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‘The Jockser Cooke’ Regains His Memory

Well known Thurles local ‘The Jockser Cooke’  hadn’t seen the inside of a church since the day of his confirmation.

Imagine then, the pleasant surprise, even mild shock, that greeted the Rev. Peter Wheatfield, when he looked down into his congregation to find ‘Our Jockser’, standing completely cold sober, at the back of the parish church, for the first time in well over 30 years.

After the service, Rev. Peter took up his long established Sunday custom of greeting each of his worshippers as they exited his chapel.

Jockser’s Cotton Hat

Stretching out his hand to Jockser, he pulled him aside, to wait until all the other parishioners had left.  This achieved, Rev. Peter said, “I am so glad you decided to come to our Sunday Holy Communion service this morning Mr Cooke. What, may I dare to ask, changed your mind after all these years?”

“Well to be totally honest with ya Reverend, sure a while back, didn’t I misplaced me cotton hat and sure God knows I really and truly loved that ould hat.  Now didn’t I became aware that one of your other parishioners, Willie Hall, has a hat just like mine. I then learned that every man who enters the church every Sunday has to remove his hat during the Service. So I tell you no lie Reverend, I figured when he would go up for Communion sure I would steal the hat from his pew and leave without anyone even becoming aware it was missing,” said Jockser.

Rev. Peter smiled, “Well Jockser I am happy to note that you didn’t steal Mr Hall’s hat after all. What changed your mind?”

Jockser lowered his voice, “Well, after I heard yar sermon on them 10 Commandments, I decided that I didn’t need to steal Willie Hall’s hat after all.”

With a tear in his eye Rev. Peter gave Jockser a big smile, “Yes I did talk in detail about the 8th commandment handed down by Moses and that moral imperative so often nowadays forgotten ‘Thou Shalt Not Steal’.  So am I to understand that based on my simple sermon you decided you would rather do without Mr Hall’s hat, thus saving yourself from being eternally tortured in Hell Fire?”  Rev. Peter asked.

Jockser slowly shook his head. “Ah no, no, it wasn’t like that Reverend, after ya talked about the 9th commandment, Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery’, sure then didn’t I remembered where I had left me hat.”

Niamh Kennedy Tipperary Takes Title “Miss Ireland”

miss-ireland-winners

The very lovely Miss Niamh Kennedy, Portroe, Nenagh representing Miss Tipperary, has taken the coveted title of “Miss Ireland,” surpassing 33 other beauty queens from around the country.

The event which took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin, last night saw the classically trained 20-year-old ballerina who currently enjoys works as a waitress, go forward to represent Ireland at the Miss World Pageant in Washington D.C. on December 19th next.

On left, pictured L-R; Miss Aoife McGrane (First Runner Up); Miss Niamh Kennedy chosen “Miss Ireland 2016” and Miss Leanne Gray (Second Runner Up), at the Miss Ireland 2016 final last night. (Picture Courtesy Mr Brian McEvoy).

Part of her prize last night, included a modelling contract and a professional photo-shoot. This year’s pageant saw for the first time no exhibition featuring swimwear; instead a talent section was introduced into proceedings, which saw Miss Kennedy showcase a very fine singing voice.

TV3’s Elaine Crowley and pageant organiser and stylist Brendan Marc Scully hosted last night’s event, with singer Karl Day providing the entertainment.  Judges in attendance on the night included Julian Benson, Bellamianta Tan CEO Linda Mc Namee, Stylist Sonja Mohlich, Miss Ireland organiser Sean Montague, together with former winners Jessica Hayes and Anne Marie Gannon.

Every success Niamh from all here in Co. Tipperary, we will be watching your progress with immense pride.

Thurles All Ireland Tractor Challenge Tomorrow

An attempt at the All Ireland Tractor Challenge and Guinness World Record will take place at the Turnpike, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, tomorrow.
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Committee and promoters of the the All Ireland Tractor Challenge, latter which will take place at the Turnpike, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, tomorrow.

The “All Ireland Tractor Challenge” and Guinness World Record attempt, sponsored by Supermac’s, will take place at the Turnpike, Two Mile Borris, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, tomorrow (Sunday May 3rd) beginning at 11.30am.

Last year, in a similar attempt, some 1100 tractors turned up at the Thurles Racecourse, Nenagh Rd, Thurles, Co Tipperary, in an attempt to beat the current existing record, latter which stands at 1232 tractors. All tractors, vintage or otherwise, are still being welcomed, so have you entered your tractor in this event?

Note: Your entry can still be accepted by contacting Michael Fahey (Mobile 087-2712967) or T.J. Donnelly (Mobile 087-9855745) or Chris Verling (Mobile 083-4156785).

Note: This Tractor Challenge Guinness World Record Attempt tomorrow is not only just about a world record breaking attempt, it is also about a great social day out for all the family, with full proceeds going to North Tipperary Hospice (Suirhaven) Cancer Support Centre and the Cameo Care Dementia Respite Unit; both two worthy local Thurles Charities.

There will be Tug of War events, numerous prizes for the best 1950’s outfits for male’s, females and children attending; there will be Bouncy Castles, Amusement Rides, together with an abundance of stalls of all shapes and sizes.  Stalls will include Aloe Vera, Novelty Cakes, Stakelums, Mo Cara Animal Rescue, Hayes Yoghurt’s & Cheese’s, Thurles Men’s Sheds, Latteragh Crafts, Farmers Markets, Morrelli Sports Wear, Shannon Ices, just to name a few and all fully supporting this massive event.

