The Gathering dates are 17-19 May 2013 and will take place at the Dundrum House Hotel which is situated amidst the beauty and splendour of Ireland’s Golden Vale in the heart of Co. Tipperary.  It is 21 years since the last Kelly Clan Gathering was held in Tipperary which makes it a very special event, with guests expected not only from Ireland, but USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

During the weekend there will be a tour of Moyglass (Killenaule), Co Tipperary, which was the birth place of Red John Kelly, the father of Australia’s “famous son”, Ned Kelly, and also taking in various places of interest in the locality.

Mary Kelly, one of the organisers and a spokesperson for the Association, says that although the weekend will be action-packed, the atmosphere is relaxed.  “It’s a real opportunity for people who have a genetic, historic and cultural link to meet and have a good time, in a great location, with the added benefit of learning about their ancestors as well as meeting their living relatives.”

Further information can be found on the Kelly Clan Website www.kellyclanireland.com  email clankellyinfo@gmail.com or phone Mary Kelly on + 353 (0)86 3296475.

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Tipperary commence their Allianz Hurling League Division 1 campaign with a visit to Nowlan Park to play Kilkenny on Sunday next February 26 at 2.30pm. It will be the 62^nd league meeting between the two counties with Tipperary leading on 29 wins to 26 for Kilkenny and 6 draws in the previous 61 encounters. The last 2 years games were in Semple Stadium with Kilkenny winning by 1-17 to 1-10 in 2011 and Tipperary winning the snow postponed game in 2010 by 1-14 to 0-13. Their last meeting in Nowlan Park was the group game of 2009 which Kilkenny won comprehensively by 5-17 to 1-12. The referee on Sunday will be Michael Wadding who most people will recall refereed the All Ireland final of 2010 between these 2 sides. We wish the Tipperary players and management the best of luck for Sunday’s game and the league campaign.

MATCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIPPERARY V KILKENNY

A large attendance is expected at Nowlan Park on Sunday so supporters are encouraged to travel early. Admission will be €13 for adults to all sections of the Ground, €5 for Students/Senior Citizens with id and free for under 16’s. Season Ticket Stiles are: Hebron Road (New Stand Side) –              Stile Nos.  15/16/17/18 and  O’Loughlin Road (Old Stand Side) –  Stile Nos. 36 & 37.  Juvenile Group Admission is through Stile No 23 Ardan O Cearbhaill  (New Stand behind Country End Goal). Car Parking:  For supporters travelling from Tipperary or North Kilkenny via Urlingford and Freshford a special Match Car Park will be provided in the Old Kilkenny Mart – a five minute walk from Nowlan Park!  Please follow the Match Signs from the Freshford Road.  For supporters accessing the Ground from the Ring Road parking will be available in O’Loughlin Gaels Ground and the on street parking around Hebron Industrial Estate. Parking is also available in the City Car parks including McDonagh Junction which is located immediately beside Nowlan Park. Details of Car Spaces will be detailed on special signs on all approaches to the City. Pre Match entertainment will be provided by St Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band from 1.45.

TIPPERARY PREMIER GOLD CLUB PLUS

Tipperary County Board have just launched the new Premier Gold Club Plus Package in Association with the GAA Season ticket (See www.tipperary.gaa.ie for brochure). The benefits of this package can be enjoyed for the next 15 months in the following ways: 1) From Feb 2012 to Sept 2012 – Support & follow the Tipperary SH team (or SF) through Allianz League & GAA Championship; 2) From Mar 2012 to Dec 2012 – attend all Tipperary Co. Finals (From minor up); 3) From May 2012 to April 2013, receive a full year’s membership of the Tipperary GAA County Board Draw. This promotion offers fantastic value for Tipperary GAA Supporters and enables Tipperary Co. Board develop its Dr Morris Park facilities, prepare county teams and promote Gaelic Games throughout the County. Current Season Ticket can upgrade to this Package by deducting what they have already paid for the Season Ticket and pay the balance as explained in the brochure. Fully completed application forms to be forwarded to Tim Floyd, Runaí Choiste Chontae Thiobraíd Árann, Lar Na Páirce, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Any queries contact Lar Na Páirce on (0504) 22702 or Tim Floyd at secretary.tipperary@gaa.ie.

SUPOPRTERS CLUB GET TOGETHER IN KILKENNY

The Tipperary Supporters Club will hold a get together for members in The Pembroke Hotel, Patrick Street in the centre of Kilkenny immediately after this Sunday’s match.  Come along and enjoy complimentary finger food, tea and coffee and take part in the draw for a Tipperary Jersey signed by the SH Panel.  This event is kindly sponsored by the sponsors of the membership scheme www.ryanmotorpower.com and by Tipperary man John Ryan ofkilkennypembrokehotel.com.

