Tipp Echo December 12 2024

Generous funds raised at Kilcash Arts & Crafts Food Fayre

A wonderful act of community spirit unfolded recently as Sharon Ahearne officially handed over the proceeds from the Kilcash Arts & Crafts Food Fayre 2024 to Pauline O’Connor of C-SAW Clonmel. The much loved annual event drew large crowds this year, with locals and visitors alike coming together to enjoy an array of handmade crafts, delicious food, and unique artistic displays, which were organised by local

artist Mia Carney and her team. The funds raised during the Fayre were the result of a vibrant raffle sale, which saw incredible support from attendees. Speaking at the handover, Sharon expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed, saying, “This event wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and enthusiasm of our community. It’s heartwarming to know the funds will support such a vital organisation.”

Pauline O’Connor, representing C-SAW Clonmel, a group dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, graciously accepted the donation. She commended the efforts of the Fayre organisers and the Kilcash community for their ongoing support, highlighting the importance of events like these in helping local charities continue their essential work.

Report by Clonmel Stories.

Clonmel, Carrick, Cahir, THIS CHRISTMAS

Brace the Festive Spirit at Showgrounds Shopping Centre in Clonmel

As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in festive cheer than the Showgrounds Shopping Centre in Clonmel. With Christmas just around the corner, this vibrant shopping destination is the perfect spot to find gifts for loved ones and indulge in holiday treats, all while supporting local businesses.

Showgrounds Shopping Centre boasts over 20 shops, offering a

diverse selection of products that cater to every taste and budget.

From fashion to home goods, electronics to books, the centre has something for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

Major retailers like M&S provide a variety of gourmet food items and stylish clothing, perfect for finding that special present or delicious festive treat. Meanwhile,

TK Maxx is a treasure trove for those seeking unique gifts and

home décor at discounted prices. For book lovers, Eason is the go-to destination, filled with the latest bestsellers, children’s books, and seasonal reads. It’s a wonderful place to find heartfelt gifts that can be cherished for years. If you’re in the market for affordable household items or fun stocking fillers, Dealz has you covered with a wide range of budget-friendly products.

One of the most appealing

aspects of Showgrounds Shopping Centre is its commitment to providing a stress-free shopping experience. With ample free parking, you can shop comfortably without the worry of parking fees or distant car parks. It’s the ideal choice for families, offering convenience and accessibility as you explore the shops.

visitors can expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by special events and decorations that celebrate the magic of Christmas. Local shops and vendors often come together to create a vibrant holiday spirit, showcasing unique products that you won’t find in larger chain stores.

The centre is also a hub of community spirit during the festive season. Throughout December,

Moreover, Showgrounds Shopping Centre encourages shoppers to take their time and enjoy the experience. Families can take a

break at one of the centre’s cafes to sip hot cocoa or browse the festive treats available in the shops.

This Christmas, make the Showgrounds Shopping Centre in Clonmel your go-to shopping destination. Enjoy the exceptional variety, free parking, and the holiday spirit that fills the air – all while supporting local businesses in the heart of your community. Happy shopping and a joyous holiday season!

Cashel & Mitchelstown

The enchanting town of Clonmel is gearing up for a festive season filled with joy, excitement, and community spirit. From Santa’s recent grand arrival on December 7th to the vibrant Christmas market on December 14th and 15th, Clonmel has lined up a series of delightful events and activities for everyone to enjoy. In addition, the generous

contributions from local sponsors have helped elevate the Christmas celebration in the town, creating a memorable experience for all. Let’s dive into the details and explore the wonders that await you in Clonmel this Christmas.

Christmas Market: Saturday, December 14th, and Sunday, December 15th Immerse yourself in the

ambiance of the season at the Clonmel Christmas Market, taking place on Saturday, December 14th, and Sunday, December 15th. From 11am to 4pm, kick start your Christmas shopping amidst a selection of local crafts, festive goods, and food stalls. Explore the various vendors offering a wide array of unique and handcrafted items, perfect for finding that special

gift for loved ones. Indulge in delicious treats from the food stalls and enjoy the charming atmosphere of the market. The market also offers a range of additional entertainment for all ages. Children can delight in face painting and make lasting memories at Santa’s Grotto. Live music performances add to the festive ambiance, enhancing the joyful spirit of

the Christmas market. This event truly captures the essence of community and celebration during the holiday season.

Clonmel is preparing for a magical Christmas season, with events and attractions that will create cherished memories for all who participate. From Santa’s captivating arrival to the lively Christmas market, there is something for everyone to enjoy

and embrace the holiday spirit. The generous contributions of local sponsors have elevated the town’s festivities, ensuring that Clonmel shines brightly during this joyful time of year. Come and experience the magic firsthand as Clonmel welcomes the holiday season with open arms and invites all to celebrate in the heartwarming spirit of Christmas.

Christmas

As Christmas approaches, the search for meaningful presents begins, and what better gift to give than an experience filled with excitement, companionship, and a love for horse racing? Clonmel Racecourse, a beloved venue in County Tipperary, offers an incredible opportunity for racing fans with its Supporters Club membership for the year 2025, available for just €90.

Clonmel Racecourse has long been a cornerstone of the local community, offering thrilling racing events throughout the year against the stunning backdrop of the rolling Tipperary hills.

Joining the Supporters Club is a perfect way to embrace this cherished tradition, making it an ideal present for family members or friends who share a passion for the sport.

Membership to the Supporters Club comes with a variety of benefits that enhance every race day experience. The package includes admission to all race meetings held at Clonmel, meaning members can attend exhilarating events throughout the year, cheering on their favorite horses and riders. With the backdrop of Clonmel’s beautiful countryside, each race day is an opportunity to

make lasting memories.

In addition to access to races, members receive a complimentary racecard at every meeting. This handy booklet is essential for any racing enthusiast, providing insight into each race, the competing horses, their trainers, and jockeys. It adds an element of depth to the race day experience, allowing for better engagement and enjoyment. Beyond the excitement of the races, being part of the Supporters Club also grants exclusive access to the Club Room, which features a viewing balcony. This prime location allows members

The Festive Spirit at Clonmel Racecourse: The Perfect Christmas Gift

to soak in the atmosphere while enjoying the comfort of the Club Room, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable race day. Complimentary tea, coffee, and light refreshments are provided, ensuring that members can recharge between races and socialize with fellow racing fans.

One of the standout features of the Supporters Club membership is the reciprocal race day access at other tracks, broadening the horizons for racing enthusiasts. With this benefit, members can attend races at various venues, experiencing the unique atmosphere of different

racetracks while still enjoying the familiar camaraderie of fellow supporters.

The membership also includes entry into tipster competitions, adding an extra layer of fun and engagement for members who wish to test their racing knowledge and skills. Competing for prizes while enjoying a day at the races makes the experience even more thrilling.

As an added bonus, the package includes two complimentary guest badges for the special race day on May 15th, allowing members to invite friends or family to join them for a day of

excitement at Clonmel Racecourse. This feature makes it easy to share the joy of horse racing with loved ones, making memories that last a lifetime. This Christmas, consider gifting the unique experience of horse racing at Clonmel Racecourse. The Supporters Club membership is more than just a ticket to the races; it’s an invitation to be part of a community that celebrates the thrill of the sport, creating connections and memories that will last far beyond the holiday season. Dive into the festive spirit and give the gift of racing this year!

Christmas

As the festive season approaches, it’s a time of joy, celebration, and making memories with loved ones. However, for many, the holiday hustle and bustle can also bring discomfort, especially for those who suffer from various foot-related issues. This Christmas, why not treat yourself or a loved one to the gift of comfort with unique medical footwear from Peter O’Dwyer Medical Footwear, located at 19 Main Street in Cashel.

Peter O’Dwyer Medical Foot-

wear specialises in providing high-quality medical footwear designed to alleviate a range of foot problems. Whether you or someone you care about is dealing with conditions like back and knee pain, ingrown toenails, diabetes, bunions, or arthritis, Peter O’Dwyer’s offerings can make a significant difference. The right footwear is crucial, especially during the festive season when standing for long hours and participating in holiday events can exacerbate existing discomfort.

At Peter O’Dwyer Medical Footwear, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of shoes that not only cater to medical needs but also offer style and comfort. The team understands that footwear matters, and they are committed to ensuring that every customer walks away with shoes that fit perfectly and provide the necessary support. Their knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist, offering personalized fittings and recommendations tailored to individual require-

Step into comfort this Christmas at Peter O’Dwyer Medical Footwear in Cashel

ments.

In addition to their commitment to comfort and quality, Peter O’Dwyer Medical Footwear takes pride in delivering throughout Ireland. This means that you can access their exceptional range of medical footwear from anywhere in the country, making it easier than ever to give the gift of comfort to family and friends or to invest in a pair for yourself.

The festive period is not only about shopping but also about

taking care of ourselves and our loved ones. By prioritizing foot health, you can ensure that this season is as enjoyable and pain-free as possible. Imagine stepping into family gatherings and holiday parties feeling good and looking great in footwear designed just for you!

As Peter O’Dwyer Medical Footwear gears up for the holiday season, you can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere filled with festive cheer at their shop in Cashel. The team wishes everyone

a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year. Their commitment to customer care and quality will continue to shine bright, helping everyone find the perfect fitting shoes that truly matter. So why not make a visit to 19 Main Street this holiday season? Explore their unique medical footwear selection and ensure you’re stepping into the New Year with comfort and confidence. Remember, every step counts, especially during the most wonderful time of the year!

As the holiday season approaches, Clonmel residents can rely on Fitzgerald’s Menswear to make their Christmas wardrobe shine.

Situated in the heart of town, Fitzgerald’s is a trusted and beloved men’s clothing store that has been styling the community for generations. With its wide range of fashionable attire and exceptional customer service, Fitzgerald’s stands out as a goto destination for men seeking high-quality, stylish clothing for all occasions, including the festive season. This Christmas feature explores the remarkable history of Fitzgerald’s Menswear, their commitment to quality and style, and their offerings to

Embracing the Festive Spirit

elevate everyone’s Christmas fashion game.

A Rich History of Style

Established in the 1950s, Fitzgerald’s Menswear has evolved from a small family business into a reputable fashion institution in Clonmel. Over the years, they have gained a loyal customer base by consistently providing exceptional clothing and impeccable service. With their unwavering dedication to quality, Fitzgerald’s has become synonymous with sophistication and timeless elegance in men’s fashion.

Quality and Style for Every Occasion: From formal suits for Christmas parties to comfortably

stylish knitwear for cozy evenings at home, Fitzgerald’s Menwear offers a vast selection of garments to suit various occasions during the festive season. Their collection includes an extensive range of tailored suits, fashionable shirts, cozy knitwear, smart trousers, footwear, and accessories. Whether customers are looking for a sophisticated ensemble or a casual yet polished holiday look, Fitzgerald’s has options to meet all preferences and styles.

Customer-Centric Experience: What sets Fitzgerald’s Menswear apart is their exceptional attention to customer service. The knowledgeable and friendly staff at Fitzgerald’s

Fitzgerald’s Menswear in Clonmel Enhancing Christmas Style

provide personalised assistance, ensuring every customer finds the perfect outfit. The store’s warm and inviting atmosphere further enhances the shopping experience, making customers feel relaxed and comfortable as they explore the wide range of clothing options.

Spreading Christmas Cheer: Fitzgerald’s goes beyond simply selling clothes during the festive season. Recognising the importance of community, they actively participate in spreading Christmas cheer to Clonmel residents. Each year, Fitzgerald’s often partner with local organisations, to give back to the community that has

supported them throughout the years. These initiatives not only demonstrate their commitment to their customers but also their dedication to making a positive impact on the community during the holiday season.

Styling Tips for a Memorable Christmas: To ensure Clonmel’s gentlemen make a lasting impression at Christmas gatherings, Fitzgerald’s Menswear offers expert styling tips. They suggest combining a well-tailored suit with a festive-colored tie or pocket square for a sophisticated touch. For a more casual but refined look, pairing high-quality knitwear with trousers and a classy blazer is recommended.

Accessorising with statement pieces such as elegant cufflinks adds that extra touch of dapper charm. Fitzgerald’s knowledgeable staff is always ready to provide personalised advice to shoppers looking for unique and memorable Christmas outfits. This holiday season, Clonmel residents can count on Fitzgerald’s Menswear to help them embrace festivities in style. With their rich history, commitment to quality, customer-centric approach, and genuine community involvement, Fitzgerald’s stands as the premier destination for men’s fashion during the Christmas season and beyond.

Christmas

Carris Gift Shop

FASCINATORS,

BAGS,

HAIRBANDS & WRAPS 51 O’CONNELL ST, CLONMEL

PHONE: 0526121564 FACEBOOK CARRI’S GIFT SHOP

Holiday Cheer by Shopping Local at Carri’s Gift Shop in

As the festive season draws near, it’s time to embrace the spirit of giving and gratitude. This Christmas, consider supporting local businesses while finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones. One such gem in Clonmel is Carri’s Gift Shop, where the shelves are brimming with delightful products that will make your holiday shopping not only enjoyable but meaningful.

Located in the heart of Clonmel, Carri’s Gift Shop offers a fabulous range of Wrendale products, which are known for their charming and whimsical designs. These unique items are perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of nature and the warmth of home. From lovely mugs adorned with enchanting animal illustrations to adorable kitchenware, Wrendale products absolutely shine as thoughtful gifts that convey care and affection.

As you prepare for the festive season, consider adding a touch of joy to family gatherings with Carri’s extensive collection of jigsaw puzzles. With options of 250, 500, and 1000 pieces available, these jigsaws are perfect for creating quality moments with family and friends. There’s something delightful about sitting around the table, piecing together a beautiful image, and sharing laughter and memories as the holiday decorations twinkle in the background.

Carri’s Gift Shop is also a treasure trove of unique home decor items. Their beautiful door stops not only serve a functional purpose but also add a touch of whimsical charm to your home as you welcome guests this holiday season. And if you’re looking for that perfect wrap for your gifts, look no further. The luxury wraps at Carri’s will not only make your presents look stunning but will also reflect the thought and care that goes into every gift.

As the weather gets colder, you might want to treat yourself or a loved one to some of Carri’s fabulous scarves, gloves, and hats. These accessories are not just stylish but also keep you cozy during winter outings. They are perfect for those chilly walks or as gifts

for anyone who loves to stay warm while looking fashionable.

This Christmas, you can also make a difference in the community by purchasing Christmas Mass Bouquets from Carri’s Gift Shop. These beautiful bouquets support the Capuchin Order, an organization that provides much-needed support to the homeless and those in need. By gifting a Mass Bouquet, you’re not only honouring a loved one but also contributing to a noble cause this festive season.

In addition to these delightful offerings, Carri’s Gift Shop features an array of charming t-light holders, perfect for creating a warm ambiance in your home during the holidays. Lighting t-lights can transform any space into a cozy retreat, providing a comforting glow as you gather with loved ones.

Don’t forget to pick up some festive Christmas cards to spread cheer to friends and family near and far. Handwritten notes bearing good wishes are a heartfelt way to connect with loved ones during the holiday season. Carri’s also stocks beautiful umbrellas and lanterns, which make for practical yet thoughtful gifts that can brighten anyone’s day.

This holiday season, the call to “shop local” resonates more than ever. Small businesses like Carri’s Gift Shop are the backbone of our communities, providing unique products and personalized service that larger retailers simply cannot match. By supporting local enterprises, you are investing in your community, fostering its growth, and helping create a vibrant local economy.

As you embark on your Christmas shopping journey, make Carri’s Gift Shop a pivotal stop on your list. With its fabulous Wrendale products, stylish winter accessories, and heartfelt gifts that give back to the community, you’re sure to find something special for everyone. Let’s spread joy this holiday season by shopping local, supporting small businesses, and making a difference—one gift at a time. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas filled with warmth, generosity, and the spirit of giving!

Bordeaux

By Liam Browne

Double Delight for Boherlahan as club wins hurling and camogie titles

Sunday 8th of December 2024

will go down as a historic day for the parish of Boherlahan Dualla, long into the future, as the club took home not one but two county titles in hurling and camogie. The huge amount of work that has been put into both hurling and camogie over the past decade got it’s just rewards, and while there was a bit of travelling for the supporters between the venues, it was more than worthwhile when the cups were brough back to the parish. First up was the hurling in Golden, when the clubs u21’s faced off against South champions Kilsheelan Kilcash. The

venue was changed at short notice, but the boys of the Sash didn’t let that cause any problems, and they hurled out of their skins for the full sixty minutes. It was a tough and tight game, with nothing between the sides throughout, but when the final whistle blew, the Mid team triumphed by a two point margin. The cup was presented and the speeches were short, as the delighted fans had to head for the cars and point towards the Ragg for the next instalment of their busy day.

Just outside Thurles, the Boherlahan Dualla girls took centre stage, as they lined out in the

minor camogie final against near neighbours Moycarkey Borris. Apart from a county title on the line for this bunch of players, there was also a place in the history books. Were the team to win, it would have completed a clean sweep of county titles for the club in all the A divisions, a feat that had never been achieved by any club in the past. In fact, most clubs wouldn’t even dream of doing it, such as the toughness of winning one county title, never mind three or four. But this club is having a special year, and they came out on the right side of a titanic battle. There was nothing between the teams

on the field for the whole game, except one singular point in the end. A single point that divided Boherlahan from unimaginable joy and crushing defeat. But they made it, and the cheers of the supporters afterwards could have been heard in the ten miles back home. There is no doubt that this is a coming force in Tipperary camogie, and the mentors, selectors and backroom teams, as well as the whole club that worked to get the teams to where they are, deserve massive credit. There will be more than a few of them swapping the blue and gold of their club to that of their county in the years ahead.

Wonderful evening of music promised by Choir in the Cathedral event

Cashel is rightly proud of its musical talent and much of it will be on show this week at the “Carol’s in the Cathedral” at St John’s Cathedral on Thursday night. The show is being presented by Cashel Community School, and will display a mix of current and past students, along with some teachers who are rightly renowned for their musical flair. The exciting evening will combine a mix of carol and choir singing, some storytelling and wonderful soloists, performing

in the magical surrounds of the Cathedral on John Street. The school’s own choir are a multi award winning ensemble, under the baton of John Murray, while also featuring will be the “Sunday Morning Singers”, a choir based in the town. They were founded by past students and family members of Cashel Community School, in order to come together to continue the strong choir tradition and great vocal experiences enjoyed as part of the student community.

And another of the singers to watch out for is Community School teacher Patrice O Connor, who achieved global prominence on social media for her families singing at her wedding a number of years ago. This special event is in support of the South Tipperary Hospice, with a particular focus on the incredible work of the night nurses in our region. It will be well attended so get there early if you want to celebrate the magic of the season and support a vital cause.

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

Community School host important Careers event

told help students employment opportunities

Cashel Community School, in collaboration with its Parents’ Association, hosted a fantastic career fair that brought together students, parents, and industry professionals at the Dualla Road Complex last weekend. Months of meticulous planning, involving parent representatives, guidance counsellors, the chaplain, and school management, laid the groundwork for this successful event. Munster Technical University Cork kicked off the day with an informative presentation on their courses, while Transition Year students stepped up to assist with setup and provide support to exhibitors.

There was a wide range of employment opportunities on show, in both the public and private sector. Students got to meet members of both the Gardai and the security forces, and try on some of the modern equipment that both forces wear. They also met members of the Health Service and found out the wide range of careers available across

all levels of Ireland’s Healthcare industry. These ranged from chats with doctors and nurses, to members of the ambulance services.

From the private sector, students met companies like H&MV Engineering, and were advised about the wide range of apprenticeships that are now available all across the trade industry. There were financial experts there from the local credit union, who deal with people’s finances in and around the town, to Waystone Financials, who control hundreds of millions of euros in financial portfolios across all five continents. Donal

Ryan Solicitors gave those attending a small taste of what life is like in a legal office, and representatives of Amneal advised them on the expanding healthcare and medicines sector.

The other big exhibitors came from the college and University campuses around the country. Ireland is increasingly being seen as a destination for foreign direct investment and this is down to the highly educated, highly skilled

PLANNING NOTICES PLANNING NOTICES

Tipperary County Council

We, Longfield Academy Ltd., wish to apply to the above authority for permission to remove the existing portacabin and construct a single storey building comprising offices, training room and sensory room including all associated development works at Longfield, 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.

Tipperary County Council

John & Sean Fanning intends to apply to Tipperary County Council for Permission to construct (i) Milking parlour incorporating dairy, plant, storage, External Milk tank, Meal Bin, Rain Water storage tank, holding yard with crush/ drafting yard, underground effluent tank with flow channel (ii) Manure area with wall and all associated site works at Gaile, Thurles, 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. Signed by : Aidan Kelly (ADPS) Agricultural Design & Planning Services (085 7466211)

workforces the third level sector turns out year after year. Nowhere is there more competition for the hearts and minds of young students as in the education sector,

and many were there to make there pitch to the Transition and Leaving Cert students. All in all those who attended felt that it was a very important and infor-

mative day, for students who have to make tougher and tougher choices each year.

Parents were also instrumental in the event’s success, welcoming

guests and providing refreshments. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone involved for making this career fair a memorable experience.

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

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

CARRICK SWAN

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DRAW

Results of the 2024 Carrick Swan 12 Days of Christmas Draws, to date, can be viewed on our social media pages.

Draws are broadcast live each weekday evening at 7pm. The bumper €10,000 draw takes place this coming Saturday at 12noon.

To express our gratitude for the incredible support that our 12 Days of Christmas Draw has received again this year, we have additional prizes were announced during our first draw, and will be drawn during the Bumper Final Draw on Saturday at 12noon. Best of luck to all entrants!

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of Carrick Swan Club will take place on Friday, 10th January, 2025.

If you think you might have a few hours per month to help out with the administration side of the club, now is the time to put your hand up. Reach out to any current committee member or reach out to us on Facebook for more information.

ADULT HURLING

Two Swan men were annoucnd in Liam Cahill’s 45-man Tipperary senior hurling winter training panel last weekend. We’d like to wish Aaron and Gavin O’Halloran the very best of luck in the coming weeks and months as they push their way into the management’s plans for the upcoming Allianz Hurling League, and Munster Championship.

JUVENILE SCENE

The U7 Cygnets boys and girls celebrated their Christmas party with an unforgettable visit to the Carrick-On-Suir Fire Station on Friday, last.

The evening was filled with excitement as the kids toured the station, climbed on fire trucks, explored firefighting equipment, and even got to decorate the fire station’s Christmas tree, now proudly displayed in the station window for the festive season.

A heartfelt thanks to everyone at Carrick Fire Station for their warmth and generosity in creating such a memorable experience for the kids. Thank you!

The children expressed their gratitude by presenting the station with a beautiful Christmas hamper.

Special thanks also go to ‘Hair by Elaine’; for kindly sponsoring the selection boxes on the night. Thanks, Elaine!

Carrick Town in around

Tractors & Tudor Festival

The excitement is building rapidly around the town of Carrick-on-Suir for what is a first in one way, and and also ten year-old tradition in the area in another.

The original and best “Christmas Tractors” has had a facelift and is being run in conjunction with Explore Carrick-on-Suir this year for what promises to be a fantastic day and evening of events, culminating in the annual tractor run.

This coming Saturday sees events commence from 11 am in our restored and unique Tudor Manor House. From 11o’clock onwards, the general public can avail of free tours of the House.

Between 11 am and 5 pm a very first for the town when in the same area, a Christmas craft market will be held, where the public will be able to see and purchase products from crafters both local and national. The event spills out onto Castle Street where Santa will have

a special grotto set up and children can enjoy amusement rides.

Also starting at 11 am a wreath making class will take place in the castle.

Three o’clock will see the unveiling of the fantastic new sculptures that now adorn the new pathways around the castle park.

While all this is going on the agricultural lads will be putting the final touches to the machinery in preparation of the route which sees them take in several towns and villages from 5 o’clock on, until they reach their final destination on Kickham Street between 7 and 8 pm.

CHILDREN’S OWN TRACTOR RUN

In anticipation of the big tractors the children will get to show off their driving skills as at 5.40 pm. they will have their own tractor run leaving Castle Street to their destination of Kickham Street.

On the afore mentioned Kickham Street from 6 pm. Beat F.M. will be creating a festive feel and there will be plenty of different types of children’s entertainment in the anticipated arrival of the Christmas Tractors.

The day long series of events is thanks in the main to local dairy farmer Stuart Downey, who was the brainchild behind the original Christmas tractors and has in the past joined forces with the St Patrick’s Day Parade when together they held the first ever St Patrick’s Night Parade complete with lit up tractors, brightly lit parade entries and a fireworks display.

Stuart has been wanting to organise a day of festivities around the Christmas period for some time now, and with the cooperation of the newly formed Explore Carrick-on-Suir his dream has now become a reality and Christmas 2024 will hopefully be the start of a long running and successful annual event.

Cllr Imelda Goldsboro (centre) accepting a special award of €1,000 for new entrants, Carrick-on-Suir Tidy Towns in this year’s National Tidy Towns Competition at the recent ceremony held in Grangemockler Community Hall. Pictured from left to right: Cllr Imelda Goldsboro, Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, and Cllr David Dunne.

