English

A Guide to Community Life in Co. Tipperary

Local Information Channels County Characteristics Regular Events Volunteerism Social Groups Fundraising Children Arts Community Centres Cultural Activities Heritage Older People Sport Organisations Irish Core Values

A Guide to Community Life in Co. Tipperary Steering Committee: Co. Tipperary Citizens Information Service North Tipperary Community and Voluntary Association (CAVA) South Tipperary Community & Voluntary Forum South Tipperary County Council, Community & Enterprise North Tipperary County Council, Community & Enterprise Tipperary Libraries South Tipperary Cultural Providers Group Community Representatives

Published by the Co. Tipperary Newcomer’s Guide Committee Research and Design by Co. Tipperary Information Service © Co. Tipperary Information Service (September 2009)

Members of the Steering Committee have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information contained in this booklet, “A Guide to Community Life in Co. Tipperary”. However, they can accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience suffered by any reader as a result of information or advice contained in this booklet.  Introduction Our booklet “A Newcomer’s Guide to life on our own. Some newcomers will the South East” (published in 2007) not be familiar with the concept of an introduced newcomers to aspects of ‘active community life’. Others will be everyday living, such as employment, familiar with the concept, but will find social welfare services, healthcare, its Irish manifestation very different education and accommodation. It from their home country. Whatever focused mainly on information around the case may be, this booklet tries basic necessities of life, such as to describe community life in County finding a job or place to live, availing Tipperary in a manner that makes it of public services and learning about more accessible for those who did different laws in Ireland. not grow up here. In doing so, we will With this new booklet “A Guide inadvertently touch on generalisation, to Community Life in Co. Tipperary”, stereotypes and clichés. Where we aim to introduce newcomers to this is the case, it is not meant in a various aspects of community life in judgmental way and is purely used to the villages and towns of our county. try and grasp Irish culture and its local This includes some insight into variations. cultural values and norms, but more During the course of this project it importantly information about typical became clear that not only newcomers community groups and activities. will benefit from the type of information Ultimately, it is our hope that this that is contained in this booklet, but booklet will enable newcomers also people who have lived in County – particularly those from different Tipperary for some time, if not all of cultural backgrounds – to take part in their lives. Particularly the overview activities and get involved in their new of common community organisations, communities for the benefit of all. cultural providers and recreational Many Irish people see themselves activities will be of interest to everyone. and others as an important part of the The steering committee would community they live in, and believe therefore like to invite all people in that being active in community groups the county to use the booklet and get and taking part in activities improves involved in their local communities. one’s quality of life, offers support and provides a sense of belonging. This guide has been produced by For a newcomer, getting involved can members of a steering committee contribute significantly to feeling more from various cultural and professional ‘at home’ in a host country. Many backgrounds. We acknowledge the activities and community groups offer help of every one of them, particularly opportunities to meet others, either of those members who have helped with a similar interest or from the same shape the booklet on a voluntary locality, improve English language basis. We would also like to thank skills, get answers to questions about the Co. Tipperary Newcomer’s Guide everyday living and share experiences. Committee for funding the booklet. It is true that one’s own culture and background greatly influences whether we like to be part of a group or prefer  Contents

Core Values of Irish Culture 8 Centres of Community Life 20 The Irish Language 9 Pub Culture 20 Symbols of Ireland 9 The Role of the Church 20 National Flag  9 Schools 21 National Anthem 10 The Harp 10 Resource Centres 21 The Shamrock 10 Community Facilities 22 The Celtic Cross 10 Service Centres 22 National and Public Holidays 10 St. Patrick’s Day 10 Typical Elements of Community Life 23 New Year’s Celebrations 11 Easter 11 Community Development 23 Halloween 11 Volunteerism 23 Christmas 11 Bank Holidays 12 Fundraising 24 Community Education 25 Hallmarks of Living in Co. Tipperary 13 Local Patriotism 13 Common Community Organisations 26 The ‘Premier County’ 13 Community Development Groups 26 “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” 13 Community Councils 26 Birth Place of the GAA 14 Development Associations 26 The County Colours 14 Hall/Field Committees 27 Coat of Arms 14 Community Alert 27 Other County Characteristics 14 Tidy Towns Committees 27 Administrative Division 14 Residents’ Associations 27 A Rural County 14 Parent Associations 27 Horse Breeding Industry 15 Social Groups 28 Hurling 15 Active Retirement Associations 28 Local Heritage 15 Women’s/Men’s Groups 28 Heritage Towns 16 ICA Guilds 28 The Devil’s Bit 16 Macra na Feirme 28 Foróige 28 Local Information Channels 16 Youth Clubs 29 Local Newspapers 17 Scouts 29 Local Radio Stations 17 Parent and Toddler Groups 29 Parish Newsletters 17 Notice Boards 17 Charities 29 Local Websites 17 Society of St. Vincent de Paul 29 Social Services 30 Transport in County Tipperary 18 Lions Clubs 30 Town Buses 18 Rotary Clubs 30 Long Distance Bus Services 18 Legion of Mary 30 Rail Services 18 Rural Transport Services  18 Theme-Based Groups 30 Taxis/Hackneys 19 Support Groups 31

  Sports Organisations 32 Other Recreational Activities 45 The GAA 32 Children 45 Community Games 32 Playgrounds 45 Athletics Clubs 32 Indoor Play Centres 45 Football Clubs 32 Summer Camps 45 Hillwalking 34 Other Sports 34 Physical Activity 46 Leisure Centres 46 Culturally-Orientated Organisations 34 Golf Clubs 46 Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann 34 Angling 46 Scór 35 Equestrian Facilities 46 Community Games 35 Choirs 35 Musical Societies 35 Directory 48 Drama Groups 36 Local Newspapers 48 Marching Bands 36 Bands and Musical Ensembles 36 Local Radio Stations 48 Trad Sessions 36 Rail Services 48 Irish Dancing 36 Bus Éireann 49 Book and Writers Clubs 36 Historical Societies 37 Rural Transport Services 49 Heritage Groups 37 Resource Centres 49 Vintage Clubs 37 Volunteer Centres 50 Other Popular Group Activities 38 Cards 38 Community & Voluntary Fora 50 Bingo 38 Sports Partnerships 50 Table Quizzes 38 Gaelic Athletic Association 50 Cultural Providers 39 Libraries 50 Libraries 39 Arts and Cultural Centres 51 Arts and Cultural Centres 39 Arts and Cultural Festivals 51 South Tipperary Arts Centre 39 Arts Services 52 Tipperary Excel 40 Community Leisure Centres 53 The Source 40 Nenagh Arts Centre 40 Brú Ború 41 South Tipperary County Museum 41 Local Events 41 Field Days 41 Agricultural Shows 42 Arts and Cultural Festivals 42 Arts Services 44 North Tipperary Arts Office 44 South Tipperary Arts Office 44 South Tipperary Cultural Providers 44

  Core Values of Irish Culture When coming to Ireland, newcomers as food, language, buildings, fashion will experience differences in manners, and arts to implicit norms and values), beliefs, customs, laws, language, the more comparisons you will draw art, religion, values, the concept to your own culture. This in turn will of self, family organisation, social enable you to define your own picture organisation, government, behaviour, of Irish culture. etc. All of these elements combine to It is usually the norms, values and form Ireland’s rich and unique culture. behaviour of people that seem most However, it is difficult, if not impossible, strange. When your expectations to actually define “Irish culture”. Not are not met by people in a particular only does it change rapidly, it offers situation you might feel reminded many variations. It largely depends on that you are from a different cultural the eye of the beholder how the Irish background. For example: culture is perceived. Features that are typically • If you are from a culture where attributed to Irish people include: people who do not know each other keep their distance, you • Generosity and hospitality may find it strange and perceive • Rural simplicity it as “typically Irish” that you are • Informality greeted by a stranger. • Love of literature, music and • If you are from a culture where theatre language is direct and words • Irony and a sense of humour are literal, you may wonder why based on agile wit and a sharp someone in Ireland invites your tongue opinion on the weather or enquires • Poetic tendencies how you feel today, but doesn’t • Warmth and charm pause to listen to your answer. Or • Land, church and family as social you might take the phrase “You anchors must come over some time” as an • Nationalism invitation and binding agreement, • Risk-taking, fight for beliefs, but find nobody is actually awaiting assertiveness you. • If you are from a culture that While many of these characteristics has a stringent concept of time can be linked to Ireland’s history, and values punctuality, you may they are relative. Whether you agree repeatedly find that you are the that these features are “typically only person to show up at an event Irish” depends on your own cultural in Ireland on time while everyone background as much as on your level else comes along twenty minutes of exposure to Irish culture. The more later and nobody feels the need to you engage with Irish people and apologise. the more you experience the various layers of culture (from the explicit such

  • You might wish to distance The independent Irish state yourself from fellow countrymen from 1922 launched a major push and women while in Ireland and to promote the Irish language. Irish feel annoyed that Irish people became a compulsory school subject, insist on hooking you up with a requirement to be employed in the other people they know from your Civil Service and the official working country. language of the first few presidents. • You might feel your personal Today, Irish is spoken fluently space is being invaded when only by a small percentage of the people call to your door to ask population, mainly in the so called you to vote for them or to collect Gaeltacht areas (e.g. in Connemara in money for some charity. County Galway). It also continues to exist alongside • You might be amused by a sign the English language in many official on the road that tells you to stop settings. Although it is used only for geese if they wish to cross the occasionally in political speeches, road. all legislation and publications by government have to be published Experiences such as these are in both official languages, Irish and subjective and will not be shared by English. every non-Irish person in Ireland. It Irish remains a school subject and may even be difficult for people from is also still evident in the names of the same cultural background to agree many public bodies, in dual language on a set image of Ireland and its road signs and people’s names. culture. A radio station (Raidió na There are nevertheless features Gaeltachta), a TV station (TG4) and that everybody will agree are specific newspapers in Irish (e.g. Foinse) offer to Ireland. They are part of explicit support for the language through culture and include the Irish language, the media, but despite all efforts it is national symbols and important believed that Irish is in rapid decline. holidays.

