunday, our footballers lost out to Arravale Rovers by 0-11 to 1-6 in the West Tipperary Under 21A Football final. We led 0-6 to 0-5 at half time, conceded six points in the second half, before scoring a goal late in the game.

This weekend Kilsheelan Kilcash will provide the opposition in the County Under 21B hurling semi-final, with the winners meeting Boherlathan Dualla, the following weekend, in the county final.

GALTEE ROVERS ST. PECAUNS LADIES FOOTBALL

Congratulations to our ladies who defeated Moyne Templetuohy in the County Under 19B Football final in Fethard Town Park on Sunday. Having led 4-4 to 2-3 at half time, the ladies won on a score of 4-13 to 3-4.

GALTEE ROVERS ST. PECAUNS AGM

The club’s annual general meeting will take place this Saturday at 6.30pm in the McGrath Centre. The juvenile club’s annual general meeting will take place tomorrow, Thursday.

GALTEE ROVERS ST. PECAUNS LOTTO

There was no jackpot winner in last week’s Bansha Kilmoyler Sports Lotto draw. This week’s jackpot is €19,250. Last week’s €20 lucky dip winners were: Saoirse Ryan, Mary Harris, Karen Ryan and Kayla Peters. Seller’s prize €20: Catherine O’Connell. Tickets, €2 each or 3 for €5, are available locally and online via Clubforce and Galtee Rovers social media pages.

GALTEE ROVERS ST. PECAUNS CLUB DRAW

The November monthly draw will be held on Saturday night. This is an important club fundraiser, and if you haven’t already joined, you still have a few days to do so before this weekend’s draw.

Ballylooby/Duhill

BALLYLOOBY/CASTLE-

GRACE GAA

Result: 19/11/24: No Jackpot winner. One match three winner: Brendan Walsh Numbers drawn 4, 16, 21, & 26. Next week’s jackpot €1,900

The club extend their thanks for your continued support. Tickets available at usual outlets & clubforce.com-Ballylooby/Castlegrace Gaa

PREMIERING “WEDDED BLITZ”.

The group are delighted to be “Premiering”. Jimmy Keary’s newest 3 act play “Wedded Blitz”. Directed by Jennifer Doyle. Play will take place on this Wed Nov 27th, Thursday Nov 28th & Saturday Nov 30th at 8:15pm. Tickets available from: Lina: 087-1334104, Majella: 087-2854511, Vee Valley Fruit & Veg: 052-65951 or any member of the cast.

YOGA CLASSES

Yoga with Marie in Duhill Hall

Continues on Mondays at 9:45 am & Chair Yoga at 11:15 am Yoga with Noelette in Duhill Hall

On Thursdays at 7pm.

AGE STRONG CLASSES

Age strong with Physio Joanne On Tuesdays at 6:45pm

GAEILGEOIRI

Gaeilgeoirí na Dúchoille

Irish speaking class will continue on Friday, 6th December in Duhill Hall at 7:30pm. Suitable for all age groups.

RAMBLING HOUSE

Rambling house in Ballylooby hall on Friday 29th November at 8pm.All musicians singers and storytellers welcome.

Entry is free .Raffle and refreshments on the night.

FREE COMMUNITY COFFEE

MORNING

Peers Standing Strong Together/ U Matter is a local group serving Clogheen and all the surrounding villages. It was set up to help promote positive mental in Clogheen and all the surrounding local villages. We run a free community coffee morning in St. Paul’s Community Centre, Clogheen on the last Saturday of every month.

Our next coffee morning will be held on Saturday, 30th November between 10 am and 12 pm. Please drop in for a while and join us for a cuppa and a chat and if you have suggestions or ideas, we would love to hear them.

SYMPATHY

The death occurred of Arthur

Tickets available from promoters and committee members.

TEMPLENEIRY CHURC

Templeneiry Church, Bansha will host the following events: Christmas Wreath workshops on Saturday November 30th and Saturday December 7th from 1.30pm to 4pm. All materials supplied, mulled wine and mince pies. Cost is €55; contact Mairead to book on 086 1011224.

Art Exhibition on Friday December 6th from 6pm to 8pm in association with artists Sarah O’Connor and Deirdre Dunne and their art students. Art for sale. Free Admission. Refreshments and Raffle on the night.

Christmas Concert on Thursday December 12th at 8pm. Hosted by Dee Morrissey and featuring Ellie Peters, Ger Breen, Colin Kenny and Stephen Stokes. Special guests Mary Hoey and Mickey Joe Harte. Tickets 20 Euro from Brendan Healy Butchers or call 085 1866177

Golden/Kilfeacle

GOLDEN/KILFEACLE GAA

CLUB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Update from our GAA club agm last weekend

Brian Leamy stepped down as chairman after six years

A huge thank you to Brian for all the hard work, support ,and dedication during his term as chairman

Club Officers elected on the night

President , Fr Pat Coffey

Hon Life Presidents, Fr Pat O’Gorman and Con Cash

Chairperson, Shane Stapleton

Secretary, John Currivan

Treasurer, Michael Stapleton

PRO,PJ Collins

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

“Queen Of The Suir” Four day Festival weekend 2025 will take place over the June Bank Holiday weekend.

Keep the date in your diary!!

UPCOMING

Carter, Cahir. We extend our sympathy to his daughter Isabel, relatives, extended family & past pupils of Cahir Vocational School.

Arthur’s funeral service took place in St Paul’s Church Cahir on 20th November followed by burial in Kilcommon Cemetery, Cahir. May he rest in peace.

GAA NEWS

U17B County Football Quarter Final: Knockmealdown Gaels 2-13 Moneygall/Clonakenny 1-4.

DONNACHA & OISIN

Well done to Donnacha Dunlea & Oisin Savage who played on U13 South Tipp Football Development Team in Coolmore Dr Morris Park on Friday night. They played against Mid Tipperary in the cup final.

HONOURING OUR TEAMS

Ballylooby/Castlegrace GAA honouring winning teams from 25 and 50 years ago

Ballylooby/Castlegrace GAA will be hosting a Social on 30th December in Cahir House Hotel, honouring winning teams from 25 and 50 years ago. It promises to be a night of music, dance and a chance to catch up with members and friends. Tickets must be purchased in advance from any committee member.

Just three weeks and counting folks

To the long awaited music event on Friday 13th December

With the Tumbling Paddies & Dj Richie in the GAA Complex, Golden.

Tickets just €22.50 available online at www.goldenkilfeaclegaa. com and locally at Golden Post Office

Nellie O’Connor on 087 6228932

Tina Boles on 087 290 9075

John O’Brien Obs Kilross On 087 8253139.

Full bar facilities. Doors open at 8pm with early dancing to DJ Richie. Disco to follow band till late

Please note that this event is strictly over 18s only!!

HISTORICAL JOURNAL

Notice in from Martina O’Keeffe folks. (See launch story elsewhere in this edition).

We’re launching the Golden-

Templederry

WE REMEMBER THIS WEEK

Sunday December 1st. In Killeen Church at 10.00 a.m. Mary Harrington Lisgoriff 1st Anniversary Mass and her husband Thomas.

NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARY MASS

The November Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on next Saturday evening

In Templederry Church at 7.00 p.m., A lighted candle, commemorating each person

Remembered at the Mass , will already be on the altar and can be taken home

After Mass by a family member. PLease contact Templederry Parish Office with the Names you would like to have included. A voluntary contribution would be appreciated.

TEMPLEDERRY NATIONAL SCHOOL DEFIBRILLATOR. There is a fully functioning and maintained Defibrillator on the grounds of Templederry National School. It is located

at the back of the school at the Church side of the building. It is boxed and there is no code to access it. It is free to be used where necessary by anyone In the locality/community. Staff of Templederry National School are trained defibrillator operators/ responders.

Templederry Parish Office is now open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 1 pm.

You can book Masses, Weddings etc etc. People can also request information from the Parish records. Call 0504/52988. 087/6564933 or email templederryparishoffice@gmail.com

With your request.

TEMPLEDERRY NATIONAL SCHOOL:

Pre enrolment for Templederry National School for 2025/2026 school year is now open. This can be completed through the school website http://templederryns.ie/enrolment

CRUMLIN CHILDRENS TOY APPEAL:

Kilfeacle Historical Journal on Friday next, 29th November in Golden Kilfeacle GAA complex at 7 pm.

The journal contains about thirty articles dealing with the history of the parish and its environs. Come and join us . All are welcome. Copies of the journal will be available for purchase on the night at a cost of €20.

LOTTO

Our gaa club lotto jackpot now stands at a staggering €19,100 Tickets just €2 Available locally and online at www.locallotto.ie

Your support for the local GAA club lotto is massively appreciated SHOP LOCAL

Just a gentle reminder folks Please think local this Christmas season Shop local,, Socialise local,, Shop local,, Shop Golden Kilfeacle

Margaret Kennedy

Templederry National School is making the Crumlin Childrens Toy Appeal available this year. Should anyone wish to donate the school will accept toy donations at the school and Will arrange for them to be delivered to NCH. This is entirely voluntary but we know many Families have experience of NCH with their children and the school wanted to provide An opportunity to recognise this.

TEMPLEDERRY TIDY

TOWNS

Templederry Tidy Towns welcome SANTA to TEMPLEDERRY on Sunday, 8th Decemberat 2.30 pm. All are welcome.

TEMPLEDERRY GAA LOTTO

Last week’s Lotto Draw was held in KENNEDYS KILLEEN and there was no winner of the Jackpot.

This week’s draw will be held in YOUNGS LATTERAGH and the Lotto Jackpot will be €12,000

aging people to shop local.

COUNCIL

Ardfinnan Community Council will host a Senior Citizens Christmas Party in Ardfinnan Community Centre on Sunday December 8th at 2pm. Open to all Senior Citizens in the local and surrounding areas. Please come along and join in the festive fun. If you need transport phone Kitty on 087 756 2742

Raffle with your December till receipts in the following businesses Burkes Foodstore, Flynn’s Foodstore, CarePlus Pharmacy and Myles Butchers. Our aim is to increase retail footprint locally by encour-

Enjoy the fabulous Christmas Lights display organised and managed by Ardfinnan Tidy Town Committee.

KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY

This a great show with a great turn out it was a joy to see all the happy smiley faces playing and singing ... roll on Christmas.

SAD PASSINGS

Sympathies and condolences to the Families of the Colberts and O Mearas on the passing of Catherine Colbert and Jamesie O’Meara. May they rest in peace.

Michael Barry

ARDFINNAN CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES SUPPORTED BY TIPPERARY COUNTY

Marcella Collins

Kathleen Moloney

Denis Murphy

TS&DL SOCCER SCENE

Saints show peak form to down Villa

Saints got the better of this battle between the two standard bearers of South Tipperary soccer at a gale lashed Tower Field in Thurles on Sunday. Peake Villa won the toss and elected to play with the strong breeze. In a tentative opening, with both sides trying to gain an advantage, Peake Villa were guilty of over hitting some of their passes over the end line.