The day long series of events is thanks in the main to local dairy farmer Stuart Downey, brainchild behind the original Christmas tractor run

In Memoriam In Memoriam

In loving memory of a dear brother and uncle, Michael, late of Kerry and originally of 33 St Oliver Plunkett Terrace, Clonmel, who died on the 17th November 2021.

Brother, since you passed away, Life just hasn’t been the same, We would move heaven and earth, To have you here with us again.

Always loved and forever missed by your brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-inlaw, nieces and nephews.

Mass Sunday December 15 in Ss Peter & Paul’s Church at 11am.

In Memoriam

RYAN (14th Anniversary)

Patricia (Trish) Elm Park, Clonmel

In loving memory of a dear mother and grandmother Rosemarie (Rosie) late of 33, Plunkett Terrace, Clonmel, who died on the 9th December 2021.

Mam the day you left and gained your wings Our heart just broke in two, We wish you could have stayed with us, But heaven needed you.

Always loved and forever missed by your sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandson.

Mass Sunday December 15 in Ss Peter & Paul’s Church at 11am.

In loving memory of Patricia (Trish) Ryan, late of 126 Elm Park Clonmel, who died on 30th December 2010.

Life goes on without you, but things are not the same. It’s hard to hide the heartache when someone speaks your name. Every day in some small way, thoughts of you come our way.

Sadly missed by your loving family - husband Eldon, sons, daughter, daughters-in-law, son-inlaw and grandchildren. Mass offered

In Memoriam In Memoriam

In loving memory of a dear father and grandfather, Michael late of 33 St Oliver Plunkett Terrace, Clonmel who died on the 8th November 1986.

God saw you getting tired, And a cure was not to be, So he put his arms around you dad, And whispered ‘Come to me’.

Always loved and forever missed by your sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandson.

Mass Sunday December 15 in Ss Peter & Paul’s Church at 11am.

Yesterday I felt okay, I smiled when I thought of you.

I remembered happy times and the funny things you’d do. But today I feel so very sad, I think of you and cry, We are missing you so very much and still asking god why.

We don’t know what will happen, what will tomorrow bring, will we cry or be okay. We may not handle our emotions the way that we should do, but we still thank the Lord for the time we had with you.

Michael Harris

Rosemary (Rosie) Harris

Michael Harris

Peter Ryan Kerry and Oliver Plunkett Terrace, Clonmel.

33, St Oliver Plunkett Terrace, Clonmel

33, St Oliver Plunkett Terrace, Clonmel

Ballynagally Cross, Old Pallas, Co. Limerick

Sadly missed by the McGrath family

COMPETITION TIME

Get ready for the chance of a lifetime as The Tipp Echo and The Oriel House Hotel team up to bring you an incredible competition that will have families jumping with joy.

Introducing the 2-Night Family Fota Family Package, an exclusive opportunity to create lasting memories while enjoying luxurious accommodation, delightful meals, and a fun-filled adventure at the Fota Wildlife Park.

The Oriel House Hotel & Leisure Club, nestled in the beautiful town of Ballincollig, is a mere 10 minutes’ drive from the vibrant heart of Cork City. With its outstanding amenities, including 100 tastefully decorated bedrooms, a state-of-the-art leisure club, complete with a 25-meter swimming pool, and the renowned Oriel fine dining restaurant, this hotel offers a unique blend of history and contemporary elegance.

As part of the extraordinary prize package, the winners will be treated to a wonderful experience at the Fota Wildlife Park.

Along with this adventure, the Fota Family Pass allows two adults and three children to explore the park at their leisure, encountering fascinating animals from around the world.

Surrounded by picturesque golf courses, pristine Blue Flag beaches, and captivating

woodland walks, the Oriel House Hotel offers the perfect base for families to unwind and engage in a variety of outdoor activities. Moreover, guests will have access to extensive leisure facilities, ensuring everyone can find their preferred way to relax and rejuvenate.

With a 24-hour bus route to the city center, the hotel’s convenient location provides easy access to Cork’s vibrant atmosphere, where visitors can indulge in shopping, dining,

and exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage.

To enter this extraordinary competition, all you have to do is send an email to sales@tippecho.ie with your favourite animal at Fota Wildlife Park, along with your name, address, and contact details. The lucky winner will be selected at random from the pool of entries, so be sure to submit your information before the closing date on December 20th, 2024.

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Enter the competition today, and you could soon be reveling in the Oriel House Hotel’s exceptional hospitality, delectable cuisine, and the magical wonders of Fota Wildlife Park. Good luck to all participants, and may the fortunate winner create everlasting memories in this extraordinary setting!

FARMING IN FOCUS

Mercosur campaign to continue despite Commission sell out

IFA President Francie Gorman travelled to Brussels last weekend to meet farm leaders from across Europe on Monday to step up the campaign against the Mercosur trade deal.

This comes after EU Commission President Von Der Leyen agreed a trade deal with the Mercosur countries in Uruguay.

“This sell out deal needs to be ratified by the EU Council of Member States; the European Parliament; and should also have to be ratified by national Parliaments. The Commission may have sold out European farmers, but there is a distance to travel yet. Essentially, we are back to where we were in 2019 with an EU Commission-agreed deal without a democratic mandate,” he said.

The IFA President, who is also the Vice-President of COPA, the European farmer representative body, said that COPA will be co-ordinating the next steps of the campaign to oppose the deal, with a flash action protest in Brussels on Monday morning.

“While the Commission Pres-

ident is talking up the benefits of the deal, she makes no reference to the very damaging consequences for the beef and poultry sectors,” he said.

“Simon Harris as Taoiseach and Micheál Martin as Tánaiste told the IFA National Council during the General Elec-

tion campaign that they were opposed to the Mercosur deal. They must carry this commitment forward and oppose this deal tooth and nail,” he said.

Through our Brussels office, IFA is in contact with Irish MEPs looking for their support when it comes to the ratification stage.

IFA is also in complete opposition to any splitting of the trade and political aspects of a potential Mercosur deal. The role of national Parliaments in relation to trade deal ratification must be respected and honoured by the EU Commission.

Elected Chair of IFA Dairy Committee

Martin McElearney has been elected Chair of the IFA Dairy Committee. He was elected to succeed Stephen Arthur at a meeting of the Committee in the Irish Farm Centre last week..

He will begin his term at the 70th Annual General Meeting next January. He’s a dairy farmer from Ballybay in Co Monaghan.

Eamon Mooney from Castlecomer in Co Kilkenny has been elected Vice-chair of the IFA Dairy Committee.

Martin McElearney thanked Stephen Arthur for the huge work and effort he put into the role.

“We face many challenges in the dairy sector, particularly the retention of the Nitrates derogation and keeping a strong milk price to cover the high costs of production. The burden of regulation and sustainability falls on the farmer and that is something that has to be rectified,” he said.

“I look forward to working not only with the Dairy Committee, but all in IFA to represent and lobby on behalf of farmers.”

The new forest technology scheme not fit for purpose

IFA Farm Forestry Chair Padraig Stapleton said the new Innovative Forest Technology Scheme is not fit for purpose in how it is designed and the the lack of ambition with the budget.

The purpose of the Scheme is to encourage the use of specialised forest harvesting and extraction equipment capable of operating on sensitive sites with difficult terrain, particularly those characterised by soft soils and steep slopes. The specialised equipment will protect these sites and increase operator safety.

“Up to four projects per year will be grant aided, with a budget of €50,000 for each. If the budget

is not used, more than four projects may be considered. However, the overall budget is insufficient, given the scale of operations across the country,” he said. While this scheme had the potential to deliver on improving operator health and safety aspects alone, its scale is unrealistic with such a small allocation.

Padraic Stapleton said the sustainable forest harvesting machinery grant is open to existing experienced operators and providers of forest harvesting and extraction services. However, it is disappointing that it doesn’t apply to conventional harvesting and forwarding machines.

Weekly Cattle Prices

Prices reported as quoted or paid to IFA members (4th December) Steer base €5.40/5.50/kg. Heifer base €5.45/5.55/kg. Young Bulls R/U €5.50/5.70/kg.

Higher prices for larger and specialised lots. Cows €4.70/€5.50/kg. Inspec bonus 20c/kg for under 30 months and 8c/kg for 30 to 36 months. 12c/kg bonus for under 30 month steers and heifers grading O- and those with a fat class of 4+ that meet all other in spec criteria.

ABP Cahir: Steers 540 Heifers 545 Cows 460/510

ABP Nenagh: Steers 540 Heifers 545 Cows 460/510

Pig Market Update

There was no change to Irish pig price on Friday last with producers reporting quotes ranging from €2.08 – €2.12 available from processors in ROI. The SPP (Standard Pig Price – no premium) in the UK reported by AHDB currently is £2.03/kg (€2.44/kg), while the APP All Pig Price, the average price for all pigs is £2.058/kg (€2.47/kg).

The EU average price for week 47 for grade E carcass was €1.92/kg excluding vat. This represents a drop of -4% over the past month and is -9% behind last year’s EU average price for the same week. There has been little change to EU pigmeat prices over the past few weeks.

The weekly throughput for week ending December 1st was 68,906 of which 2,194 were sows.

According to a recent report from AHDB, the condition of GB winter crops for harvest 2025 shows winter oilseed rape is in a much better position than winter wheat, barley or oats.

There has been another confirmed case of ASF in wild boar in Germany. The boar washed up in the river Rhine last week. The number of infected wild boar in Germany has grown to 541 since June.

Martin McElearney

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

Wonderful Christmas atmosphere at the switch on of Tipp town Christmas lights

Despite the bitter cold breeze, a large crowd gathered between the banks at the Market Yard in Tipperary Town to see Santa Claus, and watch Tipperary Minor Hurling manager James Woodlock switch on the Christmas lights along with selector Conor O’ Brien, and team members David Ryan, Adam Ryan and Darragh O’Hora. Santa had travelled a ‘long way to Tipperary’ for this occasion and was greeted by many young boys and girls who wanted to give him their list of toys and to have a photo with the man in the

red suit. Despite the cold weather it was a wonderful event and great to see representatives of the Tipperary Minor Hurling Team present for the occasion. Music appropriate to the season was supplied by DJ Brendán Buckley, with thanks to Joe Hayes Cleanline for the use of his truck and Pat Ryan in Pit Stop Tyres for his car to transport the special guest. Special thanks to the Tipp town Xmas lights committee of Jack Leonard, Sharon O’Dwyer, Eamon Ryan, Stevie O’Donnell and John O Brien Obs Kilross and also thanks

to electrician Dale Foley from Rossadrehid and Tom O’Connor from Old Pallas. The Christmas lights are owned by Tipperary town chamber, so they were credited for allowing the Tipp Town Music Festival committee to take on the job of erecting the lights. After the switching on of the lights the crowd went over to the Christmas Market opposite SuperValu. This market was organised by Anne Hadnett, Sharon O’Dwyer, Siobhan Hyland-Ryan and Ann Whelan. Well done ladies, it was a great success.

with Martin Quinn

The Reindeer pilots Santa and Mrs. Claus to the switch on of the Christmas lights in Tipperary town

Cathaoirleach Cllr John Crosse was told that he was on Santa’s good list when he met him at the switch on of the Tipp town Christmas lights along with Eamonn Ryan (Chair)

Tipp Town Christmas lights switch on; Stevie O’Donnell, Eamonn Ryan (Chair), James Woodlock, Conor O’Brien, Darragh O’Hora, David Ryan and Adam Ryan

Santa Claus meets some children at the switch on of the Christmas lights in Tipperary Town

Thumbs up from this child to her meeting with Santa Claus at the switch on of the Christmas lights in Tipperary town

Santa Claus meets some of the children at the switch on of the Christmas lights in Tipperary Town

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

Wonderful volunteerism acknowledged at Circle of Friends Appreciation Day

The Circle of Friends Cancer Support Centre in Tipperary Town, had an Appreciation Day, on Friday December 6th in the Centre. The idea was to acknowledge the volunteers, therapists and Board of Management for their contribution to the successful running of the centre. All kinds of wonderful delicacies had been prepared, and there was a free raffle and a visit from Santa Claus. The Manager of the Centre, Kay Hoigan, spoke of admiration for

all involved in the centre. “It is with great pleasure that I stand here in front of such a group of brilliant people, as our volunteers, therapists and members of our Board. We are having this day here to tell you how much we appreciate you all. We might not say it often enough but we do appreciate everybody here. We have a great Board of Management; there is a nice mixture of people on it and they all have their own skill sets. Everybody needs a good structure at the top

of the chain. That being the case here it filters down to everyone and so it is a great place to work. We have brilliant therapists here, they are all professional and very skilled in what they do. They have the knowledge behind them and they keep developing their skills and the outcome is good for anyone that avails of their services. I have only been here 6 years, but some of our brilliant volunteers are here for a lot longer than that. It just shows the loyalty and the dedication

to the place. The volunteers are just brilliant, because if you think about it, if we didn’t have the Board, the volunteers and therapists, we wouldn’t be able to function. As regards the Board of Management, it is like having a big ship and Jim (our Chair) steers it through whatever waters we encounter. You all willingly give your time and effort to come in here and it just shows that your heart is in it. I always think that when someone comes in the front door of the centre,

it is important that they go out feeling better than when they came in. If we can achieve that for people and that they have some semblance of peace in their lives, then we will have achieved an awful lot. Anyone that comes in here we mind them, and look after them to the best of our ability and do the best we can for them. People are so kind, they put themselves out to do as much as they can here, and we are very, very, grateful for that. I want today to acknowledge

my colleagues as I belong to a very good team. We keep the show on the road, Monday to Friday, and we want to acknowledge them all for their work” said Kay. It was a really lovely occasion and as someone that visits here regularly, I can testify to the wonderful atmosphere and kindness that there is in the centre. It is a place of hope and a place of caring and long may it continue as such. Well done to all involved on another great occasion.

Ladies receiving their prizes in the raffle from Rita at the Circle of Friends Appreciation Day

Santa and his elves are pictured at the Circle of Friends Appreciation Day

Joan was checking out Santa’s belly at the Circle of Friends Appreciation Day

These volunteers looked after the catering at the Circle of Friends Appreciation Day

Anne O’Halloran and Denis Ryan are pictured at the Circle of Friends Appreciation Day

These ladies were happy to meet Santa Claus at the Circle of Friends Appreciation Day

This group of ladies enjoyed the Circle of Friends Appreciation Day

Musical Society’s cast for Hot Mikado

Following an extensive round of auditions for the 2025 production of the Hot Mikado, Thurles Musical Society has announced the principle parts for the show which is sure to be a big hit in the Premier Hall in March.

There are many familiar names in the line-up but there are also a few new comers bringing a fresh look to the cast which was announced by the committee and Director Oliver Hurley following the auditions.

Returning this year as The Mikado is well known performer David McElgunn who played a starring role in last years Big Fish. He is joined by fellow Big Fish stars Linda Ryan as Katisha, Marie Therese Kirby as Yum Yum, Ben Collins as Pish Tush and Frank Tuohy as Pooh Bah. Newcomers include Conor McNeilis as KoKo and Mark O’Gorman as Nanki Pooh.

Rehearsals for the show will begin in January and Thurles Musical Society is expected to have more than fifty on stage for what is expected to be a bumper show. Thurles Musical Society last staged Hot Mikado back in 2000 and the production was named Best Overall Show at the annual AIMS awards. So, there is great expectation in relation to the latest version of the show which will have Oliver Hurley as Director; Mary Rose McNally as Musical Director; and Siobhan King as Dance Captain. An open invitation is extended to all to join the chorus with a number of other smaller parts to be filled from the chorus once rehearsals commence.

The cast is: KoKo Conor McNeilis; Nanki Pooh - Mark O’Gorman; Yum Yum - Marie Therese Kirby; Pitti Sing - Danielle Martin; Pooh Bah - Frank Tuohy; Pish Tush - Ben Collins; Peep Bo - Denise King; Katisha - Linda Ryan; The Mikado - David McElgunn

Christmas Coffee Morning

The staff of Thurles library cordially invites all to their annual ‘Christmas Coffee Morning’ on Thursday December 12th at 11am. Students from Scoil Angela will perform festive Christmas songs to entertain all. Beidh failte roimh cách.

Newly Baptised

Odhran Daniel Kenneally, Ashgrove, Monadreen.

Recently Deceased

Prayed for at all Masses in Thurles parish at the weekend were the following who have died: Raymond (Ray) Shannon, Knockroe. Catherine (Kitty) Boland, Leugh. Margaret (Maggie) Doyle, Manchester formerly Beechwood Lawns.

Josephine Finnegan, Drumacoo, Kilcolgan, Galway. Confessions for Christmas

Confessions for Christmas in the Pobal Eile Pastoral Area are as follows:

Our Lady’s and St. Kevin’s Church, Littleton: Friday, December 13 at 7.30 pm.

Ss Joseph and Brigid Church, Bóthar na Naomh: Tuesday, December 17 at 6 pm. and continuing after 7 pm. Mass if required. Sacred Heart Church, Templetuohy: Wednesday 18th, 7-8 pm. St. Mary’s Church, Moyne: Wednesday 18th, 7–8 pm. Sacred Heart Church, Gortnahoe: Thursday 19th, 7–8 pm. Cathedral of Assumption, Thurles: Tuesday 24th, 1.30 – 4.30 pm.

Watch and Pray Vigil

A Watch and Pray all night vigil for world peace and the priesthood will be celebrated in Bóthar na Naomh Church, (E41NF98), on Saturday, 14th December commencing at 8 pm., concluding with 9.30 am. Mass and Benediction on Sunday, 15th December. If you can commit to an hour, please contact Claire on 085 1532258 or Nora 086 3079281. All very welcome.

St Vincent de Paul

Families or people who need help this Christmas 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 this Friday, 13th December.

Eye onThurles

By the Cathedral Townie

Uproar in Thurles over proposed Liberty Square works

Traders in Liberty Square, Thurles are in uproar over a decision by Tipperary County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to remove a large portion of parking off of the top of the Square.

Already much of the parking has been removed off the lower end of Liberty Square as part of a significant multi-million Euro enhancement investment programme. And, the next phase of the programme is to tackle the top of Liberty Square – or the section which leads onto Friar Street and Parnell Street.

The proposal is to create another plaza-style section in the centre of the Square which will result in most of the parking being

removed. However, traders have reacted angrily to the move by Thurles Municipal District Councillors to adopt the proposal from TII at last weeks’ monthly meeting and they protested outside the chamber on the day. MDC members have said that their decision to support the latest plan from TII came having considered two options – the first of which would have removed all parking off of the Square. So, while the adopted proposal was not what traders had in mind, it was the better of the two options, councillors have said. Had they not adopted the proposal, TII would have made the decision themselves and would likely have gone with the first proposal.

Traders in Liberty Square have watched many businesses abandoning the town centre with the relocation of the Post Office being the last straw for many. And, they claim that removing the small number of parking spaces left at present, will have further serious consequences for their business.

Without doubt the enhancement programme will create an aesthetically pleasing ambience and environment in the town centre, but traders claim that if footfall is reduced as expected there will be fewer and fewer businesses on the Square, and nobody will be incentivised to open up there.

Thurles company thrilled with Tipp Business award

Suir Haven’s thanks to Stakelums Hardware

Suir Haven Cancer Support Centre in Thurles has expressed huge thanks to Stakelums Home Hardware who donated €3,000 to the centre. All services in Suir Haven Cancer SUpport Centre are free to clients. The money raised will be going directly to bringing comfort and hope to people affected by cancer.

Congratulations to all in Stakelums Home Hardware for their great work.

Pictured are: John Stakelum, Mary Callanan, Anna Ryan, Mary Ryan Maher and Pat Stakelum.

Thurles based Duggan Veterinary Ltd have said that they “are beyond thrilled” to have been recognised at the Co. Tipperary Chamber Business Awards, taking home Employer of the Year and the ultimate honour of Overall Best Business of the Year! These awards celebrate the company’s commitment to creating a positive workplace culture, driving innovation, supporting the community, and providing industry-leading services. Reflecting on the evening, Managing Director Donal Duggan said: “These awards reflect the shared vision, hard work, and innovation that define Duggan Veterinary Supplies. We’re proud to be a positive force in our industry and community. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible team, loyal customers, and partners who inspire us to reach new heights every day.”

Congratulations to all the team at Duggan Veterinary based in Stradavoher Retail Park on their great success.

David McElgunn leads the cast as Leo Bloom in Thurles Musical Society’s Big Fish earlier this year. David will play the part of The Mikado in next year’s production.

The late John ‘Cúlbaire’ O’Grady

Pinehurst, Clongour, Thurles

The passing of the late John O’Grady – perhaps better known as the Cúlbáire GAA columnist in the ‘Tipperary Star’ newspaper for sixty years – resulted in many tributes being paid to him this week.

John, of Pinehurst, Clongour, Thurles was in his 94th year and had been residing in Acorn Lodge Nursing Home for a number of years prior to his passing.

A former teacher and deputy principal of Thurles CBS Secondary School – his alma mater where he played Harty Cup hurling before moving to UCC to study –John was renowned for his command of the English language and history was also a subject he excelled in, bringing insightful and engaging lessons to his students for decades.

It was for his hurling exploits that he became a household name first of all though. He captained Tipperary to win the first ever Irish Press Cup for the All-Ireland minor hurling championship in 1949 and he went on to play Fitzgibbon Cup with UCC, played with the Combined Universities team, hurled in a Cork County final with Blackrock against a Christy Ring inspired Glen Rovers, before breaking into the Tipperary senior team in 1957 – the long standing presence of legendary goalkeeper Tony Reddin delayed John’s elevation to the senior rank. However, it was worth the wait and he won a senior All-Ireland with Tipp in 1958, thereby becoming one of the many past pupils of Thurles CBS to achieve such an honour, and also joining an elite

cohort within his club Moycarkey Borris to do so.

John’s hurling retirement came earlier than expected as failing eyesight was to prove a difficulty for him. However, his commencement of the Cúlbáire column in the Tipperary Star became his lifeline and he went on to pen his forthright, honest, searingly accurate and entertaining column for six decades. He was never afraid to tackle difficult issues; would offer his views on County Board matters; on-field activities; the GAA as a national organisation; and any other issues which caught his eye. He would defend Tipperary with great resoluteness but he would never be afraid to call out deficiencies, unfairness, sub-standard behaviour or action, or anything which undermined the reputation of the Premier County or the games.

That old adage ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’ could have been coined with John O’Grady in mind. His pen could be laced with mercury and in with a few words he could cut through the waffle and leave the reader in no doubt as to his thoughts. He would brandish his scalpel like pen to cut his way through issues with precision rather than taking the axe to the issue. His column would be methodical, perfectly structured and required reading for all those who followed Gaelic Games. In truth he was the prince of GAA columnists.

John was also a very keen golfer and with typical style he penned the notes for Thurles Golf Club for many years. He

Carols by Candlelight Carol Service

The Annual Carols by Candlelight Service will be held in St. Mary’s Church of Ireland Church on Sunday December 15th at 7.00pm. All are welcome.

Cathedral Choir Gala Concert

Congratulations to the Cathedral Choir accompanied by the Clonmel Concert Band and all involved in this beautiful performance of seasonal music and song in the Cathedral last weekend. It was a truly inspiring and uplifting concert enjoyed by the great attendance who were fortunate to be there.

Ursulines annual Carol Service

On Tuesday next 17th December, Thurles Ursuline Secondary School will hold their annual Carol Service in Thurles Cathedral of the Assumption at 7pm. This will be a very special evening with so many of the Ursuline students performing in collaboration with St Angela’s Academy of Music, Scoil Angela and the Thurles Community Orchestra.

CBS

boys are published authors

Congratulations to the Thurles CBS Secondary School students in 4A who engaged in the write a book initiative in English with their teacher Ms.Hall. The book is entitled ‘Nostalgic Moments’. Students interviewed and dedicated articles to their grandparents about their life growing up. Some wonderful photos were resurrected. The book provides a window into the past and a keepsake for the future. Well done lads!

delighted in his time spent on the course, loved the special friendships formed – especially with former hurlers – and was an active member of various committee over the years. He played on, and selected, many of the club teams also and had a knowledge of the ins and outs of golf to match his hurling prowess.

John was an ever-present at matches throughout Tipperary until illness took a grip and it was no longer feasible for him to go the games. Unfortunately, the advent of Clubber TV and the streaming of local GAA games came too late for

John really. However, he loved to watch the televised games on RTE and TG4 and always maintained his interest to the very end in the ancient game he graced and made famous.

There was a particularly poignant event at Thurles Community Hospital of the Assumption in 2022 as John was in on respite. Seventy three years after he became the first player to receive the Irish Press Cup, John was reunited with the silverware. A visit from the then Tipperary minor Manager James Woodlock and the cup, to the Thurles Community Hospital of the Assumption proved opportune, as John was in attendance and was thrilled to chat to James and to hold the cup he raised aloft in Croke Park all those years ago.

That day in ’49 was a great day for Tipperary with the seniors also winning the All-Ireland, captained by Pat Stakelum. Indeed, it was a great day for mid Tipperary with John hailing from the Moycarkey Borris club, Pat, the Holycross Ballycahill club, and both having represented Thurles CBS at Dr Harty Cup level.

John first played hurling at club level with Moycarkey-Borris and joined the club’s senior team as a 16-year-old. He also lined out with Thurles CBS in the Harty Cup and earned selection on the Munster Colleges team. As a university student in Cork, John played in the Fitzgibbon Cup with University College Cork and also earned inclusion on the Combined Universities team in 1952 and 1953 - a feat also achieved by Pat Stakelum,

amongst other notable Tipperary men.