The Irish Language Symbols of Ireland National Flag The Irish language (Gaeilge) was the most commonly spoken language Ireland’s national flag is known as the on the island of Ireland until the 19th tricolour (three colours). It is based century. Its decline since then has on the French tricolour and has three been attributed to the introduction equal vertical bands of green, white under British rule of national schools, and orange. The green symbolises in which only English was taught, the older majority Gaelic tradition of and to the Great Famine (1845-49) Ireland, made up mainly of Roman in Ireland, during which a very high Catholics. The orange symbolises the number of Irish language speakers mainly Protestant minority and the died. white signifies a living together of the two cultures in peace.   National Anthem The Celtic Cross The national anthem of Ireland is The Celtic cross is a called ‘Amhrán na bhFiann’ which symbol of a cross with means ‘The Soldiers Song’. ‘Amhrán a circle surrounding na bhFiann’ was written in 1907 by the intersection of the Peadar Kearney and became very cross. The cross often popular among Irish republicans. It appears in different was not widely known until it was sung shapes, sizes, and during the Easter Rising of 1916. The in many different song became the official state anthem styles. It is said that in 1926. Saint Patrick was also the founder of the Celtic cross and that he used the The Harp ‘sun cross’ as an example to explain The harp is exclusively to pagans the importance of the cross. an emblem of the Today the Celtic cross is used for State at home and individual reasons like jewellery, T- abroad. It is always shirts and tattoos, grave markers and used by Government head stones to name a few. Versions Departments and of the Celtic cross are also used by the Offices. It also appears Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and on all Irish coins. The the Northern Ireland national football harp is engraved on the seal of office team. of the President and it is also on the flag of the President of Ireland where it appears as a gold harp with silver strings on blue. The design of the harp National and Public Holidays is based on the 14th century ‘Brian Boru Harp’ which is preserved in the St. Patrick’s Day Museum of Trinity College, Dublin. The National Holiday in Ireland is St. Patrick’s Day. It is celebrated on The Shamrock the 17th of March every year – the The shamrock is a three-leafed clover date St. Patrick is said to have died. and is a world-renowned symbol of Saint Patrick (ca. AD 385-461) is the Ireland. The shamrock was used most commonly recognised of the by Saint Patrick (the patron saint of patron saints of Ireland and is credited Ireland) to explain with bringing Christianity to Ireland. the Holy Trinity to Although secular celebrations now the pre-Christian exist, the holiday remains a religious Irish. Shamrocks are observance in Ireland, for both the said to bring good Church of Ireland and the Roman luck. Catholic Church. As well as in Dublin which is home to the St. Patrick’s Festival each year, many other Irish cities, towns and villages hold their own parades and festivals.

10 11 New Year’s Celebrations Other traditions on Halloween To celebrate the New Year in Ireland, include playing games, eating people have house parties, dinner barnbracks (a fruit bread with a ring with friends, go to black tie balls or just baked inside it) and trick or treating head down to their local pub for a few (where children dress up in scary pints. Only in some of the bigger towns costumes and go house to house are fireworks used for the New Year’s arriving home with bags of goodies). Eve celebrations. New Year’s Day Jack O’Lanterns (carved out pumpkins marks the end of the long Christmas/ with a scary face which is then lit up by New Year break with most people placing a candle inside) are possibly returning to work the next day. the most recognised symbol of Halloween. While originating in an Irish Easter legend, this tradition has been strongly influenced by American culture. Like many countries, Easter in Ireland On Halloween, many cultural is nowadays associated with Easter institutions offer events and activities holidays, chocolate Easter eggs and centred around the customs and Easter bunnies. On Good Friday, pubs legends associated with the day. are closed as a mark of respect. Some businesses also close in observance Christmas of Good Friday although this is not an official public holiday. Easter Sunday As in many other countries, Christmas is a time for family and friends to get is one of the most important holidays. together, attend mass and have a roast Irish Christmas traditions are similar to dinner. As part of the Catholic tradition, those found in many western countries: for 40 days before Easter Sunday the basic Christmas rituals, such there is period called ‘lent’ where as gift-giving, attending Mass, and people abstain from something they decorating trees, are shared by most like. Easter Monday is a Bank Holiday nations where Christmas is celebrated. in Ireland. In Ireland, the weeks before Christmas Day (25 December) and Halloween St. Stephen’s Day (26 December) are often used for parties and dinners for Halloween is said to have originated businesses, voluntary organisations in Ireland around 100 AD. Back then, and social groups. Christmas Day itself Halloween was a pagan festival is mainly celebrated quietly with family. celebrated by the Celts of Ireland who Traditional Christmas dinners in Ireland called it ‘Samhain’, an old Irish word usually consist of turkey, ham, stuffing meaning the ‘end of Summer’. They and cranberry sauce. The traditional believed that on the eve of Samhain, dessert is usually composed of mince the dead spirits would revisit the mortal pies, trifle, Christmas pudding, and world, so huge bonfires were lit to keep brandy or rum sauce. away any evil spirits. Despite its commercialisation, for Halloween is known in Gaelic as many Irish people, Christmas is still ‘Oíche Shamhna’ and is celebrated on closely linked with church traditions the 31st of October each year. Bonfires which run over 12 days until the are still a part of the celebrations beginning of the New Year. although they are now mostly illegal.

10 11 Bank Holidays On Bank Holidays (first Mondays in May, June and August and last Monday in October), most businesses and all banks are closed. The Bank Holiday was originally initiated in the United States. It now serves as a day off for workers and many Irish people plan their annual leave around these days.

12 13 Hallmarks of Living in Co. Tipperary

Local Patriotism The ‘Premier County’ County Tipperary is often referred to as Many Irish people view themselves the ‘Premier County’ and much of the and others in terms of what part of local patriotism revels in this reference. Ireland they are from. Such local The term was coined by Thomas patriotism usually finds its most Davis, Editor of The Nation newspaper vigorous expressions at county level in the 1840s as a tribute to the and in connection with sporting events, nationalistic feeling in Tipperary. He particularly Gaelic games. The love is quoted as saying “where Tipperary for and devotion to one’s county and leads, Ireland follows”. the extent to which it is displayed by This may, in fact, have been an many Irish people is often perceived adequate description a number of by newcomers as a peculiarity of Irish times throughout history when sites culture. in the county played a very prominent County Tipperary is no exception in part, for example as the epicentres of this context. In fact, some might say it wars and rebellions. In 1848, 1867 and is home to the most patriotic people in 1919 the county was at the heart of the Ireland! revolution. In earlier history, Cashel Tipperary is one of 32 counties on was home to the high kings of Munster. the island of Ireland (26 of which are As far back as the 5th century AD, the in the Republic of Ireland and six in Rock of Cashel was reputedly the site Northern Ireland). It is in the Munster of the conversion of Aenghus the King province, one of four provinces, into of Munster by St. Patrick. which Ireland is usually divided. It is named after the town of Tipperary, “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” which is located in the south-west of The famous song “It’s a long way the county. to Tipperary” is also often cited in The Irish name of Tipperary is connection with the county’s rich Thiobraid Árann which means ‘the cultural and historical heritage. It was well of Era’, referring to the river composed by Jack Judge (1872- Ara. It is the largest inland county of 1938), a fishmonger and music hall Ireland and ranks 6th in size among entertainer, in 1912 – although there is all 32 counties. It has a population of some controversy around the origin of almost 150,000. In 1838, the county the song. was divided by Government into two The song was quickly adopted by administrative areas – North Tipperary a battalion of the British Army, which and South Tipperary – which are still was made up mostly of Irishmen with managed as separate entities. The connections to Tipperary Town. The capital town of North Tipperary is soldiers taught the song to comrades Nenagh and the capital town of South and from the battlefields of France and Tipperary is Clonmel. Belgium during World War I, the fame of the song spread far and wide, and it is still known and sung today. 12 13 Birth Place of the GAA of arms is a shield bearing a central Much of the local pride in Co. Tipperary horizontal band on which heraldic is linked to Thurles as the birth place of devices of local families are displayed. the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). Even though the coat of arms of In 1884 a group of spirited Irishmen County Tipperary was among the first felt the importance of establishing to be recorded for counties in the late a national organisation to revive 17th century, it became obsolete when and nurture traditional, indigenous the county was divided into North and pastimes. Until that time all that was South Ridings in 1838. The coat of Irish was being steadily eroded by arms is now associated with South emigration, desperate poverty and Tipperary (County Council) while North outside influences. Within six months Tipperary County Council has no coat of that famous first meeting, clubs of arms. began to spring up all over Ireland and people began to play the games of Hurling and Gaelic Football and take part in Athletic events with pride. Other County Characteristics

The County Colours Administrative Division Intrinsically linked with the GAA The administrative division of County sporting events are Tipperary’s county Tipperary into North and South ridings colours of blue and gold. These are the is unique and has resulted in many colours of the kit worn by the county’s differences in terms of the economic, team in inter-county competitions. social and cultural development of both Fans attending matches often wear parts, particularly as South Tipperary replica jerseys, and wave flags and is part of the South-East and North banners in the county colours. In the Tipperary of the Shannon region. build-up to a major match, flags and North and South Tipperary are bunting are flown or hung from cars, often referred to as separate counties buildings, phone poles, and other and people living in either part tend fixtures across the county. to identify with either South or North The blue and gold flags used in Tipperary, especially in the two capital connection with sport events are not, towns Clonmel (South) and Nenagh however, officially the flag of County (North). Tipperary. A Rural County County Tipperary is generally Coat of Arms referred to as a rural county as it was Officially, the county’s traditionally mainly an agricultural only symbol is a economy. It nevertheless offers a specific coat of combination of rural and urban settings arms assigned by with unique differences in terms of the government in 1898 characteristics of communal structures to each County and the everyday life you can expect Council (with some there. exceptions). A coat

14 15 The county’s biggest towns are: at some level, be it professionally or in their spare time as horse owners, Population breeders, riders, race goers or as regular ‘punters’ (a person who Nenagh 7,400 gambles or places a bet). Thurles 6,800 Roscrea 4,900 Hurling Templemore 2,200 The strong association of County Tipperary with hurling goes back to Ballina 1,900

North Tipperary the birth of the GAA mentioned on Newport 1,300 the previous page, but is kept alive Clonmel 15,500 by a strong support for the sport by the people of County Tipperary and Carrick-on-Suir 5,900 notable achievements of the county’s Tipperary 4,400 teams. The senior Tipperary team has Cahir 3,400 won 25 All-Ireland titles and the county also tops the charts in the National Cashel 2,400 League with 19 titles. South Tipperary Fethard 1,400

The majority of people in County Local Heritage Tipperary (over 60 per cent) do, however, live in rural areas. These Scattered with an abundance of are loosely structured around parish important archaeological sites, County boundaries comprising an area that Tipperary is famed for its rich heritage. is served by a local church. Although The centre of County Tipperary parishes are a structural unit now used is known as ‘the Golden Vale’, a rich only by the church, much of community pastoral stretch of land in the basin life is still based on them signifying the of the River Suir, which crosses the role the church has traditionally played county from north to south. in Irish communities. Tipperary is bound by several mountain ranges (i.e. the Galtee, Horse Breeding Industry Knockmealdown and Slievenamon mountains) to the south and west with Among the features that are commonly a border on Lough Derg in the north associated with County Tipperary is thus offering a superb range of outdoor also its strong connection with the activities for visitors and locals alike. horse breeding industry. The county The primary historical site is that of is home to many equine businesses, the Rock of Cashel (see page 16), an most famously to Coolmore Stud, imposing Cathedral and round tower the largest thoroughbred breeding encompassing some 2,000 years of operation in the world. The equine history which was once an important industry has traditionally had a strong ecclesiastical centre and home to the influence on the economic and Kings of Munster. social fabric of the county and many Tipperarians are involved with horses

14 15 Further Information

The Heritage Council  (056) 777 0777  [email protected] www.heritagecouncil.ie/ heritage_in_your_area/tipperary/

