Thurles Information

Tax Credits For Companies & Small Business

George — Thu, 17 May 2012 22:02:01 +0000

Companies & small businesses that hire new employees or increase wages, would receive a tax credit under the “Small Business Hiring Income Tax Credit System,” which President Barack Obama is calling on his American Congress to immediately pass.

President Obama is confident that his tax credit idea, if implemented, would encourage more than $200 billion in new hiring and pay raises, by providing a 10% income tax credit on wages added in 2012. The credit would be available to all companies, but would be capped at $500,000 per business to specifically spur small business hiring. Companies that claim the credit would be able to do so on a quarterly basis, which means all businesses would see tax relief sooner rather than later, for those hiring new staff.

By providing targeted tax relief to these businesses that are expanding and investing in their workforce, the “Small Business Hiring Credit,” would grow the economy, create jobs, and strengthen recovery, thus reducing Social Welfare handouts and bringing back confidence to consumer spending. The US Congressional Budget Office recently found that this type of targeted credit is possibly the single most effective business tax option for boosting hiring and for spurring economic growth.

Hello Irish Coalition Government, has this idea been examined in any great dept by those charged with enhancing our own public finances? Must we, as a nation, continue to whinge about our self inflicted wounds, while forced to listen to Independent / Sinn Féin political doctrine, which advocates the type of future chaos practised in Greece & which we as a nation just love to hear, but secretly in our heart of hearts know full well is as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike.

Must Ireland vanish into the defecation, which has been heaped upon us by the greed, apathy, criminality and arrogance of some?

Mel Gibson Visits Tipperary

George — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:41:42 +0000

Mel Gibson

Ladies make sure you are seated before you read any further. Are you seated comfortably? O.K. Hollywood star and heart throb Mel Gibson was in Tipperary yesterday and may still be in our midst.

The much loved actor and female icon, who stayed at the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin and who is renowned for his direct Irish & Tipperary type no nonsense temperament, was out and about scouting for a suitable location for an up and coming production. Sure where else would you find such natural wild & unspoiled beauty?

Mel Colm-Cille Gerard Gibson, born 3rd January 1956, American actor, director, producer and screenwriter was born in Peekskill, New York, moving with his parents to Sydney, Australia when he was just 12 years old. He later went on to study acting, qualifing at the Australian National Institute of Dramatic Art.

Gibson got his breakthrough role as the leather-clad, post-apocalyptic, survivor in George Miller’s “Mad Max.” After appearing in the “Mad Max,” and the “Lethal Weapon,” series, he went on to direct and star in the Academy Award-winning “Braveheart,” latter which featured a few of our local residents. In 2004, he directed and produced “The Passion of the Christ,” a film portraying the last hours in the life of Jesus Christ.

So keep your eyes peeled and if you happen to spot him anywhere in the county, do give him a warm Tipperary welcome.

Elderly Male Dies Following Road Crash

George — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:24:16 +0000

A man has died following a single vehicle road accident in Cahir, Co Tipperary early this afternoon at approximately 3.25pm.

It is understood that the victim’s car left the roadway at Lagganstown Lower, off the New Inn Golden Road, near Cahir, here in Co Tipperary, before colliding with a ditch.

The man, who was pronounced dead at the scene, is believed to be in his 70′s and the sole occupant of the crashed vehicle.
The road is currently closed and traffic diversions are in place, while investigators examine the accident scene.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses who might have any information, to contact Cahir Garda Station at Tel: 052 7445630 or the Garda Confidential Line Tel: 1800 666 111.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

Private Health Insurance Cover

George — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:13:05 +0000

Most of us have been aware for some time that many, within our community of Thurles and Tipperary, have made the conscious decision to cancel our existing private health insurance. It therefore comes as no surprise to learn that in an answer to a parliamentary question from Fine Gael colleague Jim Daly, the Health Minister Dr James Reilly TD has confirmed that over 76,000 people have now cancelled their health insurance cover. In just the past 12 months up to the end of March of this year, (2012) record numbers have instead applied for medical cards.

The Irish Patients Association warns that this mass exodus from the Irish private health sector will end up with the bill for medical card holders, being paid by the taxpayer & by those who manage to remain insured members.

With costs running at an average of €1,000 per head in some cases, private health insurance is now viewed as a non affordable commodity, being operated purely for profit. These high costs are forcing people to fall out of the private health insurance market, mainly due to other demands on families to fund what are considered to be other more necessary demands on their weekly household budgets. Any further price increases will make it more difficult for persons who currently hold private health insurance to continue to renew their policies.