After leaving university John O’Grady played with the Blackrock club in Cork, lining out in the 1954 final defeat by the Christy Ring led Glen Rovers, before ending his career with Moycarkey-Borris in 1962.

John first played for Tipperary during a three-year tenure as goalkeeper with the minor team. He won his first All-Ireland MHC medal in 1947 before then captaining the team to the title two years later in 1949.

John O’Grady was a fine colleague to the teams in Thurles CBS; a wonderful teacher to the many students who passed through his classroom; a marvellous Tipperary hurler; great neighbour; dear friend; loving husband to Ann; father to Martin, Sean and Brian; and a doting grandfather. While hurling and golf occupied much of his life, he always kept his best parts for his family and he took great pride in their many achievements as they made their way through life.

John’s passing is a great blow to Ann, Martin, Sean and Brian, daughters-inlaw Tara, Gina and Maria, grandchildren Juanita, Katie, Calum and Rory, Billy and Max and their mother Susi, great-granddaughter Ellen-Rose, nephews, nieces, brother-in-law Denis, sister-in-law Mary, cousins, former colleagues and pupils of Thurles CBS, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

He will be missed greatly; remembered often; and recalled fondly.

Requiescat in pace Johnno.

€755 raised for Thurles Youth Services

Christmas toys and party packs worth €755 were raised for the Tipperary Youth Service Thurles by all at Skehans bar, Liberty Square, Thurles over the last week weeks.

A big thanks to Melissa and Sarah for all their hard work and to everyone who donated to make it such a worthwhile event.

Charity Carol Service in Ballycahill

Over the past months the Ballycahill choir has been busy rehearsing for the Christmas season under the expert direction of Louise McCullagh. The number of members continues to increase. A festive carol service is scheduled to take place in the church on Sunday next the 15th December at 7pm. This promises to be another special event for our community to enjoy, with a unique repertoire planned by

Louise. Donations for a very deserving charity will be collected on the night - The Irish Kidney Association.

Come and enjoy what promises to be a memorable evening of music and carols in our lovely church which is beautifully decorated for the occasion. Bring along a friend.Then join us in the Community Hall immediately after the service for light refreshments and a Christmas get-to-

gether. All are welcome.

Venue: Ballycahill Church.

Date: Sunday 15th Dec. Time: 7pm.

Photo on left: With a good mix of male and female voices the Ballycahill choir have practiced for weeks to deliver a great evening of carols on Sunday 15th Dec. Donations for The Irish Kidney Association will be gratefully received on the night.

The late John O’Grady, Clongour, Thurles, who died last week

Recollections from 2003 with Joe Kenny

TSDL team who beat Limerick League by 3-2 in the final of the Oscar Traynor Inter-League tournament played in Bansha on Friday, May 23, 2003. Back L to R: Sean Kiely (joint manager with Ray Lonergan), Paul Scully, Paul Tobin, James Walsh, Tony Scully, Kevin O’Sullivan, John Shanahan, John Walsh, Ronan Stanley, Robbie Boland, Richie Ryan. Front L to R: Sean Cummins, Kevin Blanche, Kenneth Ryan, David Horan, Aaron Moroney, Alan Coady, Ian Cleary and Colin Hayes.

Photographed at the presentation of certificates at the completion of the ‘Introduction to Estate Management’ course held in Ballingarry on April 23, 2003, are Back L to R: Paddy Ivors, George Ivors, Stephen Doran (course tutor), Billy Carroll and John Joseph Stokes. Front L to R: Patricia Wall, Kathleen Brennan, Kathleen Brennan, Tess Collins (Tenant Liaison Officer, South Tipperary County Council) and Bridget Cleere. Patrick Cleere also completed the 14 week course organised jointly by Waterford Institute of Technology and South Tipperary County Council.

Group phootographed on May 13, 2003, at the Glenary River Development Project with Declan Buckley of Merck Sharpe and Dohme. L to R: Simon Molloy, Declan Buckley, John Corbett and Franz Becker.

Photographed on March 31, 2003, at the signing of a contract by South Tipperary County Council, to the value of €17.8m, with Jones Environmental (Irl) Ltd. for the Tipperary Grouped Operational Scheme and Wastewater Treatment Plants Design/Build. Back L to R: John Power (Nicholas O’Dwyer Consulting Engineers, Dublin), Donald Binchy (Solicitors Clonmel), Barry Fenton (Jones Environmental (Irl) Ltd.), John O’Mahoney (Director of Services, Corporate Affairs, South Tipperary County Council), Sean Lonergan (Senior Staff Officer South Tipperary County Council Sanitary Services). Front L to R: Chris Bateman (Jones Environmental (Irl) Ltd.), Cllr Michael Fitzgerald (Chairman South Tipperary County Council), Ned O’Connor (County Manager South Tipperary County Council) and Billy McEvoy (Director of Services, Roads Transportation & Water, South Tipperary County Council).

Watching the Peter O’Reilly Cup Semifinal between Glengoole United and Dualla and enjoying the lovely sunshine on April 6, 2003, are these Glengoole supporters. Back L to R: Erin Slattery, Chloe Holohan, Lucy Brennan, Danielle Rafter. Middle Row L to R: Keith Hanrahan, Michael Rafter, Sophia Brennan, David Slattery. Front L to R: Megan Slattery, Stephanie Holohan and Dillon Walsh.

Members of Fethard Youth Club photographed following their clean-up of Fethard’s Clashawley river banks where they collected six full bags of rubbish on May 10, 2003. The Club will continue their weekly clean-up until they break for the summer months at the end of May. L to R: Clare Hannigan (leader), D.J. Gorey, Rita McCormack (leader), Bill Walsh, John Hannigan, Alan McCormack, Noel Walsh, Michael Barrett, Philip Ryan, Bud Burgess, Tony Askins (leader), and Marie Murphy (leader).

Recollections from 2003 with Joe Kenny

Photographed at the South Tipperary Autism Support Group’s fashion show held at the Clonmel Arms Hotel on March 27, 2003. L to R: Shelly Melody, Karen Shone and Joan Shone all from Cathy O’Reilly’s.

Borrisoleigh captain James Woodlock receiving the Harty Cup after beating Clonmel High School by 1-16 to 1-11, in the final played at Boherlahan on March 19, 2003. L to R: Sean Fogarty (vice chairman Munster Council), James Woodlock (captain), Tom Collum (servicing officer Munster Colleges) and Miceál Forristal (secretary Munster Colleges).

Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard on February 9, 2003, are L to R: Martin O’Dwyer, Cashel, Mary Hanrahan, Fethard, and Pat Dunne, Cashel.

Pictured right: Shauna Burke and Philip Hannigan at the Launch of Alzheimer’s Lyons Tea Day in Clonmel on March 22, 2003..

Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair on February 9, 2003, are L to R: Grace Wells and her daughter Holly, Ninemilehouse, Carrick-on-Suir. Grace has recently published child’s book ‘Gyrfalcon’.

Photographed at the Fashion Show organised by South Tipperary Autism Support Group, and held in the Clonmel Arms Hotel on March 27, 2003. L to R: Patsy O’Shea, Marlfield, Margaret O’Donoghue, Cahir, and Catherine Burke, Kilmacomma.

Cahir Comhaltas Christmas Concert

Cahir Comhaltas Christmas concert with raffle will take place on this Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 3pm in Bunscoil na Cathrach Cahir. We will showcase all our musicians and welcome our new families to the branch. We will also present the SCT music certificates to our 44 students who took exams earlier this year. This is a great achievement for Cahir Comhaltas. We ask for your generous support for our raffle, which is much needed for branch costs. Míle Buíochas, Cahir Comhaltas Committee.

St. Paul’s Carol Service

The Carols Service will be held in St. Paul Church on this Sunday, December 15 at 7pm. This is always a lovely service that starts off Christmas for everyone. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

Cormac Looby’s album launch will take place in St. Pauls Church on Saturday December 14, the night before our Carols Service. This is sure to be a wonderful evening’s entertainment. Tickets are available on eventbrite.

Live Crib at St. Marys Church

Everyone is invited to the Live Crib that will be in place at St Mary’s Church, Cahir on December 21 from 4-8 pm. There will be the donkey, the sheep, the cattle, Mary and Joseph and of course the new born baby Jesus! And to celebrate, there will be hot chocolate and Christmas carols all packed in to what will be a True Christmas celebration!

Cahir to Sing Concert

Cahir Castle was the venue for the Cahir to Sing Choirs Christmas Concert on last Saturday December 7. The concert started at 7.30pm and all seats were filled. There was lots of Christmas spirit on the evening and as usual the choir made it an enjoyable and uplifting concert set in the perfect Christmas setting of Cahir Castle. Well done to all. All proceeds will go to Cancer Care.

Community Lotto

There was no winner of the Community Lotto Draw that took place last week on Wednesday December 4, 2024. The Draw was witnessed by Marie Casey. The numbers drawn were 2, 3, 16 & 31. The lucky Dip winners each winning €25 were Carmel & Kathleen, C/o Cahir Bingo Breda Kane, C/o Cahir Bingo Gary O’Mahony, Lismahon, Meath and Frank Burke, Jamestown, Clonmel. Congratulations to all.

The next Lotto Draw will take place on today Wednesday, December 11, 2024 in the Social Welfare Office at 12 noon with results next week. The Jackpot is €2,600 and tickets are available in the Enterprise Centre and in local shops too. We wish everyone the best of luck in the next draw.

Cahir Town in around the

By Maria Taylor

Christmas Lights switched on by Santa!

Rockwell Music Academy Annual Christmas Concert was a big hit

Last Sunday December 8 St. Mary Church was filled with the sound of music as, Cahir Rockwell Music Academy held their annual Christmas Concert. The concert started at 3pm and had some special guests with Alana Manton who appeared on the Late Late Toy Show last Friday night up first with a beautiful Christmas song.

There was also the involvement of the fantastic young pupils of the Academy and the Concert also

featured Rockwell Community Orchestra, Show Class as well as Rockwell Community Choir. See info@rockwellmusicacademy.ie for more information.

It was wonderful to see the crowd that came to join Rockwell Music Academy for a Cheery Christmas Music Showcase on the day and see the result of the music education services that they provide to the community.

Last Saturday Santa Claus arrived into town to take up residence in his Grotto at Cahir Tourist Office. Starting at 2pm Santa and Mrs Claus welcomed a steady stream of exited children and their families and some wonderful chats were had and requests for Christmas presents were made until 4pm. Then Santa had a little break before leading the children who had mini Tractors, bikes, scooters or tricycles all done up in Christmas lights on to the Square. They were joined by The 2 Johnnies who travelled in a trailer that also decked out in Christmas Lights and behind Santa. The Cahir International Group followed while carrying their countries flags. They all arrived to a packed square where many photos were taken of Santa and Mrs Claus with some of the many children present. Thanks to the services of Peter Forristal who gave Santa and Mrs Claus a lift in his lovely sleigh.

They were closely followed by the Tractor Run in aid of South Tipp Hospice which is growing every year! Once the Tractors had passed Santa switched on the town Christmas lights and was ably assisted by Mrs Claus and the elves. Santa then joined Mrs Claus and went back to his Grotto to meet more children and a lovely evening was had by all. On Sunday afternoon Santa welcomed met more children once again in the Grotto for the afternoon before heading back to the North Pole. Having fulfilled his duties in Cahir and once all children were home in bed, Santa and Mrs Claus called the Santa Express for a lift home to the North Pole to prepare for Christmas Day! Thanks to Santa and Mrs Claus and all the Elves for an entertaining couple of days in Cahir.

Christmas Lights Campaign takes on greater importance due to wind damage

With all our beautiful circular Christmas lights destroyed on the Square, The Bridge and Tipperary Road last Friday night during the high winds, our Christmas Lights Campaign takes on greater importance. We are extremely thankful that there were no injuries to passersby or any damage to cars or property during that night. We are also extremely thankful to Stephen Flannery and his crew who were out and about early the following morning despite winds still being high and cleaned up the mess caused by the downed lights, separated them from others that are working and made sure all remaining lights were in working order for the official Switching on of the lights later event that evening by Santa.

As the Christmas Lights campaign is ongoing for the next few weeks and a Go Fund Me page has already been set

up, we are hopeful that people will donate a few euros and help us out with the rising costs.

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. All support for this campaign is much appreciated and every euro counts. Thank you to all who have donated so far.

Rockwell Music Academy Christmas Concert - Rockwell Music Academy Christmas Concert in St. Marys Church last Sunday Santa’s Elves in Cahir last week were Tadhg, Padraig, Fionn & Conor

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

Cahir Christmas Retail Support Programme

Don’t forget Cahir Development is still running the Christmas Retail support programme in conjunction with Tipperary County Council which started last week. It will continue until this Friday December 13. This week they will be giving out 3 x €50 vouchers per day for 10 days to people who shop in Cahir (from Monday December 9 to Friday 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.

DAY 1

Day 1 winners were- Jo Fahey wins the €50 voucher for Image Beauty, Grant Dowling wins the €50 voucher for Irwins Café & Townhouse and Aoife Duggan wins the €50 voucher for Mari Mina Pharmacy.

DAY 2

Day 2 winners- Jamie Smyth, wins € 50.00 voucher for Kennedy’s Butchers, Cahir, Shane Lamb, wins € 50.00 voucher for O’Brien’s Pharmacy, Cahir and Barrett, wins € 50.00 voucher for Angela’s Hair Care, Cahir.

DAY 3

Day 3 Winners - Nicola Downey, wins €50.00 voucher for Carry Out Off Licence, Cahir Rachel Lonergan wins €50.00 voucher for Norman O’Brien’s Butchers, Cahir And Rachel Lonergan wins €50.00 voucher for Mister Mister, Cahir.

DAY 4

Day 4 Winners - Karen Caplice wins the €50 voucher for The Shamrock Lounge, Cahir Clara Fitzell wins the €50 voucher for The Galtee Inn, Cahir and Kevin Rowe wins the €50 voucher Flowers by Trish, Cahir.

Cahir GAA Club

DRAW THE JOKER- the Draw took place in The Galtee Inn last Sunday December 1, and the Jackpot of €11,800 was not won. Other winners were €100 to John Browne, €50 to Robert Halley, €50 to Mary O’Donnell, €30 to Rose Mary Daly and €20 to Catherine O’Brien. The next Draw Jackpot will be €12,000 and takes place this Sunday December 15, 2024 in Cahir House Hotel. Thank you for your support.

CAHIR GAA DINNER

DANCE 2024 - last Friday December 6, 2024, Cahir GAA, Ladies Football, Camogie & Juvenile Clubs had their Dinner Dance/ Medal

Presentation followed by music in Cahir House Hotel. A lovely meal was followed by a Band and

a DJ and there was Medal presentations for the senior girls on the night. A great time was had by all who attended. Thanks to Cahir House Hotel and staff and all who helped in any way to make this a successful evening.

JUVENILE - Last week a presentation was made to outgoing Juvenile Chairperson Larry Molan from Juvenile Secretary Mary O’Connor. Best wishes on your retirement Larry!

SCÓR - A very successful Scór Thiobraid Árann Scór na nÓg took pplace at the County Final Friday night last for Cahir Gaa Juvenile Club Gaa Juvenile Club.

We would like to give a big shout out to Mr. Gavin Berry and his creative students at Coláiste Dún Iascaigh Cahir who provided

the props for the winning Novelty Act. This acted Tipperary at the Munster Final in Cappamore, Co Limerick last Saturday, December 7.

Thanks to all the competitors from Cahir who took part in the Question Time, Solo Song & Novelty Act. Congratulations also to the Newcastle dancers who also progressed onto Munster last weekend.

CONGRATULATIONS to Amy, Casey, Sienna, Lucy, Lexie, Érin & Heather missing on receiving their U14A Munster medals from 2023 & U16B Munster medals from 2024.

This is a great achievement for the girls and we also congratulate Alan AND Cathal who were part of the management teams.

Cahir Park AFC

Juniors - Cahir Park Juniors were at home last Sunday morning in a Premier League match V Bansha Celtic. The team put in an impressive performance for their last game of the year. They were rewarded with a final score of Cahir Park 7 V Bansha Celtic 1. Well done to Team and Management.

B Team - our B team came away with a draw at home in Division 3 last Saturday December 7 in Cahir Park (B) 3 V Rosegreen 3 Youths - last Saturday our Youths were unlucky and lost out in the Munster Youth Cup Fourth Round at home with a final score of Cahir Park 1 V Clonmel Celtic 7 Youth Bs - it was a different story for our Youth B Team who continued their success in the Youth Division 2 at home last Saturday December 7 with the great result of Cahir Park 3 (B) V Mullinahone 1. Well done to team and Management.

FAI In her boots- Cahir Park AFC were delighted to host the FAI In Her Boots Programme this week. There was a large group of coaches in attendance on Thursday night who were delighted to have the benefit of the Programme. The Cahir Park AFC girls assisted with the practical session and had great fun. Thank you to Declan Barron, Dean Broaders and Pearl Slattery for delivering a fantastic Programme and to the girls for their assistance. They are great ambassadors for our club. Well done to all involved

Congratulations to Marie Davey this weeks 50/50 winner ticket bought online on our official App Thanks everyone for tge continued support Cahir Park Juniors Training Tops - the players and Management of Cahir Park AFC would like to thank Martina Prendergast from TP Cleaning Services in Cahir for her and the companies

kind sponsorship of the A team and B team players Training Tops and Training kit. The boys look fantastic in their new gear. Thanks Martina we really appreciate the sponsorship.

Cahir Park 50/50 Draw- The 50/50 Draw took place last Wednesday December 4, 2024 at 8pm live on Facebook. Congratulations to Marie Davey who was last week’s winner. Ticket was sold online. 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. We will have extra Draws for Christmas on our last Draw for the year on Wednesday December 18. So keep buying those Tickets! Tickets can be purchased from Committee, online, through local businesses or through our Cahir Park AFC App under the fundraising header.

Santa and Mrs Claus say thanks to Peter Forrestal for the lift in the Sleigh!

Mum Kerry brought Demi, James and Rueben to see Santa and Mrs Claus last Saturday in Cahir The

Public consultation on Ardfinnan’s proposed Walkway and Cycle Bridge

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Thursday, 19th December from 2-8 pm in Ardfinnan Community Hall

Tipperary County Council are inviting the local and surrounding communities to a public consultation on the proposed Walkway and Cycle Bridge, a transformative project that aims to enhance connectivity and promote sustainable transport in the community.

The consultation will take place on Thursday, 19th December, from 2 pm to 8 pm at Ardfinnan Community Centre. This Open Day offers locals the opportunity to view the proposed bridge design and share their feedback.

Arup & Partners LTD, the engineering firm behind the project, and Tipperary County Council officials will be present to answer questions and discuss the design, specifically tailored for Ardfinnan.

Community participation is vital. We encourage all attendees to sign in upon arrival, demonstrating strong local support for this initiative.

An Bord Pleanála will receive a planning application for the project in the first quarter of 2025, making this consultation a crucial opportunity for public input.

Don’t miss this chance on Thursday, 19th December to shape the future of Ardfinnan village and its surrounding area

Hard water woes in Clonmel: A critical issue for residents and businesses

The town of Clonmel is facing a mounting crisis with the transition from soft water to hard water in its supply, a shift being overseen by Uisce Éireann. The repercussions of this change are deeply concerning for both residents and businesses, and the timing, in the midst of ongoing economic challenges, could not be worse. With three newly elected Clonmel based TDs, Independent Mattie McGrath, Independent Seamus Healy, and Fine Gael’s Michael Murphy, now in office, there is a golden opportunity to bring this issue to the forefront of national attention. The question is whether they will rise to the occasion and advocate for the people who entrusted them with their votes.

For local businesses, the transition to hard water represents more than just a technical adjustment, it’s a financial and operational challenge that could cripple many. Businesses in Clonmel, particularly those in manufacturing, hospitality, and other water reliant industries, are bracing for skyrocketing costs. These include installing expensive water treatment systems, increased maintenance of equipment, and the premature replacement of appliances damaged by limescale buildup.

The owner of a recently established business in Clonmel explained the scale of the problem:

“We’re looking at thousands of euros in annual maintenance and equipment upkeep because of the hard water. Within five years, most of our machines will

need replacing. This isn’t sustainable, and for many businesses like ours, it’s a death sentence.”

The County Tipperary Chamber, which represents a wide range of local businesses, has voiced its alarm at the economic fallout of this transition. The Chamber has described the switch to hard water as a “significant financial burden” and warned that it could erode the competitiveness of Clonmel businesses in the current challenging economic climate.

Speaking on behalf of its members, a Chamber spokesperson stated:

“The switch from soft to hard water is not just a technical issue, it’s an economic threat. Many businesses are already stretched thin, and this additional cost could be the breaking point for some.”

The Chamber has called on the government to provide immediate financial support or alternative solutions to offset the impact of the transition. This includes subsidies for installing water softening systems and grants to help businesses cover the costs of maintenance and equipment replacement.

While businesses bear the brunt of the financial impact, Clonmel’s residents are experiencing the tangible, day to day inconveniences of hard water. The mineral content in hard water, primarily calcium and magnesium, leads to the buildup of limescale, which damages household appliances such as kettles, washing machines, and showers.

Residents in areas like Boherduff, Wil-

“Hard water impacts every aspect of our daily lives, from the taste of the water we drink to the costs of maintaining our homes. Appliances that used to last a decade are now breaking down in a few years, and we’re paying the price.”

low Park, Fairfields, and The Wilderness have reported recurring issues with their appliances breaking down due to limescale. Beyond the damage to household equipment, hard water also diminishes water pressure in pipes and increases energy costs as systems struggle to function efficiently.

The effects extend to personal care as well. Hard water interacts poorly with soaps and shampoos, leaving residues on skin and hair, which can cause irritation and dryness. Clothes and glassware washed in hard water often appear dull and stained, adding to the frustration of local homeowners.

A long time resident summed up the issue:

“This isn’t just about inconvenience. Hard water impacts every aspect of our daily lives, from the taste of the water we drink to the costs of maintaining our homes. Appliances that used to last a decade are now breaking down in a few years, and we’re paying the price.”

The criticism of Uisce Éireann’s approach to this transition has been scathing. A veteran local council worker, with over 30 years of experience in Tipperary County Council’s water department, described Uisce Éireann as indifferent to the challenges faced by residents and businesses:

“Once they’ve extracted the water, chlorinated it, and sent it into the supply, they see their job as done. What happens to people’s plumbing, appliances, and businesses after that is none of their concern.”

The perception that Uisce Éireann has not adequately considered the economic and practical impact of the transition has fueled frustration among the community. Residents and businesses alike feel abandoned by a system that prioritises the delivery of water over its quality and usability.

With the election of three Clonmel based TDs, the town now has a unique opportunity to address this issue at the national level. Independent TD Mattie McGrath, Independent TD Seamus Healy, and Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy must act as a united front to advocate for their constituency. Their first step should be to arrange an urgent meeting with the relevant Ministers and Uisce Éireann officials to highlight the detrimental impact of the hard water transition on Clonmel. They must push for tangible solutions, including: Financial support for businesses to

offset the cost of water softeners, maintenance, and equipment replacement.

Residential grants for the installation of water treatment systems to alleviate the burden on homeowners.

A review of Uisce Éireann’s decision making process, ensuring future changes consider the practical and economic impacts on communities.

Failure to act decisively could leave Clonmel facing long term economic decline as businesses struggle to remain viable and residents bear rising costs.

The people of Clonmel elected three TDs with the hope that they would advocate for local interests. This is their moment to prove their commitment to the community. The hard water crisis is not an abstract issue, it’s a tangible challenge that affects the lives and livelihoods of thousands in Clonmel.

The transition to hard water is not inevitable. With the right political pressure and community advocacy, solutions can be found that minimise the impact and support those affected. But time is of the essence. The newly elected TDs must act now to ensure that Clonmel’s future is not jeopardised by this preventable crisis.

As one business owner put it:

“If our representatives can’t fight for something as basic as clean, manageable water, what hope do we have for tackling bigger issues? This is their chance to step up and make a real difference for Clonmel.”

Report by Clonmel Stories.

An architect’s impression of the proposed walkway and cycle bridge over the River Suir at Ardfinnan

Outstanding achievements of ‘Pres’ students praised by Clonmel Mayor

STUDENTS of the Presentation

Secondary School Clonmel were honoured by the Mayor of Clonmel Michael Murphy recently at a mayoral reception in the Town Hall to recognise the work of the school’s Student Council and the school’s recent winners from their Awards for Excellence 2023/2024.

In one of his last functions as Mayor before his election to Dáil Eireann, the Mayor welcomed students and staff of the Presentation Secondary School to the Town Hall in Parnell Street.

Denis Holland, a member of the Board of Management at the school, gave a brief history of Clonmel Town Hall to the students and historical formation of the Clonmel Corporation.

Mayor Michael Murphy then congratulated the students on their outstanding successes. He said he was delighted to see the awards acknowledge the tremendous achievements of the students across the whole spectrum in education in the school. These awards also recognise that the pursuit of excellence is not confined to academic achievement but encompasses the whole range of activities that makes for a rounded and balanced education.