North Tipperary Heritage Officer (North Tipperary County Council)  (067) 44587  [email protected] The Rock of Cashel South Tipperary Heritage Officer (South Tipperary County Council) Heritage Towns  (052) 6134559 Co. Tipperary is home to four  [email protected] designated heritage towns (Cashel, www.southtippheritage.ie Roscrea, Ballina and Tipperary), all of which have a unique character that offers a special feeling for the past. What also makes these towns so special is the careful way in which their Local Information Channels historical features are presented.  www.heritagetowns.com As a newcomer to County Tipperary – as with any other place in the The Devil’s Bit world – it is vital to learn about The Devil’s Bit (Barnane Éile) is a different elements of everyday life in mountain that lies to the north-west of order for you to settle into your new the town of Templemore. According to environment. Information that relates local legend, it got its name because to your immediate local vicinity or to a the Devil took a bite out of it after St. specific area of your interest is possibly Patrick banished him from a cave in most important in this regard. the mountain. There is a small gap in Depending on your own cultural the mountain between one outcrop of background you may find this type of rock (known as the Rock) and another information less accessible in Ireland small plateau. The bite the devil than perhaps expected. allegedly took made this gap. Traditionally, people in Ireland have The legend also suggests that the relied heavily on social networks for devil broke his teeth taking this bite information, such as immediate and and the Rock of Cashel fell from his extended family members, neighbours mouth to where it now stands. or fellow parishioners. Facilities such as pubs, post offices and village grocers or people of a particular standing in the community (school principal, priest, gardaí) also commonly

16 17 served as information hubs, particularly Local Radio Stations in rural settings. Word-of-mouth The local radio stations are therefore still plays an important role in Irish life and asking people is still good • Tipp FM (95.3/ 97.1/ 97.6 or 103.9 advice today for anyone who wants to fm) and find out information about a place. • Tipperary Mid West Community You may also find, the more Radio (104.8 fm). people you meet – e.g. through work, community events or groups, school, church, etc. – the more information you Parish Newsletters will have on what is going on in your Many parishes circulate weekly or area. monthly parish newsletters which In addition to using local people are either delivered to households or and networks as a source of available for free in designated outlets. information, a range of formal and Parish newsletters often contain a mix informal information channels are of information for church goers as well available that publicise local matters as general information for all people of importance, news, activities and in the community. You should find events. out which parish you live in and ask the local priest how you might obtain Local Newspapers the newsletter even if you are not a member of the church. There is a range of local newspapers in County Tipperary, which are typically published on a weekly basis and can Notice Boards be obtained in newsagents, grocery Many smaller shops, larger shops, supermarkets and a number of supermarkets and all of the libraries other outlets. They include: have notice boards, which are often a great source of information, from • The Nationalist (mainly South events that take place in your vicinity to Tipperary) services that are offered in your area. • Its counterpart The Tipperary Star (mainly North Tipperary) Local Websites • South Tipp Today (a free paper that is distributed to households in Many rural villages and smaller towns the towns in South Tipperary) have their own websites, which – if • The Nenagh Guardian (North updated regularly – can be very useful Tipperary) and in keeping informed. In addition, there • The Midland Tribune (a Co. Offaly are websites by individual community, paper that is circulated also in service and cultural centres. The North Tipperary). websites  www.whatsonintipp.ie and  www.northtipperaryarts.org offer These newspapers are available to listings of cultural events, such as read for free in the libraries. Many festivals, theatre, dance, music, of the papers contain ‘local notes’ or exhibitions, crafts, literature, heritage ‘community news’ sections in which and workshops. news relating to rural communities is published.

16 17 Transport in County Tipperary Rail Services Rail services in County Tipperary Once you are equipped with sufficient connect the major towns. Thurles and information about the locality you live in Limerick Junction are the main rail (who is who, what is where, and what hubs in the county with direct services is going on that might be of interest to Cork and Dublin. to you) and you have become used Other stations include Carrick- to some of the cultural differences on-Suir, Clonmel, Cahir, Tipperary, between life in Tipperary and your Roscrea, Cloughjordan, Nenagh, home place, you may still face an Birdhill and Templemore. Services obstacle in actively participating in offered at these stations connect to the community life and cultural activities: north/south and east/west routes. namely transport. www.irishrail.ie The best way to travel longer  distances (particularly outside of the towns) is admittedly by car. Walking Rural Transport Services and cycling are, of course, healthy Ring-a-Link is a flexible minibus alternatives for shorter distances, but service that operates in South you should take special precautions Tipperary. You can travel to your local such as wearing high-visibility vests village or town or link on to a mainline outside of towns. If you do not have bus or train service, provided you have access to a car and you have to travel pre-booked your trip (for registered longer distances, there are a number customers by at least 1 hour) and your of alternatives: points of departure/destination are within the serviced zones. Town Buses Similar services are offered in Town bus services operate in North Tipperary by the Borrisokane some of the bigger towns in County Rural Transport Initiative (connecting Tipperary. These may not always outlying areas with Birr, Nenagh be very obvious. Typically, the town and Roscrea) and the Kilcommon/ bus services are operated by private Upperchurch Rural Transport businesses and you are best advised Initiative (connecting the parishes of to enquire from the local town council Kilcommon, Upperchurch/Drombane, which company operates the service Clonoulty/Rossmore, Holycross and in your town. You can then contact Templederry to the local towns). the operator to find out about routes, timetables and fares.

Long Distance Bus Services Public bus services outside of towns are operated by the public bus transport service Bus Éireann, but private operators also offer services on a range of routes.  www.buseireann.ie

18 19 Further Information

Ring-a-Link  1890 42 41 41  [email protected] www.ringalink.ie

North Tipperary Rural Transport (North Tipperary LEADER Partnership)  (0504) 54555 — Kilcommon/ Upperchurch  (067) 27088 — Borrisokane  [email protected]

Taxis/Hackneys Taxis or hackneys are available in most towns in County Tipperary. While taxis are allowed to pick up passengers at a rank or on the street, you cannot hail a hackney – it can only be pre-booked on a private hire basis. There is no regulatory control over hackney fares, so hackneys don’t have taximeters and you have to agree the fare before the journey begins. Hackneys can be recognised by a yellow bumper plate. Taxis display a taxi sign and must have fitted metres that calculate the costs as you go. To locate taxi and hackney services near you, go to  www.goldenpages.ie.

18 19 Centres of Community Life

Community life in Ireland is traditionally County Tipperary are meeting places linked with various centres of activity, for formal and informal groupings and among them pubs, churches and activities and it may be worth while to schools. In rural areas, these centres enquire about these. tend to retain a more central role than in towns where a range of service centres and dedicated facilities are available to take up some of the The Role of the Church functions associated with the more traditional centres. The Church, particularly the Catholic Church, has traditionally been a source Pub Culture of social and moral authority in Ireland. Although this has changed dramatically in recent years, it still has an important For many, Ireland is synonymous with place in many Irish communities. By pubs. Until the mid-twentieth century emphasising social values as well pubs performed many economic and as religious faith through religious social functions, from locations for practice, it continues to contribute to a trade and commerce, to transportation unique sense of community in Ireland nodes, to bases for political and both formally and informally. community-based organisations. In many areas, the Church has In more recent times most of a key role in developing community these ancillary activities have been facilities and events in terms of transferred to other specialised communal recreation and charitable entities, while pubs have increasingly activities. While there is now a strict been incorporated into the broader separation of Church and State, the leisure and tourism industries. In rural Irish government acknowledges the areas, more so than perhaps in urban contribution of the Church (amongst, centres, the pub remains a central for example, sporting organisations) to focal point of community life. building a sense of community at the The close link of pubs with drinking local level. as an Irish social problem has been at Even if you are not religious, it is the centre of public debate in Ireland important that you understand the link in recent years and some argue between the Church and community that particularly recent changes in life in Ireland as it finds its expression legislation (e.g. introduction of the in many forms and in many places smoking ban, stricter laws on drink that may be misunderstood or missed driving, changes in opening hours, otherwise. etc.) are a threat to the pub culture. People from countries in which While the role of the pub in Irish secular and spiritual entities have communities is subject to much traditionally co-existed without debate, it can be safely said that it noticeable interaction might even feel remains a site of social interaction. uncomfortable with the role of the Many pubs in the towns and villages of 20 21 Resource Centres

Resource Centres have been an important part of community development in Ireland since the 1970s. The activities of resource centres vary greatly, but typically centres have a role in: • Co-ordinating community groups in an area • Developing a partnership between Church particularly in rural areas or state agencies and voluntary might feel excluded in some way or groups in an area other. • Providing services (either practical services, such as photocopying and secretarial services; information and advice services or Schools specific social services that benefit the community, such as childcare, Primary and secondary schools in meals for the elderly, support Ireland also play an important role in groups etc.) communities. Enrolling a child in school • Offering meeting spaces and is sometimes the first opportunity for facilities for members of the newcomers to meet other parents or community become involved in community events and activities. Parent Associations, Some centres put an emphasis which exist in all schools, are also an on providing community space, ideal source of information and advice others offer specific activities for in relation to school matters, activities individuals and groups to enable and customs. them to assert control over their The role of primary schools is lives and participate in decisions that particularly important in rural areas affect their lives. Some centres call and is rooted in the conviction that the themselves ‘Community Resource primary school represents much more Centre’ (CRC), others call themselves than a collection of classrooms. The ‘Family Resource Centre’ (FRC) or just school is part of the parish, the anchor ‘Resource Centre’, depending on their of rural communities. The school is a aims, objectives and funders. focal point of the community, and it is In addition to Resource Centres, the community that gives identity. The there are Community Development school and the parish are cornerstones Projects (CDPs) which provide on which sporting activities, such as support particularly to poor, vulnerable the GAA network is built. or disadvantaged people in the There is also a belief that children communities. A list of resource centres who go to school in the local area have and community development projects a pride in the local community which in County Tipperary is included at the can then be cultivated. back of this guide.

20 21 Community Facilities In general it is good advice to approach relevant contact people for The term ‘community facilities’ typically community facilities as they will be able refers to any buildings or structures to give you information on the range that are publicly owned, either by the of activities that take place and on the community (by a specific community availability of these facilities for your organisation or through local trustees) own personal use. or by local authorities/the state, and that are available for use by the Further Information community. There is now a tendency to provide multipurpose facilities, i.e. South Tipperary County Council buildings that accommodate general Community & Enterprise Section community use (such as a neutral  (052) 6134455 meeting space, facilities for catering),  [email protected] as well as meeting the necessary requirements for sports and arts use. North Tipperary County Council Community facilities can be found Community & Enterprise Section in almost any location in County  (067) 44859 Tipperary. The majority of villages  [email protected] in the county have a community hall (sometimes also called ‘parish hall’ or ‘community centre’) and some form of an outdoor sports field or playing pitch. Community houses are increasingly Service Centres set up in urban centres, but can also be found in villages that do not have There is a range of service centres a hall. These are houses typically run by state or voluntary organisations provided by the local authorities in that offer activities and/or space for housing estates, which are designated community activities on a regular for community use and are capable of basis. These would include libraries, accommodating community activities arts centres, cultural centres, local such as meetings, youth groups and enterprise centres, education centres, other forms of group based activities. museums and leisure centres to name Most towns have special youth centres but a few. They are typically located in that offer space and activities for young the towns and some of their activities people. will be covered in a separate chapter Indoor community-owned sports on ‘Cultural Providers’. facilities have been built in some of the county’s towns, but are less commonly found in the rural areas, where sports activities typically take place in the community halls. The most commonly found outdoor sports facilities (besides playing fields) include basketball courts, tennis courts and handball alleys.