David Slattery did well on 9 minutes to get a touch ahead of Evan McCormack who fouled him and conceded a free with McCormack going in the book. From the resultant free kick, Russell Quirke caught the Villa defence napping with a slide rule pass for Philip Drohan who did well to finish to the corner of the net in the 10th minute to make it 1-0 to Michaels. Keith Cahill was dangerous on the right but hit a weak shot at Kuba Beban when well placed. Saints managed the game well when a goal ahead with David Slattery winning a few vital headers in attack as his team faced into the gale. Mikey Wade hit over the bar for Peake while at the other end Philip Drohan cut in from the right from a

Jimmy Carr pass but scuffed his shot and it was gathered by Evan Comerford. Kuba Beban had to be quick off his line after Mikey Wade played in Ronan McGuire. St Michaels went in at half time a goal to the good and would have the benefit of the string wind in the second half. It was tense and tough at times with no quarter asked or given.

Jimmy Carr went on a good run on 49 minutes and saw his effort saved by Comerford. Cian Fadden did well on 50 minutes to head away a Keith Cahill cross for a corner. Ed ODwyer was wide from a Luke Kiely cross on 52 minutes and Luke Kiely had an effort saved from an angle by Comerford on 56 minutes. The game was turned on its head on 58 minutes when Evan McCormack received a second yellow card for a high challenge near the touchline on Philip Drohan. Peake had to rethink and for a while played better with ten men but again mishit a lot of balls out of play. Saints got an insurance goal on 63 minutes when a long ball from Colin Bargary saw Russell Quirke gather the ball on the wing from Evan Comerford, Quirke showed presence of mind to pass inside to Jimmy Carr who steadied himself before firing to the net from 18 yards and it was 2-0 to Saints.

reduce the deficit. However, they were unable to add to their tally and Clonmel

Clonmel Town were good value for their win against Cashel Town in this Premier League clash at the Dr Pat O’Callaghan Sports Complex.

The home side started well and hit the front on 25 minutes when Jack O’Donnell found the Cashel net with a crisp strike.

Town were causing problems for Cashel with the marauding runs of Kevin Fahey with Jack Kennedy a big threat up front.

Ryan Lambe and Jake French Davis were also heavily involved in every Town attack, and it was Davis who doubled the lead when he got in to finish well.

Cashel huffed and puffed and tried to get back into the game, but their momentum was broken when Davis found space before squaring the ball to Ian Clery to make it 3-0.

Cashel kept going and enjoyed good spells of possession before Michael McDermott scored to

Division 1 Sunday 01-12-24

Wilderness Rovers V Powerstown,12.00pm, M Corrigan

07-12-24

(Provisional) St Michaels V Cahir Park

Division 3 Saturday 7.00pm 07-12-24

Cahir Park (B) V

Cillian Coonan was dismissed for Saints for a second yellow card which meant both teams had 10 men. Saints managed the game well on the line and on the field and although Peake Villa came at them at times, Saints defence was well marshalled by Cian Fadden and Colin Bargary. They had to defend a few corners but were always dangerous on the break with Rhys O’Regan showing up well late on down the right flank.

Kuba Beban did well to gather a free kick at his right post, but Saints were getting to each ball to clear it and were running down the clock well. Rhys O’Regan flashed a ball across the goal late on before Saints put the icing on the cake in stoppage time when Luke Kiely scored from close range after good work by Rhys O’Regan. It was a good win for Saints and should kick-start their season with big Fai and Munster Cup games over the next few weeks.

Kuba Beban was solid in goal behind a back four who stood up to all that came their way.

Cillian Coonan covered every blade of grass and Ed O’Dwyer frequently put his body on the line and Jimmy Carr as an out ball used possession well. David Slattery showed up well in attack and adapted to other roles as the game demanded.

Town were able to see out the game to pick up a valuable three points.

Celtic frustrated by Cahir at the bypass

TSDL Premier League

Clonmel Celtic had to settle for a share of the spoils after this clash with Cahir finished 1-1. The Celtic side showed a number of changes from last week and despite some good periods of play never quite matched recent impressive performances. They started on the front foot with Julian Kerton having an early effort blocked. The visitors had their first real effort on 11 minutes when a long range shot from Ian Flannery had Celtic keeper Fabian Kerton concerned. They

should have hit the front a minute later when Celtic carelessly lost the ball, but Niall Daly’s effort lacked power and was easily saved by Kerton. However, Cahir didn’t have long more to wait and hit the front on 25 minutes with a fine free kick from John O’Brien. Celtic were struggling to create any real chances though Rory O’Dowd came close on 41 minutes with a shot that was just off target. They did manage to equalise just before the break when John O’Connor bundled home Peter O’Dowd’s corner kick from close range. Despite playing into a strong wind in the second half, Cahir enjoyed plenty of possession and Fabian Kerton got

Fixtures for Saturday the 30th of November and Sunday the 01st of December 2024

Munster Youth Cup 4th Round Saturday 30-11-24

Cahir Park V Clonmel Celtic 2.00pm

Youth Div 1 Saturday 30-11-24

Clonmel Town V Peake Villa, 2.00pm, M Corrigan

Youth Div 2 Saturday 30-11-24

St Michaels V Cashel Town, 2.00pm, M Duffy

Cahir Park (B) V Cullen Lattin, 2.00pm, M Haide

SC&K United V Shanbally, 2.00pm, J Lyons

Mullinahone V Galbally, 2.00pm, M Chapman

Premier League Saturday 30-11-24

St Michaels V Bansha Celtic 7.00pm, M Freiberg, J Maguire, M Duffy

FAI Junior Cup Rd 4 Sunday 0112-24

Janesboro (Limerick) V Cahir Park 2.00pm

Letterkenny Rangers (Donegal) V Peake Villa 1.00pm

Two Mile Borris (B) V Galbally, 2.00pm, M Freiberg

Division 2 Sunday 01-12-24

Ballingarry V Moyglass, 12.00pm, M Jordan Suirside V Oldbridge, 12.00pm, N Coughlan

SC&K United V St Michaels, 2.00pm, A Butler

Division 3 Sunday 01-12-24

Clonmel Celtic (B) V Tipperary Town (B), 2.00pm, J Lyons

Donohill & District V Rosegreen, 2.00pm, M Duffy

Dualla V Killenaule, 12.00pm, P Keane Burncourt V Mullinahone, 2.00pm, G Maher

Fixtures for Saturday the 07th of December and Sunday the 08th of December 2024

FAI Youth Cup Round 3 Saturday 07-12-24

Clonmel Town V Knocknacarra Youth Div 2 Saturday 07-12-24

Cashel Town V Galbally, 2.00pm, Cahir Park (B) V Mullinahone, 2.00pm, Cullen Lattin V SC&K United, 2.00pm, St Michaels V Shanbally, 2.00pm Premier League Saturday 7.00pm

down well to deny Niall Daly on 46 minutes.

Celtic looked dangerous on the counter and came desperately close to taking the lead on 53 minutes. Peter O’Dowd’s free kick was tipped on to the bar and John O’Connor headed the rebound against the bar before the ball was cleared to safety. Celtic finished strongly and came close on a number of occasions to getting that all important second. Sean Hawkins and Darren Sweeney both had efforts that were just off target and when Seanie Hawkins was on target from a header Brian Sweeney pulled off a fine save. In the end they couldn’t find that second goal and had to settle for a point.

Keepers on form in Cashel

some good saves to keep the score 1-1 at the break. The second half saw both sides waste good chances but there wasn’t a winner to be had for either side and the game finished 1-1.

A tough physical game played in difficult conditions. Suirside flew out of the blocks when Tommy McDonagh finished well to put the visitors one up. Cashel responded three minutes later when Craig Doyle Carroll scored a great goal to level matters. Cashel were reduced to 10 men on 35 minutes for two yellow cards. Both keepers pulled off

Cahir’s participation in this year’s FAI Youth cup came to an end after they went down 4-0 to Cork side Douglas Hall. Despite a reasonable showing, it was Douglas Hall who proved more clinical on the day, scoring in each half to secure the win.

TSDL Premier League

TSDL Premier League

Action from Clonmel Celtic v Cahir Park in the TSDL Premier League

the week in SPORT

Double delight for Dymphna and Dundrum

COUNTY ATHLETICS

Moycarkey Coolcroo AC hosted the Munster Masters Cross Country Championships last Sunday. Conditions were demanding with a strong gale force wind to contend with on each lap. The underfoot conditions were mainly good throughout the course and great credit must go to the host club for having the course well lay out.

The first race was the 4k for master women as well as the master men over 65. Right from the start Dymphna Ryan of Dundrum AC went to the front and set a strong pace that saw her move well clear on the first lap. She maintained that strong pace to come home a very worthy and convincing champion in 13 mins 52 secs. Dymphna was retaining her over 40 title won last year in St Flannan’s College. Then we had Eileen McCullough of Moyne AC also running a brilliant race when finishing 4th overall to win the over 40 bronze medal in 15.43, brilliant to see Eileen back running well again. Hot on her heels was Linda Grogan of Dundrum AC in 15.50. Then we had Catherine

Fogarty Dundrum AC winning the over 45 silver medal when finishing 8th 16.12. Martina Ryan of Thurles Crokes won the over 55 bronze medal when finishing in 18.04. Mairead Julian also ran very well when winning the over 50 bronze medal when finishing in 19.19.

We also had great performances, in such trying conditions, from athletes like, Karen Coughlan Dundrum AC 13th 16.25, Lisa Quinlan Moyne AC 18th 17.02, Laura Burke Carey Thurles Crokes 19th 17.13, Emily Leahy Dundrum AC 21st 17.35, Aine Roche Clonmel AC 22nd 17.40, Deniece Touhy Thurles Crokes 28th 18.40, Laura McCarthy Armstrong Dundrum AC 29th 19.11, Joan Stakelum Thurles Crokes 31st 19,48 and Regina Dorney Thurles Crokes 34th 20.37.

GOLD FOR O35 WOMEN

The County over 35 team of Dymphna, Eileen, Linda and Catherine won the gold medals very impressively having their team in the top eight finishers. At Club level the Dundrum AC quartet of Dymphna, Linda, Catherine and Karen were crowned Munster

Eire Og GAA Club

AGM 2024:

Our AGM took place last Friday in our club rooms.

There was a healthy crowd in attendance with comprehensive reports from our secretary, treasurer, lotto committee, chairman and juvenile board.

Election of officers for 2025 were as follows:

Presidents: Philip Ryan(W), DJ Gleeson, Liam O’Dwyer (Newtown); Chairman: John Quinn; Secretary: Eileen Ryan; Treasurer: Eoin Bradshaw; PRO: Michael O’Dwyer; Vice-Chairperson: Liam O’Brien; Assistant-Secretary: Tom Dawson; Juvenile-Chairman: Conor O’Brien; Juvenile-Secretary: Fiona Ryan; Juvenile-Treasurer: Paudie O’Dwyer; Field Committee Rep: Kevin Fox; County Board rep: Tom English; Football Board rep: Brian Fox; Cultural officer: Liam O’Brien; Player’s rep: David Fox; Child welfare officer: Paul Downey

Other committee members: Ollie Kelly, Pakie Ryan, Vinny Ryan & Donal O Dwyer.

Election of adult management teams took place also. Best of luck to all for the 2025 season.

Date for the diary: 2024 Road

Champions. The County over 50 team of Martina Ryan, Mairead Julian and Regina Dorney won the bronze medals.

