At least 90% of our earth’s Sun will be covered by the Moon on Friday next, (March 20th, 2015), thus creating something of an unusual spectacle for Thurles viewers, weather permitting of course. Indeed Met Éireann claim that the south of Ireland could be the best region from which to view this partial solar eclipse.
Since Ireland resides in that zone where the Sun is not totally obscured by the moon, we will therefore only experience a partial eclipse, rather than, as in some areas of the globe, a total eclipse. An area running north through the middle of the Atlantic and up over the Arctic will in fact only experience a full solar eclipse.
Here in Thurles this phenomenon should starts around 8.23am and run until 10.36am, with the peak of the eclipse reached at around 9.27am. If our skies are very cloudy, it will not be possible to observe same, although its effect will be felt as it will get somewhat darker and it will also feel much colder. If our sky’s are clear however it will be possible to see the very distinct outline of the moon passing slowly across the shape of the Sun, from right to left.
The last time an eclipse was visible from Ireland was in 1999 and it will be 2026 before yet another partial one is seen here in Thurles again. Indeed it will be 2090 before a total solar eclipse is next visible from this part of our globe.
Warning: Do not personally look directly at this upcoming Friday spectacle and in particular impress upon your children that direct eye contact can severely damage eyes and even lead to blindness. You may be lucky enough to own a pair of special Solar Glasses or welding goggles or welding shield, all of which have sufficient filtration to fully protect your eyes from any such harmful effects of the Sun’s rays.
Of course for those of you anxious to view and who own none of the above, best to line a bucket with a black plastic bin liner before filling the bucket to the top with water. This done; view in safety the eclipse reflected on the surface of the water only. Latter is a safe and an ideal method of viewing this spectacle by groups of children, especially in a supervised educational setting, while using several such bucket apparatuses spread out.
It is with great sadness we learn today of the death (Saturday March 14th, 2015) of Mr Chris Coffey, Leugh, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Mr Coffey passed away peacefully at home yesterday; surrounded by his loving family.
Mr Coffey is predeceased by his father Frank and brothers Paul and Andrew and his passing is deeply regretted by his wife Caroline, daughters Joanna and Rebecca, son Sam, his mother Catherine, sisters Mary and Catherine, brothers Tim, Pat, David and Sean, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of close friends.
Mr Coffey’s body will repose at his home on Monday evening from 5.00pm to 8.00pm. Removal will take place on Tuesday morning to arrive at the Church of St. Joseph and St. Brigid, Bohernanave, at 10.45am for Funeral Mass at 11.30am, followed by interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road Thurles.
Please Note: House private on Tuesday morning. Family flowers only, donations if desired to Suir Haven.
A moment’s silence was held in Semple Stadium today for legendary Tipperary goalkeeper Mr Tony Reddin, amongst others, before today’s throw-in for the much anticipated battle between Tipperary and Kilkenny, the results of which would decide progress to the Quarter-Finals of the Allianz Hurling League.
In front of a reported attendance of almost 10,500, Tipperary’s Seamus Callanan rattled home a magnificent 1-07 (10 pts), thus leaving Kilkenny guaranteed to be in a relegation play-off in their fight to preserve their Division 1A status.
This will be the first time under manager Brian Cody’s watch that Kilkenny has suffered three straight competitive defeats, possibly due to injuries and retirements. All eyes will be most firmly focused on the Nowlan Park fixture – Kilkenny V Clare – scheduled for next weekend.
Today’s game in the first half demonstrated all the indications of being a true championship experience, as both sides sought dominance. The game started with a goal in the first 30 seconds of play, from Kilkenny’s Jonjo Farrell, but Tipp’s Seamus Callanan had both sides level within three minutes, firing past the Cat’s Eoin Murphy leaving both teams all square by the 4th minute of play. Aided by this one goal (3 pts) in the first half and a second goal from N. O’Meara in the second half, it was to be Tipperary’s first victory against Kilkenny since their League success some two years ago and just their second in the last 12 League and Championship outings.
Nevertheless by half-time today Tipperary were showing a healthy seven point divide over their rivals – Tipperary 1-16 (19 pts) to Kilkenny’s 1-09 (12 pts) – and showing the names of nine of their players firmly engraved on the scoreboard. No doubt the discussion during the break in the Tipp dressing room did express concerns over the activities of Kilkenny’s Richie Hogan, latter who had almost single-handedly kept Kilkenny in touch.
In the second half the scoring rate dropped significantly but a 42nd minute penalty from the hurl of Kilkenny’s Richie Hogan failed to pass the vigilance of Brendan Maher, guarding the goal line. The setting up of Tipp’s Noel O’Meara by Seamus Callanan for his 54th-minute goal now saw the Premier County run a full 11 points clear: Tipperary 2-18 (24 pts) to Kilkenny 1-10 (13 pts).
Tipperary were again 13 points ahead just before the final whistle and finally declared the day with a prized 12 points lead, thus confirming their rightful place in the upcoming quarter-finals.
Tipperary Scorers: S. Callanan 1-07 (10 pts), N. O’Meara 1-02 (5 pts), J. O’Dwyer 0-04 (4 pts), N. McGrath 0-03 (3 pts), M. Breen 0-02 (2 pts), P. Maher, J. Woodlock, J. Forde and S. Bourke 0-01 each (1 pt).
Tipperary Team: D. Gleeson, P. Curran, C. O’Mahony, C. Barrett, M. Breen, P. Maher, R. Maher; K. Bergin, J. Woodlock, J. O’Dwyer, B. Maher, J. Forde, N. McGrath, S. Callanan, and N. O’Meara.
Substitutions: C. O’Brien for injured P. Curran, S. McGrath for J. Forde, J. McGrath for N. O’Meara, S. Bourke for N. McGrath and D. Egan for injured D. Gleeson.
Thousands of Irish people and overseas visitors are expected to retrace their heritage on National Pilgrim Paths Day April 4th, 2015.
Kilcommon Mass Rock, Thurles, Co Tipperary.
Ireland’s National Pilgrim Paths Day, on April 4th next, is aimed at raising awareness of our country’s wide network of pilgrim routes, while also providing a more general appreciation of our medieval Christian heritage.
To this end on Saturday, April 4th, 2015, large numbers of Irish people and overseas visitors are expected to retrace their ancestral heritage this coming Easter Weekend, as they take to this countries ancient pilgrim paths, to celebrate Ireland’s second ‘National Pilgrim Paths Day’.
This new Easter Festival will see a nationwide series of non-denominational, pilgrim walks taking place on Ireland’s medieval penitential trails. Last year, there were over 1,800 participants for Ireland’s inaugural Pilgrim Paths Day and this year it is expected that the numbers will be even higher.
On Pilgrim Paths Day, events will take place on each of Ireland’s 12 Medieval Pilgrim Paths including 3 pilgrim paths in County Tipperary. They are Kilcommon Pilgrim Loop, (Information, 062 78103), St Declan’s Way(Information, 086 354 1700) and Holycross Pilgrim Path(Information, 087 7962177).
Heritage guides from these communities will lead each event while outlining the story of the route and explaining how medieval penitents coped with their arduous journeys.
There will also be a reflection and thanksgiving at the end of each walk.