22 23 Typical Elements of Community Life

Community Development Volunteerism

Community development has quite a Volunteerism (or: volunteering) is at long history in Ireland and its evolution the heart of community life in Ireland. over time has seen it emerge as a Giving up time on a voluntary basis to mainstream activity in redressing help others and build community spirit contemporary socio-economic has been a long-standing tradition. In problems such as poverty. fact, a large number of social services It can be described as a structured and supports for vulnerable groups intervention (typically by trained of the population heavily rely on professionals, such as community volunteers. workers) that gives communities Many services that are provided greater control over the conditions that by the state in other countries are affect their lives. – although often subsidised by the Irish This does not solve all the government – managed and delivered problems faced by a local community, in Irish communities with a huge but it does build up confidence to element of volunteerism. tackle such problems as effectively Recent fears of a decline in as any local action can. Community volunteering have sparked a public development works at the level of local debate about the necessity for, and groups and organisations rather than centrality of, voluntary activity in Irish with individuals or families. society. Community development in Ireland The motivation of Irish people to is highly subsidised and supported by volunteer is often rooted in a wish to government, particularly where it works help others, make a difference, or a with socially excluded groups. The aim strong believe in a particular cause. is to enable individuals and groups to Volunteering is seen as a identify their own development needs commitment of time and energy and work with state agencies and (without payment) for the benefit of others involved in local development society, local communities, individuals initiatives. outside the immediate family, the A large amount of community environment or other causes. It covers development work is channelled many different activities, for example: through the community resource visiting an elderly or sick neighbour, centres, family resource centres and giving blood, doing a sponsored walk, youth centres. It is almost exclusively getting involved in a local sport, youth carried out by the community and or other club, assisting a charity with voluntary sector, i.e. by voluntary its finances or administration, helping organisations that work locally. someone to read and write, planting trees, etc.

22 23 Some people volunteer a few often involves the donation of money times a year when they have a spare as an out-right gift, money may also day, whereas others give a regular be generated by selling a product of commitment of several hours per some kind, for example key rings, week. calendars with a local theme or baked In South Tipperary, a service goods (cake sale) or by providing a exists that supports voluntary groups service, for example packing your bags in recruiting new volunteers and vice at the supermarket. Local lotteries are versa helps potential volunteers to find another way for communities to raise suitable volunteering opportunities. funds to sustain services or to build or The South Tipperary Volunteer Centre improve community facilities. is part of a network of volunteer Often, representatives of centres in Ireland and is a good point community organisations and charities of contact, if you want to get involved will approach you in public spaces to in your community on a regular or ask for donations. Many organisations once-off basis. will give you a sticker in return for your  www.volunteer.ie donation, which you should put on your jacket or bag in order to make it visible Further Information for other collectors that you have already made a donation. Door-to-door South Tipperary Volunteer Centre calls are more common in rural areas.  (052) 6187342 Raffle tickets (tickets for a draw  [email protected] at a designated event, where you www.volunteersouthtipp.ie can win a prize) and sponsorship cards are also very popular in Ireland. Sponsorship cards work on the basis that the holder of the card commits to a particular activity in the Fundraising immediate future (e.g. a long walk, running a marathon, completing a Fundraising is a very important part of parachute jump or sometimes making volunteerism in local communities. It a sacrifice such as shaving their hair). is essentially the gathering of money By giving the person a donation, you or gifts in kind in the form of donations are demonstrating support for the from the public, businesses, charitable person in their venture. The money foundations or governmental agencies. collected is passed on to the charity Fundraising can take many forms, or organisation the person supports. some of which may be unusual, Usually, sponsorship card holders unexpected or difficult to understand will only approach people they know for newcomers. or people who live in their immediate The raising of funds through vicinity. special events is particularly popular There are in local communities. These range countless ways of from formal dinners, table quizzes and fundraising that are benefit concerts to sponsored walks. used by community Events are used to increase visibility and voluntary and support for an organisation as well organisations. As as raising funds. While fundraising 24 25 a newcomer you may not only be surprised by the creativity displayed by some Irish fundraising campaigns, but also by the types of organisations and institutions for which money is raised. One of the most controversial topics in Ireland in this regard is the need for schools, particularly primary schools, to raise funds. You may also encounter requests for donations for services in Ireland that are perhaps fully funded by the state in your home country. If you are unsure whether a person is a genuine representative of a charitable or local community organisation you should ask for identification. If you are in doubt, you should not make a donation.

Community Education

Community education refers to adult education and learning outside the formal education sector which aims to enhance learning, empower people and contribute to society. It is therefore a learning process which benefits the individual and their community. This flexible education and learning is typically initiated by the community (i.e. by a specific community group or through a community development project) and takes place within the local community. Community education courses might be offered through women’s groups, disability groups, Active Retirement groups and local development groups. They typically run for 6-10 weeks and can include personal development topics, health- or fitness related programmes or theme-based topics.  www.tippsouthvec.ie www.tippnorthvec.ie 24 25 Common Community Organisations

This chapter introduces a wide range onus is usually on you to follow up and of common community organisations in make contact with the group at regular County Tipperary and explains typical intervals (this may not always be said aims and activities. While some are to you). rather self-explanatory, others are distinctly Irish (in name and nature). The majority of groups can look back at a long tradition as a part of Community Development community life in the county. Groups Many of the groups and organisations listed here are part of Community Councils a national structure or association Community Councils are voluntary, that governs them, which does not typically elected committees that aim to compromise the local character of involve all members of the community these groups. Not all of the groups in identifying their local needs and exist in all locations in County taking action to resolve them. In short, Tipperary. the aim of community councils is to Some of the groups require the create better places to live in. Often payment of an annual (or once-off) times, Community Councils are made membership fee, while others have no up of representatives from other cost element. community organisations in an attempt Where demand for membership to accurately represent community is very high and a group’s capacity activities in an area. is restricted (or the size of the group is limited by nature, such as in some  www.muintir.ie types of sport) groups might have waiting lists in operation. Development Associations Most groups are governed Development Associations are very by elected officers (Chairperson, similar to community councils, but Secretary, Public Relations Officer usually aim to address a specific [PRO] and Treasurer) who are often need in an area. This could be to good persons to contact for information promote their community (e.g. as about a group. a tourist attraction), enhance the In any case, if you are interested quality of life of residents, protect in joining a group, you should always the environment, or promote their make personal contact with a member unique heritage and culture. They or with one of the officers of the tend to work in partnership with the group to enquire about membership community, voluntary groups, schools details including any costs and the and agencies to maximise the benefits contribution (time, voluntary effort, etc.) for community members, rather than that might be expected of members. representing the community as a If you or a member of your family whole. has been put on a waiting list, the