This race also incorporated the men over 65 Championships. here Jim St John Clonmel AC ran very well when finishing 9th in 17.45. He was followed home by Matt Alexander of Coolquill AC who ran very well when winning the over 70 bronze medal in 18.22. Then we had Ned O’Brien Clonmel AC also running well when finishing 17th in 21.08. Here the County team of Jim St John, Matt Alexander and Ned O Brien combined to win the bronze medals.

Hurling Tournament on St. Stephen’s Day. Details to follow.

Result:The under 17 Footballers were defeated by Aherlow Gaels last Thursday in the West semi-final, ending the Juvenile season for 2024. Thanks to players and mentors for their efforts this season.

Fixture

Under 21 Football: West Final v Aherlow Gaels on Saturday, 30 December in STP, Tipperary at 1.30pm.

EIRE OG LOTTO RESULTS

Lotto results for 19 November. Jackpot: €8,700. Numbers drawn were 4, 13, 19, 22. There were no winners.

Second Chance: €500. Numbers drawn were 1, 19, 20, 27. There were no winners.

Third Chance: €250. Numbers drawn were 12, 19, 21, 31. There were no winners.

Lucky Dip Winners: Bernie Downey, Shanaknock - €50, Lizzie & Paudie Slattery, Dundrum - €30, Sharon Collins, Cappawhite (On-line) - €30, Mary Ryan (C), Ballybrack - €30, Denis Quinlan, Glenpadden (On-line)- €30, Seller’s Prize: 1 x €30, Jerry Ryan.

The Men’s over 35 7k race was also very competitive. Here the early pace was set by Michael McCarthy Fethard AC. Midway through the first lap he was joined by the chasing pack that included Barry Hartnett of Dundrum AC and Dermot Gorman of Carrick on Suir

AC. The pace was strong over the final laps of the race which saw Dermot move up to 4th place and this performance saw him winning the over 40 silver medal in 23.07 with Barry winning the

over 40 bronze medal in 23.24. Eugene O’Keefe Carrick on Suir AC ran a great race to win the over 55 title impressively in 25 mins 34 secs with Fintan Rice of Fethard AC winning the over 55 bronze medal in 26.54.

We also had good performances from athletes like Michael McCarthy Fethard AC 9th 23.41, Patrick Davoren Clonmel AC 20th 25.08, Denis McCullough Thurles Crokes 22nd 25.12, John Fogarty Moycarkey Coolcroo 33rd 26.25, Peter Madden Templemore AC 34th 26.36, Gerard Hanley Mooreabbey Milers AC 36th 26.45, Patrick Roche Carrick on Suir AC 41st 26.59, Pat Ryan Dundrum AC 45th 27.54, Dariusz Gazwodicz Mooreabbey Milers 52nd 28.42, Gerry O’Neill Dundrum AC 53rd 28.50, John Fitzgerald Thurles Crokes 54th 28.50, Ruaidhri Devitt Dundrum AC 57th 29.20, Austin Ryan Thurles Crokes 58th 29.27, Liam McCullough Thurles Crokes 59th 29.34, Damine Holian Mooreabbey Milers 60th 29.41, Michael Moore Dundrum AC 62nd 29.54, Jim Hally Dundrum AC 63rd 30.07, John Butler Thurles Crokes

64th 30.12, Sean Bryan Dundrum AC 65th 30.48 and Neilie Hall Fethard AC 66th 32.49.

The County over 35 team of Dermot, Barry, Michael and Denis won the silver medals. At Club level Thurles Crokes were 4th. The County over 50 team of Patrick Davoren, Eugene O’Keeffe and Peter Madden won the silver medals. At Club level Mooreabbey

were

NATIONAL NOVICE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS These Championships takes place at Tramore racecourse on Sunday 1st December. The County Board would like to wish all our athletes taking part the very best of luck

Dundrum AC’s women who were crowned Munster Masters Cross Country O35 Club Champions at Turnpike, Two-Mile-Borris. L-R: Linda Grogan, Dymphna Ryan, Emily Leahy, Karen Coughlan, Mairead Julian, Catherine Fogarty and Laura McCarthy Armstrong.

South U14’s Footballers recently won the Mick Frawley Inter Divisional competition defeating West Tipperary in the final after time. South Tipperary 0-5 West Tipperary 1-1. The final was played at Coolmore Dr Morris Park., Thurles.

Milers

4th with Dundrum AC 5th.

Captain Sam McDonnell from Newcastle GAA Club collecting the Mick Frawley Cup from County Bord na Og Chairman PJ Bowden (left) and Vice Chairman Sean O’Meara after South Tipperary defeated West Tipperary in the final played at Coolmore Dr Morris Park, Thurles.

Arravale survive late scare for rare under 21 final win over Galtee Rovers

McGrath Oil

Emly, West Tipp

U21 ‘A’ Football Championship Final ARRAVALE ROVERS 0-11 GALTEE ROVERS 1-6

by FRANCIS COUGHLAN

at

Sean Treacy Park

Arravale Rovers claimed a 19th McGrath Oil West U21A Football Championship Final when getting the better of neighbours Galtee Rovers in a windswept but dry Sean Treacy Park on Sunday morning. With the original venue Annacarty becoming unavailable both teams tossed for venue with the Tipp town side winning the toss for home advantage. Amazingly for such great rivals the sides had only met on six previous occasions in the decider with the record heavily stacked five to one in Galtee Rovers favour.

Home advantage for games has not always worked out for Arravale in the past and by the quarter mark Galtee Rovers had got the grips with the conditions a lot quicker to lead by five points to two. Amazingly they would add just 1-1 for the remainder of the game, failing to score in the second half until injury time, though Conal Grogan’s goal certainly made for a lively finish. Arravale on the other hand who took longer to get a grip on the conditions would dictate terms for the majority thereafter the opening quarter. The presence of Adam Ryan a late addition for Evan Carrie, Evan Ryan, Micheal Lowry, Ciaran Kelly and Orrin Jones played a big

factor in Arravale Rovers taking honours. Cian O’Dwyer, Evan Kennedy and Conal Grogan were best for Galtee Rovers.

A strong wind blew across the field from the stand side which maybe slightly favoured Galtee Rovers in the first half. Conal Grogan had two points on board for Galtee Rovers in the first eight minutes including one from a placed ball. Galtee Rovers were getting to grips with the conditions that bit quicker though both teams would find the wind a serious hindrance when shooting. Arravale in particular in the first half playing into the dressing room end had a number of shots dragged wide by the wind which seemed to swirl at that end of the field. On a number of occasions for both teams especially from placed balls the wind would have temporally stopped only to pick up again when the shot was in flight. It would be the tenth minute before Orrin Jones opened Arravale’s account and then Caleb Hickey palmed over the bar after Robbie McGrath had saved well in the Galtee Rovers goal. By the beginning of the second quarter Galtee Rovers had built up a strong three-point lead with Eoin Halpin, Robbie McGrath and Conal Grogan all on target. The game changed after this with Arravale

taking control for the remainder of the half. Eoin Doocey, Orrin Jones and the lively Ciaran Kelly had the game tied four minutes from the break. Arravale now looked the more dangerous and Robbie McGrath had to get down low to make a fine save in denying Caleb Hickey. A well taken Evan Kennedy point at the hospital end would give Galtee Rovers a slender one point lead the break, 0-6 to 0-5. Marcus Kinane was called into action in the Arravale goal early in the second half to deny Eoin Halpin when he reacted quickest to a breaking ball. Adam Ryan levelled in the second minute after the resumption and thereafter for the next 13 minutes a stalemate ensued with neither side able to add to their tally. That stalemate finally ended with Sean O’Mahony opening his account for Arravale and thereafter they would not be led. Adam Ryan powered through to add a second and three from the Ciaran Kelly had Arravale five to the good with about two to play and well in control. Galtee Rovers had seen a number of efforts over run or thwarted by the Arravale defence but they got a slice of luck two minutes into injury when Conal Grogan’s effort was caught by the wind and ended up in the Arravale net. Despite Arravale looking comfortable it was now game on. Galtee Rovers claimed possession on the next kickout out and Marcus Kinane was forced into a good save to deny Robert Moloney for would have been a famous snatch and grab. Galtee Rovers again went for goal but Arravale

now had numbers back to protect Kinane’s goal and they held out for victory.

Following the game West Board Chairman Tommy Hayes presented the JJ Kenneally Cup to Arravale Rovers joint captains Raymond Kelly and Micheal Lowry. Arravale Rovers will now face South champions Clonmel Commercials this Sunday December 1st at 1.30pm in New Inn.

SCORERS AND TEAMS

Arravale Rovers: Ciaran Kelly (0-4, 0-1f)), Orrin Jones (0-2, (0-1f), Adam Ryan (0-2), Caleb Hickey (0-1), Eoin Doocey (0-1), Sean O’Mahony (0-1)

Galtee Rovers: Conal Grogan (1-3, (0-2f)), Eoin Halpin (0-1), Robbie McGrath (0-1f), Evan Kennedy (0-1)

Arravale Rovers: Marcus Kinane, Raymond Kelly, Shane Maher, Adam Ryan, Michael Bowes, Micheál Lowry, David Ryan, Evan Ryan, Eoin Doocey, Seán O’Mahony, Eoghan Lonergan, Ciarán Kelly, Alex Webster, Orrin Jones, Caleb Hickey

Subs Used: Sean Lewis, John Paul Lohan, Galtee Rovers: Galtee Rovers; Robbie McGrath; Tadhg Gubbins, Ciaran McCarthy, Eoghan Byrnes, Joe O’Callaghan, Dermot McCarthy, Cian O’Dwyer, Bill Quirke, Evan Kennedy, Liam Finnane, Conal Grogan, Emmet Bonner, Jack Crowe, Callum McCarthy, Eoin Halpin

Subs; Ger Quinn, Alex Harold Barry, Robert Moloney

Referee: Paddy Russell (Emly)

Champions 2024 - Photo Francis Coughlan.

JJ Kenneally Cup Presentation -Raymond Kelly (Arravale Rovers) Tommy Hayes (West Chairman), Micheal Lowry (Arravale Rovers) - Photo Francis Coughlan.

Alex Webster (Arravale Rovers) out in front ahead of Tadgh Gubbins and Joe O’Callaghan (Galtee Rovers) - Photo Francis Coughlan.

the week in SPORT

COUNTY TIP-

FINAL REMINDER:

A reminder of our Captain’s Dinner in the Clubhouse Venue Dundrum on Friday Night November 29th. This is a special event for Captain Daniel Kennedy & Lady Captain Mary O’Donnell. It also very important for President Paddy Fitzgerald as it marks the end of a very successful two years as President of our Golf Club Congratulations to the winner of the of the Mixed Doubles Slattery Cup for 2024, Brian Slattery & Anne Grace in a match that went down to the wire, finishing on the 18th hole. (Anne is winner for the 3rd time with different partners). Congratulations also The winner of the Slattery plate, Francess Boyle and David Burke. Well done to all concerned it. 9-hole Competition:

Winner of the 9-hole competition week 5 is Joe Murray with 22 pts. In 2nd place Jack Ryan with 20 pts (CB). The best Gross Declan Ryan with 18 Gross pts

LADIES GOLF:

The Ladies Christmas Hamper competition continues with the charity this year being Circle of Friend (cancer support group Tipperary town) €3 to enter, play as often as you like with 2 scores to count.