INTER PROVINCIAL SEMI-FINALS

Hard luck to the Munster hurlers on their 3-14 to 1-16 defeat to Leinster in the Interpovincials semi-final at Nowlan Park on Sunday last. The Munster team was managed by Liam Sheedy with Eamon O’Shea as coach. Eoin Kelly was captain and other Tipperary players to feature were Paul Curran, Michael Cahill, Padraic Maher, Shane McGrath, Brendan Maher and Gearoid Ryan.

DR. HARTY CUP FINAL

Good luck to Nenagh CBS for the Dr. Harty Cup Munster Colleges Senior Hurling final against Colaisti na nDeise on Sunday next, February 26 at Leahy Park, Cashel at 2.30pm. Both colleges will be seeking their first title in this competition so there are sure to be great celebrations for whichever team wins. Its 15 years since Nenagh CBS reached the decider when they lost to St. Colman’s Fermoy for the second year in a row. They lost to St. Flannan’s Ennis in the 1990 decider.  Nenagh will be attempting to follow in the footsteps of other CBS schools in the county which have won this prestigious title – Thurles CBS (7), Abbey CBS Tipperary (1) and Templemore CBS (1). Rockwell College also won the Munster Colleges title 5 times including 1918, the competition’s inaugural year.

SCOLÁIREACHTAÍ GAELTACHTA / GAELTACHT SCHOLARSHIPS.

Coiste Chontae Thiobraid Árann is offering a limited number of Gaeltacht Scholarships to 2nd level students in the county. Application forms are now with the clubs. These scholarships are limited to those students currently in 2nd, 5th and Transition Years. Closing date for applications is Wednesday February 29 2012.  Please note that students who have already booked a place in a Gaeltacht College and paid the deposit cannot avail of this scheme. These scholarships are only available in 3 Munster Colleges as follows: 1. Coláistí Chorca Dhuibhne, Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, Trá Lí, Co Chiarraí. (2 Options); 2. Coláiste Na Mumhan, Beal Athan Ghaorthaidh, Co. Chorcai (2 Options); 3 Coláiste na Rinne, Co. Phort Lairge (1 Option). Application forms must be signed by the relevant club and divisional secretary and returned to An Runaí, Coiste Chontae Thiobraid Árann, Lar Na Páirce, Durlas Éile Co. Tiobraid Árann before the closing date. During early March suitable candidates will be called for interview and all applicants will receive a response by mid March. Is deis iontach iad seo chun an Ghaeilge a fheabhsú i gceantar Gaeltachta.

SCÓR NA BPÁISTÍ

All roads led to Castlebar on Saturday last to Craobh na hÉireann i Scór na nÓg 2012. The Royal Theatre was the venue for the excellent and unique entertainment provided in the various disciplines. Our girls from Upperchurch Drombane Cáit, Gretta, Máiréad, Christine and Aisling sang The Derry Air and Whistling Phil McHugh to a spellbound audience  and though Ferbane/Belmont took the honours  bhí na cailíni thar barr agus dhein siad éacht. Tá bród orainn go léir astu agus tá moladh thar na bearta tuillte acu agus as a dtuistí uile. Chuir muintir an pharóiste fáilte rompu tráthnóna  Dé Domhnaigh ag ceiliúradh i halla an pharóiste where family, friends, supporters, GAA and Scór representatives paid tribute to the girls on their achievements in the last year. Maith sibh a chailíní. Your club and county are proud of you.

SCÓR SINSEAR

The County semi-finals of Scor Sinsear will both be held this Saturday February 25 at 8pm.  The semi-final for West and North divisions will be held in the Marian Hall, Borrisoleigh, and the one for South and Mid divisions will take place in Muintir na Tire Hall, Littleton. The County final will be in Clonmore on Saturday March 3.  Good luck to all the participants.

TRÁTH NA GCEIST 2012

Clubs are reminded of the Munster Final of Tráth na gCeist which will take place in Mallow in the first week of March. Tá cóipeanna de na ceisteanna ó 2011.2010, 2009,2008 ar fáil ón Oifigeach Cultúir (irishculturalofficer.tipperary@gaa.ie) ach glao a chur. Bígí ag cleachtadh – cleachtadh a dhéanann máistreacht.