26 27 Hall/Field Committees Government that rates villages and Hall or Field Committees are voluntary towns on all aspects of their local committees that are concerned with environment and awards prizes to the the upkeep and management and best under many different categories. maintenance of a community facility,  www.tidytowns.ie such as a Community Hall or a Community Field. They would typically be involved in raising funds to maintain Residents’ Associations and/or renovate a community facility, Residents’ Associations are look after security aspects including committees made up of residents insurance, administer bookings and in a specific housing estate or area monitor the use of the relevant facility. that concern themselves with issues that affect all residents. This could Community Alert/Neighbourhood include maintenance work (such Watch as grass cutting) or the provision Community Alert and Neighbourhood or maintenance of facilities and Watch groups aim to address safety amenities (car parking, street lighting, and security issues in a community. playgrounds, etc.). Other residents’ They work together with An Garda associations are simply set up to Síochána to reduce crime or anti-social develop a sense of community, behaviour in an area (for example by for example by organising events raising awareness of a local issue), or activities or to overcome social increase the safety, particularly of problems. older people in their homes or tackle  www.myresidents.ie road safety issues. Community Alert groups operate in rural areas while Parent Associations Neighbourhood Watch groups operate Parent Associations are made up of in towns and cities. the parents of students in a school.  www.muintir.ie Membership of that association is usually open to all parents of Tidy Towns Committees students of that school. The parent Tidy Towns Committees are typically association in a school works with made up of volunteers that have a the principal, staff and board of keen interest in gardening, horticulture, management to build an effective the environment and heritage. These partnership between home and school groups try to improve their local and to promote the interests of the environment and make their area a students. Parent associations are better place to live, work and visit. often involved in raising funds for a Usual projects include clean-ups, school and organising social events or landscaping, setting up or maintaining extracurricular activities for students natural amenities, improving and their parents. architectural features in town/village  www.npc.ie centres or carrying out restoration and www.npcpp.ie conservation works. Since the 1950s, groups take part in an annual competition run by the 26 27 Social Groups of interest to most women (health, education, cooking, fashion, beauty). Active Retirement Associations ICA meetings often include guest The philosophy of Active Retirement speakers. Associations and Senior Citizens  www.ica.ie Clubs is based on the principle that older people do things for themselves. Macra na Feirme These groups aim to help older people Macra na Feirme (Irish for ‘elite of lead a full, happy and healthy life by the land’) is a voluntary organisation offering organised opportunities for a for young people between the ages wide range of activities. of 17 and 35 in rural areas that aims By enabling older people in to promote agricultural and rural local communities to get involved in development. something that they like, they can Local clubs engage in six key foster new friendships, learn new skills, areas of activity: agriculture, sports, stay physically active and find support. travel, public speaking, community  www.fara.ie involvement and performing arts. They put their main emphasis on the Women’s/Men’s Groups personal development of members, Women’s Groups (sometimes also on social interaction and participation. called ‘Ladies Clubs’) or Men’s Groups There are over 300 Macra clubs in are primarily social groups with a Ireland. gender focus. They commonly aim  www.macra.ie to empower and support women (or men) of all ages, cultures and beliefs Foróige in a creative, social, safe and fun environment. Foróige Clubs (Irish for ‘development Regular meetings are usually of youth’) are groups made up of complemented by information young people from a local community. sessions and social, educational They enable young people to and sports activities in order to get experience democracy by electing their people socialising and communicating. own club committee and managing and Some groups have a charitable role operating the club in co-operation with and engage in fundraising for their adult leaders. community or supporting people in Foróige clubs normally consist of need. less than 30 young people, aged 12-18 years, and voluntary adult leaders. Clubs usually hold formal meetings ICA Guilds where members make decisions ICA stands for Irish Countrywomen’s concerning the club. They also offer Association, the largest women’s activities based on Foróige’s education organisation in Ireland. programmes and recreational activities Local ICA Guilds, as they are such as sports and games. called, offer activities that range from artistic and cultural to educational  www.foroige.ie programmes or might involve physical activity and discussions on topics 28 29 Parent and Toddler Groups Parent and toddler groups operate in many communities to allow very young children and their parents to meet and socialise. They also provide informal support to children, their parents, grandparents and childminders and are Youth Clubs an important source of social contact especially for new parents and families Youth clubs are also run by regional new to an area. youth services (e.g. Tipperary In some areas, you can find Mother Regional Youth Service [TRYS]) or and Baby Groups which are intended in conjunction with resource centres. especially for new mothers. Similar to the Foroíge clubs, they are local groups for young people, usually aged between 12 and 18 years, with a number of adult leaders that offer Charities and Groups that recreational and educational activities. Support People in Need  www.trys.ie Charities and voluntary groups that Scouts support people in need have a long Scouting Ireland is a youth based tradition in Ireland. In fact, over association that is affiliated to the time it has created an entire service World Organisation of the Scout sector that is almost entirely based Movement. Local Scout groups (called on voluntary effort. Today, many of divisions) aim to support young people the organisations provide services in their physical, mental and spiritual in tandem with professional staff, development, so that they may play but still offer unique opportunities for constructive roles in society. The volunteering in a community. movement employs the Scout method, a program of informal education Society of St. Vincent de Paul with an emphasis on practical The Society of St. Vincent de Paul outdoor activities, including camping, is the largest, voluntary, charitable woodcraft, hiking, backpacking, and organisation in Ireland. It has several sports. local branches in County Tipperary. Another characteristic is the Scout St. Vincent de Paul works for social uniform, which aims to overcome all justice and gives practical support to differences of social standing. The core those experiencing poverty and social scout programme is aimed at young exclusion, by providing a wide range of people aged 12 years and over, while services to people in need. younger children are accommodated www.svp.ie in groups called ‘beavers’ (for children  aged 6-8 years) and ‘cubs’ (8-11 years).  www.scouts.ie 28 29 Social Services Legion of Mary Area or community-based social The Legion of Mary is a Catholic services also belong in the category of association that was founded in Dublin voluntary groups that aim to respond in 1921. Members serve the Church to the needs of vulnerable people in on a voluntary basis. The Legion the community. In these organisations sees as its priority the spiritual and volunteers often provide direct social welfare of each individual. The assistance to individuals and offer members participate in the life of the specific services that might include parish through visitation of families, meals-on-wheels, accommodation for the sick, both in their homes and in homeless people or transport for older hospitals and through collaboration people. in every apostolic and missionary undertaking sponsored by the parish. Lions Clubs  www.legion-of-mary.ie Lions Clubs are part of an international organisation that was founded in the United States of America in 1917. They were introduced in Ireland in 1955 and Theme-Based Groups there are now over 100 clubs here. Members volunteer their time to There are a number of agriculturally humanitarian causes in their local and nature-orientated clubs and communities, e.g. to help people in groupings in Co. Tipperary, such as: need. This is done through various projects, which might include taking • Ploughing Associations older, lonely people on holiday,  www.npa.ie supporting people with a particular • Garden and Flower Clubs health problem or involving young  www.garden.ie people in charitable work. • Horticultural Societies  www.lionsclubs.ie  www.rhsie.ie • Allotment Groups Rotary Clubs  www.irishallotments.net There are also a number of Rotary • Beekeepers Associations Clubs in the county. Their stated  www.irishbeekeeping.ie aim is to bring together business • Birdwatch and professional leaders to provide www.birdwatchireland.ie humanitarian service, encourage high  ethical standards in all vocations, and • Country Market Groups help build goodwill and peace in the  www.bordbia.ie and world. Members usually meet weekly • Agricultural Show Societies for breakfast, lunch or dinner, which is  www.irishshowsassociation.ie. a social event as well as an opportunity to organise work on their service goals. The largest animal welfare groups in  www.district1160.org Ireland include the • Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA)  www.ispca.ie and the 30 31 • Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind circumstances (often times in relation  www.guidedogs.ie. to a health concern) provide emotional or practical help to each other. There is also a network of voluntary In most cases, the groups are animal rescue centres that offer facilitated by professionals or group opportunities for volunteering. leaders that have obtained special qualifications in running support The most common organisations groups. The availability of local support concerned with safety and security groups very much depends on demand issues (apart from Community Alert and on the availability of persons to and Neighbourhood Watch) are facilitate them. Some of the support groups that can be found in County • The Order of Malta Tipperary include:  www.orderofmalta.ie • The Red Cross • Alcoholics Anonymous (for men www.redcross.ie and women who share their  experience, strength and hope • The Civil Defence with each other that they may www.civildefence.ie  solve their common problem • Mountain Rescue and help others to recover from  www.mountainrescue.ie and alcoholism) • River Rescue  www.al-anon-ireland.org  www.civildefence.ie • Aware (for people affected by depression either as sufferers or Finally, a number of organisations as family members and friends) foster hunting (  www.hai.ie or www.  www.aware.ie nargc.ie) and coursing ( www.  • Grow (for people who have irishcoursingclub.ie) traditions in Ireland. suffered or are suffering from Hunting with hounds is a popular mental health problems) tradition in Ireland that goes back to www.grow.ie ancient times and features strongly in  Celtic literature and legend. • Rainbows (for young people who Coursing is the pursuit of game are suffering due to death or (typically a hare) by dogs (typically separation) greyhounds). It was a common hunting  www.rainbowsireland.com technique and is now practised as a popular sport in Ireland. Both hunting There are also support groups for and coursing are met with some bereaved people (including those controversy by Irish society today. affected by suicide and parents who lost a child), parents of children with disabilities (e.g. Autism and ADHD), sufferers of a specific health condition Support Groups (e.g. Alzheimer’s Disease, Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, etc.), people who Support groups are more likely to be parent alone, carers, breastfeeding found in urban areas. They operate mothers and women who have on a peer support basis, where people suffered from domestic violence to from similar backgrounds and living name but a few. 30 31 Further Information Community Games Clubs and activities associated with To find out more about support Community Games are very popular groups in your area, you should in County Tipperary as elsewhere either contact your GP, check the in the country. Community Games local information channels (see are a programme by the national p. 16) or search the internet. The health service HSE that provides majority of support groups are opportunities for children and young facilitated by national or regional people (aged 6-16) to experience a organisations. wide range of sporting and cultural activities. The programme includes activities and competitions in volleyball, table tennis, swimming, soccer, various Sports Organisations athletic events, skittles and rugby to name but a few, but it will depend on the size of local groups and demand, The GAA which sports are provided. GAA stands for Gaelic Athletic www.communitygames.ie Association (Irish: Cumann Lúthchleas  Gael). The GAA is the national Athletics Clubs organisation for the Irish sports of hurling, Gaelic football, and handball. Athletics Clubs usually cater for It was founded in 1884 to revive and various athletic sports and for different nurture these traditional, indigenous age groups, depending on the local pastimes. demand. This might include running There are over 2,500 local GAA events (sprints, middle- and long Clubs in Ireland. Each county has their distance running, hurdle) high jump, own club competitions. Winners in long jump, shots, discus and hammer. each county go forward to provincial Athletics Clubs are usually affiliated to and all-Ireland championships. Clubs the national association called Athletics are generally based in a specific Ireland. In some areas athletics clubs geographic area (usually a parish), are coupled with football clubs to form and draw their players from that area. AFC’s. They usually have one or more teams  www.athleticsireland.ie at various levels. Most clubs will have both hurling and football teams, but Football Clubs some clubs will concentrate exclusively Football Clubs are soccer clubs, most on one or other of the two Gaelic of which are affiliated to the Football Games. There are also inter-county Association of Ireland (FAI). Football teams which are selected from the is played in every corner of County best players from the clubs in every Tipperary and there is a club and a county. If you or your children want to league within reach of every potential get involved in hurling, Gaelic football, participant. Ladies Gaelic football or handball, you Schoolboy clubs are affiliated to have to apply for membership to a the Schoolboy Football Association local club. A membership fee applies. of Ireland and cater for all ages  www.tipperary.gaa.ie from U16 (under 16 years of age) 32 33 Gaelic Sports Handball involves two or four Hurling is an Irish game of Celtic players and is similar to squash origin that is similar to hockey without the rackets. It is played and dates back to 400 AD. It is in indoor or outdoor “alleys” of Europe’s oldest field game. It is varying sizes. The object of the played with an ash stick called a game is to strike the tiny ball (less hurley (Irish: camán) and a hard than 6 cm in diameter) against leather ball called a sliotar that the wall(s) in the hope that this is similar in size to a hockey ball will place it where it cannot be but has raised ridges. Hurling is reached by the opponent. The played by two teams of 15 players ball is struck with the palm of the each on a pitch with goalposts hand or sometimes with a closed that are the same shape as on a fist. When a player has 21 points, rugby pitch. Players may strike they have won the game, and the ball on the ground, or in the the player who is first to win two air. Unlike hockey, players may games is declared the winner of pick up the ball with their hurley the match. and carry it for not more than Ladies Gaelic Football is four steps in the hand. To score, very similar to the male form the ball has to be put over the of Gaelic football, where two crossbar with the hurley or under teams of 15 players kick or the crossbar and into the net by punch a round ball towards goals the hurley for a goal. at either end of a grass pitch. Gaelic Football is a form of There are small variations in football played mainly in Ireland. the rules and the game is less It can be described as a mixture physical: all deliberate bodily of soccer and rugby. It is played contact is forbidden except by teams of 15 players on a pitch when ‘shadowing’ an opponent, with goalposts which are the competing to catch the ball, same shape as on a rugby pitch. or blocking the delivery of the The ball used in Gaelic Football ball. The sport is coordinated is round and slightly smaller than by the Ladies Gaelic Football a soccer ball. It can be carried Association of Ireland (Irish: in the hand for a distance of Cumann Peil Gael na mBan), not four steps and can be kicked or the GAA. ‘hand-passed’. To score, the ball Camogie is the woman’s variant has to be put over the goalpost’s of Hurling. There are small crossbar by foot or hand/fist for variations in the rules and the one point or under the crossbar stick used in camogie is shorter and into the net by foot or (Irish: camóg). The sport is hand/fist in certain circumstances coordinated by the Camogie for a goal, the latter being the Association of Ireland (Irish: equivalent of three points. Cumann Camógaíochta na nGael), not the GAA.

32 33 down. Youth leagues bridge the gap angling, tennis, basketball, cycling, between schoolboy and adult football. boxing, martial arts, badminton, and 37 leagues provide football for adult golf (although the latter is not typically players at junior and intermediate level. community-based, but associated with Lastly the League of Ireland caters a golf course). for the elite player with four divisions, If you are interested in a particular Premier, First, A championship and sport, it is good advice to either contact U20. the national organisation associated There are also a number of with the sport or contact the local women’s leagues which are affiliated sports partnership and enquire about to the Women’s Football Association the availability of local groups and their of Ireland. Some football clubs are contact details. coupled with athletic clubs to form AFC’s or with rugby to form RFC’s. Further Information  www.fai.ie South Tipperary Sports Partnership Hillwalking  (062) 64737  Hillwalking is a particularly popular [email protected] activity in County Tipperary. This is no www.stsp.ie surprise as the county is surrounded North Tipperary Sports Partnership by mountain ranges, such as the  (067) 43604 Galtee Mountains, the Knockmealdown  [email protected] Mountains, and the Slievenamon www.ntsp.ie Mountains. There are a number of walking clubs. These clubs offer regular walks and tend to cater for different categories of experience among all Culturally-Orientated age groups. Organisations There are also festivals that celebrate hillwalking: e.g. the annual Local arts and cultural groups that Upperchurch Walking Weekend in keep alive traditions, teach people art, November and the Glen of Aherlow music or dancing skills and celebrate Walking Festival in May/June of each the communal element of typical “Irish” year. These festivals offer a variety of art forms are one of the backbones guided walks showcasing the natural of Ireland’s distinct cultural wealth environment of the mountains, lakes, and heritage. At local level, choirs, rivers, forestry and sites of historical musical societies, dancing groups and and cultural significance in their area. musicians are equally as important as  www.mountaineering.ie all other community-building activities.

