Congratulations to Templemore native, Tara Klarlund Hogan, who is making a significant impact in Denmark by promoting Irish culture abroad. Tara is a founding member of a newly established Cultural Association in Copenhagen, dedicated to celebrating all things Irish – from music and arts to the GAA.

Having lived in Copenhagen since 2001, Tara – daughter of Mick and Anna Hogan, Knockinroe – has been a strong advocate for Irish heritage. Alongside her work with the association, she is also the Head of the English Department at Studieskolen, Copenhagen, where she continues to bridge cultural connections through education.

Engaging with Leaders and the Irish Community

As part of the association’s launch, Tara recently met with Minister Butler to discuss its goals and future initiatives. She was also photographed alongside board members, marking an exciting milestone for the Irish community in Denmark.

This initiative will serve as a vibrant hub for Irish culture, fostering stronger ties between Ireland and Denmark while providing a platform for Irish traditions to flourish internationally.

📍 Learn more about the association at: www.icad.dk

📸 Check out the images below!

It was a night of nostalgia, laughter, and reconnection as over 50 classmates gathered for their reunion in Murphy’s. Some travelled from as far as America, Nova Scotia, Saudi Arabia, London, and every corner of Ireland to be there.

🙏 Remembering Those We Lost
Sadly, the group took time to honour the memory of nine classmates who have passed away over the years:
Lorraine Quinn, Dearbhla McClean, Caroline Sweeney, Rachel Bourke, Paul Giles, Joe Brennan, David Nolan, Jim Callanan, and Brian Hanley. They were fondly remembered throughout the evening.

💙 Giving Back
In an incredible show of generosity, the reunion group raised €2,820 through donations on the night in aid of North Tipperary Hospice – a fantastic contribution to a worthy cause.

👏 A Huge Well Done!
A massive thank you to the organisers who made this event a reality. It was a night filled with shared stories, cherished friendships, and plenty of craic!

📸 Group Photo – Who Was There?
Back Row: Gerard Keating, Paddy Hogan, Tadhg Carey, Graham Cullen, Richard Brennan, Paddy Harney, Pat Connolly, Tom Quinlan, Owen Boyle, Senan Sheedy, Ailbe Quinlan, Paddy Stapleton, Larry Stapleton.
Third Row: Eamonn O’Mahony, Catherine Sheehan, Martin O’Reilly, David Duggan, Michael Marnell, Laura Robinson, Emer McDonnell, Martha Bane, Sinead Russell, Catherine Morris, Barbara McNamara, Eileen Stapleton, Eilish O’Connell, Deirdre Murphy, Anna Fogarty, June Kinnane.
Second Row: Mary Collier, Marie Russell, Veronica Bourke, Anne-Marie Ryan, Brid Maher, Mary Treacy, Aine Loughnane, Patricia Larkin, Angela Moloney, Bridget Kennedy, Brid Ormond.
Front Row: Jim Kennedy, Darren O’Toole, Brendan Murphy, Murt Kennedy, Tim Fogarty, Paul Carr, Larry Broderick, Sean Ryan, P.J. Corcoran.

A Cycle Race with a Dramatic Twist 🚴‍♂️

In 1906, Templemore Cycle Club held its races on the streets of the town. Mr. Morris, a local chemist, offered a gold watch to the best rider of an eight-mile race. Seven competitors lined up for the challenge, but disaster struck at the corner near the Sacred Heart Church, known at the time as the “new Chapel.”

📜 Tipperary Star – August 1906:
“When turning the corner at the new Chapel, five of the cyclists came to grief, some sustaining nasty cuts and bruises. This made the win very easy for Mr. O’Brien of Castleiney, who won by over forty yards. Mr. Edward Kirwan of Nenagh took second place, while Con Armitage of Templemore finished third. About three yards separated the two. Other races were planned, but due to the accident, they were canceled.”

