Hello and welcome to this week’s version of Why Nenagh – a weekly look at why Nenagh and North Tipperary is a wonderful tourism destination. This week we are going to look at what events are in the planning in the area in the near future.
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Weekend of Welcomes – August 24th ~ August 25th, 2013
Next up is the Weekend of Welcomes. This is a new festival which will be held in the Killoscully/Ballinahinch locality, which is just a few short miles from Nenagh town. Events that are in the planning include music, song and dance with plenty of entertainment for all the family. This festival will be held on Saturday August 24th and Sunday August 25th. There will be Trad sessions, scenic cycle races for all the family and a traditional dance at the crossroads. So come along and if you want more information, contact Joe Fitzgerald @ 087 2021158 or Margaret Sheehy @ 087 9160877 after 7pm.
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Relay for Life – August 24th ~ August 25th, 2013
The Relay for Life has become an annual event int he village of Toomevara. This is a 24 hour team community event in association with the Irish Cancer Society. It celebrates survivors of cancer, remembers those who have passed and gives hope to everyone affected. Relay fights back against cancer through Awareness raising, fund raising and having FUN! It involves teams of 10-12 people walking around a track for 24 hours, as cancer never sleeps and is a 24 hour illness. At least one member from each team is on the track at all times. The main elements are: The Survivors Lap, Candle of Hope and Remembrance Ceremony, the 24 Relay itself, and the Closing Ceremony. A series of fun events will also be taking part during the 24 hours. Why get involved with Relay? One in three will be diagnosed with cancer in Ireland this year, but thankfully three out of four are now surviving, thanks to advances in cancer research. Two million a year is needed for cancer research, so funds are needed! The Relay For Life events are organised entirely by communities so that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and in the hope that one day cancer will be eliminated. In 2012 we had Relayers from New York USA take part in the relay. 2013 is set to attract families of participants visiting from overseas to take part in this wonderful and moving event and also honour those they have lost through cancer. Another worthwhile reason to visit North Tipperary this August.
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National Heritage Week – August 17th ~ August 25th, 2013
A week of festivities which celebrate Irish and indeed the local heritage. A number of events have been organized and these can be viewed by clicking on the image above. In fact I have been reliably informed that event more events are in the planning to be held also, including a costumed themed celebration of activities which is straight from the 12th century in the shadow of Nenagh Castle. Stocks, knights, jostling and battle re-enactments. Local historian Kevin Whelan will be conducting a Historical Tour of Nenagh throughout the week, and these will be from 12 noon to 1.30pm each day from Banba Square. Nenagh Castle, the Heritage Centre and the old Nenagh Gaol will be open to the public as usual, while there will be music entertainment organized by the well-known music maestro Hughie McGrath for all visitors to enjoy, while they enjoy their visit to Nenagh town. So why, don’t you come and help us celebrate our own history here in Nenagh town.
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Portroe: Best Little Parish in Ireland – August 30th ~ September 1st, 2013
The plan is for this to be the largest Gathering of Portroe natives ever and complements the whole concept and spirit of ‘the Gathering’. The organizers will attract many visitors from abroad to come to Portroe for the weekend. The parish has a strong bond with its natives and those who have an association with it. This will be an event that will attract people home who want to re-associate with the parish, where they grew up and visit family and friends. The organizers will be able to provide a range of top events and entertainment for everyone who comes both from overseas and home and it will be a memorable event that we will have to renew again and again in years to come. From scenic walks, to showcasing local business, the Portroe Gathering 2013 will have something for everyone. Finally this event will generate considerable media coverage. Portroe has some of the best scenery in Ireland. It has outstanding views of Lough Derg, watersports activities, great food in Portroe and Garrykennedy and these will be displayed to visitors throughout the weekend. The organizers intend to promote the event and its aftermath thoroughly on social media as well to promote further tourism to the area.
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Dromineer Literacy Festival – October 3rd ~ October 6th, 2013
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Cloughtoberfest – October 11th ~ October 12th, 2013
Back for its 3rd year, Cloughtoberfest brings you the amazing Hot Club gypsy jazz music with the finest players from Ireland and all around the world. Gypsy jazz is all about heart, so the good people of Cloughtoberfest are inviting you to enjoy it with them in the warm atmosphere of their village right in the heart of Ireland. It’s not all gypsy…Trad Manouche is their special music project, where they gather together Gypsy Jazz and Traditional Irish musicians in a series of free sessions, to explore the synergies between the styles. Of course, all that music could make a person thirsty, so alongside the fine music you can also try out some fine beers from Ireland’s craft brewers, including a special edition festival ale! Get on board with their regular visitors from Britain, Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, Australia and the USA… they will even be offering travel discounts when you book your festival tickets! Just join their mailing list to keep in touch with special offers and competitions for far-flung festival-goers. Come and immerse yourself in 2 days of concerts, music masterclasses and swing dance workshops, beer tastings and craft beer cookery, and music, music everywhere with free jam sessions all around town, all the time. It will put a swing in your step for the rest of the year 🙂
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Posted by Michael ‘Charlie’ McGee