Other Sports Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann There is an endless number of other Established in the 1950s, Comhaltas local sports clubs in County Tipperary. Ceoltóirí Éireann is the largest Popular sports outside of Gaelic group involved in the preservation games, athletics and soccer include and promotion of Irish traditional 34 35 music. It is a cultural movement with hundreds of local branches – 14 of which are located in County Tipperary – that are involved in teaching Irish music, dance and language classes, organising traditional music sessions and promoting Irish traditional culture through media, organised events and networking.  www.comhaltas.ie

Scór societies. Many choirs are an integral Scór is a programme within the GAA, part of religious worship and local which actively supports the Irish churches tend to have their own junior language, traditional Irish dancing, (for young people) or senior (for adults) music, song and other aspects of choir. Irish culture. It is divided into two But there are also a large number sections: Scór na nÓg caters for the of independent, locally-based choirs younger GAA members while Scór that contribute to the choral scene. Sinsear caters for adult members. Scór In recent years, Gospel choirs with a essentially consists of competitions more multicultural focus have become that commence in each county with very popular and can now be found in clubs competing to represent their most of the towns in County Tipperary county in one of the many different alongside more traditional male, events, which include dancing, singing, female or unisex choirs for various age recitation/storytelling and playing of groups. musical instruments. Musical Societies Community Games Musical societies are also very Similar to the GAA’s Scór programme, popular in Ireland. They aim to provide the HSE Community Games (see also quality musical theatre entertainment p. 32) combines sporting and cultural by staging amateur music theatre activities. Their list of activities and productions in their locality. competitions includes for example Musical societies are an ideal talent competitions, model making, opportunity for people to use their choir and art. talents in all aspects of music theatre, including singing, dancing and Choirs directing, but also stage building, make-up and costume design. The Choirs are an important part of the Irish Association of Irish Musical Societies cultural scene. Most choral singers (AIMS) – the umbrella organisation for would agree that singing together over 130 musical societies in Ireland is fun, gives a greater sense of – estimates that around 14,000 people confidence and well-being, provides a are directly involved with musical positive opportunity for self-expression theatre. and is a great social outlet. There is a large variety of choirs and choral  www.aims.ie 34 35 so-called ‘battles of the bands’ – locally Drama Groups organised talent/music competitions Locally-based amateur drama groups among bands that typically take place offer opportunities for people of all in a pub and are open to all amateur ages to express themselves through bands. theatre. The aim of such groups is often to develop and foster an interest Trad Sessions in theatre throughout their locality, both Individual musicians will find among their members and audiences. opportunities to join forces with Similar to musical societies, drama other musicians in spontaneous groups prepare and stage regular or scheduled trad sessions. They productions which can be part of are informal gatherings of amateur charitable fundraising campaigns. musicians in a local pub that celebrate traditional Irish music. In some cases, Marching Bands pub owners will hire one or two Marching bands consist of a mix of musicians with the option of other instrumental musicians, dance teams musicians joining spontaneously. The and colour guards. They tend to repertoire is typically comprised of perform outdoors, are characterised by traditional, popular pieces of music and a specific uniform and are an integral depends largely on improvisations. part of the parades that are common in Ireland on occasions such as St. Irish Dancing Patrick’s Day and Christmas. Irish dancing is divided into social Majorettes are part of the marching dancing and performance dancing. band tradition and often make up the Both adhere to strict routines and dance element in parades. They are guidelines. At community level, it is groups of girls or women performing more likely to encounter social dance choreographed dances or marches groups, which are referred to as céilí that involve baton twirling and rhythmic dance or set dancing groups. gymnastics. Céilí and set dancing groups are part of a living tradition that can be Bands and Musical Ensembles quite competitive. Newcomers to Irish Ireland also offers a rich tradition of dancing may benefit from Irish dance local bands and musical ensembles classes to familiarise themselves with that is irrevocably linked to the pub the traditional elements of the dance culture. Although bands and musical form before joining a social dancing ensembles are usually formed on group. Most towns have their own an informal level within the ‘music schools of dance, which hold classes scene’, there are a number of distinct in Irish dancing. performance outlets for them in Ireland apart from pub gigs, among Book and Writers Clubs them a strong tradition of hiring live Book lovers may wish to join one of bands for family functions (particularly the many local book clubs available in weddings), gala events, dances and County Tipperary. These can be found festivals. in most libraries and are always open The more popular events include to new members.

36 37 At book clubs, members read a Vintage Clubs designated book and meet once a Vintage clubs take an interest in older month in the library to discuss it. vehicles. Apart from sharing their In addition to the libraries’ book hobby – the love of vintage cars and clubs, there are a number of informal motorbikes, vintage tractors and farm book clubs that either meet in public machinery and vintage transportation places or privately among friends. A of any type – clubs often engage in scheme called “Book Club in a Bag” fundraising events (Vintage Days, run by the libraries aims to encourage Tractor Runs, etc.) in support of people to set up their own book clubs. local communities or charitable There are also writers clubs and organisations and show their vehicles associations that serve as a platform in parades. For members, they offer for amateur and professional writers to informative meetings and opportunities discuss their work and learn from each to locate parts needed for the other. maintenance or restoration of vehicles and social outings. Historical Societies Local historical (and archaeological) Further Information societies are groups of amateur historians and voluntary museums that The South Tipperary County take a special interest in the history of Council maintains a searchable their locality. Historical societies tend database of community groups to research in the fields of history, that can be found at archaeology, folk-life and folklore on www.southtippcoco.ie/myparish/ a voluntary basis and often publish their findings in newsletters, journals The following organisations may or other publications. They also also be able to help you find offer an opportunity for members to information about the availability organise and/or access events such as of particular activities in your area, seminars on local history topics. if the local information channels (see p. 16) have not yielded any Heritage Groups results: Heritage groups are similar to historical South Tipperary Community & societies, but tend to focus more on Voluntary Forum the preservation and promotion of  (052) 6180699 local natural, built and cultural heritage  [email protected] rather than researching it (although this plays an important part). Depending North Tipperary Community and on their locality, this could include a Voluntary Association (CAVA) focus on monuments, archaeological  (067) 44648 objects, architectural heritage, flora,  [email protected] fauna, wildlife habitats, landscapes, or www.cava.ie waterways.

36 37 Other Popular Group Activities Bingo Bingo is a game of chance that is There are a number of popular also very popular in Ireland. The group activities taking place in standard bingo game played in Irish Irish communities that do not communities is called 90 ball bingo. necessarily require formal groups and Players buy tickets (also known organisations, but are nevertheless an as ‘cards’) that contain 15 numbers, integral and distinct part of community which range from 1 to 90. When the life. game begins, numbers are called at random between 1 and 90. The Cards player compares those numbers to the The love of the Irish to engage in numbers on his or her ticket(s). playing cards in a public, social setting Whoever is first to get a line (i.e. to is among them. Many communities fill five numbers in a row across their offer regular (i.e. weekly) card nights in ticket), wins the first line prize. The community halls and particularly older next prize is awarded to the player to people see them as an important part fill two lines. After that, players aim for of their social life. a full house – that’s filling all three lines In some cases, the cards nights on a ticket. are part of a fundraising campaign. In the period leading up to Easter Table Quizzes or Christmas, many pubs have card Table quizzes are a popular form of drives (tournaments), where players fundraiser, but can also be found in can win money, vouchers or goods Irish pubs as a regular, competitive (e.g. hams and turkeys). event in the form of table quiz leagues. The most common card games are The quiz tradition is deeply rooted Progressive 25, 45, Whist and Bridge. in Ireland and young children are 25 and 45 are popular traditional brought up in the tradition through Irish card games that may seem schools and community games particularly complicated to beginners. competitions. 45 involves a complex scoring system Pub or table quizzes consists of with points awarded for certain hands, a series of questions that have to be the winner being the first to reach a answered in writing usually by quiz score of 45 points. 25 is an old Irish teams of four. Answer sheets are card-game in which the player winning collected after each round of questions three tricks takes the pool; if he wins and scores are calculated. The quiz all five, the other players pay him a night is often concluded by a raffle, bonus. where people who bought tickets on Whist and Bridge are similar to the night can win small prizes (‘spot’ or each other. They are classic trick- ‘table prizes’). taking card games played by four players who play in two partnerships with the partners sitting opposite each other.

38 39 Cultural Providers

Libraries programme of children’s and adults events on the Tipperary Libraries blog Tipperary Libraries runs the public at  www.tipperarylibrarynews.ie. library service for the whole county There is a nominal annual of Tipperary. The library service is registration fee for adults and it is free committed to ensuring that everyone for children to join. Call in to see how has equal opportunity access to a high easy it is to join your local library. quality library and information service  www.tipperarylibraries.ie which is responsive to the changing needs of our communities and is fully supportive of the process of life-long learning. Arts and Cultural Centres Branches can be found in Borrisokane, Cahir, Carrick-on-Suir, There are a number of arts and cultural Cashel, Clonmel, Cloughjordan, centres in County Tipperary which Killenaule, Nenagh, Roscrea, offer a range of services and activities Templemore, Thurles and Tipperary. including exhibitions, performances Tipperary Studies and the Schools and workshops. Service support the delivery of library For anyone interested in arts and services, which include adult lending, culture, their local centre is an ideal children’s and young adult libraries, port of call to enquire about ongoing reference and local studies collections, and once-off activities to get involved newspapers and magazines, inter in. Most of the centres are home library loans, large print, talking books to culturally-orientated community and adult literacy material. groups, offer community outreach In addition, a 24-hour online library, programmes or once-off events and available at www.tipperarylibraries.ie  activities. allows you to search the library catalogue and to request and renew South Tipperary Arts Centre online. Extensive online and electronic resources are available on our website The South Tipperary Arts Centre is and at your local branch. located in Clonmel. It has been in Tipperary Libraries also offer existence since 1996 and offers a broadband/internet and PC access, mixture of arts and cultural events study facilities, exhibition space, including festivals, workshops photocopying facilities and READable and exhibitions in respect of local, technologies for those who find national and international visual arts, conventional text difficult to read. performing arts, music and literature. Many libraries facilitate book clubs The Centre supports local and (for children and adults), story time, emerging visual artists, but also has craft circles and offer events such a remit in bringing art to the viewing as competitions, workshops, literary public. Approximately 13 visual arts evenings and exhibitions. See the exhibitions are held at the centre each