The Mayor also congratulated the senior management team, teachers and students on continuing to create a centre of excellence for girls in Clonmel. He also commended everyone on keeping the unique “Pres Ethos” alive in modern times.

The Mayor gave a special welcome to the members of the Student Council and congratulated them on their excellent work in the school.

Mr Michael O’Loughlin (Principal) and Sara Hanly Rooztavan (President of the Student Council) replied on behalf of the school.

Thanks were expressed also to

The

would like to

the

The school would like to

congratulate Seamus Healy on his return to the Dáil, as Seamus’s sister, Sr Anne Healy, is a member of the Board of Management and Seamus’s four daughters are all

Clonmel Presentation Secondary School Student Council 2024/2025 with Mayor of Clonmel Michael Murphy and Mr Martin O’Loughlin (Student Council Co-ordinator)

Winners of the Awards of Excellence for 2023/2024 at the Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel, pictured at the Town Hall recently where they were accorded a Mayoral Reception.

Sara Hanly Rooztavan (President of the Student Council) addresses the gathering

Michael O’Loughlin, Principal at Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel

Pictured at the Mayoral Reception for the Presentation Secondary School held recently at the Town Hall, Clonmel were, from left: Roisin Hennessy (Deputy-Principal), Michael O’Loughlin (Principal), Michael Murphy (Mayor), Sara Hanly Rooztavan (Student Council President), Mairead Fennell (Awards Co-ordinator), and Denis Holland (Board of Management).

Sincere thanks were offered to Mayor Michael Murphy for hosting the reception and it was a memorable event for everyone involved.

Ms Fennell (Awards Co-ordinator) for organising the event on behalf of the school.

Presentation Secondary

School

congratulate

Mayor and soon-to-be Deputy on his election to Dáil Eireann and wish him well in his new role.

past students of the school. Congratulations also, to Mattie McGrath whose daughters Cllr. Mairín and Caelainn are past students of Pres, Clonmel.

Busy year end for STAG - now all set for 2025

Junior STAG

Both Primary and Senior members will have one last Art Session on Saturday next, 14th December.

The Primary Section are nearly finished cutting, pasting, stenciling and glittering their Artwork and Christmas cards while the Seniors are just finished printing their cards from their own designed block prints.

This last Autumn session has been a very industrious and enjoyable one with both sections of Junior STAG! Hope to see you all next Saturday!!

A new Art session will commence in mid January 2005. Names of new members age nine-years to Leaving Certs will be taken from 3rd January, 2025 by contacting the Organiser at 086-8096823.

Adult STAG

The STAG Wednesday Painting/Craft Session in the South Tipperary Arts Centre is now closed for the Christmas holidays as the Studio upstairs is undergoing a transformation with a Winter Wonderland for children. Last Tuesday night, was also the end

Artwork - Looking for a home

of the Autumn sessions, where we had a get together for all Adult members , a mini party and our AGM!

Congrats to Maeve who sold her large painting of Slievenamon last week from the Showgrounds Shopping Centre.

Congrats also to Wednesday STAG member, Marie, whose painting of ‘A Bee Orchid in the Burren’ was selected for the retrospective Exhibition in Clonmel Library for December.

STAG Artwork in Tipperary General Hospital and Minella Leisure Centre will be changed this week. STAG Artwork is on display and for sale in Befani’s Restaurant, The Leisure Centre, Hotel Minella, The Showgrounds Shopping Centre, The Outpatients Corridor, Tipperary General Hospital and in Slievenamon Golf Club, Lisronagh. To buy that special gift for a very special person, please contact the Organiser at 086-8096823 who has access to many more Artworks in our Store!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL

Wishing All our STAG Art Members a very Happy Christmas and a Creative and Healthy New Year!

Artwork painted by members of STAG on the hoarding at St. Anthony’s Unit, Glenconnor, Clonmel. The hoarding is FREE  to take away to those who have a good home for it, perhaps a special place, where it can continue to give pleasure and joy for many years to come. Contact 086-8096823 if interested.

Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Tidy Towns Awards 2024

Fantastic achievements in Tidy Towns Awards honoured at Grangemockler ceremony

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Mark Fitzgerald and the Members of Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District were delighted to welcome representatives of the Tidy Towns Committees within the District to a reception held in Grangemockler Community Hall, Grangemockler on Tuesday, 26th November, 2024.

The Cathaoirleach welcomed all on his own behalf and on behalf of his colleagues, to celebrate their fantastic achievements in the SuperValu National Tidy Towns Awards 2024, held on 1st November last, with town and villages increasing their marks year on year. The results provided a welcome opportunity for the Municipal District to reward those volunteers engaged in enhancing their hometowns and villages through persistent and ongoing efforts.

Grangemockler received a particular mention having increased their score by an incredible 19 marks over the previous year. Moyglass and Fethard also increased their scores by double digits receiving €1,500 and €1,400 respectively. Mullina-

hone were awarded €1,200 for their increase with both Ballingarry and Drangan receiving €1100 for their efforts. Faugheen, Killenaule, Ahenny-Clasnasmuth and Cloneen all received €1,000 each for their seven-points increase from 2023 with Ballynonty, Ballyneale and The Commons receiving €900 each for their respective increases. A special award was given to Carrickon-Suir who were new entrants to the national competition this year.

Presenting the representatives with their awards, the Cathaoirleach paid tribute to all the attendees - whom he considered to be winners - cognisant of their commitment, dedication and enthusiasm in striving to improve their home environment and aesthetic. It was his great pleasure to present certificates and financial rewards to the following recipients and he expressed the hope that the group would return the following years into the future.

Section of the large crowd who attended the Tipperary County Council’s Tidy Towns Award presentations for Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District. Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, introducing the guest speakers.

Carrick Municipal District representatives L to R: Cllr Imelda Goldsboro, Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, Cllr David Dunne and Marie Cox, District Administrator.

Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District representatives and guest speakers. L to R: Cllr David Dunne, guest speaker Sara Bourke, South Tipperary Development CLG, Marie Cox, District Administrator, Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, Cllr Imelda Goldsboro, and Willie Morgan, Staff Officer.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, presenting the award and €900, to Carmel O’Meara representing Ballyneale Tidy Towns in recognition of the increased four marks attained in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2024.

Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Tidy Towns Awards 2024

Imelda Goldsboro (centre) accepting the award and €900 for The Commons Tidy Towns in recognition of their increased three marks attained in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2024. L to R: Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, Cllr Imelda Goldsboro, and Cllr David Dunne.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, presenting the award and €1,000, to Threasa Cronin and Edmund Coady representing Ahenny-Clashnasmuth Tidy Towns, in recognition of their seven increased marks attained in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2024.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, presenting the award and €1,100, to Noll O’Brien, Geraldine White and Lucy McCormack, representing Drangan Tidy Towns, in recognition of their eight increased marks attained in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2024.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, presenting the award and €1,500, to Mary O’Meara and Kelley Lee (right), representing Moyglass Tidy Towns, in recognition of their fifteen increased marks attained in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2024.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, presenting the award and €1,400, to Sionhan Atkinson and Mary Healy (right), representing Fethard Tidy Towns, in recognition of their thirteen increased marks attained in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2024.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, presenting the award and €1,000, to Betty Egan (left) and Helen O’Brien representing Cloneen Tidy Towns, in recognition of their seven increased marks attained in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2024.

Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Tidy Towns Awards 2024

Cllr

Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, presenting the

amazing nineteen increased marks attained in

and

Marie Cox, District Administrator, Ann Jones-Grace, Joan Tyrrell, Cllr

Imelda Goldsboro (centre) accepting the award and €900 for Ballynonty Tidy Towns in recognition of the increased five marks attained in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2024. L to R: Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, Cllr Imelda Goldsboro, and Cllr David Dunne.

Imelda Goldsboro (centre) accepting the award and €1,100 for Ballingarry Tidy Towns in recognition of the increased eight marks attained in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2024. L to R: Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, Cllr Imelda Goldsboro, and Cllr David Dunne.

Cathaoirleach

Mark Fitzgerald, presenting the award and €1,000, to Declan Flanagan representing Faugheen Tidy Towns, in recognition of their seven increased marks attained in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2024.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, presenting the award and €1,200, to Ann Marie Cahill (left),Teckie Brett and Breda Brennan (right), representing Mullinahone Tidy Towns, in recognition of their nine increased marks attained in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2024.

Cathaoirleach

award

€2,000, to representatives of Grangemockler Tidy Towns, in recognition of their

the National Tidy Towns Competition 2024. Back L to R: Terry Cummins, Anna Regan, Al Murray,

David Dunne. Front L to R: Cllr Imelda Goldsboro, Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald,and Kathleen Brunnock who accepted the award on behalf of Grangemockler Tidy Towns.

Imelda Goldsboro (centre) accepting the award and €1,000 for Killenaule Tidy Towns in recognition of the increased seven marks attained in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2024. L to R: Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, Cllr Imelda Goldsboro, and Cllr David Dunne.

Clonmel Christmas Market brings festive magic back again

Second Annual Clonmel Christmas Market brings festive magic back after blockbuster inaugural year

Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural event, the Christmas Market is back for its second year on Kickham Plaza, Clonmel, promising to once again light up the season with festive cheer, unique shopping opportunities, and cherished community traditions.

The local secondary schools Loreto, Raheen College, Presentation, Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn and CBS High School, buoyed by the positive response to last year’s debut, have all worked diligently to once again create an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages.

The inaugural Christmas Market made an unforgettable first impression, drawing hundreds of visitors and earning rave reviews for its charming stalls, live entertainment, and family-friendly atmosphere. Vendors reported record-breaking sales, while attendees praised the warm and festive ambiance.

“The response last year exceeded all our expectations,” says Carol Creighton, Tipperary County Council. “We knew there was a demand for a Christmas Market, but the way the community came out to support it was truly heartwarming,” she said.

Building on that success, the second annual Christmas Market has expanded its offerings, with even more vendors, entertainment, and interactive activities. The lighting will be enhanced and there will be over 40 vendors, including many returning favorites and new artisans offering handmade gifts, gourmet treats, and one-of-a-kind Christmas decorations.

There will be a hot food stall encouraging people to come and have breakfast, lunch or meet friends while experiencing the German tradition of coffee and

cake on the Plaza.

Applefest will be supplying mouth watering mulled apple juice.

Local artists will be displaying and selling their artwork.

A packed schedule of performances including Ss. Peter & Paul’s Primary School Band, St. Mary’s Church Choir and Clonmel Community Choir are scheduled to take place.

Santa will be present on both days to greet the children and this year he is bringing Mrs. Claus to engage all ages in storytelling as well as a sing-along.

To foster the spirit of giving, the students are partnering with the local St. Vincent de Paul Committee to have a bucket collection that will help local families over the festive season.

The market is becoming a cornerstone of the festive season.

“It’s not just about shopping; it’s about creating memories,” says local resident Mary O’Sullivan who attended with her family last year. “We’ve already marked our calendars for this year!”

The success of the Christmas Market underscores its potential to become a long-standing tradition. Last year TY students said “Our goal is to make this an event the community looks forward to every year.” We started the market and now want it to grow and evolve while staying true to the spirit of Christmas.’’

With its vibrant atmosphere, diverse offerings, and commitment to community, the second annual Christmas Market is set to be another shining success. As the countdown to Christmas begins, there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by experiencing the magic of this year’s market.

NEXT WEEKEND

The Christmas Market will run from 10am - 4pm on both Saturday 14th December and Sunday 15th December.

‘THE NEW LIFE’ exhibition to run at Cashel Library throughout December

Cashel Library launced “The New Life”, an exhibition of new art works by Robert Gosnell, on Saturday last, 7th December.

“The New Life” is all about taking something old and giving it a new life: the majority of the frames used in the exhibition were sourced from charity shops while the images, Robert explains, “voyage through history, acknowledging the past but in a new light”.

The exhibition will run throughout the month of December.

Students from the five Clonmel Secondary schools bursting with enthusiasm as they make the final preparations for the Christmas Market. Lexie Barnes, Nadia Compa, Eva O’Riordan, Dearbhaile Kelly, Lily Ní Chondúin, Holly Ní Héigeartaigh, TJ Keyes, Tiernan Pyke, Ciaran O’Leary, Ryan Guthrie

More lights have been added to the Kickham Plaza in preparation for the Christmas Market which will run from 10am - 4pm on both Saturday 14th December and Sunday 15th December.

News from the Community

FETHARD NEWS

by Joe Kenny

Happy 80th Birthday to Club President Tossie

Tossie Lawton, President St. Rita’s Camogie Club, former player and a loyal supporter of all camogie, ladies’ football and GAA teams, turned a wonderful 80 years recently. To mark this special birthday Tossie was joined by play-

The late Fiona Ryan Purcell

The death has occurred on Monday, December 2, 2024, of Fiona Ryan Purcell, Jossestown, Fethard, suddenly at home. Fiona was an absolute force of nature taken away too soon. Chef, farmer and carer, Fiona lived her life with a boundless love, energy, enthusiasm and a lust for life and the great outdoors.

Survived by her heartbroken husband Dessie Purcell, she was cherished by her parents Willie and Catherine Ryan, her five sisters Kerry, Sarah, Siobhan, Niamh and Eleanor, her father in law Toby, her adored nieces and nephews Holly, Danny, Anna, Mai, Billy, Jack, Elsa and Ewan, brothersin-law John, Steve, Richard, Paul, Philip and Adrian, sister-in-law Erica, Marie and Graham and her loyal and protective dogs Ella and Buzz.

Fiona’s Funeral Mass took place on Saturday, December 7, in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, followed by private cremation.

ers, coaches and committee members in wishing her a wonderful birthday.

Tossie was presented with some beautiful handmade cards from the players, cake, and a

The late Frank Quirke, BL

KNOCKANGLASS, MOYGLASS, FETHARD

The death has occurred on December 3, 2024, of Frank Quirke BL, Knockanglass, Moyglass, Fethard, peacefully at South Tipperary University Hospital in the presence of his loving family. Frank, son of Dr Richard and Sally Quirke, Clonmel, beloved husband and best friend of Judy (née Philpott), father of Richard, Millie, Evie, Joe, Juliet, Patrick, Mick and Felicity, brother of Mike, Caroline, Liz, Sally-Anne and the late Nuala. Son-in-law of Mary and Joe Philpott. Frank’s Funeral took place privately. May he rest in peace.

Ladies

being our biggest supporter always. A true blue.

Football Club

‘Split

The Pot’ with Dillon Quirke Foundation

After a successful 2023 draw for the Dillon Quirke Foundation, Fethard Ladies Football Club are proud to announce that they will be running their fundraiser again this year. Half the Pot will go to Dillon Quirke Foundation, the other half will be won on the night.

The club are guaranteeing €2,500 for the first envelope out of the bucket, followed by four additional draws, one for €200 and three for €100. The draw takes place December 15, in Burkes Bar Fethard.

We cannot express how much the Dillon Quirke Foundation means to clubs up and down the country. The Foundation is a registered charity working to raise awareness of SADS (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome), and funds widespread cardiac screening for young people aged 12-18 and involved in sport. With your help, the foundation’s aim is to raise awareness and reduce the number of young people dying from SADS through a cardiac screening programme.

Tickets can be purchased in Local Fethard shops or online at €2 each or three for €5, other online options also available. Best of luck everyone and please support this worthy cause. https://member.clubspot.app/club/fethard-lgfa/fundraisers

Emigrant’s Newsletter

This year’s Fethard & Killusty Emigrant’s Newsletter is expected back from the printers and should be on sale in the following local shops at €12 each, Centra Supermarket (The Green), Daybreak Supermarket (Kerry Street), and Fethard Post Office (Main Street). Copies will also be posted free of charge to Fethard emigrants on our mailing list throughout the world.

We take this opportunity to thank everyone who submitted articles and photographs, and also those who supported the publishing and postage, with donations throughout the year that helps in no small way to make this annual publication possible – since it first began by the good work of Fethard Legion of Mary in 1959.

Ladies Group meet this Thursday

The next meeting of the Fethard Ladies Group is on Thursday, December 12, at 7.30pm for their Christmas get together. The venue will be the Convent Chapel, where there will be an opportunity to see the new Fethard daycare facilities. All are welcome to attend.

Happy Christmas to everyone who has supported my efforts in getting this group up and running. Regards Kay Neagle.

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results

There was no jackpot winner in this week’s Parish Lotto on Thursday, December 5, 2024. The numbers drawn were 7, 13, 16, and 21. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Margaret Casey. Next week’s Jackpot for Thursday, December 12, will be €5,000.

GAA Sports Development Lotto

Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for December 3, 2024, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 2. 9, 24 and 32. We had no Jackpot winner and two Match 3 winners who received €75 each: James Martin and Eoin Whyte. One lucky dip winner received €100: John Kenrick. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, when the jackpot is €30,000.

St. Rita’s Camogie jacket kindly given as a gift from Paul at O’Reilly Sports, to keep her warm for all matches from now on. Happy Birthday Tossie and thank you for

Liam Kiely plays on winning UL team

Liam Kiely (Coolmoyne) celebrated with his team, when University Limerick won the Electric Ireland Higher Education Division 2 Freshers Gaelic Football League final. UL defeated TUS Midlands (Athlone) by four points and defeated UCC, NUIG and DCU on the way to the title. Well done!

News from the Community

Gortnahoe/Glengoole

BALLYNONTY CHRISTMAS

MASS

The Christmas Mass will take place this Thursday, 12th December at 7pm with confessions beforehand in Ballynonty Community House. All are welcome.

12 CRIBS OF CHRISTMAS

Pobal Eile Youth Ministry Group invites you to join us on our crib tour leaving Bohernanave Church this 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-MileBorris/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.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

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

GORTNAHOE BINGO

Bingo continues this Saturday evening at 4 pm with doors opening from 3 pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. A sincere thanks to everyone who supported the Black Saturday special bingo last weekend.

GORTNAHOE CHRISTMAS

DRAW

The Hall Committee has delivered tickets and flyers to each

house in the Parish for the Christmas Draw.

The draw will take place on Sunday 22nd December at 3pm in the Hall. Sold tickets can be returned to the Committee members or to the hall on Friday night 20th from 8 pm to 9 pm, Saturday 21st from 11 am to 12 noon and Sunday 22nd from 11 am to 12 noon.

There will be great prizes on offer, first prize will be €300, second prize €200, third prize Christmas hamper, fourth prize €100, fifth prize Christmas cake and a bottle of whiskey and many other prizes.

The Christmas Draw will be an important fundraiser for the upkeep of the Community Hall.

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.

TABLE QUIZ

A table quiz will take place this Friday night 13th December in Mary Willies in aid of the Christmas lights in Gortnahoe. Table of 4 is €20. If unable to attend Revolut your donation to 087 6777220.

CLUB CALENDAR

Gortnahoe Glengoole Juvenile GAA club calendar is now available at €10. A fabulous Christmas gift and is available from the committee members and Cahill’s shop.

BALLYSLOE PARENTS ASSOCIATION

A sincere thanks to all who supported the coffee morning last Sunday week. The proceeds were €1,166.55. The funds will be used for the benefit of the children in Ballysloe school. Special thanks to the sensory garden committee for the use of their wonderful facility.

BOOK LAUNCH

Fennor Co-Operative Creamery is celebrating 125 years and

Golden/Kilfeacle

TUMBLING PADDIES

All roads will lead to Golden gaa complex main hall in Golden Tipperary this coming Friday night, 13th December

The fabulous Tumbling Paddies with Dj Richie will rock Golden on stage from 8pm Full bar facilities

Doors open at 8pm

Tickets just €22.50

Available locally from Golden Post Office

Nellie O’Connor on 087 6228932

John O’Brien Obs Kilross On 087 8253139

Tina Boles on 087 290 9075

Early dancing to DJ Richie Disco to follow band till late

to honour the occasion a plaque will be unveiled at Fennor Co-Op branch next Monday, 16th December at 2pm.

The book launch will take place in Gortnahoe Community Hall at 2.30pm.

Refreshments after the launch. This is a wonderful occasion for the Committee of Fennor Co-Op to launch this detailed history of the Co-Op movement from 1899 - 2024 in relation to Fennor Creamery.

SPLIT THE POT

Congratulations to Jenny Manton, Urlingford who won €204 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 December 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.

DOMINIC MCMONAGLE RIP

The death has occured of Dominic McMonagle, Glengoole, Thurles. Peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, in the wonderful care of the staff of St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny.

Predeceased by his father Bill and nephew Patrick. Missed by his heartbroken family, mother Teresa, sister Rosaleen, brothers Sean, Mark and Michael, sisterin-law Fiona, partners Philip, Assumpta and Natalie, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Dominic reposed in O’Connell’s Funeral Home Killenaule last Monday week followed by removal to St’s Patrick & Oliver Church, Glengoole on Tuesday week for Funeral Mass followed by burial in adjoining Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

U17 FOOTBALL COUNTY CHAMPIONS

The U17’s had a fantastic win on Sunday evening last over Moyne Templetuohy in the U17 B Football county final. The Mullinahone boys had huge support in Fethard Town Park and came away with a very comprehensive win. The cup was presented to team captain Shane McGrath. A full match report to come in next weeks notes.

The final score Mullinahone 2-10 Moyne Templetuohy 1-4.

(See report of the final elsewhere in Sports Section of this edition).

CONGRATULATIONS FAYE

Congratulations to Faye Ahern on being selected for the Tipperary U16 A county camogie panel. Congratulations also to Fayes’ Dad Shane, who was appointed Manager of the Tipperary U16 A county camogie team. Best wishes to you both for the 2025 season.

LOCAL LOTTO

Last week’s lotto draw took place on Monday 3rd December. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot worth €4,900.

The numbers drawn were 8, 9, 11, 23.

Five match 3 winners each received €30. Congratulations to:

Cie & Dan Scott

Darragh Walsh

Gemma & John Conor Croke

Gina O’ Mahoney

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

SPLIT THE POT

The split the pot draw took place on Wednesday December 4th, €140 was on offer. Congratulations to the lucky winner was Philomena Direen. For your chance to win, remember envelopes can be purchased in all local businesses.

400 CLUB DRAW

The winners of the recent 400 club draws were as follows:

Draw 7 1st Nonie Egan 2nd Ryan O’Meara 3rd Martin Cody 4th Eleanor Wynn

5th Maureen O’Brien

Draw 8 1st Marie Maher

Winning

and

Strictly Over 18s only Support on the night would be greatly appreciated GOLDEN/KILFEACLE GAA CLUB LOTTO

Our gaa club lotto jackpot now stands at €19,700 Tickets just €2

Available locally and online at www.locallotto.ie

Our lotto draws for next few weeks are as follows

10th/12... 10 x €100 extra draws...5 x extra Sellers Prizes

24th /12 No draw

31st/12 No draw

7th/Jan.. Normal draw resumes

SHOP LOCAL

Hoping all in our parish will try to Shop, Dine, Socialise local this

Christmas Shop local / Shop Golden Kilfeacle

IFA MEETING

An IFA meeting will be held in Golden Kilfeacle GAA complex on Monday, 16th December at 8pm

Topics to be discussed at the meeting will include inheritance and capital gains tax All are welcome.

Ballymacarbry Community Centre

CHRISTMAS COMING

EARLY AT THE CENTRE!

The countdown is on! We are delighted to announce that Ballymacarbry Community Centre will be holding a festive family fun day for the community this coming Sunday December 15th from 2-5pm. Kids will have access to bouncy castles in our astroturf along with plenty of festive games and treats throughout the afternoon. There will also be a special visit from Santa on the day. Entry will be free so please mark the event in your social calendar and make sure you get to centre to get in the Christmas spirit!

NIRE & BALLYMACARBRY NEWSLETTER 2024

It is a privilege to see that Panda Playground has made the front page of this year’s Nire & Ballymacarbry Newsletter. Huge congratulations to author Claire Bridle and the many contributors for producing what is another fantastic publication. This is a wonderful resource to keep the community (at home and abroad) up to speed on all that is going on and will provide a priceless historical record of the area in years to come! Get your copy ASAP as these are sure to sell out quick!!!

BALLYMACARBRY NS

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

We have been busy preparing

were

A big thank you to the prize sponsors: Ronan Brett (Bretts Home, Garden and DIY store) John Croke (Mullinahone Post Office) Claire Brett (Dublin Herbalists) Edward O’Brien (O’Brien’s Butchers )

The Community Council thank them for their generosity and urge everyone to ‘Shop Local’ this Christmas.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

The annual Senior Citizens Christmas party will take place this coming Sunday 15th December at 2pm in Mullinahone Community Centre.

A full Christmas dinner will be served, with music provided by The Highway Men after the meal. Tickets must be purchased beforehand and are available from Eugene on 087 2948231 or any community council committee member.

Ballymacarbry Community Centre is the place to be this Sunday.

the hall for the amazingly talented boys and girls from Ballymacarbry Central School and their Christmas Concert which takes place this week! Best of luck to all involved f on Tuesday and Wednesday.

DO IT FOR DECLAN TRACTOR RUN

Over the festive period make sure you pencil in the Do It For Declan tractor run taking place on Dec 29th in Newcastle. Registration will take place in the community centre from 11am. Please support this great cause.

BOOKINGS FOR THE CENTRE

There are still a number of Astroturf slots available each week, so if anyone wishes to make a booking please contact us on the community centre mobile (086 032 8467) to make arrangements. Our local fitness expert Stephanie Byrne continues to run her weekly fitness classes each Tuesday evening at 7pm and bright and early each Thursday morning from 6.30am. Contact Stephanie on 087 629 1955 if you would like to get involved in this ever-popular class.