While there are still 46.6% of the population covered by private health insurance, our public system now has the highest number of medical cards ever issued in the Irish States medical card history. Private health plans are becoming unaffordable, particularly for our elderly, and health insurance providers continue to tailor their insurance plans toward the younger, healthier customers, who are less likely to make any immediate future claims.

Figures compiled by the Irish Patients Association show that between January 2010 and March 2012, the number of medical cards increased by over 280,000 or 19.0% and doctor-only visiting cards by 28,000 or 28.5%. When all is totted up, this equates to 1.76 million people with medical cards and 126,860 people with doctor-only visiting cards.

If this present trend is allowed to continues, then patients arriving at hospital reception desks will soon be asked the question, “Have you private health insurance or do you want to die?“

Lar Corbett Returns To Tipperary Hurling

George — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:34:54 +0000

Hurling great Lar Corbett

The rumors and spectulation are over and much to the delight of Tipperary hurling fans, it is now confirmed that 31 year old Lar Corbett will return to the Tipperary senior hurling panel, with immediate effect.

An expected statement, released by the Tipperary County Board, reads “Tipp manager Declan Ryan and Tipperary County Board are pleased to announce the return of Lar Corbett to the Tipp SH panel. Over the last few months Lar has been heavily involved in developing his business activities and is now once again in a position to give the necessary commitment to being a member of the panel. Lar will recommence training with the panel immediately.”

Citing personal business commitments, earlier this year, Corbett had unexpectedly quit senior inter-county hurling.

It is now understood that Lar will begin training with the Premier County on Tuesday next, ahead of the Munster Championship clash with Limerick at Semple Stadium, towards the end of May.

Corbett’s return will be seen as a massive boost for both team & fans and if Tipperary get past Limerick, Corbett must surely find a starting place against Cork in the Munster semi-final, set for June 24th.

Autonomous i Attack The Mattress

George — Sun, 13 May 2012 22:54:06 +0000

Supported on the night by Adela and the Meanits, together with local band Seskin Lane, the launch on Friday last of Autonomous i’s debut album “Attack the Mattress,” from the offset had all the hallmarks of a gig where seating space would be at a premium.

True to expectations, it was standing room only at The Source Theatre Thurles, when Autonomous i came onstage, thus contradicting the adage that “A prophet is not acceptable in his own country.” This five man outfit, consisting of Frah Butler (Guitar and Vocals), Daragh Kennedy (Guitar and Vocals), Jamie Kelly (Bass and Vocals), Eddie Dwan (Violin, Synth), and Adrian Creany (Drums) are Thurles born & reared and as Eddie Dwan stated to me before the gig, whatever we get up too, our local support base will be the first to be informed.

Described as ‘funk inspired indie rock,’ ‘quirky social commentary set to music‘ and ‘a break from the downbeat,’ “Attack The Mattress,” is a cracking great fresh debut album, and is now available from Heartbeat City Thurles and iTunes.

Expect to hear a lot more about this band, in the not too distant future.

General Synod Affirms Traditional Marriage Teaching

George — Sat, 12 May 2012 23:13:13 +0000

Alan Harper addresses Synod of the C of I.

The General Synod of the Church of Ireland, which began on Thursday last, concluding yesterday, have passed a motion affirming the church’s traditional teaching on marriage, by a two to one majority, today.

The Bishop of Cork, Cloyne & Ross, Paul Colton and the Bishop of Cashel & Ossory, Michael Burrows, did not support the motion.

The motion, which was proposed by the Archbishop of Dublin, Michael Jackson and the Bishop of Down & Dromore, Harold Miller, was supported by 81 clergy and 154 laity, and was opposed by 53 clergy and 60 laity.

The motion, which was passed yesterday, was first been introduced at last Thursday’s session, but was withdrawn by Synod President Archbishop Alan Harper, following a point or order. However, following modification, it was again reintroduced for debate.

Gay members of the Church of Ireland have reacted strongly against today’s decision.

The Synod also requested its standing committee to further progress work on the issue of human sexuality, in the context of Christian belief.

Autonomous i Album Launch A Great Success

brianc — Sat, 12 May 2012 22:47:24 +0000

It was a great night at the Source Arts Center on Friday 11th May where Autonomous i lauched their debut album ‘Attack The Mattress‘. The venue was packed with fans when Autonomous i took to the stage at 9.30PM. The band blazed through a number of songs from the new album. Among the songs performed were ‘Minus One’, ‘Aoife Says’, ‘Stand Up And Take It’, ‘Start Again’ and lots more. The band put on a great show with smoke, nice lighting effects and the sound was terrific. Great stuff guys and best of luck with the album.

