'A special year for all those associated in any way with Nenagh'
A large crowd gathered at the Civic Offices on Wednesday of last week for the official launch of Nenagh 800, this year-long celebration of all things Nenagh.
Heralding eight centuries of the development and history of the town since the construction of Nenagh Castle, 2020 will see a rich variety of local events, including the likes of music and film festivals and historical and artistic exhibitions. Annual fixtures such as the St Patrick's Day parade, Ballycommon Sponsored Ride, Spleodar and Dromineer Literary Festival are to have an extra emphasis on local happenings this year. And each month of the year is to have its own theme, these ranging from religion to arts, sport, science and a special celebration of the people of Nenagh planned for December.
NENAGH 800 BRANDING, LOGO AND SONG
With its own branding and logo, Nenagh 800 even has a song. An open competition for the song was held last year and winner was announced at last week's launch as local man Cian Morris, also known as Bubba Shakespeare. His entry – 'I'm Tippin Away' – was chosen by internationally-renowned singer-songwriter Luka Bloom. Addressing the launch function, Eva Birdthistle, Artistic Director of Nenagh Arts Centre, revealed that Luka Bloom had adjudged the tune “the best thing by anyone that I have heard this year”.
Those attending the launch were treated to music by Nenagh Brass Band and two videos showcasing Nenagh scenes and the town's surrounds.
Welcoming all present, Nenagh 800 Chairperson Rosemary Joyce said 2020 would prove to be “a fantastic, special year for all those associated in any way with Nenagh”.
Cathaoirleach of Nenagh Municipal District Cllr Joe Hannigan described Nenagh as a town proud of its heritage, culture, tradition and sport, symbolised by Nenagh Castle, a landmark that has withstood the test of time and would continue to do so into the future.
“Nenagh has produced many legends in science, sport, music, dance, literature, entertainment and much more,” Cllr Hannigan said. He encouraged eveyone in the local community to get involved in celebrating the past and promoting Nenagh during the year.
“It's not too late to come forward with ideas,” Cllr Hannigan told those present. “Let's put Nenagh on the map for 2020.”
The cathaoirleach took the opportunity to acknowledge the work of everyone on the Nenagh 800 committee, including Ms Joyce and Cllrs Séamus Morris and Hughie McGrath, John Flannery, Nora O'Meara, Ms Birdthistle, Kevin Whelan, Roberta Noto, Frank McGrath and Sinead Moriarty.
There then followed a interesting presentation by conservation architect Flora O'Mahony on the works carried out on Nenagh Castle ahead of its reopening as a visitor attraction in 2012.
The National Monuments Service (OPW) scheme included enlargening the hole at the base of the keep for its present use as the visitors' entrance. Ms O'Mahony told her audience of how the hole was reportedly made by a local farmer, who in 1760 attempted to blow up the castle to get rid of nesting birds.
Guide Kevin Whelan revealed that around 110,000 people have visited the castle since 2012. Of the overseas visitors, Americans in particular love to see the castle and learn about its long and rich history.
CASTLE'S A FOCAL POINT FOR TOWN
Mr Whelan said it thrilled him to see the castle and its grounds being used again by the likes of school groups and Active Retirement outings, as well as for CastleFest and the Dromineer Nenagh Literary Festival. He pointed out that admission to the castle is free, as is the case with nearby Nenagh Heritage Centre and North Tipperary Geneaology Centre; soon to be added as visitor attraction, he hoped, would be the old gaol building beside Nenagh Courthouse.
Outlining some of the events taking place for Nenagh 800, Ms Joyce said an invitation has been made to the town's diaspora. Within six days of the Nenagh 800 website going live, responses were received from all over the world, as well as from throughout Ireland.
“The very first response came from Hawaii,” Ms Joyce said. More came from America, the UK, Australia, Canada, France and Spain.
As well as looking to its past, Nenagh is embracing the future with developments such as those to be undertaken at Arrabawn Co-op, Sheahan's store and the whole Martyr's Road development, Fiserv (formerly First Data), and LMC at the former Procter & Gamble/Coty site.
Further developments in train for Nenagh this year include enhancement proposals for Emmet Place and Banba Square, as well as the old gaol in the town's cherished “historic quarter”.
“We can't stand still and we need to develop for the future so Nenagh can remain a vibrant place where people want to live and work,” Ms Joyce said. Tipperary Co Council is always looking at ways to help the local business community and Ms Joyce had a particular welcome at the launch for Nenagh's longest operating shop owners - Joe and Angela Starr. She also pointed out that Slatterys of Nenagh is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
Among the events taking place throughout this year of celebration, Ms Joyce mentioned an exhibition later this month of memorabilia from the family of Olympic champion Bob Tisdall, some of which had never been seen in public before.
GET INVOLVED
Nenagh 800 is inviting business owners and community groups to get involved in all that is happening this year.
It is particularly interested in businesses of more than 50 years of operation, and in interviewing people about local, social, political and cultural history.
Visit the Nenagh 800 website – www.nenagh800.ie – and check also its Facebook, Instagram and Twitter platforms to find more about all that is going on this year.