DOON CBS CORN PHADRAIG MUNSTER CHAMPIONS

Well done to Doon CBS on capturing the Corn Phadraig (Munster Senior Colleges B) trophy after a hard fought win against a much fancied Dungarvan CBS team on Saturday in Cahir. The scoreline was 2-6 to 0-11. Doon CBS last won this trophy in 1998. There was a significant Tipperary involvement. Sean Ryan of Cappawhite was team captain, Russell Quirke of Cappawhite scored a vital goal late on. Tom Fox of Annacarty scored two points from midfield. Kevin Stapleton (Cappawhite) was corner forward and David Orr (Cappawhite) and Andrew O’Brien (Sean Treacys) were panellists. Micheál Hassett (Moycarkey Borris) and Diarmaid Carr (Golden Kilfeacle) formed the management team. Interestingly on the last two occassions that Doon CBS won the Corn Phadraig they also had Tipperary captains. Shane McDermott in 1998 (Cappawhite) and Paul Keane 1995 (Eire Og Annacarty).

TIPPERARY GAA SCENE

Information concerning all areas in the GAA will appear in this section in the future. If you wish to include any item of interest in future articles, please contact the County Public Relations Officer Ger Ryan at 086-8149146 or via e-mail at pro.tipperary@gaa.ie on or before 3: 0pm on Monday. Visit the Tipperary GAA web site at http://tipperary.gaa.ie to keep up to date with all the latest news in Tipperary GAA circles.

Caroline Moran – Director of the Coeliac Society of Ireland will give a special talk on topical issues such as safe eating, cooking at home, avoiding cross contamination, new to Coeliac Disease and how to become a member of the Coeliac Society of Ireland. Information about Coeliac Disease is essential for good management of the condition through the gluten-free diet, which is the only treatment. The Society’s annual Food List, support services and literature helps members to cope with a life-changing condition.

There will be a charge of €5 per person, Tea, Coffee & Light Finger Food will be served on the night. For number reasons please RSVP by phone/text to Noelle (Limerick) 086-4046177 or Mariea (Clare) 086-7351527. Coeliacs, family and friends are all welcome.

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Boots Pharmacy, Childers Road Retail Park, Limerick, in conjunction with the Limerick Support group, Coeliac Society of Ireland is holding a Coeliac Information Evening on Friday 2nd March from 6pm.

There will be presentations on how to obtain food on prescription and information for newly diagnosed Coeliacs. There will also be an opportunity for individual one-to-one questions/answers session with trained pharmacists. Also attending on the night will be various gluten free food companies (Juvella and Glutafin etc) offering free tastings and product samples. Coeliacs, family and friends are all welcome to drop by to this public event. RSVP by phone/text to Noelle (Limerick) 086-4046177 or Mariea (Clare) 086-7351527.

Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar stated: “St Patrick’s Day provides a unique shop window for Ireland around the world, for Irish tourism and for trade and investment. That’s why we are using St Patrick’s Day to launch The Gathering 2013 in all of our main overseas markets. The Gathering 2013 will be the most important tourism initiative ever staged in Ireland, as we will be inviting the world to come and visit us. This greening initiative and the other promotions will ensure we build up to 2013 by sustaining growth in overseas tourism in 2012.”

Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “Over 70 million people around the world claim links with the island of Ireland and St Patrick’s Day is a truly unique opportunity to reconnect them with their heritage and to showcase our wonderful tourism offering to a huge global audience. People across the world instantly identify St Patrick’s Day with Ireland and that heightened profile allows us to put the Ireland holiday experience in the spotlight – from London to Sydney and Stockholm to New York.

“Our ‘greening’ initiative takes place again this year, with some famous additions like Niagara Falls in the US and the TV tower in Berlin and there are a few others that we’ll be keeping up our sleeves until closer to the day. Our aim is to bring a smile to the world and to convey the message that Ireland continues to offer a warm welcome, fun and spontaneity, alongside fantastic scenery and cultural activities. Our St Patrick’s programme will span Great Britain, Mainland Europe, North America, Australia, as well as developing markets such as China, India and South Africa. There will be saturation coverage of the island of Ireland across the airwaves, in newspapers and digital media and that’s an invaluable boost for our overall tourism marketing drive.

“Our message this year is that there has never been a better time to visit the island of Ireland, with better-than-ever value from industry partners here and great things to do and see,” continued Niall Gibbons.

In Great Britain, our largest and most important tourism market, major sites including the London Eye will ‘go green’ on St Patrick’s Day, to capture the imagination of potential
holidaymakers and focus attention on our intensive spring marketing drive. Millions of people in Britain and elsewhere around Europe will be tuning in to watch the England v Ireland rugby match at Twickenham in London on 17 March; Tourism Ireland’s highly visible sideline advertising will capitalise on the huge exposure of this high profile game. Tourism Ireland will participate in St Patrick’s promotions in Glasgow, Birmingham and London, capitalising on the opportunity to put the island of Ireland in a positive publicity spotlight.