SENIORS GOLF:

The results of last week’s 15hole Champagne Scramble; in 1st place Tommy Moloney, Pat Ryan (Golden) & Noel Gleeson with 85 pts., in 2nd place Tom Kennedy, Noel McGuire & Liam Treacy with 78 Pts. In 3rd Place John Ryan (Con), Peter Silke & Lorcan Keenan with 75 pts.

The Ladies of Co Tipperary Golf & Country Club recently hosted a visit by the Brothers of Charity in Dundrum Golf & Leasure Club for their annual day of Golf. Jenny Lawerence and friends helped out on the day. Firstly, they checked out the new driving range some making very impressive drives, next up was some chipping and putting, and then all into the Clubhouse where the Lady Captain Mary presented all participating with medals. Refreshments in the Venue Club House were very kindly sponsored by Jeff and Winnieanna, which was much appreciated. A wonderful day was had by all, thanks to clubhouse staff and all that helped out on the day.

THURLES GOLF

CHRISTMAS PARTY

Join us in celebrating the festive season and a successful year for our President and Captains, with a Mulled wine reception at 7.30pmfollowed by delicious two course meal and musical entertainment by Joe Brennan and plenty of merriment to follow wine reception, delicious seasonal

Tickets €35 each

All tickets must be prebooked in the Office before December 3rd (0504) 21983

Men’s Results

14 Hole Singles StablefordSaturday and Sunday, November 16 ad 17.

3’s – John O’Loughlin €100

This week’s jackpot €15,700

You can now play our Lotto online on the Clubforce website as well as in the Clubhouse!

Draw will take place live on our Facebook page Wednesday afternoon. Thank you for your continued support.

LADIES NOTES

Ladies Results

Sunday November 17- 14 Holes Singles S/F

1st Maria Dempsey (15) 30 pts

2nd Sinead Butler (15) 28 pts

Upcoming Competitions

CAHIR PARK

Results Competition Results for Week Ending: 24th November 24

Winter League Round 4 - 18th November 24

Div. 1 John Rochford (PH 5)21 pts c/b

Div. 2 Donald Walsh (PH 11)14 pts Fixtures

Mon to Sun – Ladies Christmas Hamper 9H Stableford Wed – Ladies 9H Stableford Sat & Sun – 15H Stableford White Tees Re-entry

1st Pakie Stapleton 37pts

2nd Gerard Maguire 34pts

3rd Conor Ryan 33pts

4th Andrew Finn 33pts

5th John Dwan 33pts LOTTO

Lotto Numbers Wednesday 20th November: 5, 18, 22, 25

No Jackpot Winner. 1 x match

Tuesday November 26th - 14 Holes Singles S/F

Christmas Jumper Competition

9 Holes Singles S/F - December 8th

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Ladies AGM - December 6th at 8 pm.

President’s and Captains’ Party - December 7.

A mixed bag of weather last week. We experienced everything from sun, snow, frozen greens and saturated ground.

On Tuesday our senior ladies enjoyed a fine day of golf. The winners of the scramble after adjustment for 4ball on a countback with 52 points were Imelda Fitzpatrick, Jean Rodgers, Mag Tobin and Anne Walsh. Well done team

Later in the week temperatures dipped and play was halted but the

planned on Thursday, 21st November, 2024 Lady Captain Pauline Mulcahy handed over the lady captains pin to our incoming 2025 Lady Captain, Breda Kavanagh. Here’s to another fantastic year ahead! Also on the night Breda Wall proudly received the Vera Freeman Memorial Salver for Golfer of the Year! Deirdre O’Neill picked up the Silver Medal, while Imelda Buckley took home the Bronze Medal.

went ahead as

Ladies AGM

CAHIR PARK GOLF CLUB: 2024 Lady Captain Pauline Mulcahy hands over the lady captains pin to our incoming 2025 Lady Captain, Breda Kavanagh.

the week in SPORT

A presentation was made at Clonmel Golf Club recently to acknowledge the achievements of Irish international Anna Moloney who represented Ireland in golf from 2003-2006. Pictured with Anna on right isLiz Joy, President of Clonmel Golf Club.

CLONMEL GOLF CLUB

MENS NOTES

The first week of the Clonmel Plumbing Christmas Hamper commenced on Saturday 17th and the competition was well supported as always.

Unfortunately, this weekend Storm Bert had other plans so the decision has been taken to extend the Clonmel Plumbing Christmas Hamper to Sunday 8th December to give everyone the opportunity to get the minimum of two scores entered for the competition.

FIXTURES

Clonmel Plumbing Christmas Hamper extended until Sunday 8th December.

We welcome the South Eastern Junior Alliance to Clonmel next Sunday 1st December and hope they will have a great day.

SENIORS

Next Event: Thursday 28th November (weather permitting) with draws from 10.00 am to 11.30am. All seniors most welcome.

Christmas Dinner: Reminder to all Seniors to please tick their name on the board to confirm your attendance at our Annual Christmas Dinner which takes place on Thursday 5th December in the Clubhouse at 7pm.

CLUB LOTTO - Kindly sponsored by Europlan Group

Lotto draw took place on Saturday 23rd November with a Jackpot of €3,000.

Numbers drawn: 3,5,10,13. No Jackpot winner. Two matched-three winners: Maureen Whelan and Anne Coffey.

Next Draw takes place on Saturday 30th November with a Jackpot of €3,100.

Tickets at €2 each and three for €5. Also available to purchase online, QR codes, Facebook. Vouchers available for all kinds of gifts and presents. Quick Pick Lotto available.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS - CLUB VOUCHERS

With Christmas fast approaching our thoughts go to the task of selecting gifts for those near and dear to us. This Christmas why not purchase some Club Vouchers for the golfers in your family. These can be used as payment against the Annual Subscription, green fees, Pro Shop -along with Lotto Vouchers and competition top ups. A valuable gift for the golf enthusiast – available from the office or Pro Shop. Come visit and see what is on offer or you can email us to get an online voucher – info@clonmelgolfclub.com

17 MONTH OFFER - NEW MEMBERS 2024/25

Offer available for new members joining from now up to 31st March 2026. If you are considering joining a club, why not give us a call. Full details please contact Aine at the office on 052-6124050 or download an application form from our website www.clonmelgolfclub.com.

LADIES NOTES

Fixtures:

Christmas Hamper The 12 Hole Christmas Hamper is ongoing, kindly sponsored by Terence Kennedy, Painting Contractor. This competition can be played every day. (Combined best two scores to count).

Weekly 12H Turkey Competition The 12 Hole weekly Turkey

Competition can be played any day from Saturday to the following Friday (inclusive). The Wednesday Turkey competition has changed to a draw format. Names to be submitted by Monday 12 noon. Draw will be made electronically and posted on What’s App. . Results Results of 12 Hole Weekly Turkey Competition (Saturday 16th to Friday 22nd November): – Winner: Roisin Quinlivan 24pts Date for your diary: Our Christmas Party will be held in the Clubhouse on Wednesday December 11 at 7pm. Booking sheet is now posted in the Ladies’ Locker Room.

ANNUAL MASS

Our annual mass for living and deceased members was celebrated by Canon Brendan Crowley last Thursday, 21 November. Venue had to be changed from Clonmel Golf Club to Place 4U due to bad weather and road conditions.

A special thanks to Canon Brendan Crowley for celebrating mass, to our wonderful choir who enhanced this occasion and to all members who participated in the Mass.

Condolences

Condolences and sincere sympathy to our friend and fellow member Grace Buckley on the sad passing of her beloved mother, R.I.P. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.

NEW MEMBERS LESSONS Jack Ahearne, Club Professional, is offering golf lessons for beginner ladies. For more information on lessons, please contact Jack Ahearne at (052) 6124050 or jackahearne1golf@gmail.com.

CAHIR PARK GOLF CLUB: Breda Wall proudly receives the Vera Freeman Memorial Salver for Golfer of the Year from 2024 Lady Captain Pauline Mulcahy.

CAHIR PARK GOLF CLUB: Deirdre O’Neill shines with her Silver Medal presented by 2024 Lady Captain Pauline Mulcahy.

Win earns Clonmel a first-ever Munster Senior Cup semi-final

Munster Senior Cup Q-Final UL BOHS 12

CLONMEL 43

Report by SCHIRA LANE

With a break in the All Ireland League, Clonmel travelled to Ul Bohs in Annacotty on Saturday to play the third and final group stage of the Munster Senior Cup. With a slight respite from the battering of Storm Bert, the conditions in Annacotty were fair, considering the forecast.

But Clonmel started strong when Winger Freddie Davis scored from the kick-off and converted by Joe O’Connor, they took the lead a minute into the game. And so the marker was set for the rest of the game.

The Clonmel scrum was excellent and we won several scrum penalties during the shift. There were lots of strong carries and plenty in the squad broke the first tackle on numerous occasions. It put us in excellent attacking position where we managed to give excellent distribution of the ball.

Mighty Lock Tom O’Dea took full advantage of the attacking phases and stepped the defence twice to cross the line. Freddie Davies went over the line again in the second half and Scrumhalf Dylan Cadogan dummied and skipped to

score, highlighting his trademark rugby intelligence.

In a game that saw 6 tries in all for Clonmel, the visitors only managed to cross the line twice. Talisman so often in the AIL, Joe O’Connor, was again on song with the boot and ratchetted 13 points on the scoreboard. With an excellent Seconds team, the high scoring game was the perfect opportunity to empty the bench and get match fitness into the entire squad.

The final score of 43-12 in fa-

vour of Clonmel has now put us into the semi-final of the Munster Senior Cup for the first time in the history of the Club. The last four for the February Semis are Nenagh, Old Crescent, Clonmel and Young Munster.

The Firsts break now until Saturday, 7th December when they take on AIL table leaders Midleton away.

Our Seconds team are top of the Senior Seconds League and face Cashel in their next round this coming weekend.

Joe O’Connor adds another three points for his side during last Saturday’s Munster Senior

No joy for Clanwilliam U16s on vist to Nenagh

Nenagh V Clanwilliam U16 Munster Conference

Despite not being at their best, Nenagh ran out comfortable winners over Clanwilliam in the last round of Phase 1 of the U16 Boys Munster Clubs competition played at Lisatunny. Nenagh ran in 9 tries while Charlie Talbot kicked 5 conversions.

Nenagh opened their account in the first minute when Michael Kennedy won a lineout on the Nenagh 22m line, the ball was moved wide to Oisin Gleeson who carried strongly to the halfway line and offloaded to Oscar Griffin who raced clear to score under the posts. Nenagh’s second try followed soon after. Following good work by Jack Tierney,

the ball was recycled and moved wide for Oscar Griffin to score his second try. Nenagh added their third try when Oisin Gleeson scored out wide following a quick tap penalty. Then Clanwilliam managed to retain some possession and put Nenagh under some pressure and they scored three tries in quick succession to close the gap to two points. Nenagh then scored two more tries with Clanwilliam unable to handle some strong running by Dara Corish and Dara Gaynor. Clanwilliam managed to score again on the stroke of halftime to leave the halftime score 29-20.

It took one minute for Nenagh to increase their advantage in the second half. Dara Corish and

Nenagh cruise to easy cup win over Shannon

NENAGH 45

Report by MIKE MCMAHON

Nenagh Ormond booked a place in the last four of the Munster Senior Cup with a facile win over Shannon in the final game of group 1. They finish top of the group on maximum points having previously secured bonus point wins away to Highfield and at home to Cork Constitution. Shannon finish bottom of the group after three straight defeats.