Autonomous i

Supporting acts on the night were Adela and the Meanits who wooed the crowd with her own brand of quirky, up-beat music that went down very well with the crowd. Local band Seskin Lane kicked off the night with their own laid-back rock songs and ballads.

Adela and the Meanits

Seskin Lane

Overall, the night was very enjoyable and it’s worth remembering that all the songs that night were original songs by original artists which is really great to see. There’s plenty of original music talent out there, it’s well worth checking any of these bands out the next time they have a gig on. Recommended.

Attack The Mattress is available for download now on iTunes, Amazon and on other online music stores. The CD is also available in Tower Records, Dublin and Heartbeat City in Thurles.

You can find upcoming gigs, booking details, latest news and videos about Autonomous i on their Facebook page or MySpace page.

A Minute Of Silence For Great Famine Victims Tomorrow

George — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:03:19 +0000

St. Mary's Famine Museum, Thurles. Tipperary.

All schools around Ireland will hold a minute’s silence tomorrow as a mark of respect for all those who died, suffered or were forced to emigrated, during the Great Famine period 1845-1849, here in Ireland.

Known, mostly outside of Ireland, as the Irish Potato Famine, this period witnessed the death of approximately 1.3 million people and the emigration of at least 1 million others from Ireland, causing the island’s population to fall by between 20% and 25%.

On Sunday next St Mary’s Famine Museum here in Thurles will officially open from 2:00pm – 5:30pm for the current Tipperary tourism season (May 1st to September 30th) with the museum running a series of “Guided Tour Lectures,” on the afternoon, as part of the Irelands 2012 National Famine Commemorations.

Thurles Famine Museum now holds the largest collection of original Famine Memorabilia in Ireland and a number of new exhibition items will go on display for the very first time on Sunday, including an original document which is the only proof in existence of the “Tithe Wars,” here in Thurles.

Sandhurst Military Academy Uniforms And Holocaust Exhibition

Other events planned for later this year at St. Marys Museum include:-

An exhibition of clothing and other artefacts from the Downton Abbey era of Irish history, including old military uniforms from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Surrey, England.

A Holocaust photographic exhibition entitled “The Shoah,” dedicated to the memory and genocide of 5.29 – 6.2 million of our Jewish brethren.

Full details of these exhibitions will be announced by St Mary’s Famine Museum, in the coming weeks.

In the meanwhile if you are out and about on Sunday afternoon next do call to St Mary’s Famine Museum in Thurles. Entry for this event costs just €2.50 which includes the ‘Lecture Tour,’ latter which begins sharp at 3:00pm.

Thurles Represent Eire At Squash Championships Finland

George — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:01:47 +0000

Pic. Ciaran Maher & Gerard Holahan

Gerard Connaughton, Thurles Squash Club, is asking for all fingers to be crossed this week for Ireland & Ciarán Maher, a 16 year old Transition Year student from St. Joseph’s College, Borrisoleigh.

Ciarán is playing for Ireland at the European Under 15 / Under 17 Junior Squash Championships in Espoo, Finland from the 10th to 13th of May. Ciarán plays his squash in Thurles Squash Club at Thurles Golf Club, where he is coached by his dad, Tony Maher. Tony is also an Irish International – for the over 45′s.

In the Europeans there are five players on each team – 3 boys and 2 girls and the Ireland U17 team includes:-
Male Players: Michael Craig, Ciarán Maher, Oisín Logan
Female players: Breanne Flynn, Griffin Gillanders

This is a huge event on the Junior Squash Calendar and live streaming from the Esport Centre in Espoo, Finland (on one court only) can be viewed Here.
Details of the Draws, Matches, Teams and Players are available Here:

There are 21 teams from all over Europe competing in the U17 event. In the first round, Ireland is drawn in Pool B with France and Portugal. Ireland’s first match is against Portugal this evening, Thursday 10th of May at 16.30hrs local time. Bear in mind Helsinki is two hours ahead of us!

Ciarán played at No. 1 on the Thurles Squash Men’s team that recently won out the Munster Squash 2012 Men’s Division 3 league.

“Paljon onnea,” (Translated “Congratulations to“) Ciarán and your Irish team mates in Finland, be assured all fingers are now crossed.