The International Ryan Gathering 2013 Thurles (23rd-25th August 2013)
1000’s of Ryans will descend on Thurles in the coming weeks to celebrate everything “Ryan”.
As the tenth most popular surname in Ireland there are estimated to be 40,000 who have the surname and probably an “individual”nickname to go with it.
Jane Ryan, the organiser , has put the call out far and wide to any members of the diaspora who can claim kin to the greater Ryan Clan to make it to Tipperary for three days celebrations between August 23rd – 25th 2013.
The programme includes some sporting events such as boxing and Tag Rugby in which 8 Ryan clans will battle it out for the Kings and Queens of the Ryans. There will be a special craft market on The Source Boardwalk following the success last year of Tipperary Fayre.
During the Craft market on Saturday at 2.00pm in Thurles Library, Tipperary Author Donal Ryan, winner of Best Irish Newcomer of the year 2012, will be giving an authors talk on his bestselling book, The Spinning Heart and his latest projects.
The Source will house an exhibition created by Cecile Mulcahy, respected genealogist here in Tipperary, telling the stories of many Ryan families local, famous and infamous! Also on display will be the largest gathering of Ryan Nicknames and an intriguing photographic display of Thurles Past and present by Thurles Library and Thurles Camera Club.(Photographic Exhibition open from Thurs 8th August daily). Cecile will also run a rolling Genealogy workshop from 11-3pm in The Source on Saturday 24th August. Cost €5.00.
The exhibition will be followed by a “Trad Trail” around Thurles, starting in The Source, Noel Ryans , Mileas Bar and finishing up In Larry Fogartys. There will be a multitude of trad musicians coming and going and some very famous stories told of our fore fathers and the beautiful lands here in Tipperary.
Just to complete an busy weekend don’t forget a visit to Thurles Famine Museum and Holycross Abbey and then you can relax and enjoy The 4of Us at The Source on Saturday 24th August €15 and the World famous balladeers The Wolftones, coming to the Factory in Hayes Hotel to finish the weekend on Sunday 25th August 9.00pm. Tickets available from Hayes Hotel 0504 22122 or www.thesourceartscentre.ie 0504 90204.