Aaron Walsh chased hard and won the kick off allowing Jack Tierney to dot down for Nenagh’s sixth try. From the restart the ball went loose, and Clanwilliam pounced again to close the gap back to 9 points. But from then on Nenagh pulled clear, scoring three more tries while displaying a greater appetite in defence to keep Clanwilliam scoreless for the rest of the game.

It was great to see the four new recruits, Brian Fogarty, Tomas McKenzie Cleary, John Carmody and Jamie Dorris being front and centre.

New players born in 2009 are always welcome. Training continues Wednesday and Friday at 8pm.

These two teams had played the previous Saturday in division 1B of the AIL, a game which was played under lights on the stadium pitch at Thomond Park. Nenagh won that game comfortably by a scoreline of 42-15 to continue a run of good form, whilst Shannon have struggled of late and will need to show improvement if they are to avoid a relegation battle.

Both teams made wholesale changes for this repeat fixture, giving game-time to other squad players including a number from their respective under 20 panels.

With storm Bert brewing, this was a cold and damp night but nevertheless, the teams served up an entertaining game of rugby which was closer than the scoreline might suggest. Carrying on where they left off last week, Nenagh were very much on top in the early stages, but uncharac-

teristic handling errors kept them scoreless until the 18th minute, when prop Mathew Burke broke the deadlock with his first try in the Ormond red and white.

Shortly after the restart, Nenagh scrum half Charlie O’Doherty linked with centre Willie Coffey to carve open the Shannon defence and break up field. Although he was caught just before the line, he managed to offload to the supporting John O’Flaherty who touched down close to the posts. O’Doherty converted to give his side a 12-0 lead.

Shannon had their moments in the second quarter, but Nenagh’s defence held solid, including a couple of vital lineout steals close to their own line. Gaining the upper hand at scrum time, Nenagh re-asserted their advantage as half time approached and added another brace of tries from winger Brian O’Rourke and centre Angus Blackmore to leave the score 24-0 at the break.

The Tipperary side increased their lead 12 minutes into the second period when Willie Coffey scored in the corner as Shannon ran out of numbers after defending a series of attacks. With the scoreline now at 31-0, Nenagh emptied their bench and for a period the home side enjoyed a good share of possession and territory which culminated in their only score of the night mid-way through the half.

With 5 minutes remaining, Charlie O’Doherty capped off a

fine individual performance when he darted through a gap in the Shannon defence to score under the posts. Willie Coffey completed the scoring with his second try just before the final whistle, which at that stage, couldn’t come soon enough for the home team. A tough day at the office for Shannon, who will now focus on retaining their status in division 1B of the AIL. Nenagh however can look forward to a cup semi-final in the new year, with the prospect of a repeat of their 2023 final against Young Munster still a possibility.

Player of the Match: Charlie O’Doherty

Shannon

Shane Carew, Alex Long, Michael Donnelly, Jack Brady, Christian Storey, Conor Ryan, Adam Kennedy, Scott Gleeson, Conall Gill, John Osullivan, Matthew Te Pou, Jack O’Donnell, Luke Doyle, David Smith, Sean Nolan

Replacements: Gus Harrington, Oskars Vitolins, Callum Black, Ciaran Vaughan, Evin Crowe, Kieran-Noel Kennedy, Sam Brown Nenagh Ormond Jack O’Keeffe, Jack Devanny, Matthew Burke, Craig Hannon, Fionn O’Meara, John O’Flaherty, Joseph Coffey, John Brislane, Charlie O’Doherty, Derek Corcoran, Brian O’Rourke, Angus Blackmore, Willie Coffey, Patrick Scully, Evan Fitzpatrick Replacements: Shane Malone, Sean Frawley, Niall O’Gorman, Kevin O’Flaherty, Robbie Tynan, Nicky Irwin, Conor McMahon

Munster Senior Challenge Cup SHANNON 5

Clonmel’s Alex Sheehan shows great determination as he breaks through the tackle of a UL Bohs forward during last Saturday’s Munster Senior Cup game played at Annacotty

Clonmel’s

Cup game played at Annacotty

Big first half helps Kilfeacle & District to bonus point away win in Muskerry

MUNSTER JUNIOR LEAGUE

MUSKERRY 27

KILFEACLE 44

Report by DENIS WADE

On Sunday last Kilfeacle and District RFC travelled to Muskerry RFC for their meeting in the Munster Junior Rugby Division 1. The weather was wet with a strong wind blowing down the pitch and conditions underfoot were very slippy.

The home side started with the wind at their backs and with the home support urging them on and the expectations of a home win weighing on their shoulders. Kilfeacle started with a sense of urgency and had the better of the earlier exchanges and managed to put some good phases of play together and within FIVE minutes had opened the scoring with a great unconverted team try finished in the corner by James Hogan. 10 minutes later the home team had earned and converted a penalty from just inside the Kilfeacle 22 to make the score 5-3 in favour of the visitors.

This did not deter their opponents and less than four minutes later, after a breathtaking back’s manoeuvre, Kevin Doyle sailed over the Muskerry tryline untouched to score Kilfeacle’s second try.

Against a very strong wind Luke Heuston added the conversion. Kilfeacle now lead by 12 points to 3. A misfiring Muskerry lineout meant that Kilfeacle were having the Lion’s share of the possession and territorial advantage. This dominance was soon registered on the scoreboard when, in the 26th minute of the game, a trademark snipe from the base of a ruck saw Gavin Heuston score

under the posts. His brother Luke added the two points and Kilfeacle now led 19-3.

Muskerry fixed what was wrong in their lineout and started to use the weather to their advantage. For the next 10 minutes Muskerry had the better of the exchanges and in the 36th minute got momentum in a rolling maul to crash over the Kilfeacle line and score their first try of the day. The conversion founds its mark and Muskerry had reduced Kilfeacle’s lead to seven points, 17-10.

Kilfeacle came roaring back into the game and pinned Muskerry back into their own 22. In the final minute of the half, Kilfeacle very impressive debutant, Muiri Lambe scored Kilfeacle’s bonus point try. Luke Heuston wasn’t put off by the howling wind and driving rain as he added the two points. This meant that the halftime score was 24 points to 10 in favour of Kilfeacle.

Kilfeacle were definitely the happier of the two sides having played into a very strong wind and driving rain.

Kilfeacle started the second half with more purpose and looked the better of the two teams in this period. After 50 minutes they had increased their lead after club captain crashed over in the corner. Luke Heuston was unlucky with the conversion attempt. Kilfeacle now had a 19 point cushion and lead by 29-10. Kilfeacle emptied the bench to give squad members some invaluable match time. This meant that Daniel Lambe entered the fray to join his son Muiri on the pitch, which was a very special moment for the Lambe family and Kilfeacle and District RFC. The multiple player and positional changes handed the impetus back to the Muskerry team and they duly pounced on the opportunity. On the 59th

minute mark Kilfeacle missed two tackles in their own 22 and were punished by a ruthless Muskerry backline who scored under the posts. The conversion was scored so the score was now 29-17. In the 62th minute Kilfeacle were awarded a penalty 15 metres inside their opponent’s half. Scoring opportunities were at a premium so an attempt at goal was signalled. Luke Heuston launched a monstrous effort that was aided by the strong wind and notched another 3 points on to make it a 32-17 scoreline. 4 minutes later a hack forward by Muskerry on the half way line took an unpredictable bounce. It struck the Kilfeacle defender and rebounded into the waiting arms of a grateful Muskerry fullback who took advantage a flatfooted Kilfeacle team to gain valuable yards for his team and take them into the opposition’s half. This was the start of a period of play for Muskerry which included 7 phases of play and ended in them breaching the Kilfeacle rear-guard to score an unconverted try in the corner. This brought the score to 32 points to 22 in favour of the home side. The

visitors never left their heads drop and as the second half progressed Kilfeacle and District started to come into the game more and began to look menacing with some sustained possession and good phases of play. In the 70th minute Kilfeacle were having the better of the exchanges and Gavin Heuston burst through Muskerry’s defensive line to score his second try of the game. Luke Heuston missed the conversion and Kilfeacle and District had edged further ahead with the score reading 37 points to 22 in favour of Kilfeacle. Kilfeacle secured the restart and cleared the ball with a huge kick from Luke Heuston, a 50 22, which earned Kilfeacle a 5 metre lineout with only minutes remaining.

One text book executed training ground manoeuvre later and Kevin Kinnane had touched down under the posts. The easiest of conversions saw Luke Heuston bring the score to 44 points to 22. With two minutes remaining Muskerry were now hunting for their 4th try which would see them salvage a bonus point from the encounter. With last play called Muskerry were pushing

Kilfeacle back further and further into the danger. When the referee sounded his whistle for an over exuberant illegal clear out and awarded a penalty 5 metres out Muskerry struck. One quick tap and a desperate dive over the line later and Muskerry had earned their well deserved bonus point. The missed conversion was irrelevant.

Amidst scenes of jubilation amongst the Kilfeacle players and supporters the referee sounded the final whistle. The result was an impressive away victory to Kilfeacle by 44 points to 27.

Kilfeacle and District’s next

match is a home game against Bandon RFC in the Munster Junior League Division 1on Sunday 1st of December at 2.30pm. Kilfeacle’s squad on the day consisted of 1 Brian Barron, 2 Brendan Barron, 3 Richard Whitney, 4 Thomas Fogarty, 5 Bob Purcell, 6 Gavin McCormack, 7 Beau Walker, 8 Kevin Kinnane, 9 Gavin Heuston, 10 Luke Heuston, 11 Killian Noonan, 12 Muiri Lambe, 13 Jacques van Wyngaardt, 14 Kevin Doyle, 15 James Hogan, 16 Daniel Lambe, 17 Paddy Finnan, 18 Darragh Kennedy, 19 Cormac Ryan, 20 Adam Crowe, 21 Timmy Clarke and 22 Cathal Hallissey.

The annual table quiz fundraiser for the Juvenile section was held in the clubhouse last Friday night. Organised by a group of the under 12s parents, a great night was had by all. A big thanks to all who turned up on the night and special mention to quizmaster Frank Whelan who kept the crowd entertained from start to finish. Thank you to the sponsors of the wonderful prizes, namely ABP Nenagh, Muddy Paws, Limerick Packaging, Caherconlish Pharmacy, Cloughjordan House, Treaty Wealth Management, DNG Michael Gilmartin, Knockbrack Timber Haulage Ltd. Also, thanks to Andy’s Gastropub for running the bar and providing the food on the night.

is Grainne Gleeson, representing her team, receiving first prize from Graham Finch of the under 12s coaching group at last weekend’s successful table quiz held by Nenagh Ormond Rugby Club

Nenagh Ormond

A Nenagh Ormonde Under 12s rugby team who recently played Portumna

Kevin Kinnane about to score a try for Kilfeacle & District.

Pictured

Triple-header of finals brings curtain down on great year for South Board

233 games in 18 grades run off successfully over a busy May-November season

THE CURTAIN came down on the South Tipperary GAA Board’s busy 2024 calendar at Fethard Town Park on Saturday last when the Board hosted three under 21 finals at the impressive Fethard venue.

