The Thurles Municipal District of the Tipperary County Council hosted its annual Civic Reception ceremony last Thursday, April 25, in front of a packed crowd. The purpose of the ceremony was to honour members of the Tipperary community who have contributed greatly to life in Tipperary, and have experienced great successes in their fields. Each member of the Thurles MD took it in turns to nominate a person or group from the area who they felt was worthy of an award. The event was kicked off with a word from Thurles MD Cathaoirleach Michael Smith, before handing things over to Paul Collins, the host on the night. First up on the night was Cllr Sean Ryan, who nominated the Harty Cup-winning Thurles CBS team. There to collect the award on the night were manager Niall Cahill, and players Euan Murray and Keith Loughnane. The three reminisced fondly on their run to the final, discussing the hard work they put in in training over the course of the year, and how the players balanced their work with the team with their schoolwork. Up next was the Pheasant Island Committee in Thurles, who were nominated by Cllr Jim Ryan. Paul Moore represented the committee on the night. He discussed the troubles the Island has faced over the last number of years due to attacks by wild animals, and how they had to empty the Island for some months as a result, but that in recent times, it has been going from strength to strength, with their annual bucket collection pulling in roughly double what the committee would normally raise. Cllr Eddie Moran nominated Joe Burke, an athlete from Templemore, who won bronze in the 200m sprint at the European U18 athletics championships last year. Joe has won Munster and All-Ireland titles for his club, and says his aim is to represent Ireland in the 200m at the Olympic Games. Joe’s award was collected on the night by his aunt, Fiona Cahill, who said the pride the family feels is immeasurable. Cllr Peggy Ryan’s nomination went to Niamh Kinnane and Siobhan Kinnane Butler, who own and run Paddy
PICTURES: Tipperary people honoured for services to Tipperary with Civic Reception