Tuesday Badminton continues. Contact Siobhan on 086 8775670 if you would like to get involved.

Ballymacarbry

Eamon Wall

Mullinahone

Sinead Moore

Richard Dunne

Marcella Collins

2nd Mary Brett 3rd Paul Denny 4th Tommy O’Brien 5th Aine Brett

Promoters

: Rita Curran

Kathleen Holden Kelly

News from the Community

PARISH LINKS

The Parish Links are selling lines, and you have a chance to win a beautiful hamper which is on display at The Shop, New Inn. €2 a line and you can also purchase lines from any committee member. The Parish Links committee organises a Christmas party for the senior members of our community each year.

The Christmas party will be held this year in New Inn Community Centre on Sunday January 5, 2025, starting at 12.30. The invitations will be in the post by late December.

If there are any newcomers to the parish or if anyone knows anyone who would be interested in going to the Christmas party please contact Esther on 086 3583719 or Mgt on 052 7462132 / 087 6369279 or any committee member.

For more info, please contact Esther at the above mbl. This promises to be a great day with music being played by our own Eddie Golden.

NEW INN VOICES PRESENTS

“CHRISTMAS IN SONG”

Join us for a festive evening of music this Saturday 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!

SANTA COMES TO NEW INN

Santa is taking some time out from his hectic schedule to come to Ollie’s, New Inn this Sunday December 15 from 4pm to 6pm. Meet Santa, a gift for each child, photo opportunity, story stelling, colouring; disco music. Child €5

each, No booking required.

A great day is assured with plenty of Christmas cheer!

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

CHRISTMAS EVE in New Inn church at 6pm and 8pm in Knockgraffon church.

CHRISTMAS DAY in Knockgraffon church at 9.30am and 11.30am in New Inn.

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’.

25 CARD KNOCKGRAFFON

Joint Winners on Wednesday December 4 with 10 games each were Maisie O’Grady/Mary Gleeson and Willie Crosse /Pat ORourke.

Table prizes to Jim Meskell / Tim Joe McGrath and Jimmy Looby/ Ml Murphy.

Well done all. Cards start at 8.30pm sharp and all are welcome. Tea & refreshment afterwards.

SEEDS OF HOPE

Returning Biodiversity to Our Parishes is a Laudato Si conference for the dioceses of Cashel & Emly, Kerry, Killaloe, 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”.

LOTTO DRAW RESULTS

From Saturday December 7th, nos drawn - 04, 05, 19 & 21 - NO WINNER (S). Lucky Dips x4: Tommy Flynn, Mickie Sean O’Connell, Willie Flynn & Mi-

chelle Doyle to be entered into December’s lucky dip draw with a chance to win €500.

Sellers - Rockwell Rovers x 2, Michael Purcell and Thomas Buckley in with a chance to win €100.

This week’s jackpot is €6,400. Thank you for your continued support.

ROCKWELL ROVERS SENIOR AGM

Rockwell Rovers hosted a well-attended Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, December 7, 2024, marking a significant occasion for the club. During the meeting, John Halley stepped down after five years of dedicated service as Chairman and was proposed for the esteemed position of Lifetime President in recognition of his contributions.

The following officers were elected for the upcoming term: - Lifetime Presidents: Andy O’Dwyer, Philly Heaney, Andrew Moloney, and John Halley. President: Jimmy Looby, Chairman: PJ Moloney, Secretary: Elaine Cummins, Treasurer: Mary Newman, PRO: Elaine Cummins.

Coaching Officer: Barry Shortall, Co Board Hurling Representative: John Hally, Co Board Football Representative: Kevin Barron, West Board Delegates: John Hally, PJ Moloney, and Jerry Ryan, Development Chairman: Adrian O’Dwyer, Health & Wellbeing Officer: Martina Durkan, School Liaison Officer: Kieran Durkan, Registrar: Cathy Fitzgerald.

Niall Kelly was appointed to manage the Intermediate Football and Junior A Hurling teams.

Positions that remain unfilled will be addressed at the Adjourned AGM, with the date to be confirmed.

The meeting concluded with a special presentation to John Hally, honouring his service, presented by Club President Jimmy Looby and Incoming Chairman PJ Moloney.

35 Years’ Service to Rockwell Rovers

GALTEE ROVERS ST. PECAUNS

The club offers its condolences to the Morrissey family on the passing of Seamus. The Morrissey family have a long association with the club both on and off the field and Seamus was very involved in the development of ladies football in the club and served as chairman of the ladies football club. Due to the bereavement the club’s AGM and the West Senior Football final were both deferred. Best wishes to Robbie McGrath who is included on the Tipperary Senior Football panel which was

announced in recent days.

GALTEE ROVERS ST. PECAUNS LOTTO

There was no jackpot winner in last week’s Bansha Kilmoyler

Sports Lotto draw. This week’s jackpot is €19,550. Last week’s €20 lucky dip winners were: Noel Browne, Johnny Murphy, Ann O’Sullivan and Louise Heuston. Seller’s prize €20: Noel Browne. 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 December draw will be held on Saturday 21st December at 6.30pm. Any outstanding draw money can be handed in on the night.

TEMPLENEIRY CHURCH

Templeneiry Church, Bansha will host a Christmas Concert on tomorrow, 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

Our U21S suffered defeat in the Co. Final to Boherlahan in Golden on Sunday last on a scoreline of 16 pts to 1.11, having given an outstanding performance and led by 5 points at the interval they were a credit to their club and their families, they have kept the parish enthused, closely watching their progress over the past few months and providing great enthusiasm and entertainment for all, a huge thanks to the panel of players, coaches and mentors for

a superb effort. Well done to all involved.

Congratulations to Mary Larkin and Marie Rumble who scooped €1,000 in the County Board

Draw, a nice Christmas boost.

KILSHEELAN UNITED

TSDL Youths Division 2

Cullen Lattin FC 4-2 Kilsheelan

United FC

TSDL Division 3

Burncourt Celtic FC 2-1

Kilsheelan United FC “B”

TSDL Division 2

Cappawhite

BELATED BIRTHDAY

Belated 9th birthday to the Tea Rooms in Annacarty, to Sarah, Mary and all the lovely staff. Best wishes for many many more Happy Birthdays in the years ahead.

SINCERE SYMPATHY

The death occurred last week of Pa Riall, Knockfela, Oola. Remembered by his wife Catherine, daughters Siobhan, Trish, Karen and sons Dan and Eamon, brother Jim, sisters Joan and Bridget, and all extended family.

SENIOR CITIZENS’ PARTY

The Senior Citizens’ Party took place on Sunday last in the Community Centre. A large crowd attended, and a lovely meal was had by all. Thanks to all involved.

The evening finished with Teresa O’Connor singing two lovely songs as only Teresa can!

OZANAM HOUSE

St Vincent de Paul – shop open each Tuesday 10am to 12.00 noon and Thursday from 2pm to 4pm.

PRIESTS’ COLLECTION

Collection envelopes are now available in the church porches.

50/50 DRAW

Final draw of 2024 takes place at the weekend, Guaranteed winner, don’t forget to purchase your entry, if you’re not in you can’t win.

CONDOLENCES

Deepest sympathies to the Quinlan family on the passing of Liam, to his sisters Mary (Lynch) Cornelia (Fennessy) and extended family we extend our deepest sorrow, may Liam rest in peace.

Thanks to all who support their parish each week and at collection time. If paying contributions by cheque please make them payable to: Cappawhite Parochial Account, otherwise the bank may not accept them.

CAPPAWHITE SCHOOL

are having a Carol service on Monday Dec 16 at 7pm, in Cappawhite Church.

AYLE SCHOOL

Are having a Carol Service on Wednesday, 18th December at 7 pm, in Cappawhite Church.

New Inn

Sandra English

Michael Barry

Declan Geoghegan

Pictured here John Hally, our outgoing chairperson, graciously accepts a token of appreciation from club president Jimmy Looby for 35 years of committee service to Rockwell Rovers GAA club. Congratulations to PJ Moloney on stepping into the role of new chairman! Here’s to a bright future ahead!”

GAA

Ballingarry Albion FC 1-0 Kilsheelan United FC

Ena Ryan (B)

News from the Community

Pictured here is the Crib at Lagganstown cross, New Inn. The annual Christmas blessings take place Sunday, 22nd December at 7pm. All are welcome and hope to see you on the night when we will be supporting our friends in “Cuan Saor”.

LAGGANSTOWN CHRISTMAS CRIB ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BLESSING

Lagganstown’s 12th Annual Christmas Blessing takes place on Sunday December 22 at 7pm. As a token of the Christmas spirit, you are invited to donate some non-perishable food (e.g. tea bags, beans, soup etc.) and these goods can be placed in

Willy the Legend’s donkey cart next to the crib.

This food will then be given to “Cuan Saor”, Women’s Refuge Centre, Clonmel. All are welcome and hoping to see you on the night when we will be supporting our friends in “Cuan Saor “.

Your continued support is very much appreciated to keep this tradition of ours alive.

Eire Og Annacarty/Donohill GAA Club

ST STEPHEN’S DAY ROAD

HURLING TOURNAMENT

Date for the diary: 2024 Road Hurling Tournament on St. Stephen’s Day. Details to follow.

RESULT:

Well done to the under 21 Footballers on winning the County semi-final against St Pat’s Drangan last Sunday.

FIXTURE

Under 21 Football: County Final v Boherlahan\Dualla on weekend 14-15 December. Best of luck, lads.

FUNDRAISERS

Tickets for the Friends of Tipperary Football raffle and the Tipperary GAA “Win a House” are still on sale.

SCHOOLS:

Well done to Adam English on winning the Cumann na mBunscol Roinn B1\C1 with Scoil Naomh Cualan Borrisoleigh under 11 Footballers last week. Adam ( grandson to Cathy and Tom English, Carhue) was also the team captain, and trained with Eire Og Juvenile club.

EIRE OG LOTTO This week’s Lotto results for 3rd December 2024.

Jackpot: €9,300. Numbers drawn were 04, 05, 7, 31. There were no winners. 2nd chance: €500. Numbers drawn were 4, 22, 25, 27.

There were no winners. 3rd chance: €250. Numbers drawn were 2, 13, 19, 23.

There were no winners.

Lucky Dip Winners:

Jamie English, Donohill c/o M. Heffernan- €50.

Mary O’Neill, Drumwood, Donohill (On-line)- €30.

Kathleen Ryan, Kilpatrick (Online) - €30.

Martin Buckley c/o Breda Browne - €30.

John O’Dwyer, Bonera, Cappawhite- €30.

Seller’s Prize: 1 x €30, Cathal Ryan Gurtrush.

Friends of Tipperary Football Draw

Join us in supporting the Friends of Tipperary Football as we hold a fantastic draw for Underage Football Development in the County. The extended date for the draw is this Monday December 16. You could win a stunning Purebred 4 Star Angus Heifer and Calf as the main prize! Join us in making a difference!https://www.friendsoftipperaryfootball.com/product/ underage-football-development-fundraiser/ or you can contact Con Quinn on 087 2675134 or contact your local GAA club. Tickets are just €20 each or 3 for €50! Click the link above to enter, see our other prizes. Thank you for your continued support! Together, we can help nurture the future of football in our community!

Ballylooby/Duhill Kathleen

BALLYLOOBY/CASTLEGRACE GAA

Result: 3/12/24: No Jackpot winner. No match three winner: Numbers drawn 11, 18, 19, and 26.

Lucky dips: Patk Doyle, Ben O’Donnell, Pat Doyle & Pat Power. Next week’s jackpot €2,100

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

YOGA CLASSES

Yoga with Noelette in Duhill Hall on this Thursday, 12th December at 7pm.

AGE STRONG

Age strong with Physio Joann on Tuesdays at 6:45pm GAEILGEOIRÍ

Gaeilgeoirí na Dúchoille

Irish speaking class will continue on this Friday, 13th December in Duhill Hall at 7:30pm. Suitable

for all age groups.

BALLYLOOBY COMMUNITY

COUNCIL

Another successful Craft Fair took place in Ballylooby last Sunday followed by a visit from Santa & Tractor Run, All lit- up for the season of Christmas at 5pm.

HONOURING OUR GAA TEAMS OF YESTERYEARS

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 & 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.

SYMPATHY

The death occurred of twin sisters Johanna & Maureen Foley

Moyne/Templetuohy

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Confessions for the Christmas period in our pastoral area are as follows:

Littleton - Friday December 13th 7.30pm, Bohernanave -T uesday December 17th 6pm to 8pm, Moyne- Wednesday, December 18th 7pm to 8pm, Templetuohy - Wednesday December 18th 7pm to 8pm, Cathedral of the AssumptionTuesday December 24th (Times to be announced).

POPE JOHN PAUL 11 AWARDS CEREMONY

Congratulations to Adam Phelan and Caitlin Cussen, on completion of their Gold Awards. Fr. Vincent Stapleton will present them with their medals and certificates at the Family Mass in Templetuohy Church this Sunday, 15th December at 11am.

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE

A Candlelight Christmas Carol Service will take place in Moyne Church on Tuesday, 17th December at 7.30pm. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. If anyone wishes to perform a solo part at the service, please contact 086-3751835 by December 10th.

FUNERAL MINISTRY

Four of our parishioners have been trained in Lay Led Funeral Ministries – Joanne Cleere, Tom Hassett, Fiona Kelly, and Jim Maher. They will lead prayers in the family and funeral homes and in the church and cemetery. We thank them for this service and

late of Dublin & Ballygarrane, Ballylooby. Just ten days apart, Maureen was laid to rest in Ballyloooby after her funeral mass on Tuesday, 26th November followed by her sister Johanna on Saturday, 6th Decembeer.

We extend our sympathy to the Foley, Fitzgerald & Neville families.

Sympathy is also extended to the family and relatives of Marian English ex teacher Cahir Vocational School and Coláiste Dun Iascaigh.

Sympathy is also extended to the family & relatives of Margaret Hyland, Cahir & late of Clonmore.

Sympathy is extended to the husband Pat, family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends of Mrs Mary O’Halloran, late of Ardfinnan, who passed away recently. May they rest in peace.

wish them the best in their ministries.

SCÓIL NA MAIGHNE

Scoil na Maighne will hold a clothes recycling collection this Friday, December 13th. Items can be left in the school yard near the tower on the morning of December 13th from 7am to 9am.

Please note that no bedding will be accepted. Many thanks for your ongoing support.

MOYNE-TEMPLETUOHY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS PARADE

This year’s Christmas lights parade will take place this Saturday evening, December 14th. Parade will pass through Templetuohy at 5.45pm and Moyne at 6.30pm. Bucket collection in both villages on the night - donations to two very worthy causes – Teach Saoirse in Nenagh and Sr. Theresa Carey, African Missions.

Donations can also be given on the Moyne-Templetuohy Christmas Parade GoFundMe page for those unable to attend on the night and who would like to support the event.

TEMPLETUOHY COURSING LOTTO

This week’s lotto jackpot is now €16,500. Lucky dip winners of €25 were John Ryan, Drom, Pat O’Connor, Templetuohy, Caoimhe Sweeney, Templetuohy and Denis Kelly, Moneygall.

MOYNE ATHLETIC CLUB

Another highly successful weekend for the club with our U9 girls’ team of Harriet Ely, Caoimhe Quinlan, Molly Hackett and Molly Dempsey winning Munster bronze team medals at the Mun-

ster Juvenile B Cross Country Championships in Ennis last Sunday. Harriet, Caoimhe and Molly H were also on the Tipperary team that won the silver medals.

Tom Renehan was a member of the Tipperary U13 team that won bronze, Caoimhe Slevin won an individual bronze medal at U15 and was also on the Tipperary team that won gold while Kate Delaney did similar at U17 level.

Eileen Ely capped a wonderful day by winning the individual silver medal in the Intermediate Ladies event following an excellent second place.

Best of luck to all competing in the County Senior Cross Country in Cashel and the Wintertime Trial Event in Nenagh, both on Sunday next.

MOYNE-TEMPLETUOHY GAA, LGFA & CAMOGIE

This week’s lotto jackpot is €6,200 with Liam Stapleton, Tanya Groenewald, Aisling Leahy, Judy Graham, Michelle and Jane Meade and Anna Ryan, the lucky dip winners last week.

Hard Luck to the U17 football team on their loss in the County U17B Final last weekend. They gave it their all but met a stronger team in Mullinahone.

(See match report and photos in the Sports Section).

The Scór na nÓg quiz team of Jack Guilfoyle, Ailís Concagh, Jamie Blake and JP Moore were in hard luck in the Munster final last weekend but finished and excellent fifth with thanks to Jim O’Meara and Francis Cleere for all their help and hard work with this group.

Moloney

Eibhlis Purcell

News from the Community

Burncourt

BURNCOURT HOSPICE COMMITTEE FUNDRAISER

Burncourt Hospice Committee is delighted to once again continue with their traditional main fundraiser in the local communities.

This will start with the Skeheenarinky 45 Drive Card Game on Friday December,27 in the Olde Shanbally at 3pm. Spot prizes appreciated. Contact Sean (086) 3984970 for more details.

On Saturday, December 28, in Ryan’s Pub, the Hospice Auction Night will take place. Items and donations for this worthy cause are greatly appreciated. Please contact Tadgh (087) 6804390.

The New Year’s Day Walk on January,1 2024 will be held by Burncourt Hospice Committee together with the Rhododendron Walking Festival Committee. Come along to Glengarra Car Park at 10.30am for an 11am start. Refreshments afterwards in Burncourt Community Hall.

All funds raised go to South Tipperary Hospice and The Hospice Suite at St. Theresa’s Hospital, Clogheen.

FUNDRAISER FOR GAZA

Our neighbours in Ballyporeen with the Gaza Fundraising Committee have spearheaded and worked hard on 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 were asked to support a child by buying raffle tickets which were on sale in businesses and shops in Ballyporeen, Burncourt, Mitchelstown and Cahir. Well done to the Committee who have been braving the elements to sell raffle tickets for some great prizes.

All raffle cards should have been returned at this stage for the grand finale of this present fundraiser on Sunday next, 15th December, starting at 11 am. Taking place in Ballyporeen Community Hall, it will include a cake sale, coffee morning, and a fabulous pop-up shop with new and nearly new clothes sale. The draw for the wonderful prizes on the raffle card will also take place. Keep the momentum going by coming along next Sunday and

Drangan/Cloneen

FLOWER DEMO THIS THURSDAY NIGHT

Drangan Tidy Towns will hold our Christmas Flower Demonstration on this Thursday, 12th December in Drangan Community Hall at 7.30pm. We will also have a raffle for a Hamper on the night.

It was again wonderful to achieve an extra eight 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 this Thursday night.

SQUASH

Cloneen Squash Club’s season is open and welcoming all players. Whether just playing for fun, wishing to improve fitness or interested in playing a competitive sport. Box league in progress to get players out playing and having fun. This ensures members get to play against players of similar abilities.

Find out more at facebook. com/CloneenSquashClub.

Membership details are available on www.cloneenhall.com ‘Join the Squash Club SCHOOL ENROLMENT

“St Patrick’s Junior N.S Drangan are now accepting applications for September 2025. Enrolment packs

Breeda Fitzgerald

supporting this significant fundraiser for children who are the most vulnerable and innocent victims of warfare.

SYMPATHY

Our condolences to Bobby Gardiner and family on the recent passing of his sister Mary in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Our sympathies to Mary’s family, relatives and friends. May she Rest in Peace.

Our Sympathy to Olive Frazier and family on the death of her mother Mary O’Halloran, Ardfinnan.

We extend our condolences to Mary’s husband Pat, sons Pakie and Anthony, daughters Marie, Vanessa, and Claire, sister Rose, sons in law, daughter in law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, extended family, kind neighbours and friends.

May Mary Rest in Peace in the Comfort of God’s Heavenly Kingdom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK.

The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience.” - Emily Dickinson

Sologhead

ACE OF HEARTS DRAW

The draw which was held in The Hideout on Monday, December 2, carried a Jackpot of €2,100 which was not won.

The following took the runners-up prizes, €50 to Dermot Hayes Toem, Four €25 spot prize winners Jenna Gammell c/o Hilda Franklin, Michael Ryan Davitt St Tipp, Kieran Duggan Online and Seanie O’Brien Oola.

The seller’s prize went to Kevin Hanly and the Jackpot for last Monday night, December 9, increased to €2200.

To mark 10 years of the draw we had a number of spot prizes including two hampers which went to Mary O’Keeffe Limerick Junction and Denis Ryan and Tony Browne c/o The Hideout ST NICHOLAS FC

In last Sunday’s TSDL Division 2 tie against Oldbridge at Bo-

Urlingford

hertrime, St Nicholas’ picked up three more valuable points while proving too good for the visitors with a 3-0 victory. With two first half goals by James Scanlon with a powerful header after six minutes and a trademark finish by Jason Sutton on 18 minutes to make it 2-0, it was now an uphill task for Old Bridge to get anything out of the game.

With ten minutes remaining Jason Sutton wrapped up the points with his second from a superbly taken penalty maintaining their unbeaten run with a 3-0 win and second place in the league to boot.

Next up is the visit of Kerry Kingpins Tralee Dynamos FC to Bohertrime for a last 32 tie of the Munster Shield competition this Sunday, December 15, kick off is 2pm. Best wishes to the Saints for a place in the last 16 draw.

The winner of the 50/50 fund-

raiser and €200 on Wednesday night, December 4, was Enda O’Sulivan and the free Christmas Draw entry for €1000 went to Martina Holmes.

SOLOGHEAD GAA

There will be a players and management meeting in the clubhouse this Wednesday, December 11, commencing at 8pm to iron out all details regarding the Junior Hurling and Football management and coaching for the coming year.

TIPP GAA WIN A HOUSE

Sologhead GAA Club are presently promoting the Tipperary Co. Board fundraiser “Win a House Draw” with tickets priced at €100 each. Every ticket sold by the club generates €30 commission being returned to the club and for all ticket sales and enquiries contact our Club Secretary, Noreen Ryan, at telephone no. 0879843069.

are available from Drangan Playschool and the school office. Please email office@dranganns. ie or phone 052-9152278.

ST. PATRICKS NATIONAL SCHOOL NATIVITY SHOW

St. Patricks NS Drangan will present a Nativity Show in The Church of the Immaculate Conception Drangan on this Thursday night, 12th December at 7 o’clock. All are welcome but come early to be sure of a seat.

GAA LOTTO RESULTS

Tuesday December 3 Numbers Drawn were 10, 12, 18, 20. No jackpot winner. Four match 3 winners were Mick Costello Senior, Cloneen; Browne Family Cloneen; Jennie & Lauren Horan Ballingarry and Michael McCormack Ballyvadlea who won €25 each. Congrats.

Second chance lotto for €1,000, numbers drawn were 1, 11, 21, 22. No winners.

Next draw will be on Tuesday December 17 for jackpot of €12,800. There will also be a lucky dip for Five Christmas Hampers. Don’t miss out, play online or in your local shops, pubs, garages or hairdressers and it could be you.

WELL DONE BOYS

Well done to Rhys Davies, Mikey O’Brien and Robbie O’Brien who were members of the South Tipperary under 13 footballers victorious over Mid Tipperary in the Final of the Dom

Browne Inter Divisional Cup.

CO. UNDER 21 B FOOTBALL SEMI FINAL

Our U21 Footballers madE the trip to Fethard Town Park last Sunday evening when they took on Eire Óg Annacarthy/ Sean Treacys in the County Semi Final. Unfortunately we came up short and lost out by 4 points on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-9. We would like to thank the players and management team of John Moroney, Cathal Mahoney and Jamie Broderick for their effort throughout the year and although things didn’t go to plan last Sunday they did end the year with a South Tipperary trophy and medals.

Team on the day was: Brian O’Halloran, Cian Crannitch, Bill Cuddihy, Evan Holohan, Cathal Foley, Sean Nash, Ryan Crannitch, Oran Gahan, Aidan Fitzgerald (Captain), Willie Cleere, Daithi Hogan, Charlie Noonan, Finn Madigan, Conor Brett, Robbie Noonan, James Ryan, Jack Cleere, Sean Fitzgerald, Jamie Brett, Danny Broderick, Eoin Fitzgerald, Micheál O’Brien, Cathal Keane, Eoin Morrissey, Keelan Strappe.

ST. PATRICKS JUVENILE GAA AGM

At the request of parents the Annual General Meeting of St. Patricks Juvenile GAA Club has been postponed until January 2025. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

EMERALDS URLINGFORD & GRAINE LOTTO

December 2 prize fund was €5,000. Jackpot: €3,000.

Numbers drawn: 9, 15, 22 and 27, bonus number 11.

One match three winner: Hailey Ryan.

Five lucky dips of €20 each: Sinead Butler, Paula Scott, Hailey Ryan, Mary Nolan, Margaret Campion.

Promoters prize: Joan Campion.

Results of draw on Monday last, 9th December will be published next week.

FENNOR CO-OPERATIVE CREAMERY

Celebrating 125 years – Monday, December 16. Plaque unveiling at the branch in Fennor at 2pm; Book launch in Gortnahoe Community Hall at 2.30pm.