First up at 3.15 pm was the Under 21 ‘B’ hurling decider in which Kilsheelan/Kilcash defeated Moyle Rovers by 4-18 to 1-6, to capture their first hurling title in nine years at under 21 level.

At 5 pm, Clonmel Commercials and Fethard took to the field for the Under 21 ‘A’ football final, the Clonmel side winning 1-10 to 0-9 to complete a three-in-a-row of titles.

At 7 pm, in the last game of the year for the adult board, St Patrick’s defeated Cahir in the Under 21 ‘B’ football final by 3-10 to 2-6. It was the Anner Park side’s first-ever success at this grade in the division.

The day, and a dirty wet day it was too, was the culmination of hectic year for the Board under the chairmanship of Nicholas Moroney, and perhaps someway fitting that he brought the curtain down on the year by presenting his own club, St Patrick’s, with the final piece of silverware for the year, the Under 21 ‘B’ football title.

The year began on Saturday, 25th May with a Junior ‘A’ Football Championship fixture in Goatenbridge between Ballylooby/Castlegrace and Cahir. Over the

course of a hectic seven months,

Who won what in the South

Under 19 A Football - Clonmel Commercials

Under 19 B Football - Clonmel Og

Under 19 A Hurling - St Mary’s

Under 19 B Hurling - Kilsheelan

Under 21 A Football - Clonmel Commercials

Under 21 B Football - St. Patrick’s

Under 21 A Hurling - Carrick Swan

Under 21 B Hurling - Kilsheelan

South Junior A Hurling - Moyle Rovers

South Junior B Hurling - Cahir

South Junior A Football - St Patrick’s

South Junior B Football - Clonmel Commercials

South Junior C Hurling - Killenaule

South Junior C Football - Carrick Divins

South Intermediate Football - Clonmel Commercials

South Intermediate Hurling - Ballingarry

South Senior Football - Moyle Rovers

South Senior Hurling - Carrick Swan

223 games in total were played in all 18 grades. Credit to all involved in the South Board, and especially secretary John Lonergan, for a very well-orchestrated year on the playing fields. Below is a list of winners in those 18 grades of competition, with Clonmel Commercials and Carrick Swan, respective winners of the South Senior Football and Hurling titles in 2024.

South GAA Board secretary, John Lonergan

Action from the South Under 21 ‘B’ Football Final at Fethard Town Park on Saturday last - Cahir’s full-forward Ronan Powell gets up above his St Patrick’s opponents to gather the ball

Action from the South Under 21 ‘B’ Hurling Final at Fethard Town Park on Saturday last - Moyle Rovers’ midfielder Killian Butler gets past Kilsheelan/Kilcash defender Billy O’Gorman.

Action from the South Under 21 ‘A’ Football Final at Fethard Town Park on Saturday last - Clonmel Commercials’ James Power scores the only goal of the game early in the first half despite Ben Allen’s bravery

052 61 48800

Mikey McGuire lights up final as Kilsheelan overcome Moyle Rovers

South Tipperary Under 21 ‘B’ Hurling Championship Final KILSHEELAN/KILCASH 4-18 MOYLE ROVERS 1-16

KILSHEELAN/KILCASH cap-

tured their first silverware at Under 21 level since their 2015 ‘A’ final win over Carrick Swan, when defeating Moyle Rovers in the ‘B’ final played at Fethard Town Park on Saturday last.

In the first of three divisional finals in that age group played consecutively on what was a Storm Bert-driven horrendously dirty day, the Suirsiders led from trap to line and were full value for their 11 points victory at full-time.

Credit to both sides who served up a fast-flowing entertaining decider in such deplorable conditions under the floodlights, with perhaps 17 year-old Kilsheelan full-forward, Mikey McGuire, shining brightest of all with an exciting man of the match performance on the day.

Once again having to take the field without one of their best players, in the injury unlucky, Micheál Freaney, Kilsheelan/Kilcash nonetheless hit the ground running when his brother Liam goaled superbly in his side’s first attack after 90 seconds. And that advantage was out to four when sharpshooting free-taker Tommy O’Connor pointed his first of six frees two minutes later.

In a rapid-firing final played on the Fethard astroturf - a godsend to the South Board on such a sodden weekend - Moyle Rovers indicated they weren’t there to simply make up numbers. After Daire Luttrell forced a good save from Oisin O’Donoghue in the Kilsheelan goal, the Rovers rattled off three points from play in three minutes via Paddy O’Keeffe (2) and Killian Butler.

Making full use of the wind at his back Tommy O’Connor’s monster free from inside his own half doubled his side’s lead to two, and once again after another good save from O’Donoghue this time from Oisin Forristal, Daire Luttrell’s first point of the day made it 1-2 to 0-4 after just eight minutes of fast action.

Slowly but surely Mark Stokes’ side began to express themselves more, and ten of their next 11 points went their way as they squirrelled away scores in anticipation of turning around to face the driving rain in the second

half. By the 24th minute they had built up a commanding 1-12 to 0-5 store, which ultimately proved more than adequate.

In that dominant 15 minute spell, young full-forward Mikey McGuire came alive with three superb points from play, from distance, from the corner flag and another over his tall shoulders after winning a long puckout from Oisin O’Donoghue. The haul also included points from the other McGuire brother, halfback Tadgh, Senan Butler, Liam Freaney and four off the stick of midfielder Tommy O’Connor (three frees).

In that spell of dominance for Kilsheelan, Rovers’ sole response was an 11th minute close-in free from ciotóg Daire Luttrell. No doubt the Monroe boys needed a response and they rallied themselves to finish the first half well.

Jake Forristal stemmed the tide with their first score in ages before they hit their only goal of the game. And then a minute later, a move linking Killian Butler and Dean English teed up Daire Luttrell and just when it looked the chance was gone, Luttrell turned again and found a way to goal with a low effort to the net.

But the effort to build momentum was lost instantly when four minutes before the break a Tommy O’Connor free from over half

Around the middle Jack O’Donoghue and Tommy O’Connor hurled their share with Mikey McGuire and Liam Freaney clocking up an impressive 3-8 between them in the forwards.

For the second year in-a-row Moyle Rovers have had to settle for second best in this final and will be disappointed that they didn’t get their best game out.

Shane Ryan, Rory Collins, Killian Butler, Paddy O’Keeffe, Dean English and Jake Forristal gave it their all in defeat.

TEAMS AND SCORERS

way near the stand, bounced high off the surface to the back of the net, restoring Kilsheelan’s advantage to nine points. And at the short whistle, following two late Daire Luttrell frees, the scoreboard read Kilsheelan 2-12 Moyle Rovers 1-8.

FREANEY STRIKES AGAIN

Jake Forristal had his third point of the final 20 seconds after the resumption, but Kilsheelan made their intentions known early also with their third goal inside a minute. Again as he had done early in the first half, Liam Freaney finished the move linking Senan Butler and Mikey McGuire, which included a sweet flick off the floor from McGuire, giving Freaney that extra space and time to finish with aplomb.

For the most part of this final there were two types of weather, heavy rain or even heavier rain, and the latter arrived in the early

minutes of the second half. Rovers tagged on two points from Paddy O’Keeffe and Paudie Ryan but they were making no headway into the deficit, Kilsheelan responding with three unanswered points from Tommy O’Connor (free), and a brace from the powerful running Mikey McGuire who was giving his marker a torrid time of it.

Eleven minutes into the second half the game was ended as a contest when Kilsheelan’s fourth goal arrived and again it was the work of Mikey McGuire. This time he soloed through the middle from way out the field and showed deft stickwork in dispatching the ball to the net. Now 4-15 to 1-11 after 42 minutes of play, there was no way back from a 13-points deficit for the Rovers.

The final quarter was a case of going through the motions. Rovers tipped away with four points

from Paudie Ryan, Daire Luttrell (free), Jake Forristal and Killian Butler (free) but the deficit was still at nine points with 10 minutes to go.

Down the stretch towards the final whistle Kilsheelan added three more points from Tommy O’Connor (free) and another brace from the growing-in-confidence Mikey McGuire who ended the day with a 1-7 personal tally.

Towards the end also, the always honest midfielder, Killian Butler, added Rovers’ last point.

While the Kilsheelan vanguard clocked up that impressive tally, the groundwork, especially early in the game, was laid by a solid defensive showing led by captain Emmet Butler at centre-back, with Tadgh McGuire and Conor Neville also prominent. And Oisin O’Donoghue saved a couple of efforts on a day when shot-stopping wasn’t helped by the conditions.

Kilsheelan/Kilcash: Oisin O’Donoghue, Jack Norris, Conor Neville, Billy O’Gorman, Tadgh McGuire (0-1), Emmet Butler (capt), Ewan Rumble, Jack O’Donoghue (0-1), Tommy O’Connor (1-7, 1-6F), Eoin Barry, Liam Freaney (2-1), Senan Butler (0-1), Michael Ryan, Mikey McGuire (1-7), Michael Bates.

Subs: Reuben Darcy for M. Ryan (46 mins), Cian Roche for J. O’Donoghue (59 mins), Luke Keyes for S. Butler (63 mins).

Moyle Rovers: Peter Boland, Darragh Walsh, Joseph Commins, Michael O’Reilly, Shane Ryan, Rory Collins (capt), Rian McCormack, Killian Butler (0-3, 0-1F), Harry O’Keeffe, Paddy O’Keeffe (0-3), Dean English, Cathal O’Gorman, Daire Luttrell (1-5, 0-4F), Jake Forristal (0-3), Paudie Ryan (0-2).

Subs: Conor O’Gorman for C. O’Gorman (12 mins, inj), Cian McCarthy for R. McCormack (59 mins).

Referee: Nigel Carrigan (Ballybacon/Grange).

The Kilsheelan/Kilcash team who defeated Moyle Rovers in the South Tipperary Under 21 ‘B’ Hurling Final played at Fethard Town Park on Saturday last

South Board secretary John Lonergan presents Mikey McGuire, Kilsheelan/Kilcash, with his Man of the Match award for the South Under 21 ‘B’ Hurling final

Nicholas Moroney, chairman of the South Tipperary GAA Board presents the cup to winning Kilsheelan/Kilcash captain Senan Butler after their victory over Moyle Rovers

History for St Patrick’s with first-ever South Under 21 ‘B’ football title

South Tipperary Under 21 ‘B’ Football Championship Final

ST PATRICK’S 3-10 CAHIR 2-6

DRANGAN/CLONEEN side St Patrick’s captured their first-ever South Tipperary Under 21 ‘B’ football title with a fully-deserved seven points victory over Cahir in the final played under floodlights at Fethard Town Park on Saturday evening.

Played in an almost constant downpour from start to finish with a strong wind blowing right down the field, St Patrick’s crucially asserted themselves in the second quarter outscoring their opponents 1-5 to 0-1 to lead by five points at the break. Thereafter they never looked back and despite playing against the elements in the second half had seven points to spare at the full-time whistle.

Corner-forward Finn Madigan was the scorer-in-chief for the Anner Park side, registering 2-3 over the hour, and together with Man of the Match Daithí Hogan, played a huge part in capturing this maiden title for the club. It was St Patrick’s second divisional football crown of the year, having defeating Ballylooby/Castlegrace in the Junior ‘A’ final played earlier in the season. Eight of Saturday’s victorious team also featured that day, indicating that football is in strong hands going forward at that side of Slievenamon.

