Thurles derives its name from Durlas Eile meaning strong fort of Ely. It is a market town on the river Suir between Templemore and Cashel, and is the principal town of North Tipperary. A Carmelite Friary was founded here in 1300 by the Butlers and was later suppressed and granted to the Earl of Ormomd, James Butler in 1540. In 1884 the Gaelic Athletic Association was founded at a meeting in Hayes' Hotel, Thurles.