Expect to brush shoulders with celebrity stars of sport, stage and screen; e.g. Rugby’s John Hayes & Denis Leamy, Alison Brolan (Munster’s Rose of Tralee contestant) and Derek from ‘Crystal Swing’.  Thurles natives Una Foden (Healy) of ‘The Saturdays’ and Comedian Pat Shortt are also expected to drop in sometime during the course of the day’s events.

Some 300 tractors have already arrived on site for parking at the Turnpike and same will remain over night under strict security, to await the larger contingent of vehicles expected to arrive early tomorrow

For further information see All Ireland Tractor Challenge and please do support this truly worthwhile charity event.

The ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ Fashion Show, Templemore, Tipperary

Fashion ShowAll roads will lead to Templemore, Co Tipperary at the start of this coming weekend as the spectacular ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ Fashion Show takes place in aid of the Holy Family National School, in Templetuohy.

This spectacular event will be held in the Templemore Arms Hotel on Friday next, November 14th, [MAP REF] beginning at 7.00pm.
The event, organised by the Parents Association of the school, promises those attending a unique blend of high fashion, local entertainment and a true party atmosphere.

(Click on picture left for larger image quality.)

Committee member M/s Leona Doyle reports:-
“On arrival there will be a cheese and wine reception and also stalls exhibiting local crafts and produce to browse through. You might even pick up a bargain or two ahead of Christmas!

The Fashion Show will feature style from Mai’s Boutique and Mullally’s (Templemore), First Editions, Born, Carraig Donn, Lár na Páirce, Elverys, Hummingbird, Imps and Elfs, Moran’s Menswear and Dunnes Stores (Thurles). Nenagh town will be represented by well known designer Marion Murphy Cooney.

There will be something for all ages, tastes and sizes on show; Men’s wear, Women’s wear, Sports-wear, Casual, Dressy, Teenager and Children’s wear.

During the interval there will be local entertainment while people will also have a chance to chin-wag and browse around the numerous stalls. Your admission ticket will also includes your raffle entry to a great draw with lots of vouchers and great prizes to be won!

The organising Parents Association are encouraging those attending to steal the limelight themselves with a smashing prize on offer for the “Best Dressed” on the night, so here is a great excuse to get dressed up!

Everyone in attendance will also get a great idea of what is “trending” for the Christmas party season while enjoying watching the models strut their stuff on the catwalk. The show will feature lots of well known locals and even some of our recent County Champions are ready to walk the ramp!

A great night is assured for all so do come along, support the local school and have a unique night out! Doors will open at 7.00pm and the runway is at 7.30pm.

Tickets: Tickets are just €20 for a whole evening’s entertainment. They can be obtained from any committee member or by texting /phoning Ann Marie on 085-1622061. You can also find us and keep up to date on our  “Absolutely Fabulous Fashion Show” Facebook page.    See you there! Note to you men folk out there – why not surprise / treat the woman in your life with the surprise gift of a ticket to this truly spectacular and worthy event.

Tipp TD’s Revenue Prosecution A “No Order” By Judge

North Tipperary Independent TD Michael Lowry

North Tipperary Independent TD Michael Lowry

Judge John O’Neill has thrown out a Revenue Commissioners prosecution brought against a company owned by Irish Independent TD Michael Lowry, because a court summons was served at an out-of-date Dublin address.

The Director of Public Prosecutions had taken the prosecution on behalf of the Revenue Commissioners at Dublin District Court.

The Judge ruled that he was now declaring “no order” in relation to criminal proceedings against Garuda Ltd, latter a refrigeration company owned by the current Independent TD for Tipperary North, latter which trades under the name of “Streamline Enterprises.”

The company had its registered offices with an address previously at the Gables, Torquay Road, Foxrock, Co Dublin, but had recently changed same registered office address to Abbey Road, Thurles, Co Tipperary.

The firm had been facing charges, alleged, relating to the filing of certain incorrect information and incorrect accounts, contrary to Revenue’s section 1078(2)(a) and (3) of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, as amended by section 211 of the Finance Act, 1999, in relation to the company’s corporation tax back in 2002. It also faced a third charge which alleged that the company provided an incorrect corporation tax return to the Irish Revenue Commissioners for the accounting year 2006.

Judge O’Neill heard submissions from defence barrister Mr Justin McQuade and M/s Grainne O’Neill BL prosecuting. Mr McQuade, for Garuda Ltd, argued that there were issues in relation to jurisdiction as the summons were issued by Dublin District Court on December 10th last in Dublin and not in Tipperary. Garuda Ltd had changed its registered office to Thurles, Co. Tipperary, but that information had not updated on the Company Registration Office’s website until January 14th this year.

M/s O’Neill, acting for the State, argued that this ruling would mean that a company could frustrate a prosecution by continually changing the address of its registered office. She also said that summons had been accepted by an employee of Garuda Ltd’s accountants. The purpose of a summons was to obtain the presence of an accused before the court and as the defendant company was now represented at the proceedings there was no issue. She also pointed out that the Foxrock address was still the registered address of the company on December 10th last when the summonses had been initially sought.

Ruling, Judge O’Neill stated that the summons had been served at the company’s previous registered address and he therefore held that the court did not have jurisdiction to deal with the particular case.