The third South final of the day at the impressive Fethard venue got off to a flying start with a third minute goal for Cahir, superbly

tucked away low into the corner of the net by Adam Hennessy after showing great skill in making space for himself in the execution of the goal.

A composed William Cleere kicked St Patrick’s first score in the sixth minute and it was back to a one-point game when Daithí Hogan won and kicked a free for St Patrick’s four minutes later.

Despite facing into a sheet of driving rain in the first half, Cahir were enjoying plenty of possession at this time and would have been well satisfied to lead 1-2 to 0-2 at the end of the first quarter after Jack Buckley converted a free and Oisin Maher pointed from play following good work by Patrick McDonagh.

The remainder of the opening half was bossed by St Patrick’s with the half-back line of Jack Cleere, Sean Nash and Ryan Cranitch getting on top. A Finn Madigan converted mark in the 18th minute began this impressive period, and five minutes later, Madigan again, finished off a sweeping counter-attacking move up the stand side of the field, with a good point.

In full flight there is hardly a more exciting attacking player in the county than Daithí Hogan and his swift pass to Robbie Noonan set up the corner forward to level the game for the first and only time of the final, 0-5 to 1-2, six minutes before half-time.

Directly from the kick-out St Patrick’s gained possession and once more, Daithí Hogan fed Noonan with a defence splitting pass, and while the latter’s effort was well saved by Mark Cagney in the Cahir goal, Finn Madigan pounced on the rebound to rattle the back of the net.

Tails up now and flying, St Patrick’s almost had a second goal within a minute. Conor Brett and Robbie Hogan combined to free Oran Gahan who saw his well directed shot at goal touched over by Cahir goalkeeper Mark Cagney. A minute before the break Charlie Noonan became the fifth of the six starting forwards to score for St Patrick’s when coming in off the right wing he superbly directed a left legged shot between the uprights.

Cahir failed to score in the second quarter, and in that time St Patrick’s came from three down to lead by five at the interval, 1-7 to 1-2. As it would transpire it was a match-winning spurt from the

John Moroney, Cathal Mahoney and Jamie Broderick managed side.

St Patrick’s second goal came five minutes after the re-start, a move excellently finished by midfielder Oran Gahan after Daithí Hogan had burned the Cahir defence with his electrifying pace in the build-up.

Eight behind now, Cahir were in danger of being cast adrift before they eventually had their first score in all of 22 minutes when Adam Hennessy pointed eight minutes into the second half. But as is often the case, having waited so long for one, two points arrived almost together with Jack Buckley’s free a minute later which was won by Ciaran Condon’s hard graft.

The full set of St Patrick’s forwards making the scoresheet was complete in the 42nd minute when Conor Brett landed a fine point off his left. And a minute later the lead was again out to a seemingly unassailable eight points with centre-back Sean Nash’s score following a decisive

South Board chairman Nicholas Moroney was delighted to be presenting Daithi Hogan (St Patrick’s) with the Man of the Match award, and St Patrick’s team captain, Aidan Fitzgerald, with the cup after St Patrick’s had defeated Cahir in the final at Fethard Town Park on Saturday last.

run by the just-introduced James Ryan.

Tom Delaney then pointed for Cahir to reduce the margin, and soon that eight points cushion was halved to four with a Cahir penalty in the 59th minute brilliantly converted by Jack Buckley when sending Brian O’Halloran the wrong way.

If St Patrick’s supporters feared an unlikely comeback, their concerns were fleeting as within half a minute the green flag was waving at the other end of the field.

From the penalty goal kick-out Oran Gahan won a huge possession around the midfield for St Patrick’s and began a move that linked William Cleere and Daithí Hogan before Finn Madigan did justice to the passage of play with a well-placed finish to the far corner of the net.

The last score of the game was a 63rd minute free for Cahir’s Jack Buckley before referee Paul Guinan brought the South Board’s 2024 sporting calendar to its conclusion.

All night long the winners seemed that bit smoother and faster in the transition and counter attack, and significantly had eight players on the scoreboard compared to just three for Cahir. The foundation for the win was a solid back unit led by Sean Nash and Bill Cuddihy at No. 3. Oran Gahan and Aidan Fitzgerald were a well-functioning midfield, working well off each other, while all the forwards played their part with Daithí Hogan, in particular, a threat every time he got possession.

Cahir, after a tonic start, faded alarmingly in the second quarter and gave themselves too much to do even with the driving wind at their backs in the second half. Despite the disappointment, there were some decent performances on a difficult night for football. Evin O’Regan, Sean Leahy, Henry Reidy, Dylan Butler, James O’Brien, Adam Hennessy and Oisin Maher couldn’t be faulted for their endeavours.

St Patrick’s: Brian O’Halloran, Cian Cranitch, Bill Cuddihy, Evan Holohan, Jack Cleere, Sean Nash (0-1), Ryan Cranitch, Oran Gahan (1-1), Aidan Fitzgerald, William Cleere (0-1), Daithi Hogan (0-1), Charlie Noonan (0-1), Finn Madigan (2-3, 0-1M), Conor Brett (01), Robbie Noonan (0-1).

Subs: James Ryan for Brett, Sean Fitzgerald for Noonan (inj), Cahir: Mark Cagney, Jake O’Gorman, James O’Brien, Henry Reidy, Ciaran Condon, Sean Leahy, Evin O’Regan, Dylan Butler, John O’Regan, Patrick McDonagh, Tom Delaney (0-1), Jack Buckley 1-3, 1-0 pen, 0-3F), Adam Hennessy (1-1), Ronan Powell, Oisin Maher (0-1)

Subs:

for

Referee: Paul Guinan (Killenaule).

The St Patrick’s team who defeated Cahir in the South Tipperary Under 21 ‘B’ Football Final played at Fethard Town Park on Saturday last.

Donagh Keating

O’Regan, Liam Murphy for O’Brien, Daniel Lakis for Powell.

Power and Ryan contributions huge as Commercials make it three

South Tipperary Under 21 ‘A’ Football Championship Final

CLONMEL COMMERCIALS 1-10 FETHARD 0-9

CLONMEL Commercials completed a three-in-row of titles when they overcame a stiff second half challenge from Fethard in the South Tipperary Under 21 ‘A’ Football Championship final played in very difficult weather conditions at Fethard Town Park on Saturday.

With the driving wind and pelting rain behind them, Commercials looked thoroughly hosed and nearly home after just 18 minutes when leading 1-7 to 0-2. However, by the end of the day they needed that eight points cushion to prevail against a Fethard side who went into this final as rank outsiders, and pleasantly surprised many by their attitude and tenacity on the day.

Extra-time winners over Moyle Rovers in the semi-final, Commercials started the hottest of favourites and that pre-match favouritism looked well justified when they shot out of traps to lead 1-2 to 0-0 after only six minutes. Oisin Forristal opened proceedings with a 35 metre point in the third minute, followed a minute later by Cian Smith’s first free of the day.

A huge moment then arrived when Commercials strung together an inter-passing move up the right wing before the ball was worked across the front of goal to James Power. The corner-forward took possession and showing

great composure gave Ben Allen no chance from close in with a rocket to the back of the net.

Rocked by that concession, Fethard needed to find their feet quickly, and to their credit settled with two points in a two minute-spell from Charlie Walsh, and Conor Neville, after the latter had worked a nice one-two with brother Mark.

That Blues’ brace was but brief breathing space and Commercials came back at them with the next five points without reply, three of those white flags in swift succession between the 11th and 13th minutes. The outstanding Joe Higgins kicked two huge points from play both from 40 metre range, either side of a close-in mark by team captain Cian Smith.

Two further Cian Smith frees, won respectively by Ross Slattery and Rory O’Dowd runs at the Fethard defence, saw the Danny Madigan side advance to 1-7 to 0-2 with 18 minutes played.

Fethard responded once again and put together a promising move up the stand side with Liam Kiely, and Mark and Conor Neville involved. As midfield Jack Quinlan attempted to link up with the threatening move he was unfairly impeded, and after a thorough check with his umpires, referee Willie Fitzharris decided on a penalty.

The outcome of the spot kick

would have a big bearing on the result, with Clonmel Commercials goalkeeper Shane Ryan saving superbly with a strong left arm to deny Dara O’Meara’s well placed low shot. A goal at that stage against the run of play and the elements in a low-scoring final might have worked the oracle for Tommy Sheehan’s side, alas they will never know.

In fairness to them, Fethard heads didn’t drop and they finished the half well with two Mark Neville frees after great industry in their winning by Liam Kiely and Noah Flynn, both of whom put in a huge hour’s work for Fethard.

At half-time Commercials looked comfortable and in control at 1-7 to 0-4, even if they hadn’t added to that tally in the final 12 minutes of a wind-assisted half.

The third quarter was like the conditions of the day itself, a damp squib, with both sides doing little in terms of creativity or scoring. In that 15-minute segment Fethard shaded it on the scoreboard two-to-one, with a

Mark Neville free and a Liam Kiely point from play bookending a Jamie O’Keeffe 40th minute point for Commercials which ended a 22-minute barren period for the reigning champions.

Peter McGarry who was well marshalled for most of the day by Dara O’Meara finally raised a white flag in the 46th minute, restoring Commercials advantage to their half-time six-points lead.

From there to the end Fethard had much the better of possession kicking three points without reply to halve that deficit with six minutes left to play.

Mark Neville’s fourth free of the final initiated the three-in-arow of points with two excellent scores from play following from Matt Coen and Conor Neville, the latter’s white flag from the kickout of the previous score. Fethard weren’t out of this final just yet.

It was at this stage that the magnitude and significance of Shane Ryan’s superb first half penalty save came more into perspective. Had the Blues banked that opportunity the already telling pressure

on Commercials would have been all the greater. How might both teams have finished out the final in that event?

Commercials teams thrive on keep-ball tactics and did so adequately once again in the closing minutes. Rory O’Dowd was a dynamo in workrate making himself available endlessly for carries, while Tadgh Sheehan, Billy Tierney and Joe Higgins got through plenty of solid defending when most needed.

Substitute Darragh Landers kicked the game’s last point for Commercials, and with it the threat of a late sucker punch was finally erased with a minute to go and a four points cushion for the town side.

Commercials we know can play better than they did in this divisional final and will be anxious to do so in their quest for the county crown in the coming weeks.

Goalkeeper Shane Ryan had little to do all day, but it’s always a good sign that a custodian can pull out a save like that at a vital time. The defensive unit were well

tested on the day and responded to the challenge, wing-backs Rory O’Dowd and BIlly Tierney never stopped working up and down the field. Joe Higgins, chosen as Man of the Match, continues to grow into being a top class midfielder and Declan Nee’s contribution and industry, along with Peter McGarry and Cian Smith, didn’t go unnoticed.

Fethard will be kicking themselves for the slow start and allowing Commercials to build that eight point cushion inside the first 20 minutes. It ultimately made an already difficult task next to impossible. That said, they can take plenty of positives from this performance with the likes of the Neville brothers, Dara O’Meara, Jack Quinlan, Liam Kiely, Darragh Spillane, Noah Flynn and Charlie Walsh all having plenty of moments.