The Chemist & Its Historic Location

The entrance to Morris Chemist, mentioned in the article, was located on Patrick Street, where O’Doherty’s Showrooms now stand. Historical records from Griffith’s Valuation House Book (1846) indicate that the building was already 60 years old at the time, meaning it dates back to approximately 1786.

Interestingly, the Sacred Heart Church, which opened in 1883, was still referred to as the “new Chapel” in 1906 – despite being in use for 23 years at that point!

This story is a perfect example of how photographs and historical snippets bring the past to life. Every old picture tells a thousand stories, and we look forward to uncovering more Templemore memories in the future!

📷 Do you recognize any other historic spots in this image? Share your memories at Tuatha Corca Teine!

Sr. Helen Kennedy. A personal tribute by Brid Dunne.
There were three phases of my knowing of Sr Helen. This is reflected in the three names I had for her. She hailed from the same parish in Limerick as my mother, thus when she came to Templemore there was an immediate connection. As a child not understanding religious life or not being able to pronounce my S’s very well, she was “Mister Helen”. She was present as a family friend in my childhood, one who always called with cakes which usually meant I could stay up late as the adults conversed in the sitting room. For my Holy Communion she made much of me and gave me a present of a holy water font, which hangs now in my own home almost thirty years later.
As time progressed and a child became a youth, she became “Sr Helen”: My sibling’s principal, and much later, my school chaplain. One doesn’t understand accompaniment as a ministry until one reflects on it. Now as I think back I remember her constant presence, her understanding and her capacity to balance sad and joyous events with aplomb, hitting just the right note and encouraging us to strive on. It was her practice to meet all first and leaving certificate years one-to-one, and I remember distinctly both occasions, especially the latter. Her words, both motivational and moving, have stayed with me since.
Most recently, she became known as just “Helen”, our family friend, my friend, who was always interested, who advised, supported, offered counsel and encouraged us through life’s tribulations, illness and grief. Each wedding and each wake Helen was there with a gentle nudge, a wry joke, and style. My last encounter was all too brief, out in the park for a walk; “Be sure to call in when you are passing!” she said. I never did get the chance.
The prayer attributed to Oscar Romero offers a fitting perspective on a life so fully lived by Sr. Helen, and a challenge to us all. It ends:
We cannot do everything,
and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
This enables us to do something,
and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way,
an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest.
We may never see the end results,
but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.
We are workers, not master builders;
ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future that is not our own.
The bed of heaven to you Helen, your living supported others to grow, and those seeds will nourish others beyond your reach on this earth. I will keep the flag flying – Luimneach Abú!

Read at Sr Helen’s funeral by Mary D’estelle Roe.

Had Sr. Helen a Ministry OR Had Sr. Helen a Job?
That is the question!
If you are doing it just because no one else will, it’s a job
If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it’s a ministry
If you quit because someone criticises you, it’s a job
If you keep on serving, it’s a ministry
If you’ll do it as long as it does not interfere with your other activities, it’s a job
If you are committed to staying even if it means letting go of other things, it’s a ministry
If you quit because no one thanks you or praises you, it’s a job
If you stick with it even though no one recognises your efforts, it’s a ministry
It’s hard to get excited about a job
It’s almost impossible not to get excited about a ministry
If your concern is success, it’s a job
If your concern is faithfulness and service, it’s a ministry.
Thank you Sr. Helen , You had a ministry.
You have always been a good and faithful servant. May you now reap your reward in Heaven. Amen