Tuesday night cards at Monroe

The following are the results of the card game played on Tuesday night, 3rd December at Monroe. 60 players 1st on 11games Donal O’Connor & John McCormack, 2nd on 9 games, divided, James & Thomas Kennedy, Seamus & Paddy Maher, Davy Blackmore & Helen Aherne, June & Eugene Cooney, Mary O’Connor & Joan Burke, Pat Fanning & Bridget Fogarty. Table Prize Jimmy Murray & Paddy McMeel. Game every Tuesday night in Monroe at 8.30pm. all welcome.

Refreshments will be served. All welcome.

GRAINE CAROL SERVICE

Graine Carol Service on Sunday,, 15th December at 7.30pm. With Kilkenny Unity Singers; Graine Childrens Choir; Urlingford Folk Choir; Urlingford Male Choir; Soloist Margaret Nolan. Collection in aid of Laura Lynn, MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

Craft Fair: Our craft fair was a great success. We would like to thank all who supported us and attended on the day. Already looking forward to Craft Fair 2025.

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.

SPLIT THE POT

December 8 winner of Split the Pot is Eamon Barnaville who received €496. Congrats on behalf of Clomantagh Heritage Group. Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.

Next week’s draw is for Clomantagh Heritage Group.

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.

Nicholas Moroney

Valerie Carey

Tommy Fitzgerald

News from the Community

MOYNE ATHLETIC CLUB

KILKENNY MEDIEVAL

MILE.

As storm Darragh battered parts of the country a number of our brave road runners made their way to Kilkenny city to take part in the annual Medieval Mile organised by Kilkenny City Harriers.

The course was fast and on the main flat. Athletes started at the Kilkenny Army barracks and made their way through Wolfe Tone Street, into Irishtown and onto High Street before finishing with a climb at the Parade adjacent to Kilkenny Castle. A scenic route glistened with the sparkle of Christmas lights. Despite this lovely route storm Darragh also played its part hitting the close to 300 runners with a strong head wind throughout the one mile course.

Dylan McLaughlin led the way for the green and gold, finding himself in the mix with the leading pack, Dylan dug deep in the second half of the race and finished strongly to knock 5 seconds off of his previous personal best time for the mile in 04:47 to finish in 11th position overall.

Jake Bowe joined the chasing pack shortly into the race and finished strongly to smash 10 seconds off of his previous personal best time to finish in 05.02 for 20th position. The sub 5 minutes is well in sight for Jake.

Caroline Fogarty made her mile debut after a great cross-country season to finish in 128th position with an impressive new personal best time of 06:56.

Mindy Doyle and Triona Murphy worked together

through the one mile course finishing together with great times in 08:11 for 183rd and 184th respectively. A personal best set for Mindy over the mile distance.

Juvenile members Doireann and Caoimhe Quinlan both ran impressive races finishing in 08:19 and 08:23 for 189th and 193rd respectively. Well done girls.

Sandie Byrne continued her fine form on the road on Friday night to finish with a great time of 09:37, a personal best time for the distance. Well done, Sandie.

Well done to Faye Murphy, Isabelle Murphy, and Abbie Delaney who also raced but times were not recorded. Super running from everyone on Friday night in far from ideal conditions. Well done. Thanks to Kilkenny City Harriers and Pop-Up Races for hosting the excellent event.

NEWMARKET 5K.

Well done to Sharon Cantwell who took part in the Newmarket 5k on Sunday morning. Sharon ran a great time of 18:36 to finish 153rd overall and 13th lady across the line. Well done Sharon. MUNSTER JUVENILE B XC CHAMPIONSHIPS.

ENNIS.

The final outing for the 2024 cross country season took place in Ennis on Sunday December 8th. A wet and windy weekend with storm Darragh saw changes to the course right up until the day before, but none of this phased our athletes. First up on the morning was the girls u9. These girls have taken to competition across the province this year and they ended their first

year of competitive athletics with a bang! The girls u9 team ran close together on this outing with Harriet Ely leading the team home (27th, 3:05) followed by Caoimhe Quinlan (28th, 3:06), Molly Hackett (30th, 3:07), Molly Dempsey (31st, 3:07). Working together paid off for these brave young athletes as their combined efforts saw them earn a bronze team medal! Well done girls. When the results were tallied, Harriet, Caoimhe and Molly H were also scoring members of the Tipperary team that finished 2nd!

Next to tow the line in the Moyne colours were the pair of Daisy Lyons and Orla Campion. Running out of age, the girls put in a fine performance, finishing close together with Orla in 56th (4:18) and Disy in 58th (4:24). Well done girls on a great cross country season!

Just one Moyne athlete took to the starting line in the girls u13 race. Doireann Quinlan took on the 1500m long course, with the added challenge of running out of her age. Doireann finished in 67th in a time of 7:38. Great work Doireann. There were two boys competing at this age. Tom Renehan and James Ryan both put in strong performances with Tom finishing 28th (6:11) and James 43rd (6:35). Tom was also a scoring member of the Tipperary team that finished 3rd on the day.

In the girls u15 2500m, Caoimhe Slevin put in an incredible performance out of age, finishing 4th overall in a time of 8:45 and picking up an individual medal. She was also the second scorer of the

Tipperary team that claimed Munster gold. A brilliant, and well deserved, end to the cross country season for a hard working athlete.

Finally in the girls u17 3000m, Kate Delaney took to the course and finished the juvenile day in style. A superb 5th place finish in 10:22 saw Kate earn an individual medal. Kate was also the 4th scorer on the Tipperary team that won gold medals on the day. Well done Kate - a great finish to the 2024 season.

Well done to all the athletes and parents who braved the elements today and over the course of the cross country season. We look forward now to continued success and enjoyment as the 2025 indoor season shortly gets underway, with the Tipperary championships taking place on February 2nd for all juvenile athletes.

MUNSTER INTERMEDIATE XC CHAMPIONSHIP.

Once the juvenile action was complete it was time for our sole representative, Eileen Ely to take to the course in Ennis. What a performance Eileen put together. Eileen finished in the silver medal position in a competitive field. Well done Eileen on a great result.

2024 CELEBRATION NIGHT.

We are delighted to announce that the club will be hosting a 2024 Celebration night to honour the outstanding achievements of our athletes during the 2024 indoor, track and field, road and cross country seasons. The celebration night will take place on Friday the 3rd of January at 7:30pm in Moyne Community Hall. All are welcome to join us in this night of celebration. Please spread the word.

Light refreshments to be served before celebration ceremony.

Return of Munster and All Ireland medals won in 2024 for Celebration Night. Please return all Munster / All Ireland medals A or B won in the 2024 indoor, track or XC season to your coaches by Friday 20th December. Please put your medal (s) in an envelope with the competition and result of event it was won in for presentation at club celebration night. Please also include if it was a PB performance.

“Winter Time Trial” Indoor T&F Nenagh, Sun.

15th. Dec.

On Sunday next the indoor season will open for many of our track and field athletes, with 115 athletes entered in the event from U/13 girls and boys to senior its a great opportunity to get a race under their belt before the real competition starts the first weekend in January. Entries for this event close Thursday 11th. Dec. at 5pm. on entry4sports.

NATIONAL INDOOR

WOMEN’S T&F LEAGUE

For the first time in the clubs history we will have a team in The National Indoor Women’s League which will be held in the National In-

ABOVE: Tipperary U/17 Girls Cross Country team who won gold medals at the Munster B Championships in Ennis on Sunday last. Kate Delaney (No.565) was the sole Moyne AC athlete to make the team and in the process finished 5th individual overall. Well done Kate.

LEFT: Eileen Ely, Moyne AC (in centre) who finished second at Munster Intermediate CC in Ennis on Sunday last.

door Arena, Abbottstown, Dublin. Round 1 will be held on Sun. 5th. January and Round 2 on Sun. 19th. January and the top eight teams go through to the final in Athlone on Sat. 8th. February. More details to follow. COUNTY SENIOR XC CHAMPIONSHIP.

Please get your entries in ASAP if interested in taking part in the County Senior XC Championship which takes place in Cashel on Sunday the 15th of December. Women will have 6k to complete and the men will have 10k to complete. Best of luck to all of our athletes taking part.

TS&DL SOCCER SCENE

Cahir Park welcomed near neighbours Bansha Celtic in the premier league and ran out comfortable winners.

The home team got off to the perfect start scoring after one minute when Niall Daly tapped home from close range from a corner. The next 20 minutes were even but Bansha grew into the game and created a

TSDL Division 1

Tipperary Town

The home side took the three points in a game that was in the balance right up to the last minute of a long injury time period. Played in glorious sunshine, Tipp took the lead midway through the first half , Alex Mason crossing for Michael Frawley to head home, credit to Evan Ryan who has been working tirelessly on set pieces with Tipp this season. The second was soon to come when Dylan Cummins’ low cross was

number of chances one of which they took on 38 minutes when Robbie Byron finished a well struck free kick by Tony Egan. However, Cahir regained the lead on 40 minutes when John O’Brien scored from the penalty spot. The second half was all Cahir Park and on 50 minutes Niall Daly made it 3-1, John O Brien (PEN) made it 4-1 before goals from Rhys Byron, Ger Quinn and Willie Dunne completed the scoring.

Second played third in Division 3 on Saturday night in blustery conditions in Cahir Park. A game very much of two halves. Cahir Park came flying out of the traps early on and took the lead when a whipped low cross by Niall Daly was met at the back post by Conor Murphy. Cahir Park doubled their lead when Eoin Corbett met a perfect Conor Murphy corner to head past the Roseg-

reen keeper. Oisin Power scored his first goal in Junior football right before half time to give Cahir Park what they thought was a healthy lead. The game was completely turned on its head with 25 minutes to go when Rosegreen scored a superb free kick. They quickly added a second from the edge of the box and from then on it was constant pressure from the away team. With five minutes to go a flowing move down Rosegreen’s right side ended up with a thumping finish from just inside the box to make it 3-3.

deflected into the net.

Borris started the second half asking a lot of questions of the home side.

Olek Ivanov went close twice to extending the lead before a Jack Delaney cross was headed home brilliantly by Dj Troy and it was game on. Town now played the last 15 on the break with Borris literally throwing everything at them but Timmy Esmonde was up to the task and Tipp saw out the game.

Vee started this game well and went ahead from a well taken goal from a strike on the edge of box through Darragh Ryan after 17 minutes. The home side appeared to be going to the half-time break a goal to the good, but Darren McGrath had other ideas and he levelled matters in the 45th minute.

Cullen started the brighter in the second half but couldn’t find a goal that their play deserved and were punished when Rovers went ahead

with a great move when Dylan Keating put through Shane McGrath for a firsttime strike to put Vee ahead. Cullen came back and levelled with Tristan Stokes after poor some defending. Rovers piled on the pressure looking for the winner but got caught on the break and after a great safe Tony O’Neill was there to hit home the winner with the last kick of the game to leave Vee wondering what they have to do to win a game.

Albion were at home against league leaders Kilsheelan United. Both teams were newly promoted from Division 3 last season and have begun life in Division 2 well with SC&KU setting the early pace for the whole division.

Ballingarry began the game well aided by a strong wind and were applying early pressure mainly through the long ball. The first chance of the game fell to Stephen Holohan on 25 minutes, but his header was well saved by the away keeper. As the half wore on Kilsheelan began to get their foot on the ball and forced some free kicks and corners. Ballingarry got the all-important first goal after a long throw into the box wasn’t dealt with and the ball fell to the Albions in form striker Keith Cleere who swivelled smartly in the box and slotted a lovely finish past the keeper into the bottom corner.

Ballingarry pushed for a second before half time and won plenty of corners before the half time whistle but couldn’t

convert any of them. The second half was a polar opposite to the first as Kilsheelan now with the strong wind at their backs piled on the pressure early on forcing loads of corners and free kicks deep in the Albions half but Ballingarry’s resolute defence stood firm. Ballingarry then almost doubled the lead through a free kick of their own after the ball fell to John Pollard at the back post, but his shot went inches wide. Adrian Maher then almost doubled the lead on 67 minutes when a lovely move down the right saw his shot well saved from close range. The final 15 minutes Kilsheelan had the home side pinned in their half as they tried to hang on for the win. In the final minutes a long ball was flicked on and was carried by the wind over the keeper and onto the crossbar and out for a goal kick to deny the away side a late equaliser.

Action fromCahir Park and Rosegreen Rangers

Action from Cahir Park B and Rosegreen Rangers

Ballingarry

TS&DL SOCCER SCENE

Munster Junior Cup

Town advance in FAI Youth Cup FIXTURES

FAI Youth Cup

Clonmel Town came out on top of this rearranged fixture but had a nervy ending.

Having led 3-1 a late goal for their Galway opponents kept Town honest but in truth, the home side were good value for the win.

Eanna Cullinan gave Town the

lead in the 20th minute before Harry Ryan doubled their advantage.

In the 65th minute Knocknacarra pulled one back but soon after Town restored their two-goal lead after a defender directed a cross into his own net.

Despite scoring again in injury time, the away were unable to muster a chance to force an equaliser and Town held on to advance to the next round.

Killarney Celtic made the long trip up to Thurles for this cup tie. Thankfully, the weather was good with a slight breeze.

Both teams settled into the game well without creating much.

Villa had a good break in the 8th minute, and Pippy Carroll was running onto the ball when he was taken down in the box.

Referee Mick Duffy pointed to the spot.

Captain Pippy Carroll took the pen and scored to the bottom left corner to make it 1-0.

Dale Loughnane came close in the 19th minute when his effort hit off the post and was cleared to safety.

Villa were on top playing against the wind and were unlucky not to go two up when Darragh Byrne made a good run down the wing and crossed to Carroll, whose effort went just wide of the post.

Killarney were awarded a free kick in the 44th minute, and Stephen McCarthy came close to levelling the game when his effort hit the cross bar.

Villa took the game to Killarney and came very close to a second goal when Pippy Carroll’s strike from all of 30 yards hit the

crossbar.

Killarney, were not out of the game by any stretch and thought they equalised when Matthew Keane scored, but the flag went up for offside.

In the latter stages, Killarney tried hard to get back level, but Villa were playing well in defence and were dangerous on the break.

In the 86th minute, Ronan Mcguire found space in the box, and his shot was well saved by Roy Kelliher in the Killarney Celtic goal.

There were six minutes of injury time, but Villa held out for the win and go into the next round.

It was an afternoon to forget for Clonmel Celtic as they made a rather tame exit from the Munster Junior Cup crashing out 3-0 to Clare side Bridge Utd. Celtic made a very sloppy start to the game handing the initiative to Bridge from the off. Fabian Kerton denied Brian Corry after just three minutes and five minutes later Ger Myles crashed a header against the inside of the post. On a rare venture into the opposition half Kyle Cuddy came close for Celtic with a cross come shot that Seanie Hawkins came close to converting at the far post. Bridge got the goal they were threatening on 13 minutes when Celtic failed to deal with a free kick and Ger Miles did well to squeeze a shot inside the post. On 25 minutes Peter O’Dowd tested the Bridge keeper for the first time with a shot that was saved comfortably. Within a minute Celtic were a 2-0 down when Brian Corry headed home at the far post after more poor defending. The game became very scrappy

with two players, one from each side red carded. Bridge nearly made it three on 34 minutes when a deflected effort came off the crossbar. The second half was only ten minutes in when both players lost another player each as the game deteriorated as a spectacle. Despite the visitors being very comfortable Celtic had two great chances to get back into the game in a three-minute spell around the 70th minute mark. Keeper John Mulready’s outstretched leg denied Darren Sweeney and when the ball broke to Sweeney again after a scramble, he couldn’t keep his effort down and the chance went. Celtic came even closer a minute later when Jack Purcell played Niall Prendergast in, but he shot wide. Bridge had a few chances to put the game to bed on a number of counters but some excellent defending from Ayo Williams kept Celtic hanging in. However, Bridge put the game to bed on 75 minutes when Dom Griffin took advantage of another error to make it 3-0 and wrap up the game for the Clare side. A very disappointing afternoon for Celtic who never got going and allowed Bridge Utd win a game without even having to be at their best.

Aylward hits hattrick in Celtic win

half scoring on 40 mins when Jack Aylward struck a free kick into the top corner to go in 4-0 up at half time.

With a change of shape Cahir Park came out in the second half looking to get a couple of early goals to get back into the game. Whilst performance improved

RESULTS

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

FAI Youth Cup Round 3 Saturday 07-12-24

Clonmel Celtic returned to Cahir Park following last weeks abandoned game due to injury to a Celtic player. It was Celtic who put in a dominating first half performance, opening the scoring on 13 minutes when a long goal kick beat the two Cahir centre backs, and it was Jack Aylward who got in to slide it past the Cahir keeper. On 27 minutes Calum Butler put the ball into his own net following a cross into the six-yard box. Celtic continued to push and got their third on 34 minutes and completed the first

Strong second half showing earns the points for Borris

Clonmel Town 3 V Knocknacarra 1 Munster Youth Cup 4th Round Saturday 07-12-24

Cahir Park 1 V Clonmel Celtic 7 Youth Div 2 Saturday 07-12-24 Cahir Park 3 (B) V Mullinahone 1 Cullen Lattin 4 V SC&K United 2 St Michaels V Shanbally OFF Munster Junior Cup 4th Round

and some chances created, they couldn’t find a breakthrough. Then on 75 minutes Jack Aylward completed his hat trick catching Cahir on the break. Two more followed for Celtic on 81 and 83 minutes and a consolation goal by Oisin Power on 85 minutes for Cahir completed the scoring.

Saturday 7.00pm 07-12-24

St Michaels 1 V Aisling Annacotty (Limerick) 2 Division 3 Saturday 7.00pm 07-12-24

Cahir Park (B) 3 V Rosegreen 3 Muster Junior Cup RD 4 Sunday 08-12-24

Peake Villa 1 V Killarney Celtic (Kerry) 0 Clonmel Celtic 0 V Bridge UTD (Clare) 3 Munster Junior Shield Summerville (Limerick) 0 V Clonmel Celtic (B) 3 Premier League Sunday 08-1224

Cahir Park 7 V Bansha Celtic 1

Borris had a good win at home to Clonmel Town on Sunday morning in a game that was a lot closer than the scoreline suggests. After a few weeks with no game Borris were slow to start and were lucky not to go behind early on when Town had a few chances. Gradually Borris got into the game without making any clear cut chances. Jack Dolan han-

dled everything Town fired at him and split the Clonmel defence with a great ball to Jamie Lee in the 35th minute who raced clear and crossed for Tommy McGuire who fired just wide of the Clonmel post to see the teams go in scoreless at half time. Borris upped the tempo in the second half and went ahead when a good passing move was finished off by Tommy McGuire in the 55th minute. Borris were on top now and went two up when Jake Jordan scored from the penalty spot on the hour mark. Christy Bourke came off

the bench and scored with a good finish to put Borris three up. Borris kept the pressure on and went four nil up when Jamie Lee kept up his good goalscoring form with a fine finish in the 75th minute. Town were always dangerous and fought hard to get back into the game and were rewarded when Kevin Fahey headed home a Jack Kennedy cross in the 80th minute. Both sides had late chances but Borris ran out 4-1 winners to move into joint second place in the league with it all to play for moving into 2025.

Action fromCahir Park and Rosegreen Rangers.

All-Ireland League Division 2C MIDLETON 24

CLONMEL 20

Report by SCHIRA LANE

On the back of Storm Bert, Clonmel Firsts headed to Midleton, in blustery conditions. After losing their last two games, everyone was hoping for an upset against the unbeaten Midleton side in Cork. The two teams had a win apiece last season, so anything was possible on the road.

Midleton came out of the blocks on top but only minutes into the game, a focused Clonmel side, turned things around and found fine attacking form. They were quickly awarded for their efforts with a penalty kicked by centre Joe O’Connor 9 minutes in.

Midleton came back and put Clonmel under pressure. They won a penalty. But a tough day for kickers, it sank right and bounced off the posts. Clonmel gathered

the week in SPORT

possession and went into several phases of good strong attack. Winger Freddie Davis went down after a clash in the air and was replaced by Alex Sheehan.

Drew Musa’s field kicking was solid and, after injury-time, kicked for the corner. Clonmel formed a maul and showed great patience as they walked for the line. They were awarded with a score as Hooker Jason Monua touched down. Joe O’Connor kicked the conversion and Clonmel went into the break 10 nil ahead.

The second half was a bit more erratic. Midleton constantly put the Clonmel lads under pressure as they desperately tried to get a foothold in the game. But a fine tackle midfield by No. 8 Brian O’Dea gave us a scrum penalty. We won a lineout on the Midleton line and again showed great patience as Clonmel held possession and attacked the line for some five minutes. They were finally awarded with a well taken try by Ben Everard and O’Connor kicked the conversion to give Clonmel an

Kilfeacle U18s hardearn their win over Sundays Well

‘upset’ lead of 17-0. Clonmel held that lead for an hour and five minutes of game time after which Midleton found new form and took full advantage

of a gap on the wing and scored their first try. Again the ball bounced off the post for the home kicker and Clonmel breathed a sigh.

Heartache for Clonmel as they lose out to Midleton in closing minutes Another win for Nenagh keeps them flying high

KILFEACLE AND DISTRICT R.F.C. 20

SUNDAY’S WELL R.F.C. 17

Kilfeacle U18 won the first match of their Pan-Munster campaign with a hard fought victory over Sundays Well at Morrissey Park on Sunday last.

A poor start in windy conditions allowed Sundays Well centre to break through missed tackles for an unconverted try to lead 0-5. Fussy refereeing at the lineout made it difficult for The Blues to gain a foothold in the Sundays Well half. A rare foray into the Well half led to a Dermot McCarthy penalty for 3-5.

Twenty minutes of defending playing into the winter sun and wind was rewarded when centre Evan Burke scored out wide after 12 phases giving Kilfeacle an 8-5 half-time lead against the run of play. Failure to deal with the kick off and more tentative tackling let Sundays Well score a converted try almost immediately from the second half kick off to again lead 8-12. 10 minutes later however Evan Burke again scored out wide to restore the lead to 13-12.

Having ironed out their lineout issues and with a good attack shape Kilfeacle were finally beginning to motor. Liam Burke won some great possession at the front to steady the ship. The front row of Darragh Sheehy, captain Thomas Delaney and tight head Patrick O’Connell dominated the scrum. With 15 minutes to go a well practiced penalty move allowed No 8 DJ Leopold to crash over. McCarthy converted for 20-12. Kilfeacle then failed to control the last 10 minutes, squandering good field position to allow Sundays Well score an unconverted try out wide for 20-17.

Finally Kilfeacle settled down to see out the game 20-17.

All-Ireland League Division 1B

NENAGH 19

NAAS 18

Report by ENDA MURPHY

New Ormond Park

Nenagh Ormond 19 Naas RFC 18

Nenagh try scorers: Evan Murphy, Willie Coffey, Josh Rowland

Conor McMahon - 2 conversions

Naas try scorers: Jack Sheridan (2) Peter Osborne – 2 penalties, 1 conversion

Referee: Shane Gaughan

A fourth win on the bounce for Nenagh Ormond in Division 1B and probably deserved, but this was hard, hard work.

Storm Darragh delivered a north westerly gale which blew directly down the pitch, making play difficult on both sides of the ball. Given the conditions, there was really only one option for the team playing

against the elements and that was to hold onto the ball at all costs.

That team was Nenagh in the first half and in fairness, they gave a masterclass in the execution of that gameplan, but not before they had first gifted Naas the perfect start with a second minute intercept from winger Jack Sheridan.

Nenagh scored two tries in that first period, set up through multiple energy-sapping drives and excellent ball retention. Number 8 John O’Flaherty broke free from a forest of bodies on 7 minutes and found flanker Evan Murphy in support for their first try.

Their second came from the excellent Willie Coffey who latched on to an inside pass from scrum half Nicky Irwin and raced clear from forty meters out to score under the posts. Conor McMahon was successful with both conversions.

A Peter Osborne penalty left the score at 14-10 to the home side at half-time with the benefit of the wind to come in the second half.

Clonmel gathered again and were good with the attack and won another line-out. But the hosts turned it around and went strong up the park.

They kicked for the corner and won the lineout. Clonmel’s defence was starting to tire. Some of our forwards were out on their feet but they showed great heart as they tried to keep the opposition out. We managed to win a penalty in our only score of the second half which O’Connor duly kicked. But a further infringement by Clonmel gave Midleton another kick for the corner. They won their line-out, held possession and wasted no time going over for their second try. They converted and the score was 12-20 in favour of Clonmel.

Midleton were hungry, enjoying their purple patch and they showed great game management and belief as they continued to attack. Clonmel seemed to have lost their mojo and Midleton pummelled and crossed the line again

with a converted try. It was heartand-mouth stuff with only a point between the two sides. We won the next lineout but quickly gave away a penalty. Midleton kicked a fifty twenty two and a roar echoed round the pitch. The clock was in the red. Midleton lost their lineout and Clonmel were awarded a scrum. But all fell away for Clonmel with an early shove. Midleton showed excellent game management and ran the ball wide. Clonmel were packed across two-thirds of the pitch and it was four against one as the Midleton out-half chipped for the winger who ran in a soft score. The scoreboard turned 24-20 in favour of the hosts who retain top position in the League Table.

Whilst Clonmel were awarded a losing bonus point, they have dropped to sixth position. They face Bruff at home next Saturday the 14th, where they will be looking to change their losing sequence and secure a big win.

