Looking back over August 2022 in Tipperary - Sadness beyond belief at Dillon Quirke’s death

August 4 2022

A south Tipperary-based animal charity feared that the country was in the early days of an animal welfare crisis caused by a rise in pet ownership rates colliding with cost-of-living pressures, we reported in early August.
PAWS - based in Mullinahone - was seeing an increase in animals coming into its care with many Irish centres already full and others close to capacity, as rehoming slows down and more people are looking to give up their pets.

In a statement, the charity said: “We currently have 105 dogs in our care and an outstanding vet bill of over €48,000. At the core of what we do is the prevention or relief of suffering of animals.”
They also found themselves in the unenviable position of having to repay €25,000 to Revenue over a mix-up in subsidy payments rules during Covid.
*******
The tradition of celebrating Mass at the Holy Year Cross on the hilltop overlooking Clonmel was revived for the first time in three years on the August Bank Holiday Monday last year.
Covid had forced the cancellation of the Mass for the previous two years but the traditional get-together at Cnoc a Comortais, or Scrouthea Hill returned in 2022.
Chief celebrant Fr John Treacy, Ss Peter and Paul’s, assisted by Fr Deo, Ss Peter and Paul’s and Fr John Nally, St Mary’s, Irishtown, Clonmel.
In keeping with time-honoured tradition the Mayor of Clonmel, Cllr Pat English, was present
The cross itself, erected to celebrate the Holy Year in 1950, and the surrounding area, which is maintained by a voluntary committee based at the Old Bridge, looked its best for the occasion.
*******
There was widespread shock and sadness in sporting circles in Tipperary, and throughout the wider community, when news emerged on Saturday, July 30 of the sudden death of Bernard O’Neill.
Bernard, who lived in Clonmel for many years and was originally from Carrick-on-Suir, was affectionately known far and wide by his nickname ‘Pinky’.

‘Pinky’ was well-known for his work as a trainer, mentor, masseur and physio with many sports clubs.
He was also an athlete of some repute having won many county, provincial and national titles.

*******

August 11 2022

The President of Ireland and An Taoiseach Micheál Martin led the tributes to Dillon Quirke after his tragic passing on Friday, August 5.
The young Tipperary hurler died after collapsing during a club hurling championship game at Semple Stadium.
President Michael D Higgins described the 24-year-old’s death as an “inestimable loss” not only for his family and friends but the entire community.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was “shocked and saddened” by the death of the up-and-coming hurling star.

GAA President, Larry McCarthy, also offered his sympathies to the family and friends of the underage All-Ireland medal winner with Tipperary.

*******

Carrick-on-Suir’s world famous Clancy Brothers folk ballad group are now immortalised in a giant wall mural in the centre of their hometown, wrote Aileen Hahesy.
The striking mural depicting the late Paddy, Tom, Liam and Bobby Clancy from Carrick’s William Street and fellow group member, the late Tommy Makem, adorns the wall of The Tannery Pub on Sean Kelly Square.
The mural was created by renowned Tipperary Town-based mural artist Neil O’Dwyer.
*******

Fr William Carey retired from his role as Parish Priest of Kilsheelan and Kilcash and would assume the title Pastor Emeritus will residing in Clonmel and provide cover when possible.
Fr Carey was ordained to the priesthood in 1961 and has given a lifetime of dedicated service to the diocese.

Fr Brian Power took over as new Parish Priest of Kilsheelan and Kilcash and will have increased time for his duties as Vicar for Clergy.
*******

Looking back over July 2022 in Tipperary - Nuns thanked for 158 years of love and service

August 18 2022

On Sunday, August 7 Ballylooby Community Council held its Annual Tractor Run. They promised a great day out for everyone! And they certainly didn’t disappoint with a day basking in glorious sunshine delivered for all who turned up.

As it was a hot summer day it was just as well that there was a full mobile bar that was very popular on the day along with delicious food with a BBQ, a coffee trailer & an ice-cream van too!

*******

In late July 26 people took to the skies in Clonbullogue, county Offaly to raise funds for St Patrick’s GAA Club by doing a tandem skydive.
At one stage it didn’t look like the jumps would go ahead due to the weather but around lunchtime the skies started to clear and all 26 got to skydive from 13,000 feet for an experience they will never forget.
Families and friends travelled to support the skydivers which all added to the excitement of the day.
A great night was had by all back at The Thatch with barbecue chef Eamon Murphy doing a great job and Edward O’Brien donating the food.

Julianne Gahan came in for great praise for the amount of work she put into organising the fundraiser.
*******
August 25 2022

Our main front page story in late August informed readers that investigations were continuing into an alleged assault on a GAA referee and his umpires during an FBD Insurance County Intermediate Hurling Championship match in July between Ballingarry and Moneygall.
According to the report it was understood that the referee, Shane Hodgins from Knockshegowna in north Tipperary, was pushed in the chest and verbally abused by Ballingarry club members, while two of his umpires were assaulted by Ballingarry club members.
In his referee’s report, Shane Hodgins stated that it was “a very hostile environment.

*******

A total of €10,490 was raised for local cancer charities by a group of 33 women from Grangemockler and its environs who all took part in the VHI Ladies Mini-Marathon in Dublin earlier this summer.
Friends and family of the late Carol Walsh from Grangemockler took part in the 10km charity run in her memory. Carol sadly passed away in August last year from cancer. She had been part of a group of friends and family who travelled to Dublin over the last number of years to take part in the marathon.
They all met up again at Lisadobber Bar and Grocery Store near Carrick-on-Suir on July 22 for a social evening and to present the proceeds of their fundraising from the marathon to Clare Shanahan of Solas Cancer Support Centre, Waterford and Lisa O’Dornan of CARE Cancer Support Centre, Clonmel. Each charity received a cheque for €5,245.
*******

Ardfinnan village’s state-of-the-art children’s playground was jointly opened by Minister for Sport, Jack Chambers, and Tipperary/Cahir/Cashel Municipal District Cathaoirleach, Cllr Micheál Anglim, at a ceremony on Friday evening, August 19
Minister Chambers (Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Sport) who is also the Government Chief Whip, joined Cllr Anglim from Ardfinnan, in cutting the ribbon to mark the playground’s opening. A plaque commemorating the occasion was unveiled by three local children Aoibhe, Emma and Gracie Kennedy.
Deputy Jackie Cahill and Cllr Roger Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, were also present at the official opening ceremony.
*******
Up-and-coming Irish tennis star Zach Murphy from Carrick-on-Suir returned to his home club in August where his love of the game was nurtured, to play an exhibition match against fellow scholarship player Dylan Breen, Waterford.
The exhibition match at Castleview was watched by Zach’s proud family, friends, club members and guests on August 13. Both players are tennis scholarship students in Florida.
After the match, Castleview LTC president Penny Eades and captain Jacinta Murphy presented both players with a cheque and spoke of what a privilege it was to see these two young stars play for them.