In North America, Niagara Falls will ‘go green’ on St Patrick’s Day (on both the Canadian and the US sides), as will the Empire State Building in New York, the Chicago and San Antonio Rivers and the famous White House fountains. Ireland will ‘jump into’ Times Square on 17 March, when about 1.5 million New Yorkers will see Tourism Ireland’s new ads on the world-famous FOX screen. Tourism Ireland has a host of consumer and trade promotions taking place around St Patrick’s Day and throughout the spring in the US, including sponsoring live coverage of the New York St Patrick’s Day parade on NBC, with film clips on Ireland.

For the first time ever, Tourism Ireland has arranged for the iconic Fernsehturn (television tower) in Berlin and the “Lighthouse” in Düsseldorf to ‘go green’ on St Patrick’s Day, to grab the attention of potential German visitors in both cities. Five skyscrapers – the Hötorgsskraporna buildings – in central Stockholm will also ‘go green’ over three days (15-18 March). Key Swedish travel trade and media contacts will be invited to attend a Tourism Ireland event in a venue overlooking the ‘greened’ Hötorgsskraporna buildings, at which TV chef and culinary blogger Donal Skehan will present a ‘flavour of Ireland’ and the new Aer Lingus flight from Stockholm to Dublin (service begins on 25 March) will be highlighted.

France and Germany are two of Tourism Ireland’s ‘top four’ markets and extensive TV advertising in both countries will reach almost 29 million potential holidaymakers this spring; the campaign in Germany also incorporates a cinema, radio and online advertising drive. Co-operative print advertising is under way around Europe in conjunction with Aer Lingus, targeting 5 million readers in cities with Aer Lingus flights to the island of Ireland.

In Dubai, the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel will ‘go green’ on 17 March, as will South Africa’s Table Mountain – a World Heritage Site and one of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks and visitor attractions. The spotlight will be on Galway and Ireland when the Volvo Ocean Race arrives in Auckland in New Zealand just in time for St Patrick’s Day. The race attracts huge publicity around the world and with Galway due to host the grand finale this summer, the Auckland stopover is a great ‘hook’ for Tourism Ireland to reach the estimated 200,000 people who will visit the race village. And, once again this year, Auckland’s Sky Tower will ‘go green’ on 17 March.

A large group of international journalists – representing 33 top media outlets from around the globe – will visit Ireland, taking in the Dublin St Patrick’s Day parade during their time here.

“Tourism Ireland’s first half campaign is focused primarily on our top four source markets which offer the best business prospects this year – Great Britain, North America, France and Germany, which together deliver about three-quarters of all our overseas visitors. However, it is important that we expand our focus beyond these markets and look to the long-term opportunities presented by the emerging tourism markets, like the BRIC countries and the Middle East,” said Niall Gibbons. Tourism Ireland, together with industry partners, has undertaken a number of travel trade missions in recent weeks to new markets including to Russia (Moscow and St Petersburg), the Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait) and India (Mumbai and Delhi), meeting with key tour operators and travel agents, to ensure the island of Ireland fully capitalises on these new tourism markets. In China, Tourism Ireland will work to maximise the tourism potential of the recent visit of the Chinese Vice President, urging potential holidaymakers there to come and follow in the footsteps of Mr Xi.

New research shows that almost two-thirds of consumers are interested in learning and hearing more about potatoes.  The findings, which will be presented to the National Potato Conference in Dublin on Wednesday, show that fresh potatoes score strongly on characteristics such as taste, family meals, health, nutrition, natural, filling and good value for money.

IFA Potato Chairman Thomas Carpenter said there was an urgent need to address the price paid to growers, as they were under severe pressure. “Potato growing will not survive based on the return to farmers at the moment. They have to get a price that will cover their costs of production and give them a margin. The positive aspects of this research must be built upon to stabilise potato consumption and safeguard the livelihoods of commercial growers.”

Mike Neary of Bord Bia said,” The research has clearly highlighted a major challenge for the Potato Industry to stabilise and grow fresh potato consumption again.  A sustained communications campaign is needed to highlight the positive attributes associated with potatoes targeted to those sections of the population with lower consumption patterns.”

The research, which was carried out by tns MRBI for Bord Bia, shows that fresh potatoes are still the number one carbohydrate source among Irish housekeepers. Two-thirds buy fresh potatoes at least weekly.

The research also focused on the key demographic of 22-44 year olds. It found consumers in this group, while still consuming potatoes, favour pasta and rice and the volume of potatoes they buy is driven by lifestage and in particular the arrival of children.