Nenagh were looking good for victory but injuries to both centres

Angus Blackmore and Willie Coffey had necessitated a backline reshuffle with Charlie O’Doherty and Conor O’Shaughnessy entering the fray.

Hard as it was to play against the elements, both teams also struggled for control with the wind at their backs and as a consequence the game became scrappy and attritional, with regular blasts from referee Shane Guaghan’s whistle.

Naas out-half Peter Osborne pulled the deficit back to the minimum with a successful penalty 10 minutes into the second period and had another chance in a similar position to put his side in front 10 minutes later. On a normal day, this would have been a simple 3 pointer but the ball got caught up in the wind and landed 15 metres wide of the posts, almost creating a try scoring opportunity which was foiled by a knock-on.

Shortly afterwards, Charlie

O’Doherty took a quick tap penalty and made ground before throwing a long pass out to full back Josh Rowland who steamed down the left touchline to score in the corner. The home team were now 19-13 ahead and pressing hard for a fourth try and a bonus point.

Naas however, defended bravely and in fact scored next when a quick tap in midfield caught the Nenagh defence off guard, creating an opportunity for left wing Jack Sheridan to bag his second try with a fine finish in the corner. Against the wind, the conversion was impossible and so the score now stood at 19-18.

Although Nenagh had a couple of chances late on, they were in the end happy to settle for the win, which keeps them in second place, albeit now four points adrift of leaders Old Belvedere. Next up is an away trip to play UCC in The Mardyke this coming Saturday before we enter a well deserved four week break for Christmas.

Clonmel’s Tim Nugent working hard to win back possession against Midleton in the AIL Division 2C game on Saturday last.

the week in SPORT

Andrew Fryday is elected new West Board chairman

Andrew Fryday (Clonoulty/ Rossmore) has been elected the 22nd Chairman of West Tipperary GAA at the 96th West Tipperary GAA Convention. Andrew becomes the fourth Clonoulty/ Rossmore man to hold the position.

Previous West Board Chairmen from Clonoulty/Rossmore

John O’Shea, Denis Ryan, Brendan Ryan

West Board Officers 2025

Hon. President: Most Rev Dermot Clifford

Life Presidents: Mick Maguire, Jerry Ring, Roger Kennedy

Chairperson: Andrew Fryday (Clonoulty/Rossmore)

Vice Chairperson: Michael McCarthy (Cappawhite)

Secretary: Conor English (Rockwell Rovers)

Assistant Secretary: Aodan Wrenn (Cashel King Cormacs)

Treasurer: Claire O’Brien (Arravale Rovers)

Assistant Treasurer: Billy Ryan P (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams)

PRO: Francis Coughlan (Arravale Rovers)

Assistant PRO: John O’Shea (Clonoulty/Rossmore)

Officer Irish Language and Culture: Sean O Maoilriain (Arravale Rovers)

Coaching Officer: Tom O’Don-

Outgoing West Board

- Picture John O’Shea

nell (Golden/Kilfeacle)

Development Officer: Tom English (Eire Og Annacarty Donohill)

Youth Officer: To be Appointed Bord na nOg Rep: To be Appointed Referee Co-Ordinator: Franny

Munster & Central Council GAA announce club grant scheme

Quinn (Cappawhite)

Management Committee: Andrew Fryday, Michael McCarthy, Conor English, Aodan Wrenn, Claire O’Brien, John Currivan, Michael Ryan (c), John O’Shea, Tom English, Billy Ryan P

The Munster Council in conjunction with Central Council has (this evening) approved a fund over €1.3M for Club Development Grants, which will cover capital grant works in clubs in Munster for 2024.

There was a total expenditure of €10M recorded by our units across the province and 96 applications were submitted for consideration.

The Council agreed a budget of €1,362,520 for the grant scheme. €1,000,500 is donated by Central Council and the remaining €362,020 is contributed by the Munster Council. The Munster Council and the Central Council allocation funds category 1 – land purchase, category 2 – dressing room and gym developments, category 3 – refurbishment of handball courts & category 4 – pitch

development, floodlighting & hurling wall developments. The Council approved the following allocations for each of our counties.

THE VIEW: Sad passing of a truly outstanding GAA columnist - Cúlbaire

By Noel Dundon

The late John O’Grady, Clongour, Thurles, who died this week was perhaps better known as the writer of the Cúlbáire column in the Tipperary Star newspaper at a time when newspaper columnists carried huge sway. Readers would literally be waiting outside the shops for the delivery of the paper each week to see what Cúlbáire had to say about the match, the new rules or the latest controversy. But, with John O’Grady, it wasn’t just what he said, it was the way he said. As an English and history teacher, he had a most unique command of the language and the manner in which he crafted his weekly column was awesome. Rarely, if ever, did he produce a boring piece and his wonderful end of year poems which reviewed the season past and looked forward with hope, were absolutely marvellous. John was witty, intelligent, had a marvellous recall of games and incidents, and could write with acid in his pen when required to do so. He was a great man to have on your side and he was never afraid to swim against the tide of popular opinion if he felt it was the right thing to do - his acerbic writing on the whole Killea episode was a case in point. Younger readers might be unaware of the goings on back then

- checking out back issues of the Tipperary Star would be well worth the while of anyone with even a passing interest in the social history of the GAA in Tipperary.

John was never afraid to challenge authority either and he would tackle Board decisions; question selectorial moves; offer his views on players and tactics; but always in a constructive manner and with the view to progressing Tipperary and the Association in general. He would take-on those who criticised Tipperary and defended the Premier County as he did his goalmouth when the white heat of battle was raging. Of course with John O’Grady, he wasn’t just talking the talk - he had also walked the walk in a career which would perhaps have yielded far more in terms of silverware had his eyesight not come against him. He was the first minor captain to lift the Irish Press Cup in 1949 - a fact which thrilled his Moycarkey Borris clubmates no end as it kicked started a mar-

vellous day in Croke Park for Tipperary with Pat Stakelum leading Tipp to senior glory the same day. How fitting that Johnno and Pat shared many a conversation in later years on the golf course in Turtulla, Thurles - only a decent threewood drive from each of their homes.

John had a great regard for Cork and his own hurling career took him to the Rebel County first to UCC where he played in the Fitzgibbon Cup and for the Combined Universities team. He also hurled for Blackrock, playing in the county final defeat at the hands of Christy Ring and Glen Rovers in 1954. He would probably have been in the Tipperary senior hurling team long before he broke into the side in 1957 had it not been for the presence of the legendary Tony Reddin. The All-Ireland senior medal won in ‘58 was a cherished possession - he won it three years after he commenced employment in his alma mater Thurles CBS, where he worked until his re-

tirement as deputy principal in 1992. John was also a fine golfer and wrote extensively on the game as PRO of Thurles Golf Club and as an officer of the club also. John O’Grady was a marvellous mentor; a mould-breaking scribe; and generous to a fault with his talent and his advice. A true teacher, ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís. Rest in peace John.

Loughmore Croke itHolycross Happy

John O’Grady would never forgive this column for not mentioning the games this weekend in deference to a column about his life and times. So, Holycross Ballycahill’s U-21’s have completed a sweep of titles following their marvellous victory over Clonoulty Rossmore. This would appear to be a club on the move but taking the next step is the really big one. Loughmore Castleiney and Aherlow were unable to unlock the Kingdom’s senior and intermediate champions in the Munster football finals. The results do little to boost the morale of football folks in the county, though it must be acknowledged that getting to the deciders in the first place has to be regarded as positive More from THE VIEW anon. Don‘t miss it.

West Officers for 2025 - Michael McCarthy (Vice Chairman) - Conor English (Secretary), Andrew Fryday (Chairman, Claire O’Brien (Secretary) Aodan Wrenn (Ast. Secretary) - Picture John O’Shea

Chairman Tommy Hayes (Kickhams) wlecomes incoming West Board Chairman Andrew Fryday (Clonoulty-Rossmore)

O’Meara stars as Mullinahone bridge 18-year county minor football gap

Tipperary Coiste na nOg County U17 ‘B’ Football Final

CJ KICKHAM’S (Mullinahone) 2-10

MOYNE/TEMPLETUOHY 1-4

Eighteen years on from their last county success in this grade in 2006, CJ Kickhams are County Tipperary Minor ‘B’ Football Champions following their nine points victory over a very young Moyne/Templetuohy side in the final played at Fethard Town Park on Sunday last.

A man of the match performance from Mullinahone forward Ned O’Meara, who contributed 1-6 to his side’s tally, was key to the success for the South champions. Apart from a somewhat unsteady opening quarter in which they conceded a second minute goal against the wind, a physically stronger Kickhams side soon got the upper hand and were never headed after Ned O’Meara’s penalty gave them the lead in the ninth minute.

Six points to the good at the break, leading 1-7 to 1-1, having made good use of the strong wind, Mullinahone also outscored their opponents in the second period when facing into the elements. Their

second goal, right at the death, was finished by corner-forward John O’Meara following a good fast-flowing move by the Kickhams’ vanguard. Deserving as their win was, the late goal put a somewhat flattering complexion on the scoreboard against a brave Moyne/Templetuohy outfit who gave everything to the cause on the day.

There was a lively start to this final, midfielder Colin O’Brien putting Mullinahone ahead after just 30 seconds, but they were rocked back on their heels within a minute of that opening score. In Moyne/Templetuohy’s first attack of the final, Jack Noonan put Conor Campion in the clear and the No. 9 ran down the throat of the CJK defence before planting a thunderbolt into the roof of the net. Game on.

Continuing that lively start to the second of the day’s county under 17 football finals at the Fethard venue, Alex Britton then earned Mullinahone a free in the fifth minute converted by

Ned O’Meara.

Four minutes later, a superb foot pass by the ever-alert Ned O’Meara completely wrong-footed the Moyne/Templetuohy defence allowing Alex Britton a run on goal. When the free-running Britton was illegally halted, referee Paddy Ivors awarded a penalty, and up stepped Ned O’Meara to finish it superbly to the top right hand corner giving 14-year-old Liam Cleere no chance in the Moyne goal.

Moyne’s only point from play in the opening half came on the quarter-hour mark scored by Ben Moore from 30 metres into the wind. However, the remainder of the opening period was dominated, on the scoreboard at least, by Mullinahone who added another five points without reply before the break.

In the 18th minute Ned O’Meara won and converted his own free to make it 1-3 to 1-1, and they extended that advantage to three points four minutes later when John O’Meara was alert to a pass from a short free and pointed from 30 metres.

Mullinahone captain Shane McGrath linked up with Alex Britton to create an opportunity for the hard-running corner-back Pearse Vaughan who

finished the well-constructed short-passing move with a point four minutes before half-time.

In the 28th minute Ned O’Meara kicked his first point from play when coming out to pick up a pass from a long free, then turning and running at

speed, he impressively converted to give his side a five points advantage.

Counter-attacking wingback Shane McGrath, playing a captain’s part, then made a fine solo run only to be impeded as he took his shot, and from the

resultant free kick

obliged to send his side to the break leading 1-7 to 1-1.

Credit to Moyne/Templetuohy, beaten in the Under 21 ‘A’ final 12 months ago, they came out fired up for the second half. They might have considered

The CJ Kickham’s Mullinahone squad celebrate after their County Under 17 ‘B’ Football Championship Final victory over Moyne/Templetuohy at Fethard Town Park on Sunday last.

Mullinahone corner-forward John O’Meara about to take control of the ball under pressure from Moyne/ Templetuohy defenders Andrew Everard (4) and Jimmy Campion (5) during last Sunday’s County Under 17 ‘B’ Football Championship final played at Fethard Town Park.

Ned O’Meara

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County Bord na nOg chairman, PJ Bowden, presents the cup to CJ Kickham’s Mullinahone captain, Shane McGrath, after his side defeated Moyne/Templetuohy in the County Under 17 ‘B’ final at Fethard Town Park on Sunday last. Accompanying PJ making the presentation are Lorraine Duggan, secretary South Tipperary Bord na nOg and Ann Fleming, secretary County Bord na nOg.

themselves unlucky in the 35th minute not to have been awarded a penalty after Conor Campion was fouled in the danger zone. However, from the resultant free the same player raised a white flag.

The counter-attacking and pacey Mid side continued to take the game to their opponents but were getting little change from a determined Mullinahone outfit. Halfway through the second half they had their second point when Adam Lane sent over a free won by Conor Campion’s run.

Mullinahone had to wait all of 20 minutes for their first point of the second period, again Ned O’Meara the scorer after beginning and ending the move that also linked in corner-back Jack Dunne and John O’Meara.

A minute later Ned O’Meara with a free, won by Alex Britton, made it 1-9 to 1-3, the game edging ever closer towards the Slievenamon valley side.

Down the stretch the physicality of the maturer Mullinahone side came more into the reckoning - four of the five subs introduced by Moyne/Templetuohy were aged 15, with the fifth, Jack Guilfoyle, still only a 14 year-old.

Three minutes from time

Colin O’Brien finished a Mullinahone move with a fine point, with the other No, 9, the excellent Conor Campion, responding with his side’s last point of the county final three minutes into added time.

With almost the last kick of

the game Mullinahone had their second goal, John O’Meara, son of former Tipperary All-Star hurler, Bryan, finishing off a move with a well-taken goal off his left leg for a 2-10 to 1-4 final score.

Famed for their football long before the hurling renaissance in the village in the 1980s, they will enjoy this county silverware in Kickham’s Country, his famous song even getting a brief airing in the stand on Sunday as the final whistle approached.

Ned O’Meara put in a superb display for the winners, but there were many noteworthy performances from the new county champions. The likes of Pearse Vaughan, Dylan Hennessy, Liam Hogan, Shane McGrath, Alex Britton, Colin O’Brien, Cillian Direen and John O’Meara played big parts in this long overdue success.

Credit also to Moyne Templetuohy for their part in the decider, the scoreline not fairly reflecting their battling performance. Victors over Gortnahoe/Glengoole in the Mid final, Rockwell Rovers in the last eight and Knockmealdown Gaels in the county semi-final, Moyne/ Templetuohy deserve huge credit for making the county decider at all. And it was in that last quarter that they ran out of steam and understandably with the age profile of the young, yet hugely committed substitutes, they had to introduce.

Sean Lyons was immense as captain and full-back, Conor Campion was top class at cen-

A Mullinahone player cuts through the challenges of Moyne Templetuohy defenders during Sunday’s County Under 17 ‘B’ Final played at Fethard Town Park.

tre-field with his never-ending endeavour in trying to inspire the side. Others to have their moments were Eoghan Sumner, Ben Moore, John Cleere, Jack Reddan, Adam Lane, Leo Cleere, Jimmy Campion and Jack Noonan.

CJ KICKHAMS, MULLINAHONE:

Charlie Vaughan, Pearse Vaughan (0-1), Dylan Hennessy, Jack Dunne, Conor Tobin, Liam Hogan, Shane McGrath (captain), Alex Britton, Colin O’Brien (0-2), Philip Dunne, Cillian Direen, Jack Dunne, Ned O’Meara (1-6, 1-0 pen, 0-4F), Oisin Maher, John O’Meara (11).

Subs: Darragh Walsh for Maher (41 mins); Killian Bolger for Jack Dunne (No. 12, 48 mins); Philip Lynch for Britton (53 mins); Cillian McDomhnaill for Direen (59 mins); Darragh Scott for Jack Dunne (No. 4, 60+2 mins).

MOYNE/TEMPLETUOHY:

Liam Cleere, Conor Cleary, Sean Lyons (captain), Andrew Everard, Jimmy Campion, Jack Reddan, John Cleere, Adam Lane (0-1F), Conor Campion (1-2, 0-1F), Jack Noonan, Leo Cleere, Ben Moore (0-1), Frank Doyle, Eoghan Sumner, Cody Doyle.

Subs: Jack Guilfoyle for Cleary (44 mins); Mark Campion for C. Doyle (49 mins); Rogan Lyons and Paddy Ely for F. Doyle and Reddan (58 mins); Joachim Everard for Noonan (60+1 mins). Referee: Paddy Ivors (Ballingarry).

Determination etched on the faces of both players during last Sunday’s County Under 17 ‘B’ Football Championship final between Moyne/ Templetuohy and Mullinahone played at Fethard Town Park.

Moyne/Templetuohy centre-forward Leo Cleere gets his hand pass away to Eoghan Sumner despite the best efforts of CJ Kickham’s Alex Britton during Sunday’s County U17 ‘B’ Football Championship Final

the week in SPORT

Super determined Moyle Rovers crowned

County Under 17 ‘A’

Football Champions

Tipperary Coiste na nOg County U17 ‘A’ Football Final MOYLE ROVERS 2-6

JK BRACKEN’S (Templemore) 0-5

Moyle Rovers are County Minor ‘A’ Football Champions for 2024 following their decisive victory over reigning champions JK Bracken’s at Fethard Town Park on Sunday last. With their seven points victory over the Templemore side, the Powerstown/Lisronagh club were capturing their first title in this grade since 2017 when they defeated Galtee Rovers in a final played at Semple Stadium.

A point down at the interval, 0-4 to 0-3, having played into a strong wind, Moyle Rovers soaked up some early second half pressure, without conceding, but once they weathered that storm they kicked on decisively to outscore their opponents 2-2 to 0-1 over the last 25 minutes to win comfortably in the end.

It was a fully deserved victory for Rovers who it seems improved every day they took the field in this championship having suffered two round robin defeats early in the South Championship, against Fethard and Clonmel Commercials. But in Sunday’s final they faced down a well-fancied Bracken’s side, who started with seven of last year’s championship winning side, and Rovers left no one

in any doubts who were the better side on the day.

Conditions were ideal for football on a fresh dry day, albeit a strong wind blowing, and the elements, one felt, were worth a few points to the wind assisted in each half. In a tentative and cagey start, the good attendance at the excellent venue, had to wait until the seventh minute for the game’s opening point, a Dayle Hogan free for JK Bracken’s. But from the kick-out Rovers worked the ball up the field, Luke Foley and Brian Morrison both twice involved in a move before Brian Hurley equalised with a well-taken score.

On the quarter hour mark JK Bracken’s were temporarily reduced to 14 men with Tommy Burke black carded for an over-robust challenge on Mark O’Meara. From the resultant free the influential John Cronin pointed to edge Rovers ahead, but parity was quickly restored for the second time when wing-back Cian Broderick was impeded on a run, and Dayle Hogan sent over the free for 0-2 each on 18 minutes.

While it certainly wasn’t the most entertaining of spectacles from a scoring point of view, there was no faulting the

workrate of both sides, with Moyle Rovers defence in particular doing an excellent job in frustrating a Bracken’s side who were enjoying the more possession.

In the 24th minute JK Bracken’s corner-forward Dan Coffey was adjudged to have been impeded off the ball, and from the close-in free, Padraic O’Shea nudged his side back in front. But an indication of the lack of clear shooting chances Bracken’s were getting from a mean Rovers rearguard, in which Aidan White and Fred Perry were trojan, was that it took them 26 minutes to register their first wide.

Finally JK Bracken’s managed to carve open the Rovers in the 27th minute, Jack Marnell, Tommy Burke and Dayle Hogan combining but the latter’s low shot was cleared by the Rovers defence and one began to feel, as half-time approached, that this mightn’t be the reigning champions day after all.

Roaming full-forward Luke Foley who covered every blade of the artificial grass, levelled matters with a close-in free two minutes before half-time, having played his part in creating the move that linked Conor Hurley and Aaron McAndrew in earning the free.

The Templemore side did go to the break ahead, by the minimum, 0-4 to 0-3, after a Rovers player was penalised for picking the ball off the ground and Dayle Hogan converted the free.

The Moyle Rovers’ squad and mentors celebrate after their County Under 17 ‘A’ Football Championship Final victory over JK Bracken’s at Fethard Town Park on Sunday last.

Action from last Sunday’s County Under 17 ‘A’ Football Final between Moyle Rovers and JK Bracken’s at Fethard Town Park. JK Bracken’s captain Kieran Martin gets ready to try and prevent Aaron McAndrew fielding the ball for Moyle Rovers. Double goal-scorer Conal Egan awaits developments.

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the week in SPORT

0-2F), Tadhg Buckley.

Ominously, even with the tail end of Storm Darragh behind them for the first half, the men from Carden’s Wild Demesne had failed to score from play in the opening 30 minutes.

On the resumption the Anthony Marnell managed JK Bracken’s faced the elements and admirably took the game to Moyle Rovers, enjoying almost ownership of the leather for the first five minutes or so. But it proved to be little more than a dead cat’s bounce, as Rovers got to grips with the challenge and were soon in the ascendancy.

A huge point, in distance and confidence building, from Rovers’ midfielder and joint captain John Cronin, levelled the game for the fourth time in the 36th minute. Two minutes later, Luke Foley kicked a left-legged effort from a similar 45 metre range, to put his side ahead, a lead they were never to relinquish thereafter.

In the 40th minute the game’s first goal arrived when a long range free from Luke Foley fell short and Moyle Rovers’ corner-forward Conal Egan reacted quickest in the danger area to get a hand to the ball and push it past James Leahy in the Bracken’s goal. On a low-scoring day like this was, a green flag was priceless in the quest for victory.

JK Bracken’s first and last score of the second half came in the 45th minute, another free converted by Paraic O’Shea when Tom Corcoran was fouled after he had played the ball.

John Cronin, Conal Egan and Brian Hurley combined in a 50th minute move for Rovers and after centre-forward Hurley was fouled, Luke Foley penalised that indiscretion with another close-in free to make it 1-6 to 0-5.

The winning of this game was in a huge way down to the unrelenting industry of Rovers’ defending, not just by the six backs but the whole team working back when needed. It limited their opponents to just four wides and five points, all of which came from placed balls.

The reigning county champions, who had defeated Clonmel Commercials in the semi-final, were held scoreless from play for over 60+ minutes.

Four minutes from time Fred Perry, always better on grass courts than carpet courts, was black carded, giving JK Bracken’s an extra man in the dying minutes and they almost managed to work a much-needed goal with Dan Coffey’s low effort just whizzing wide of the post.

That goal, in fact, went the way of the Rovers three minutes into added time, the coup de grace coming after a move up the right wing linking joint captain Brian Morrison and Jack Boland, with Conal Egan once again getting the finishing touch to cap a memorable day for him and the Powerstown/Lisronagh parishioners.

Hats off to Moyle Rovers under the management team of Liam Cronin, Paul Fanning, Derry Foley and Brendan Franklin for crowning a great year for the Monroe club, in which they won all three grades at under 13, under 15 and under 17 in the South for the first time in the one year, defeating Commercials in all three finals.

County minor ‘A’ finals, be it at under 18 or now under 17, are always hard to win. Before the Cillian Crowe captained side of 2017, Rovers have to go back to 2006 for their previous victory, a side led by future Tipperary senior captain and club legend,

Peter Acheson.

In another little twist of enjoyment to the day, while Luke Foley was wearing No 14 in Moyle Rovers’ win, forty years ago, in 1984, his father Derry, also wore No. 14, when helping Slievenamon (a Rovers and Grangemockler combination) to a county final victory.

Also it added a 16th piece of silverware to the cabinet this year when all competitions from under 13 to senior, hurling and football, are included. As 2024 draws to a close, despite a few disappointments along the way, it has been a good year all round for Moyle Rovers.

For Bracken’s it was the most frustrating of days in which they failed to get their A game going and are a much better side than what the final picture paints. Too often the final pass went astray on them, and they were unlucky with at least three efforts that came back off the woodwork. Dayle Hogan, Cian Broderick, Padraic O’Shea, Jack Marnell, Niall Delaney and Tommy Burke all gave everything, but they will take the lessons and move on.

For Rovers it was a great day with all contributing, especially Brian Morrison, Aidan White, Mark O’Meara, Fred Perry, John Cronin, Conal Morrison, Brian Hurley, Conal Egan and Luke Foley, but overall this was a workmanlike 19-man effort on the day.

MOYLE ROVERS: James O’Brien, Conor Hurley, Colin McCauley, Aidan White, Louis Carroll, Mark O’Meara, Fred Perry, John Cronin (joint captain, 0-2, 0-1F), Aaron McAndrew, Conal Morrison, Brian Hurley (0-1), Brian Morrison (joint captain), Conal Egan (2-0), Luke Foley (0-3,

Subs: Jack Boland for L. Carroll (51 mins); Darragh O’Gorman for T. Buckley (53 mins); Sean Mullins for J. Cronin (57 mins); Matthew Downey for C. Egan (62 mins).

JK BRACKEN’S

James Leahy, Kinnian O’Brien, Niall Delaney, Kieran Maher (captain), Cian Broderick, Jack Marnell, Tom Corcoran, Tommy Burke, Dayle Hogan (0-3F), Padraic O’Shea (0-2F), Billy Collier, Jack Burke, Dan Coffey, Sean Burke, Joe Foy.

Subs: Ryan Loughnane for Tommy Burke (43 mins); Tommy Burke for Sean Burke; JR Corpez for J. Foy (51 mins); Cian Cahill for B. Collier (57 mins).

Referee: Paul Guinan (Killenaule).

County Bord na nOg chairman, PJ Bowden, presents the cup to Moyle Rovers’ joint captains, John Cronin and Brian Morrison, after Rovers defeated JK Bracken’s in the County Under 17 ‘A’ final at Fethard Town Park on Sunday last. Accompanying PJ making the presentation are Lorraine Duggan, secretary South Tipperary Bord na nOg and Ann Fleming, secretary County Bord na nOg.

