Clonoulty (Cluain Ultaigh in Irish) is a small village in mid County Tipperary, Ireland. It is situated on the R661 road, 15 km southwest of Thurles and 22 km northeast of Tipperary.

It has a primary school and a Post Office. A Sheela na Gig from Clonoulty Castle/Church is now on view in GPA Bolton Library, Cashel.

History

The Calendar of Patent Rolls of Ireland records difficulties from 1582 onwards with Clonoulty rent collection for land which had passed into Crown control after the dissolution of the monasteries. Lands were burned, spoiled and remained waste for up to three years.

During the 1800s, many people from the area emigrated to Australia. Boorowa, New South Wales (the Tipperary of the South) was settled by Europeans who were mainly Irish convicts transported from Clonoulty after political activity in 1815.

On the 12th of August, 1848, Thomas Francis Meagher was arrested on the road between Clonoulty and Holycross.

Seventeen years later, on the 12th of August, 1865 a single stone meteorite of 4lb 14.5oz was seen to fall and was recovered from John Johnson's potato field.

It was the home of Eamon Ó Duibhir, the IRB member and officer of the Irish Volunteers. Sean Hogan of the Tipperary 3rd Brigade was captured by the RIC on the morning of May 19th, 1919, after leaving a dance at his house. Hogan was rescued the following day at Knocklong railway station - two of his four-man RIC escort being shot.

On the 31st of March, 1920, during the War of Independence, an RIC hut here was attacked by the 2nd Battalion of the South Tipperary Brigade. The defense was successfully led by Sgt Patrick McDonnell who was subsequently assassinated on May 10th of the same year at Goold's Cross railway station on his way to the RIC hut.

Summer Activities

Each year the village hosts "The Connie Ryan Set Dancing Weekend" which commemorates the celebrated set dancer from the parish. This always brings crowds from afar to the village for the duration of the weekend.

The local Macra club also hosts the Miss Macra competition in the locality. This used to be held in Thurles town, but recent years has seen it move to neighbouring Dundrum.

Another event in the summer calendar is the Vintage Rally which raises valuable funds for the local hospice.

Recent years has seen a sponsored dog push take place, raising large amounts of money for both the redevelopment of the local GAA pitch and also the Irish Guidedogs for the Blind.

External links

• Map and adjoining parishes
• Roadside memorial outside village.
• Síle na Gig.
• Boorowa, New South Wales
• Ned Ryan, King of Galong Castle
• Knocklong rescue