38 39 year. The centre also hosts a number located in Thurles. It consists of a 250 of cultural groups, such as the Cluain seat auditorium, a dedicated gallery Meala Writers’ Group, South Tipperary space and the ‘Waterfront Café’. It is Arts Group (STAG) and the AC Music part of an integrated cultural centre Club all of whom hold regular meetings which also houses the Thurles Branch in the workshop space. of Tipperary Libraries. Regular educational programmes A year round programme of events include wide-ranging classes and includes film, theatre, dance, ballet, workshops in various art forms for opera, music, family events and adults and children. In addition, visual art exhibitions. Alongside the the centre offers an outreach professional events the Source offers programme that helps to bring art an extensive community and youth into the community to reach those outreach programme, which includes who may not be able to access or a youth drama group and a community participate in creative activities and space that can be used by any a Gallery Education Programme community group. that offers guided tours of the Visual  www.thesourceartscentre.ie Arts Exhibitions in the Main Gallery as well as practical workshops and Nenagh Arts Centre discussions. Located near the Courthouse in Banba  www.southtipparts.com Square, Nenagh Arts Centre is a Community Arts Centre with a 220 Tipperary Excel seat theatre and additional training and The Tipperary Excel Arts and Cultural workshop spaces. Centre is located in Tipperary Town. It The Centre supports local includes a gallery, cinema, a modern artistic groups in their work and 360-seat theatre (the Simon Ryan offers opportunities for individuals to Theatre) with a bar, a gift and craft develop skills in both arts and related shop called the ‘Treasure Chest’, the community development areas. ‘French Quarter Café’, as well as a Organisations using the venue include tourist information service and the Nenagh Players and Nenagh Youth Family Research Centre – a facility Theatre. that offers a research service based on The Centre is also a partner in the access to church records. Spleodar Arts Festival, which brings The Tipperary Excel runs a light and artistic life to the town during wide-ranging programme of events the Halloween mid-term period. The including movies, theatre and dance Centre also works on Nenagh Film performances, music shows, readings Festival which, in existence for two as well as dance, music and arts and years, features the best in local and crafts workshops that are open to any regional film-makers work as well as member of the public. offering a challenging programme of  www.tipperary-excel.com world cinema. The Centre and workshop spaces are available for visiting productions, The Source conferences, group meetings and The Source Arts Centre is the newest classes. arts centre in County Tipperary and is  www.nenagharts.com 40 41 Brú Ború The Brú Ború Cultural Centre is located in Cashel. It is home to the Brú Ború group, which regularly performs Irish traditional music, song, and dance both in the centre and on worldwide tours. Facilities at Brú Ború include a folk theatre, restaurant, craft centre, recreation chamber, information centre, and genealogy suite. During the summer season (June to September), there is an extensive Local Events programme of services and activities on offer. This includes exciting stage Locally-run events, such as village and shows of top class traditional music, town festivals (often known as ‘field song and dance. The Glór na gCianta days’), fundraising days, agricultural (Sounds of History) are subterranean shows and recurring arts and cultural chambers, seven metres underground festivals are another opportunity for at the base of the famous Rock of people interested in the arts to get Cashel that echo to the story of Ireland involved. from ancient times to the present day. Field Days South Tipperary County Museum Field days have a long tradition in In addition to the arts and cultural Ireland, particularly in rural areas. centres, museums tend to offer a wide After the tradition had somewhat range of community-based activities declined in the last decades it would that are generally open for participation appear that many towns and villages by members of the public. are organising these annual, local The Clonmel-based South festivities again in a bid to revive the Tipperary County Museum, for tradition and as a means of raising example, offers a regular programme funds for the community. of in house and visiting exhibitions Field days are family fun days that that cover a wide range of topics present an opportunity for the entire and supplement the exhibitions on community to come out and share in the history of the county. It also festivities which would typically include runs educational programmes and sporting and other competitions, community exhibitions in conjunction less ordinary, but popular contests with participating schools, retirement (e.g. wellie throwing), stalls selling groups and local community groups. local produce, crafts or bric-a-brac, The dedicated educational performances/exhibitions by local facility of the museum offers regular groups and organisations and specific workshops, talks, demonstrations and activities for children, such as bouncy educational activities, both for adults castles, face painting or pony riding. and children.

40 41 Agricultural Shows County Council Arts Services and Agricultural shows (usually named the County Library Service. A wide after their location, i.e. Clonmel Show, range of events are offered each Killusty Show, etc.) are similar events, year (most of which are free and but generally centre on animals and are open to the public). agricultural themes. • The Clancy Brothers Musical Historically, these shows Festival, Carrick-on-Suir (June) developed from cattle shows run This festival which takes place under the auspices of the Royal in the home town of the famous Agricultural Society of Ireland, at which Clancy Brothers hosts professional agricultural animals were showcased music events, stage performances, and traded. Today’s shows celebrate open air entertainment and family and showcase all aspects of food, events for all. Local art is also on farming and rural life and include many display at various locations. attractions that welcome the general www.clancybrothersfestival.org public.  • Cloughjordan Festival (June/July) Arts and Cultural Festivals A weekend of fun, music and art, the festival was established to There are a number of annual arts celebrate not only the local arts festivals in the county that welcome and crafts of the North Tipperary visitors and offer a wide range of village but also to bring national activities. Many are organised on artists to Cloughjordan. a voluntary basis and represent an www.cloughjordanfestival.com opportunity for interested people to  get involved in the organisation and • Féile Brian Ború (Ballina/Killaloe management of the festivals. Some of – July) the established festivals include: This is an annual 5-day festival to commemorate Ireland’s • Tipperariana Book Fair, Fethard greatest high king in his native (February) place. Events include history and This is the largest one-day book heritage events, music, sports and fair in Ireland with over 40 book children’s activities. dealers selling books of all types  www.feilebrianboru.killaloe.ie and shapes from antiquarian • The Junction Festival, Clonmel books to modern pulp fiction (July) paperback. It is organised by the The Junction Festival offers nine Fethard Historical Society. days of theatre, circus, comedy • The Bealtaine Festival (May) and quality Irish and world music This festival is part of a national as well as a selection of street programme run throughout May performances. It is a celebration each year in association with of cultural exuberance and Age and Opportunity which aims diversity and has a distinctly family to actively involve older people friendly programme. It also runs in arts events, workshops and an extensive participation and activities. The festival is organised volunteers’ programme. by North and South Tipperary  www.junctionfestival.com 42 43 • Terryglass Arts Festival (August) • Cashel Arts Fest (November) This is a family focused festival This is a community festival which that offers a diverse range of offers a series of platforms and artistic events and experiences opportunities for all sections of over a four day period at the the community to engage with end of August each year. As a a variety of art disciplines in a multi disciplinary arts festival the meaningful and enjoyable way. programme includes: visual arts, The festival culminates with a dance, theatre, music, poetry, film, number of formal and informal storytelling and performance. performing opportunities in which  www.terryglassartsfestival.ie the results of this creative process will be showcased. • Fethard Medieval Festival (August) www.cashelartsfest.com The Medieval Festival in Fethard  celebrates the Irish Walled Towns • Clonmel Song Contest (November) Day each year with events to suit This is an annual international all ages, including a medieval fair, song contest held in Clonmel a fancy dress parade, guided tours which culminates in a Grand Final and street entertainers. where ten finalists chosen from an  www.fethardfestival.com average of 150 entries compete for prizes. The event is open to the • Dromineer Literary Festival general public, local music lovers (October) and supporters of the artists. This festival is described as a www.clonmelnationalsongcontest.com winter literary festival celebrating  the best in local and national • SongFest.ie, Clonmel (November) literary talent in all its forms. Aimed at songwriters, this festival It hosts writing competitions, provides workshops in songwriting, workshops, readings and literary sound engineering, recording events for participants of all ages. and the music business. It also  www.dromineerliteraryfestival.ie includes public performances by many established songwriters. • Spleodar Festival, Nenagh www.songfest.ie (October)  Spleodar Community Arts Festival • The Platform TV.com, Clonmel is Nenagh’s Halloween Festival. (Monthly) The word ‘Spleodar’ itself is the At this monthly event, national Irish word for explosion or outburst and international participants of energy. The festival aims perform their works in front of a to create a space in which the live audience at Gleeson’s Bar creativity of the community bursts (Irishtown). The performances can out and to celebrate Halloween also be viewed on the internet. when the oncoming darkness  www.theplatformtv.com of winter is vanquished in a riot of colour — in fire and firework, music and song, costume and dance.  www.nenagharts.com/spleodar

42 43 all art forms, throughout the whole of Further Information South Tipperary. The service provides The following two websites have arts information and advice, arts up-to-date information on cultural programming and arts grants for the providers and events: community of South Tipperary. • www.whatsonintipp.ie (South Tipperary) South Tipperary Cultural Providers Group • www.northtipperaryarts.org (North Tipperary) South Tipperary Cultural Providers Group is a group of arts, cultural and heritage organisations within South Tipperary. The Group publishes a quarterly guide (What’s on) on events Arts Services in South Tipperary and also a website  www.whatsonintipp.ie. It includes North Tipperary County Council listings and full details for all arts Arts Service and cultural events including music, The North Tipperary County Council theatre, dance, visual art, handcraft, is home to a dedicated Arts Service festivals, heritage programmes — in which works towards the continuing fact anything that comes under the development of the arts in the north of umbrella of cultural activity and the county. It provides a developmental interest. arts programme, grants and also advice and information for anyone who Further Information is interested in the arts. The service publishes a quarterly newsletter The Arts Office that lists events including festivals, North Tipperary County Council workshops and exhibitions as well as  (067) 44852 or 44860 information about ongoing community-  [email protected] based groups and activities. www.tipperarynorth.ie/arts

South Tipperary County Council The Arts Office Arts Service South Tipperary County Council  (052) 6134565 The Art Service aims to encourage the  [email protected] promotion of the arts and to maximize www.southtippcoco.ie/arts their potential both directly and as an ‘enabler’ and to ensure that the South Tipperary Cultural planning and policy of the arts in the Providers Group county is both developmental and c/o South Tipperary County Museum strategic, striving for quality, inclusion,  (052) 6134562 access and sustainability. The service  [email protected] aims to be as inclusive as possible to www.whatsonintipp.ie all sectors of society and to ensure a provision and promotion of local, national and international arts, across

44 45 Other Recreational Activities

Children Summer Camps When living in Ireland, you will find that Many of the community groups, many activities take place in line with centres and organisations featured in the school term, meaning that activities this booklet cater for children of various die down during school breaks, age groups. In addition to these especially around Easter, during organised activities, there are other, summer and at the end of the year for perhaps more informal opportunities Christmas. for newcomers to meet other children Particularly during the long summer and parents. school break, block activities for children are offered under the term Playgrounds ‘summer camp’. They are workshops Playgrounds can now be found in all run over several days that address towns and in many rural communities. various areas of interest (such as The Irish government has invested sporting, creative, academic interests) heavily in the development of or provide opportunities for children playgrounds in recent years. Many of simply to play. The GAA Cúl Camps, the newer playgrounds are divided for example, provide boys and girls into sections for younger (under 6 – between the ages of 7 and 13 – with years of age) and older children (6-12 an action-packed and fun-filled week years) and you will find a variety of of activity during the summer holidays play equipment. A lot of municipal which revolves around Gaelic Games. playgrounds (those owned by Town However, many other Councils) are located in public parks. organisations, including childcare They tend to be gated and locked at facilities, arts and cultural centres and night. The use of outdoor playgrounds specific sports groups also run summer is free. camps to keep children busy during the school holidays. Indoor Play Centres Indoor play centres are a commercial business, which means that entrance fees apply per hour of use. They offer indoor play zones for different age groups of children and in many cases cater for special occasions, such as children’s birthday parties. Some indoor play centres also hosts parent and toddler groups.