Action from last Sunday’s County Under 17 ‘A’ Football Final between Moyle Rovers and JK Bracken’s at Fethard Town Park. ABOVE: Tom Corcoran (JKB) gets past the challenge of Brian Hurley (MR). BELOW: Moyle Rovers’ Conor Hurley gets his shot away before the challenge arrives from Sean Burke (JKB).

JK Bracken’s Padraic O’Shea in possession is tracked by Fred Perry (Moyle Rovers) during Sunday’s County Under 17 ‘A’ Football Championship final at Fethard Town Park.

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the week in SPORT

SLIEVENAMON GOLF CLUB

As the sound of sleigh bells tinkle in the distance, it is that time of year again - AGM timewhen we reflect over the year gone by and look forward to a fresh beginning.

Brian Moore takes over the Captain’s reins Monday evening it was the turn of our Gents, when our very popular and hugely talented Captain Mark Dillon, handed over the reins to Brian Moore. Brian is approaching the new year brimming with enthusiasm, and ably matched by Paudie Lahart, his chosen Vice Captain. Brian is still spoken of in hushed tones when Members recall his performance during the final of the Silver Jubilee Competition, where he was shaded at the finish by Graham O’Reilly’s dogged determination. Meanwhile Paudie has managed to balance running a fantastic Junior Coaching Programme this

CLONMEL

MENS NOTES

year with playing some superb golf.

Winter Series Competition

Weather permitting, the Gents are currently running their Winter Series Competition, with 2 Divisions, and with the final to be played in March. Needless to say, the weather did not favour golf much this past week, but the minute the clouds cleared on Sunday, Members were out in force onto the Course to try their hand!

Ladies Annual General Meeting

Our Ladies held their AGM on Wednesday, with Bernie Phelan taking over from outgoing Lady Captain Paula Spillane. The Ladies also took the opportunity on Wednesday to bid a happy 90th birthday to Maggie O’Brien, the First Lady Captain ever appointed to the Club.

A Magical Christmas Paradise

The Clubhouse itself is currently a verita-

GOLF CLUB

Another difficult week weather wise with storm Darragh paying a visit over the weekend. There appears to be an improvement for the coming week and with that we have extended the Clonmel Plumbing for a further and final week. We have agreed to add additional prizes for those who will only get to play the once and those who have played twice, there’s plenty of time to improve on your overall tally so all is still to play for.

FIXTURES:

The Clonmel Plumbing will run up until Sunday 15th December.

The Spring League which was a great success last year (minus some weather issues) will be kicking off in early January with some minor improvements and full terms and conditions will be posted next week.

CLUB LOTTO

Kindly sponsored by Europlan Group

Lotto draw took place on Saturday 7th December with a Jackpot of €3,200.

Numbers drawn: 3-5-12-23.

No Jackpot winner. Four matched-three winners: Richie Power, Susan Sheil, Caroline Meaney, Mick O’Mahoney.

Next Draw takes place on Saturday 14th December with a Jackpot of €3,300.

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

Quality Gifts can also be purchased from the Pro Shop. Junior attire on offer, discounts available on a range of items. Contact Jack on 052-6124050 Ext 2.

16 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 applica-

ble Magical Christmas Paradise, thanks to the fairy dust sprinkled over it by Heather Bailey and Paula Cahill. Special Christmas Afternoon Teas will be served on Tuesday/Wednesday of the coming week, Sunday 15th and Tuesday and Wednesday of the following week, and it would be a wonderful treat to surprise someone with for the season that is in it.

Of course the biggest excitement is reserved for the visit of Santa Claus, who will be visiting us on Sunday 15th December between 12 noon and 4 pm. A special grotto has been constructed in the Clubhouse in preparation and we are looking forward to welcoming all the very good boys and girls who would like to speak to him (while Mum and Dad might like to take a break in the Cafe for some well needed nourishment!

tion form from our website www.clonmelgolfclub.com.

LADIES NOTES

FIXTURES:

The Christmas Hamper finishes on Monday 9th December. To Terence Kennedy, Painting Contractor, who has for so many years, and continues to be a great supporter of ladies’ golf, we say a sincere “Thank You” for his generous sponsorship of this competition.

The 12 Hole weekly Turkey Competition is in its final week and finishes on Wednesday 11th December, so weather permitting, we will get a final opportunity to enter this week!

A Winter 12 Hole Ongoing will start on Saturday 14th December. Terms will issue nearer the date

A fun 9 Hole Festive Scramble will be played on Wednesday 18th December. BRS will open for booking on Wednesday 11th December at 17.00hrs.

Junior Alliance – Gowran Park – Monday 02.12.24 Well done to Ann Boyle, Finola Foley and Sheila O’Keeffe who featured amongst the winners in Gowran Park.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:

Ladies Christmas Party: Wednesday 11th December in the Clubhouse at 7p.m.

Paudie Lahart (left) at the recent AGM of Slievenamon Golf Club being presented by incoming Captain Brian Moore (right) with his monthly medal.

Lady Captain at Slievenamon Golf Club Paula Spillane (left) presenting the Captain’s Pin to incoming Lady Captain Bernie Phelan.

PHOTO ON LEFT:

County Tipperary Golf & Country Club Mixed Competition 2024 for the Slattery Cup, in memory of Mary Slattery, was won by Brian Slattery & Anne Grace. Anne has developed quite a reputation as a mixed player as this is her 3rd time winning in 6 years with a different partner each year.

Left to Right; Michael Slattery presented the Slattery cup to Anne Grace & Brian Slattery. County Tipperary Golf & Country Club, Golfer of the Year is a very prestigious competition to win. The winner of the Ladies Club golfer of the year 2024 is Sheena Ryan winning the Boyle Cup and the winner of the Men’s Competition for 2024 is Kevin McCarthy winning the Denis Fogarty trophy. Left to Right; Captain Daniel Kennedy, Kevin McCarthy, Sheena Ryan & Lady Captain Mary O’Donnell.

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CARRICK-ON-SUIR GC

RESULTS

Winter League Round 6 - 2nd December 24

Div. 1 Kieran Laffan (PH 4) - 22 pts

Ladies Results CHRISTMAS HAMPER WINNERS 2024

BEST OF FIVE CARDS

DIVISION PLACE SCORE NAME

Division 1 1ST PLACE 93 MARY FLEMING

Division 2 1ST PLACE 96 Mary Walsh

Division 1 2nd Place 92 Mary O’Connell

Division 2 2nd Place 92 Margaret Dunne

Division 1 3rd Place 90 Connie Walsh

Division 2 3rd Place 83 Mary Lonergan/ Maura O’Donoghue

Division 1 4th Place 85 Rosaleen Foley

Division 2 4th Place 83 Mary Lonergan/ Maura

O’Donoghue Club competition winners.

Player of the Year. Daphne Dowley

Birdie Tree Joint Winners Connie Walsh and Helen Davis Silver and Bronze

Medals Mary O’Connell and Ann Cronin.

Australian Spoons Div 1. Roseleen Foley and Bridget Mitchell Div. 2. Una Grant and Emer Norris.

FIXTURES

Fixtures for week ending December 15th 2024

Mon to Sun – Winter League Round 7 Re-entry Wed – Ladies 9 Hole Stableford Sat – 15H Stableford 3 Person Scramble

CAHIR PARK GOLF CLUB

JACKPOT WON IN “FIND

THE GOLF BALL” DRAW

This week, our “Find the Golf Ball” draw took place on Sunday, December 8th, after our Adult and Junior Scramble. Thomas Hickey’s envelope was pulled, and the jackpot card was turned. Thomas wins €1,020 – Congratulations! A very nice Christmas

Rory Myers was a prizewinner in the Adult and Junior Scramble played at Cahir Park Golf Club last week. He is pictured at the prizegiving with one of the competition organisers, Imelda Fitzpatrick.

present indeed. The draw starts over again next week.

Thank you once again to everyone who supports our club draw.

ADULT AND JUNIOR SCRAMBLE

Our latest Adult and Junior Scramble took place on Sunday, December 8th, kindly sponsored by Eugene Quirke. Many thanks

to Susan, Imelda, and all their helpers.

A very special mention to Rory Myers, who holed out on the 2nd hole with an 8-iron for an eagle. The future is bright!

The results were as follows:

1st: Sean Maher Snr, Sean Maher Jnr, Barry Moloney – 27.1

2nd: Tony O’Sullivan, Rory Myers, Ethan Farrell Coveney – 27.4

3rd: Paul Tuohy, Luke Keane, Aaron Fahy – 29.5 (CB)

4th: Willie Morrisey, Ciaran English, Thomas Walsh, Marie Devitt – 29.5

Our next outing will be in January.

LADIES

TURKEY COMPETITION

Our Ladies’ 12-hole Turkey Competition (#13) took place from November 25th to December 1st.

The results are as follows:

1st Place: Julie Connolly – 28 points

2nd Place: Chris Noonan – 27 points

3rd Place: Miriam C. Halley –25 points

4th Place: Anne Walsh – 25 points

LADIES’ CHRISTMAS DAY

Our Ladies’ Christmas Day will take place on Thursday, December 12th. This will be a 3-ball Straight Scramble, kindly sponsored by Murphy Candles.

Entry Fee: €30 (includes food and golf)

Shotgun Start: Be ready for 10:00 a.m.

Sign-Up: The entry sheet is in the locker room.

There will be a raffle fundraiser for SVP on the day, and a prize for the most festively dressed lady.

We will also hold the prize-giving for the Hamper and Turkey Competitions, kindly sponsored by Dolan’s SuperValu.

MASS FOR DECEASED CPGC MEMBERS

A Mass for deceased CPGC members will be held in St. Mary’s Church in Cahir on Friday, January 10th, at 10:30 a.m.

Cahir Park Adult & Junior Scramble Winners

County Tipperary Golf & Country Club President for 2025 is Jenny Lawrence. Jenny was the very popular choice of Dundrum House proprietors Jeff & Winnieanna Leo when announced by Winnieanna. Jeff Leo presents a Bouquet to newly elected President Jenny Lawrence.

Imelda Fitzpatrick, Sean Maher (Snr), Sean Maher (Jnr), Marie Devitt and Susan Carey.

Luke Keane, Imelda Fitzpatrick, Aaron Fahey, Marie Devitt and Susan Carey.

Tony O’Sullivan, Imelda Fitzpatrick, Rory Myers, Ethan Farrell, Marie Devitt and Susan Carey.

Willie Morrissey, Ciaran English, Imelda Fitzpatrick Marie Devitt and Susan Carey.

Eileen McCullagh wins Munster silver medal

COUNTY SENIOR ATHLETICS NEWS

St Flannan’s College, Ennis was the venue last Sunday for the Munster Intermediate Cros Country Championships.

In the women’s race Eileen McCullagh of Moyne AC ran a brilliant race to win the Munster Intermediate Silver medal in 15 mins 49 secs. Eileen was well placed in the leading group of three athletes throughout the race. Then in the closing stages she held off a strong challenge to win the silver medal, fantastic achievement. Eileen is having a great cross-country season, and this was a well-deserved award for all the hard training. Then we had Sareen Walsh of Clonmel AC also running very well when finishing 10th in 17 mins 35 secs.

In the Men’s race Denis McCullagh of Thurles Crokes ran a great race when finishing 9th in 30 mins 51 secs. We also had good performances from Willie O Donoghue of Mooreabbey Milers 19th in 34 mins 21 secs, Jim Halley Dundrum AC 23rd in 35.42 and

Michael Moore 24th in 36.04.

It is a pity that the County hadn’t teams competing in both events as they would have done well.

EUROPEAN CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

These Championships took place in Antalya, Turkiye last Sunday. Sean Tobin of Clonmel AC competed in the Senior Men’s 7.5km race. Sean was 63rd in a very competitive race won by Jacob Ingebrigtsen of Norway. Congrats to Nick Griggs on winning the European under 23 silver medal, brilliant achievement. COUNTY SENIOR CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

The blue-ribbon event of the County Cross Country season takes place in Cashel next Sunday with the hosting of the County Senior women’s and men’s Cross-Country races by Dundrum AC. The women’s 6k will start at 11 am followed immediately by the Men’s 10K race. The Course will be on a 2k loop. The

venue is Ballypaudeen, Cashel just off the R639 road from Cashel to exit 7 on the M8. Eligibility is that athletes must be 20 years of age as of the 31st of December 2024. In the team event it is three to score on the women’s teams while it is four to score on the men’s teams. There is a B Section in both races for Clubs that enter more than one team. This is a new course but adjacent to last year’s venue.

Looking back on last years’ races Dymphna Ryan Dundrum AC was a very convincing winner, and she will be favourite to make it four in a row in Cashel. She can expect good competition from athletes like Laura Cooney of Clonmel AC who ran a brilliant race in the National Novice recently as well as her club mate Kealey Tideswell along with Linda Grogan of Dundrum, Eileen McCullagh of Moyne and Aoife Delargy of Nenagh Olympic. Dundrum AC are the defending club champions, and they will be aiming to retain the Cup for another year as they seek a six in a row achievement. They will also be looking to the likes of Catherine Fogarty, Once, again their main competition could come from clubs like Clonmel,

Thurles Crokes, Moyne and Fethard AC. The men’s race over 10k will also be very competitive. Here the defending Champion is Stuart Moloney of Mooreabbey Milers. He could face good competition from athletes like Danile Ryan Ellis of Nenagh Olympic who won the National Novice bronze medal recently in Tramore, Luke Purcell Nenagh Olympic, Barry Hartnett Dundrum AC, Mossy Bracken Moycarkey Coolcroo, Dermot Gorman, Carrick on Suir, Caolon Curran of Thurles Crokes, David Mansfield of Clonmel AC. In the team event, the defending Champions are Moycarkey Coolcroo who were winning the title for the very first time last year and they will be going all out to keep it for another year. They will be looking to athletes like Conor Keating, Matthew Ryan, Kevin Shortall. They will face good competition from Thurles Crokes, who will be looking to Daragh O Leary, Thomas McCarthy and Cathal Kennedy. Nenagh Olympic will also be vying for top honours with Jamie Moloney and Mark Corcoran. Other clubs in the mix will be Dundrum AC, Clonmel AC, Carrick on Suir AC and Mooreabbey Milers AC.

Tipp juveniles enjoy plenty of success at Ennis

COUNTY JUVENILE ATHLETICS NEWS

The final Munster Juvenile Cross Country Championships took place last Sunday with the Munster ‘B’ Championships in Ennis, Co. Clare. Large numbers of Tipp athletes travelled to take part and ensured a large amount of silverware returned home.

Tipperary had three individual medal winners in the girls U9 race with Jessica Harrahill Templemore AC 7th, Aifric Heffernan Dualla Ballytarsna Boherlahan AC 8th and Evie Farrell Dundrum AC 11th. The three girls combined with Harriet Ely Moyne AC 27th, Caoimhe Quinlan Moyne AC 28th and Molly Hackett AC 30th, won silver medals in the Inter-County team competition. Moyne AC also won team bronze medals in this race thanks to Harriet Ely, Caoimhe Quinlan, Molly Hackett and Molly Dempsey 31st. Gearoid Shanahan Dundrum AC was Tipperary’s sole medallist in the Boys U9 race as he finished in 11th place overall.

Tipperary won bronze medals in the Girl’s U11 Inter-County competition with the team being made up of Shona Ryan Dundrum AC 18th, Kate O’Mahony Newport AC 21st, Clodagh Walsh Nenagh Olympic AC 25th, Beau Bourke Dundrum AC 31st, Jenny Ryan Newport AC 32nd and Aoife Curtin Newport AC 35th. Billy Heaney Clonmel AC struck gold when he won the Boys U11 race. Not far behind in 7th place was Kieran Girard Nenagh Olympic AC. These two boys led Tipperary to silver medals in the Inter-County competition. Oth-

er scoring members were Rian O’Brien Dundrum AC 15th, Tom Tierney Cloneml AC 16th, Daniel Clarke Templemore AC 17th and Patrick Meehan Templemore AC 21st. Templemore AC packed very well to ensure that they brought home bronze medals in the club competition. The aforementioned Daniel Clarke and Patrick Meehan combined with Martin Kennedy 24th and Cathal Kennedy in 31st to make the podium.

Cate O’Brien Newport AC led a whole host of Tipperary athletes home to individual medals as she finished in 4th place. Close behind her were Ruth O’Neill Dundrum AC 6th, Beibhinn Pamplin Thurles Crokes AC 9th, Doireann Moloney Mooreabbey Milers AC 11th and Katelyn Shanahan Dundrum AC 12th. These five girls alongside Farran Ryan Dundrum AC 22nd, won the silver medals in the Inter-County competition. The prominence of Dundrum AC on the County team also meant that they secured bronze medals in the club competition. Team members were Ruth O’Neill, Katelyn Shanahan, Farran Ryan and Bella Curling 36th.

Odhran Dorney Thurles Crokes AC secured an individual medal in the Boys U13 race as he finished in 12th position. Odhran also led the Tipperary team to third position in the Inter-County competition with scoring members including Cian Cowan Templemore AC 19th, Paul Clarke Templemore AC 24th,Tom Renehan Moyne AC 28th, Aidan Kennedy Newport AC 35th and Jack

Noonan Newport AC 38th.

The Girls U15 race was highly successful for Tipperary athletes. Orla Pamplin Thurles Crokes AC secured a top three position as she won the bronze medal. She was followed home by Caoimhe Slevin Moyne AC 4th, Katie Butler Thurles Crokes 8th and Abbey O’Leary Clonmel AC 11th. These four girls joined with Belle Kelly Dundrum AC 14th and Elisse Kelly Dundrum AC 15th to claim victory in the Inter-County competition.

Cian Fahey Dundrum AC was Tipperary’s only medallist in the Boys U15 race as he finished in 10th position.

Similarly to the Girls U15 race, the Girls U17 race brought a high level of success for Tipperary athletes. Eadaoin Duffy Clonmel AC was first home for the County in 2nd place. She was closely followed by Leah Berry Newport AC 3rd, Alice Meegan Clonmel AC 4th, Kate Delaney Moyne AC 5th, Hannah Murray Clonmel AC 6th and Lily Casey Clonmel AC 8th. The six girls mentioned took home the title in the Inter-County competition while the four girls from Clonmel AC mentioned above also took home gold in the club competition.

Conor Kiely Newport AC won Tipperary’s final medal of the day as he finished in 8th position in the Boys U17 race.

This race brings a close to Munster Juvenile Cross Country races for the year as many athletes will now turn their attention to the track season after Christmas.

Tipperary U17 girls team Gold medallists

Moyle Rovers’ joy at a job well done

There was great joy at Fethard Town Park on Sunday last when Moyle Rovers defeated JK Bracken’s of Templemore in the County U17 ‘A’ Final. ABOVE LEFT: Luke Foley celebrates with his parents Derry (selector) and Anne. ABOVE RIGHT: The Hurley brothers, Brian and Conor who both played a huge part in the victory, Moyle Rovers’ first at this grade since 2017 and only a second since 2008.

Minor’s double has Mary and Donal smiling

I’m An Exile eyes The Munster Cup

GREYHOUND RACING

FRIDAY NIGHT at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium was heaving with Christmas Party goers enjoying some fantastic festive food and drinks and of course accompanied with some fantastic racing which produced thrilling finishes adding to the overall experience.

Two very promising debutants kicked off racing on Friday night firstly with the David Flanagan trained Canya Jet owned by Golden owner Imelda Sinclair taking the opening race with a very dominant trap to line performance in 29.31. Just after Aaron O’Hanlon sent out Alex Callachan’s Swift Aeroplane to come home with a powerful finish to in 29.28. Michael Ryan and Tom O’Neill from Kilsheelan had a very impressive winner in the fourth when the Davy Whelan trained Blueway Storm showing a fantastic turn of foot from halfway finished strongest on the run in to win in 28.80. Clonmel owner Pat Morrissey had his runner Petshop Farewell back on the winner’s podium when his Maurice Organ trained runner made it a trap to line performance in 29.08 which was his eight-career win. A cracking finish to the sixth race with Barra Humbub owned by Joy Sanders from Ballingarry just snatched it from Boozed Expert by a neck in a thrilling finish in 29.68 while Dick and Tony Lonergan were all smiles when Gerber taking control of the eight race from the

The opening round of The Riverside kennels Munster Cup kicked of on Friday night in all the brutal weather, but storm Darragh failed to blow away some fantastic runs over the five heats. Andrew Lynch’s Im An Exile produced her career best performance to clock fastest of the opening round as she made it a tarp to line win in 28.27. Yorkie Ollie trained by Graham Holland for Michael Hennessy and Adrian Sheils was back to winning ways taking heat two while the Tom O Neill trained Haydeezrebel running from trap one gave one of the better runs of the opening round winning in 28.74. The second winner on the night for the Holland kennels Tempstade owned by Larry Dunne was back to winning ways taking heat four and rounding off the opening round the Esmonde brothers from Bansha were flying the local flag when Dakota Drive gave a trap to line run in 28.78. Conditions were terrible on the night, but all safety precautions were taken to see racing went off without a hitch with the minimum time taken between races ensuring patrons and owners were home before the worst of the storm hit Clonmel. A very impressive debutant laded the opening race on the night a novice 525. Owned by The Newinn All Talk Syndicate

second bend held a very firm line to win in 29.21. Gerber trained by Aaron O’Hanlon filled a double for the trainer on the night.

The Bansha brothers The Esmonde’s were hopping as they watched Dakota Law run the final bends of the A3 525 with serious pace to get past the two longtime leaders and win on the line in 28.84. A win for this relatively lightly raced youngster who shows that powerful finish on all his runs. Fethard trainer David Flanagan also completed a double on the night taking the final race when The Poker Gang Syndicate owned Poker Queen, who was a winner last week, showed a very strong finish from the final bend to win by half a length in 29.53.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Sunday night’s card, a 12-race graded card was also full of thrilling finishes with local owner Mary O’Connor coming away with a double. Minor Magical and Autumn Risk closing and closing on the longtime leader Still My Honey on the run in just snatched it by a short head in 29.14. After that in the sixth race Minor Part finished best on the run in to deny Hasty Luna by half a length in 16.74.

John Graham Campbell from Thurles had Bionic Blackjack take the second race in a very thrilling finish beating the favourite Baalbec Lass by a head in 29.48. James Wade from Cashel and Michael Ryan from Kilsheelan

of seven members watched as the Graham Holland trained Newinn Noddy from a sluggish start finished like a train to win in 29.07 and looks to have plenty in reserve going forward. Farther and Son team Christy and John Browne from Ardfinnan took the sprint arce one the night when Maughera Vera made all the running in 16.41 while the Jimmy Frisby trained Lemon Ted was back to winning ways in 29.00. Sunday nights card saw David O Neill from Cahir come away with a double. Chamberlain Suzy landed the sixth in 28.92 while her litter sister Chamberlain Lily took the eight in 29.09. Cashel owner / trainer David Hickey had Priceless Hero on the winning way once again as he clocked 29.06. Jointly owned with fellow Cashel man John Ryan this was his ninth career win and with this performance expect more to come. Fethard owner Elizabeth Sives got Swift Lilith back to winning ways snatching the tenth race on the line in 29.43 as Larry and Martina Harding took the penultimate race when Bay City Callie having to switch to the outside on the run in won by a short head in 29.25. One of the finest greyhounds ever to grace the Irish tracks, Buckos Diamond, will take a

were all smile as Tullovin Duchess snatched her fifth race by a length with a very strong finish on the run in in 28.97.

Danny O’Dwyer had Windmill LaLa on the winner’s podium when she totally dominated the tenth race in 29.11. Peter Hatte more from Carrick On Suir had his super lady Great Claire winning once again taking the final race in 29.27.This is a true fairy tale story for the owner having purchased this lady at the sales for a very reasonable sum she now has won eight races for the owner and on this performance when in the stripped sheet will have plenty

week in 29.53 and adding to that made it back-to-back wins taking the fourth race in 29.11.

had a lay off but back on Sunday night he showed his exceptional talent with his early pace

mented with a

his

visit to Clonmel on Friday night 13th December. This fantastic greyhound winning sixteen of his seventeen starts with the Boyle-

sports Irish Derby to his credit it’s a chance for everyone to come and enjoy one of greyhounds greatest.

It is a real family affair as his dad and grandad help him with training his special lady. Ascot Logan who had a fine run back some time ago with seven consecutive wins was out of form having

Still

few

A delighted Dylan O Hanlon with his super lady My Dylans Shadow.

Donal and Mary O’Connor with Minor Magical first of the owner’s double at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium on Sunday night last.

comple

powerful finish win

twentieth race for owners Bill Murphy and Frances Mullan in fastest time of the night 28.63. PARTY NIGHTS AT CLON MEL GREYHOUND STADIUM

a

places remaining at the Stadium for party nights on the run into Christmas and with the up coming Riverside Kennels Munster Christmas Cup starting mium and who knows we might see the talking greyhound of the year Boylesports Irish Derby Winner Bockos Diamond on final night.

The Esmonde Brothers with Dakota Drine heat winner in Munster Cup

Till Cliff with the impressive heat winner of The Munster Cup I’m An Exile

Timmy Holland with The Newinn All Talk Syndicate and debutant winner Newinn Noddy