Sr. Helen Kennedy – A Life well Spent by Bridget Jones
Sr. Helen was a pillar in the faith community of Templemore, Clonmore, Killea. Over the years she served as Minister of the Word and was a valued member of the Liturgy Group, having an in-depth knowledge of good liturgical practices and an extensive collection of resources. She prepared material and contributed to novenas, themed Masses and prayer services for all liturgical seasons. She trained Prayer Guides, organised and led prayer groups in the parish. Sr. Helen particularly enjoyed praying with members of A.A. every week.
Her love and understanding of young people stood her in good stead when she was appointed Chaplain in Our Lady’s Secondary School following her retirement as principal. Her support for the students and their families especially in difficult and tragic circumstances was much appreciated.
She established “Cuan”, a bereavement support for second level students. Sister Helen introduced students to meditation, and she facilitated the preparation of the school community for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Advent and Lent.
Her organisation of Mass for the staff of Our Lady’s at the beginning of each school year ensured that the themes chosen were spiritually uplifting and prompted the teachers to uphold gospel values in their classrooms.
Her annual award to a fifth year student who made a significant contribution to school life, in keeping with the Mercy ethos, was much sought after.
She facilitated retreats for Confirmation candidates in all the parish schools.
Her involvement with the parish Bereavement Support Group was very much appreciated.
Sister Helen was very pro-active in establishing the McAuley Parish Centre in what was once St. Anne’s Primary School. She took a keen interest in the running of the centre and her advice and guidance to her fellow committee members was always well received.
In January 1992 Sr. Helen with three companions took up residency in 1 Church Street and over the years she was a wonderful neighbour to all in that part of town. Her many friends who live on the margins of life often called to her house and were always treated with kindness, dignity and respect.
Sister Helen served on the Board of Management of St. Colmcille’s N.S. in 2007 and St. Joseph’s Primary School since 2007. Her experience as a school principal and her devotion to education ensured valuable contributions to the successful running of the school. She also served on the Board of Cistercian College, Roscrea.
As a member of the Diocesan Committee responsible for activities undertaken for The Year of the Family 2018, Sr. Helen gave valuable assistance and in particular to the production of “Together We Pray”, a Book of Prayers for Families. Over the years she was all too happy to serve as a Prayer Guide in Knock.
In all the undertakings of her ministry she first called on the Lord to guide and be with her in the use of her talents for the good of others. Her preparation and attention to detail were exemplary. She was a wonderful team member and leader, encouraging and affirming people in their various roles, a great listener, with a cheerful and positive disposition to all.
May the Lord welcome her with the words, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter now into the joy of your Lord.”

*Day Care Centre

The Day Care Centre at TCSC has been in operation since 1988 and is very well regarded in the community.
The centre provides a range of services to older people in Templemore and the surrounding areas. It aims to provide a homely, enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere to the older people who attend. The centre is open from 10am to 4pm and services offered to those aged 65 and over include:
• Daily dinner
• Daily activities including art, bingo, music and games
• Monthly centre party
• Social Work and counselling support
• Information service
• Physiotherapy
• Reflexology
• Chiropody
• Washing facilities
• Day trips
• Annual holiday
• Christmas party
• Transport to and from the centre
For more details please contact 0504-31291.

*Community Social Work Service

Our social work service was established with the Templemore Community Services Centre in 1979, and provides a social work service to those attending the day centre and preschool, as well as to the wider Templemore community. Services offered include:

• Advice, information and support around a wide range of issues including
Housing / Financial difficulties / Addiction / Domestic abuse / Bereavement / Relationships / Parenting / Mental health / Personal development
• Needs assessment
• Advocacy
• Counselling support
• Referrals to outside agencies
Our Social Worker is available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9am – 5pm, and Wednesday 9am – 12pm. No appointment necessary – just call in to reception or telephone 0504-31244.

*Community Preschool

The Templemore Community Pre-school Tiny Tots has been providing a high-quality pre-school experience to local children since 1980. The pre-school caters for children between the ages of 2.5 and 5 in our beautiful purpose-built centre on Church Avenue (behind the TCSC building).
The pre-school is open from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, and is open all year round. The ECCE scheme runs from 9am – 12pm.

Our qualified staff team use the Aistear Early Childhood Curriculum Framework to guide the daily, play based, activities of the children, allowing their social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs to be met. A snack is provided for the children each day.

Please contact 0504-56854 for further details, and to arrange a visit for you and your child!