44 45 Physical Activity else are part of commercial businesses (e.g. attached to hotels). Some golf Leisure Centres clubs charge an entrance fee in If you are interested in physical addition to an annual subscription fee activities, but don’t want to join a – however, most do not. Golf clubs and community-based sports group or their members are regulated by the organisation, you can use commercial Golfing Union of Ireland. sports and leisure facilities, most  www.gui.ie of which offer short- and medium- term memberships that give you the Angling freedom to decide when you want to Angling is also a popular sport. County use them. Tipperary is part of the area governed In addition to commercially by the Southern Regional Fisheries run gyms, there are a number Board which is one of the largest of community-based sports and fisheries regions. It is the proud home recreation centres and swimming pools to some of the best trout, salmon, in County Tipperary which combine coarse and sea angling in Ireland. a vast range of health, fitness and For the game angler there is the sports facilities and cater for families famous River Blackwater and its many and individuals of all ages and fitness salmon, the upper reaches and the levels. The main centres are: main channel of the Suir River for • The Canon Hayes Recreation the trout angler and many streams Centre in Tipperary. for those who pursue sea-trout. The • The Sean Kelly Swimming & coarse angler has many waters to Sports Centre in Carrick-on-Suir choose from; the Barrow Line has • Clonmel Swimming Pool many bream and hybrids and the • Sean Treacy Memorial Pool, Blackwater is justly regarded as a good Tipperary roach and dace fishery. • Ferryhouse Sports Complex, In Ireland you do not need a licence Clonmel to fish for trout, coarse species or in • Duneske Sports & Leisure the sea. However, if you intend to fish Complex, Cahir for salmon or seatrout you must have • Roscrea Leisure Centre a State Salmon and Sea Trout Fishing • Thurles Leisure Centre Licence, which can be obtained from • Nenagh Leisure Centre the Southern Regional Fisheries Board. Contact details for these centres are  www.cfb.ie included in the directory at the back of the booklet. Equestrian Facilities Equestrian facilities are often family Golf Clubs owned and commercially run. Stables Golf is a very popular sport in Ireland and riding schools typically include and is not perceived to be as elitist a facilities such as fence cross-country sport as in other countries. Most golf courses, outdoor and/or indoor clubs are owned by their members or ménages and cater for every rider, whether novice or experienced 46 47 regardless of age. Many equestrian facilities also cater for tourists, offering accommodation and guided tours along country roads. Riding schools and equestrian centres in Ireland are regulated by AIRE (Association of Irish Riding Establishments).  www.aire.ie

46 47 Directory

Tipperary Mid West Community Local Newspapers Radio St. Michael Street, Tipperary  (062) 52555 Midland Tribune  [email protected] Main Street, Roscrea www.tippmidwestradio.com  (0505) 23747  [email protected] www.midlandtribune.ie Rail Services Nationalist Newspaper www.irishrail.ie Queen Street, Clonmel  (052) 6172500 Thurles Railway Station  [email protected]  (0504) 21733 www.nationalist.ie Limerick Junction Railway Station Nenagh Guardian  (062) 51824 13 Summerhill, Nenagh  (067) 31214 Birdhill Railway Station  [email protected]  (061) 379118 www.nenaghguardian.ie Cahir Railway Station South Tipp Today Dublin Road, Cahir Upper Irishtown, Clonmel  (052) 6127342 Carrick-on-Suir Railway Station  [email protected] Cregg Road, Carrick-on-Suir  (051) 640044 Tipperary Star Friar Street, Thurles Clonmel Railway Station  (0504) 29100 Thomas Street, Clonmel  [email protected]  (052) 6121982 www.tipperarystar.ie Cloughjordan Railway Station Templemore Road, Cloughjordan Local Radio Stations Nenagh Railway Station  (067) 31232 Tipp FM Radio Premier Broadcast Centre, Unit 4A, Gurtnafleur Business Park, Clonmel Roscrea Railway Station Castleholding, Roscrea  (052) 6125299  (0505) 21823 0818 464 464 (Requests)  [email protected] www.tippfm.com 48 49 Templemore Railway Station Resource Centres  (0504) 31342 Millennium Family Resource Centre Tipperary Railway Station New Birmingham, Thurles Station Road, Tipperary Town  (052) 915 7992  (062) 51206  [email protected] www.mfrc.ie

Spafield Family Resource Centre Bus Éireann Old Road, Cashel  (061) 313333 (Limerick)  (062) 63622 (051) 879000  [email protected]  [email protected] www.buseireann.ie Three Drives Family Resource Centre 22/23 Greenane Drive, Tipperary  (062) 80831  [email protected] Rural Transport Services Clonmel Community Resource Centre Ring-a-Link Kickham Lodge, Kickham Street, Unit 2, Abbey Business Centre, Abbey Clonmel Street, Kilkenny  (052) 6129143  (056) 7790260/1890 424141  [email protected]  [email protected] www.clonmelresourcecentre.com www.ringalink.ie Nano Nagle Community Resource Centre Borrisokane Rural Transport Clancy House, Greenside, Initiative Carrick-on-Suir Old Church, Borrisokane  (051) 642418  (067) 27088/(087) 9613580  [email protected]  borrisokanecommunitytransport@ eircom.net Knockanrawley Resource Centre Knockanrawley, Tipperary Kilcommon/Upperchurch Rural  (062) 52688 Transport Initiative  [email protected] Kilcommon, Thurles www.knockanrawley.ie  (0504) 54555/(087) 1229041  [email protected] Thurles Action for Community Development Kickham Street, Thurles  (0504) 90666  [email protected] www.tacd.ie

Suir CDP 12 New Street, Carrick-on-Suir  (051) 641066  [email protected] 48 49 Volunteer Centres Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) South Tipperary Volunteer Centre Wilderness Youth and Community Tipperary GAA Office Centre, Wilderness Grove, Clonmel County Board Secretary, c/o Lár na  (052) 6187342 Páirce, Slievenamon Road, Thurles  [email protected]  (0504) 22702 www.volunteersouthtipp.ie  [email protected] www.tipperary.gaa.ie

Community & Voluntary Fora Libraries South Tipperary Community & Voluntary Forum Tipperary Libraries Headquarters The Wilderness Youth and Community Castle Avenue, Thurles Centre, Wilderness Grove, Clonmel  (0504) 21555  (052) 6180699  [email protected]  [email protected] www.tipperarylibraries.ie

North Tipperary Community and Borrisokane Library Voluntary Association (CAVA) Main Street, Borrisokane Civic Offices, Limerick Road, Nenagh  (067) 27199  (067) 44648  [email protected] Cahir Library www.cava.ie The Square, Cahir  (052) 7442075

Carrick-on-Suir Library Sports Partnerships Fair Green, Carrick-on-Suir  (051) 640591 South Tipperary Sports Partnership Civic Offices, Cashel Cashel Library  (062) 64737 Friar Street, Cashel  [email protected]  (062) 63825 www.stsp.ie  [email protected]

North Tipperary Sports Partnership Clonmel Library c/o Lifelong Learning Service, Martyrs’ Emmet Street, Clonmel Road, Nenagh  (052) 6124545  (067) 43604  [email protected]  [email protected] www.ntsp.ie Cloughjordan Library Main Street, Cloughjordan  (0505) 42425

50 51 Killenaule Library Nenagh Arts Centre Slieveardagh Centre, River Street, Town Hall, Banba Square, Nenagh Killenaule  (067) 34900  (052) 9157906  [email protected] www.nenagharts.com Nenagh Library O’Rahilly Street, Nenagh Source Arts Centre  (067) 34404 Cathedral Street, Thurles  [email protected]  (0504) 90340 (0504) 90204 (Bookings) Roscrea Library  [email protected] Birr Road, Roscrea [email protected] (Bookings)  (0505) 22032 www.thesourceartscentre.ie  [email protected] South Tipperary Arts Centre Templemore Library Nelson Street, Clonmel Old Mill Court, Templemore  (052) 6127877  (0504) 32555/32556  [email protected]  [email protected] www.southtipparts.com

Thurles Library South Tipperary County Museum The Source, Cathedral Street, Thurles Mick Delahunty Square, Clonmel  (0504) 29720  (052) 6134550  [email protected]  [email protected]

Tipperary Library Tipperary Excel Arts & Cultural Centre Davis Street, Tipperary Mitchell Street, Tipperary  (062) 51761  (062) 80520  [email protected]  [email protected] www.tipperary-excel.com Tipperary Studies The Source, Cathedral Street, Thurles  (0504) 29278  [email protected] Arts and Cultural Festivals

Bealtaine Festival Senior Executive Librarian, Tipperary Arts and Cultural Centres Libraries, Castle Avenue, Thurles  (0504) 20109 Brú Ború Cultural Centre  [email protected] Rock Lane, Cashel  (062) 61122 Cashel Arts Fest  [email protected]  [email protected] www.cashelartsfest.com

50 51 Clonmel Song Contest The Clancy Brothers Musical Festival Ardfinnan, Clonmel Festival Office, Clancy House, Green  (052) 7466320/(087) 2102021 Side, Carrick-on-Suir  [email protected]  (051) 645588 www.clonmelnationalsongcontest.com  [email protected] www.clancybrothersfestival.org Cloughjordan Festival Box Office, Sheelagh na Gig, The Junction Festival Cloughjordan Central House, 20 Parnell Street,  (0505) 42123 Clonmel  [email protected]  (052) 6129339/(086) 8225054 www.cloughjordanfestival.com  [email protected] www.junctionfestival.com Dromineer Literary Festival  (087) 6908099 Tipperariana Book Fair  [email protected]  (052) 6123402 www.dromineerliteraryfestival.ie  [email protected]

Féile Brian Ború The Platform TV Killaloe/Ballina Community and Family Ardfinnan, Clonmel Resource Centre, Main Street, Killaloe  (052) 7466320/(087) 2102021  (086) 3586293 www.theplatformtv.com  [email protected] www.feilebrianboru.killaloe.ie

Fethard Medieval Festival Arts Services  (052) 6123402  [email protected] North Tipperary Arts Office www.fethardfestival.com North Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Nenagh SongFest.ie  (067) 44852/44860 Ardfinnan, Clonmel  [email protected]  (052) 7466320/(087) 2102021 www.northtipperaryarts.org www.songfest.ie South Tipperary Arts Officer Spleodar Festival County Museum, Mick Delahunty Nenagh Arts Centre, Town Hall, Banba Square, Clonmel Square, Nenagh  (052) 6134565  (067) 34900  [email protected]  [email protected] www.southtippcoco.ie/arts www.nenagharts.com/spleodar/ South Tipperary Cultural Providers Group Terryglass Arts Festival c/o South Tipperary County Museum,  (087) 2181663/(067) 44860 Mick Delahunty Square, Clonmel  [email protected]  (052) 6134562 www.terryglassartsfestival.ie  [email protected] www.whatsonintipp.ie

52 53 Community Leisure Centres Thurles Leisure Centre Cathedral Street, Thurles Canon Hayes Recreation Centre  (0504) 58640 Avondale, Tipperary  [email protected]  (062) 52022 www.thurleslc.ie  [email protected] www.tipperarysportscentre.com

Clonmel Swimming Pool Mick Delahunty Square, Clonmel  (052) 6121972  [email protected] www.southtippcoco.ie/en/clonmelpool

Duneske Sports and Leisure Complex Farranlahassery, Cahir  (052) 7445517  [email protected] www.duneske.ie

Ferryhouse Sports Complex Waterford Road, Clonmel  (052) 6183000

Nenagh Leisure Centre Dublin Road, Nenagh  (067) 31788

Roscrea Leisure Centre Old Dublin Road, Roscrea  (0505) 23822  [email protected] www.roscrealc.ie

Seán Kelly Swimming & Sports Centre Tinvane, Carrick-on-Suir  (051) 640955  [email protected] www.seankellysportscentre.ie

Seán Treacy Memorial Pool Bank Place, Tipperary Town  (062) 51806  [email protected] www.southtippcoco.ie/tipppool

52 53

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