As a young boy, I moved from County Tipperary to County Wicklow in the early 1950s. There, I was teased by local boys as a "stone thrower" from Tipp. I've heard it since, so I know it wasn't just used by those lads. Does anybody know the origin of the term, as applied to Tipperary men?
Paul, that's fascinating! Have you tried researching via Google or the like? BTW, I see Tipperary, Roscrea to be specific, is featured in the new film "Philomena," which we've reviewed here on WG.
Gerry a chara,
Your colleague, Belinda, already looked it up. Thanks. She went to a site named "Irish County Nicknames", if I recall, in Ireland.ie.com.(?) Apparently everybody but me knew it was an old descriptor for Tipperary and its men (and women, no doubt). Always good to hear from you. I'm very much looking forward to watching the film "Philomena" Thanks for the review.
Slan go foill.
I have learned, since my posting, that the nickname originated during the so-called "Land Wars" which went on in Ireland from the 1870s to the 1890s. Tipperary residents are remembered as being particularly militant and aggresive stone throwing agitators in that time.
The monument on Tipperary Hill in Syracuse, New York, was pointed out to me also and thank you for clarifying its history. My understanding is that the protests over the traffic lights were more generally inspired by Irish-Americans, not necessarily of Tipperary ancestry. The name of the hill on which the offending traffic light was situated is believed to pure poetic coincidence. Thank you and all others who have come forward with thoughtful and relevant answers to my casual question.
Paul Thomas Meagher