Clonmel Commercials: Shane Ryan, Ross Slattery, Mark Corcoran, Thomas Charles, Rory O’Dowd, Tadhg Sheehan, Billy Tierney, Darragh O’Connor, Joe Higgins (0-2), Oisin Forristal (01), Peter McGarry (0-1), Niall Deely, James Power (1-0), Cian Smith (capt., 0-4, 0-3F, 0-1M), Declan Nee.

Subs: Jamie O’Keeffe (0-1) for Deely (39 mins), Ruairí Leahy for James Power (39 mins), Dean Cagney for Nee (47 mins), Darragh Landers (0-1) for O’Connor (58 mins).

Fethard: Ben Allen, Michael James Phelan, Shane Neville (capt), Darragh Spillane, Charlie Hackett, Dara O’Meara, Noah Flynn, Jack Quinlan, Andrew Connerton, Liam Kiely

The Clonmel Commercials team who defeated Fethard in the South Tipperary Under 21 ‘A’ Football Final played at Fethard Town Park on Saturday last

(0-1), Matt Coen (0-1), Charlie Walsh (0-1), Mark Neville (0-4F), Conor Neville (0-2), Gavin Neville.

Subs: Rory O’Mahoney for Connerton (inj, 31 mins), John Lacy for Hackett (48 mins).

Referee: Willie Fitzharris (Fr Sheehy’s).

LEFT: South Board PRO, Pat Murphy, presents the Man of the Match award to Clonmel Commercials’ Joe Higgins.

RIGHT: Nicholas Moroney, South Board chairman, presents Commercials’ captain Cian Smith with the cup after his side had defeated Fethard in the final played on Saturday last at Fethard Town Park

Tipperary trainer lands fourth Irish Greyhound Derby

It was a fantastic weekend for trainer Graham Holland and the Holland team from Golden when Bockos Diamond won The Boylesports Irish Greyhound Deby in Shelbourne Park. Having broke the track record earlier in the competition he was a very worthy winner of this years Derby. This son of Dorotas Wildcat and Seaglass Shadow was breed in Golden by Rachel Wheeler and purchased by The Remember Them Syndicate after winning the unraced stake in Kilkenny and headed to The Holland kennels. Fifteen straight wins from this sensational greyhound who has blistering early pace complemented with a super turn of pace from halfway which no doubt must see his one of the all time super Irish Derby winners. The Holland kennels is a very tightly

GREYHOUND RACING at CLONMEL STADIUM

nit family team all very involved on the day to day running of the kennels. Graham and Niki with Timmy and Rachel and kennel worker Garry Walsh they are a very successful outfit. Every time you see a Holland greyhound either for trials of racing, they look pristine showing the intense detail being applied to each and every runner. This detail has paid off having won English Derbys and now this their fourth Irish Derby and involved in every competition throughout the country. You could see Holland trained runners in various tracks on any given night with someone at home preparing their home coming, and final word to Graham “its hard but enjoyable work, but hard work has its rewards.”

Michael Clack took full advantage of getting his debutant

Croydon Bay in a s a reserve in trap three in the opening race on Friday night

when he produced the perfect performance to win in a very smart 29.02. Trained for the owner by Pat Barrett from Galbally he made all the running beating what looked like the initial favourite Bockos Ellie trained by Graham Holland. Hasty Luna owned by Billy Smyth from Mortlestown Cahir landed the opening sprint race with a trap to line run in 16.71. Slight congestion at the opening turn behind her handed her the advantage to power home. “Big Billy” is a very integral clog in the track being a hard-working volunteer maintenance ground man when needed and it is nice to see him winning races as a bonus. Noel Culleton from Fethard upset the odds in the fourth race, an A0/A1 when Bogcross Reno left the two favourites for dust with a trap to line run in a very fast 28.87. This the winners ninth career win was no mean fete in rather competitive company. The Commons trainer Paraic Campion had a quick fire double on the night firstly with Boozed Burgess for Ossie Bennett from Johnstown in the seventh an A0/A1. Wearing the red sheet, he railed extremely well at the all-important opening bend and from there this five-time winner held a strong line throughout and despite a very strong late challenge from Tullovin Bale held on to win by a short head in 28.68. Straight after the vastly experienced Wizzard owned by Gary Pepper made it win number sixteen running from six in 29.05. Michael

Egan and Michael Organ from Piltown had a back-to-back winner with Blister Him Jim trained by Adam Dunford in the ninth race. Shaking off the early challenge from Shanghai Willie he showed his usual turn of pace down the far side to win 29.17.

The David Flanagan trained Poker Queen owned by The Poker Gang from Derryluskin, Fethard landed her first career win on just her second outing with a very impressive trap to line show in 29.43.

Sunday night at Clonmel David Flanagan continued his run of form when Yates owned by The New Gang Syndicate landed the penultimate race of the night in 29.25. Clonmel man Roger White saw Mahogany Sydney back to winning ways when he made all the running in the opening race and win in 29.83.

Declan Drohan also from Clonmel had Wilderness Tiger make it for on the bounce with a trap to line run in 29.01.

Willie Esmonde’d Dakota

Drive landed his ca-

reer first win in the fourth with a very positive run in 28,82 fastest time of the night. Emer Dunne from Ballingarry has Emers Niamh back to winning ways and as joint owner with Pat O Brien from Rosegreen she also had Raceway Sydney on the winner spodium in 29.4 3. David O Neill from Cahir was well please with the run of Chamberlain Lily from her favourite trap one to win the eight race in 29.13. Peter Hattemore who bought Great Claire earlier in the year for a respectable sum has been well pleased with her performance as she added to six wins when taking the tenth race of the night. Liam and Martina Harding went home smiling when Bay City Callie landed the final race of the night which was in fact her career first win in 29.40.

Clive Ryan with the impressive Chosen Lady.jpg

Pictured below: Niki Hilland with Irosh Derbybwinner Bockos Diamond

the week in SPORT

Rowing Club Concert a great success - thanks Marty!

by PAUL NUGENT

I wonder if any of the older readers remember the rowing-related toothpaste advert from the late 1970’s featuring a schoolboy 8 - “Where’s No. 4?”

At the dentist comes back the reply.

“More fillings. Bet he didn’t use Colgate “

You know that the sport of rowing has gone mainstream when Barry’s Tea feature a girl having a cuppa after doing her stint on the water down in Skibbereen.

Rowing being flavour of the month didn’t come about by accident. It is as a result of the dedication of coaches and mentors all around the country at grassroots level that has culminated in the popularity and success of the sport today.

MARTY DANIELS CONCERT

Sports organisations are always on the lookout for fundraising ideas. So when long-standing CRC member Donal Lyons AKA Marty Daniels offered to do a concert for the club, the committee rowed wholeheartedly in behind him (no pun intended) and the

event, held in the magnificent ballroom of the Talbot Hotel was an outstanding success. Supporters of the club and businesses around the town donated great spot prizes and this enabled us to run a generous raffle on the night with our recent winner in the 2x at the World U23 championships, Donnacha Keeley on hand to draw the prizes.

Marty Daniels performed a lively session of much loved country classics which got the dancers on their feet for the night waltzing, jiving and even doing the Slosh.

A huge thank you to Marty, the CRC members, sponsors and supporters for giving us a memorable night. All proceeds from the night will go to improving the facilities at The Island and the committee have plans in place to rise to the challenge of running a very successful sports club and to build on the legacy of those who helped to provide a rowing facility in Clonmel for the last 155 years.

PRESENTATION TIME

Earlier in the evening club President, Dermot Dougan made a presentation to Michelle Greg-

ory and Sandra Wall who won a gold medal at the World Masters championships in Germany. There was also a presentation made to Donnacha Keeley to commemorate his brilliant achievement with Ciaran Purdy at the World U23 championships in Canada. It’s not everyday that we get a chance to acknowledge World Champions, so when we get the chance, we do so in style.

Also on the night a presentation was made to the newly elected President of Rowing Ireland, Jane Williams who began her rowing career in Clonmel Rowing Club many moons ago. We also presented a set of rowing tops to the mens eight of 1974 with four of that crew going on to win the maiden fours championship that year.

There was much reminiscing about the halcyon days of the 1970’s and sure isn’t that what rowing is all about - reliving and enjoying those little moments you had when messing about in boats.

Indeed, as the night wore on it could have been a case of “The older I get, the better I was” - and there is no harm in that either.

6 Matt McKenny

5 Brian Corbett

4 PJ Cummins

3 Fergus Nugent

2 Andy Ryan

Bow Paul Carroll

LEFT:

DUNDRUM AC

RUN IN THE DARK

Run in the Dark was held on Thursday, November 13 in cities around the country and a 5km and 10km race was hosted in each.

We had club athletes travel to Limerick and Cork for the races.

In Limerick we had two run in the 5km with Caitriona Armstrong 30:50 and Mary Ann McHugh

32:58. In Cork Tish Ryan had a great race in the 10km race to be 1st Woman in a fast time of 39:24.

BEAT THE TRAIN FOR DSI

The 10 Mile Beat the Train for Down Syndrome Ireland was held on Saturday, November 16. It was held at the Suir Valley Railway Station, Kilmeadon on the Waterford Greenway. Catherine Fogarty had a great race to be 31st overall and 2nd Woman in 1:08:45.

CHURCHTOWN 10 MILE

The Churchtown 10 Mile was held on Saturday, November 16 in Co Cork. It was the second year of this new race. The weather was damp, with only light drizzle at intervals during the race. We had two club athletes run.

First home for the club was

Michael Ryan 1:09:43. He was followed by Pat Hayes in 1:36:58.

NATIONAL EVEN AGE

JUVENILE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

The National Juvenile Even Age Cross Country Championships was held on Sunday, November 17 in Irvinestown, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. It was a very good course over undulating terrain and we had three representatives.

Ellen Maher ran a fine race in the Girls U12 where she finished 36th in a huge field of 186 athletes. She just missed out on the Munster scoring six who won the bronze medals.

In the Boys U14 we had two athletes Albert Maher and Cian Fahey who were both were part of the Tipperary Boys team. Albert was also part of the Munster team and had a great run to be 12th overall and win an individual medal. He was also on the Munster scoring six that won the Gold medals. Cian Fahey, running his first race at this level also had a fine run.

ABOVE:

The Clonmel Rowing Club crew from 1974. Stroke Dermot Dougan, 7 PJ Carey

Michelle Gregory and Sandra Wall who won a gold medal at the World Masters Championships in Germany

Pat Hayes who ran the Churchtown 10 Mile in Co Cork.

Albert Maher and Cian Fahey at the National Juvenile Boys U14 Cross Country Championships in Co Fermanagh.

Michael Ryan competing in the Churchtown 10 Mile in Co Cork.

Santa Claus will make his eagerly awaited return visit to Clonmel Saturday 7th December.

The fire service will escort him to Westgate where he’ll settle into his sleigh and get ready to spread some holiday cheer!

With members of Alison Cronin Dance Academy and Kool School in tow, at 4 pm, he will slide and glide down O’Connell Street, across to Mitchell Street, onto Parnell Street and finally coasting into Kickham Plaza.

The Little Blue Heroes will be waiting to cheer him on and Banna Cluain Meala will welcome him with festive tunes.

Santa will hop off his sleigh and take a seat on his throne, ready to meet and greet all the good girls and boys.

DJ Chang will provide the crowd with the soundtrack to the festivities to keep the party going.

Don’t miss out on this amazing afternoon of fun for the whole family!