The NSFF initiative continues to grow from strength to strength and we’d like to announce that between now the actual event there will be a number of unique events and fundraisers which will all lead to creating a substantial Silent Film Festival the Nenagh community can be proud of hosting.

The next monthly public meeting is to be held on Friday 9^th March at the earlier time of 6.15pm in the Hibernian Inn. The focus for this meeting will be predominantly on preparation for our participation in the 2012 Nenagh Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, and also the adoption of the Nenagh Silent Film Festival Committee Constitution. The NSFF is a community-based volunteer initiative in support of local tourism which is based around the art of silent film and all are welcome to become involved.

Finally, the very best of luck to the silent film The Artist at the Oscars this coming Sunday, and also to the two Irish short films Pentecost and The Shore,Albert Nobbs, which was filmed in Ireland and to Northern Ireland actor Kenneth Branagh (Best Supporting Actor) for his role in My Week With Marilyn.

Recently awarded the BAFTA for Best Documentary, Asif Kapadia’s film ‘Senna’ details the life and untimely death of the Brazilian motor-racing legend. The film screens at Nenagh Arts Centre on Thursday 1^st March.

Ayrton Senna exploded onto the scene of one of the world’s most popular sports just as suddenly as he would leave it, and in the years between, became a national hero in his native Brazil and one of the most revered figures ever to speed around a Grand Prix track.

Charming and fun-loving, Senna was easy to embrace as a hero of Formula One during the early 90’s and the film focuses more on the driver’s passions and emotions than the dense mechanics of his sport, to the viewer’s advantage.

Director Asif Kapadia and his editors, Chris King and Gregers Sall, pored through what must have been mountains of film and videotape to construct a portrait of Senna entirely out of archival footage. The clips include news programs, home movies and race footage from both outside and inside the cars. What emerges is a narrative as neatly constructed as any fictional film, with Senna as the noble hero facing off against adversaries on and off the track.

Senna is presented as the devout, God-fearing and humble figure who stands as a shining symbol of hope for a poverty-stricken nation desperate for a hero. That he fails at the political machinations that govern racing off the track only reinforces his interest in the purity of the sport. His rival, Alain Prost, comes off as a scheming opportunist with the favour of the sport’s leadership. The truth may not be quite that simple, but Kapadia’s slightly ecstatic version of it makes for gripping viewing.

‘Senna’ could have been a by-the-numbers sports documentary, one that offered plenty of testimonials to the driver’s genius behind the wheel, as well as primers on the particulars of Formula One. But Kapadia’s method swerves around both pitfalls. The expert editing of the disparate audio and video sources provide more illustration than straight interviews ever could. Meanwhile, the compelling human drama — the team rivalries, Senna’s meteoric rise to the top, his struggle to stay there make this a fascinating documentary both about a sport and one of its heroes.

‘Senna’ screens at Nenagh Arts Centre at 8 p.m. on Thursday 1^st March. Tickets are €7 through the Arts Centre in Banba Square on 067 34400 or can be booked online atwww.nenagharts.com

ends

U/10’s will be back training on Mondays. Trainers will notify you with times and dates. Please bring both runners and boots.

U12’s. The U/12s are now back training indoors on a Monday Evening. All new members welcome. Please Contact Greg or Philip for details. Reminder that membership forms have to be returned.

U14s. The U/14s are back training on Saturday mornings.  Trainers are sending out texts  about weekly indoor training.  All membership forms should be returned at training.

U/16: Training is back on a Monday with Louise and Mickey McNamara. Texts are being sent out and please let trainers know of your availability.

The junior b and minors will train in the running track on Tuesdays 8:30 to 9:30. All interested are asked to contact Enda O’Sullivan atendaos@hotmail.com. New members are always welcome and also it would be nice to see some old faces back again.
Our registration night is on Friday 24 of February from 6pm to 8pm in the Nenagh  GAA Complex. Parents are asked to attend and get your child registered for the year. Any child not registered is not insured to play for the Club.

Teams from Clodagh and Devilsbit took to Enfield in County Meath in the finals of the Macra Question Time Quiz. The Clodagh team emerged as all-ireland question time champions. Well done to Paddy Ryan, Laura Ryan, Martin Ryan and Alan Ryan of the Clodagh team who did their club and county proud.

The North Tipperary Young Farmers Discussion Group are having their annual meeting with IFAC in the abbey court on 22nd at 8pm, all welcome.

In other county news South Tipperary Macra held a Barn Dance in Jerry Jack’s Bar, Annacarty and members of North Tipperary Macra attended and also won best dressed cowboy on the night.