Upperchurch, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, this year celebrate ten years of successful walking weekends.

Pictured Above:  A select group of walkers leaving Upperchurch village, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, on the ‘Knockalough Walk’.

Details of this years Upperchurch Walking Weekend 2015 to be held on November 6th, 7th and 8th have been announced, as this attractive, world class ‘walking hub’ now celebrates its tenth annual event. This year there will be a much expanded programme of events which will include emigration and reconnecting with the local Diaspora as an associated theme.

New chairman M/s Eileen Ryan has taken over from the long serving Mr Billy Clancy and has brought with her a new energy to the fifty strong team of volunteers, latter who have nourished the Upperchurch Walking Weekend to its present position as one of the most popular such events in the country, with over one thousand participants expected to descend on the rural village for this upcoming event.

There will be ten walks to celebrate each one of the ten years of the festival, along with several associated events such as traditional set dancing and music, a race night, organised cycles and displays on the “Upper Limits”, climbing wall.

The weekend also provides a great opportunity to renew old acquaintances and in keeping with the focus of welcoming home our emigrants there will be a lecture and discussion on the history of emigration from around the area. The much sought after 2015 Upperchurch-Drombane Historical Journal will also be launched during this most enjoyable of walking event.

It is evident that walkers in general have become fitter in recent years and that demand for longer and more challenging walks has therefore increased. While the usual eight to ten kilometre walks on the three local National Loop Walks and the popular night-time walks on the roads, will again be featured, it is the new, specially organised, one off longer walks that appear to catch the interest of the more experienced walkers and those looking for that real challenge.

Featured Walks:
(A) The ‘flagship walk’ of course will again be the 18 km “Hills of Upperchurch Walk”, latter which is strictly for the very fit and experienced.

(B) The 15 km “Farney Castle to Upperchurch Walk” drew a large crowd last year and will be held again with an opportunity for a tour of “Farney Castle” beforehand.

(C) Likewise the “Hollyford – Red Hill” walks will be of similar length (15 km) with visits to the hiding place and grave of Eamon an Chnoic included.

(D) A completely new walk this year will be a 12 km “Drombane to Knockalough” walk; starting at Drombane GAA field and going over the top of Knockalough to finish in Upperchurch Village.

(E) Even if you are a completely unfit beginner, there is no need to be overawed at this required fitness level; a recently introduced gravelled 1 km “Bog Walk”, beside Upperchurch village can be also utilized. This facility is also very suitable for wheelchair users.

But forget the walking for a moment; mostly this weekend is about making and renewing friendships, observing nature and the countryside close up and at its best, forgetting your cares for a few hours and working up an appetite or maybe a thirst. In short it is about taking a mini holiday, without stress and major expense, so be sure to put Nov 6th, 7th and 8th straight into your diary.

Note: Brochures are now available from the Community Centre in Upperchurch and other local outlets or same can be downloaded from www.upperchurch.ie .

All phone enquiries to Mobile: 087 0518934.

The awaited November 2014 Fennelly Commission’s report has just been published this evening. The Commission was charged with investigating matters of public concern which had been brought to the attention of the current Government.

These matters of public concern included:-
(A) Recording of non-999 telephone calls in certain Garda Stations over a 30 year period.
(B) Recordings to and from Bandon Garda Station which might indicate unlawful or improper conduct by Gardaí in investigations into the death of the dreadful murder of M/s Sophia Toscan Du Plantier in 1996.
(C) Investigate and report on the furnishing to the Minister for Justice of a letter dated March 10th 2013, sent by the then Garda Commissioner Mr Martin Callinan, to the Secretary General of the Dept. of Justice & Equality.
(D) Investigate and report on the sequence of events leading up to the sudden and unexpected retirement of Garda Commissioner Mr Martin Callinan on March 24th 2014.

However it is the investigation and report on the sequence of events which lead up to the sudden and unexpected retirement of Garda Commissioner Mr Martin Callinan on March 24th 2014, which has gained the most attention from our national press.

From this published report we learn that Garda Commissioner Mr Martin Callinan told the Fennelly Commission that the “direct cause of his decision to retire, was the visit from Mr Purcell, (Latter Secretary General of the Department of Justice and who visited Commissioner’s Home at 11.00pm) and the message conveyed by the Taoiseach during that visit”.

The former commissioner had expressed a wish to retire in three months, however the Taoiseach had then considered the issue overnight and later informed the Garda Commissioner that his retirement would have to take place with “immediate effect”;  maintaining it was Garda Commissioner Callinan’s own personal decision.

The Commission has stated in this report “it must add” the decision to retire “cannot be seen in complete isolation from other contemporary events concerning An Garda Siochana and the Commissioner personally”.

However An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny has stated that the then charge made against him; that he sacked former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan, now “doesn’t stand up”. “The report is clear and unambiguous in its findings that not only was there no dismissal or sacking of the Garda Commissioner, it was never even mentioned at the meeting,” Mr Kenny stated.

This newly published report has now concluded that the visit by the then Secretary General, Mr Brian Purcell, to the home of Garda Commissioner Mr Martin Callinan, was the immediate catalyst for his decision to retire.

Readers are invited to read sections 35.17 (Page 220) to 35.22 (Page 221) of this Fennelly Commission Report, which can be viewed in its entirety here at http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/News/Taoiseach’s_Press_Releases/Interim_report_of_the_Fennelly_Commission.pdf.

It is with great sadness we learned of the death yesterday, Tuesday 1st September 2015, of Mr Christopher Farrell, No 49 Sean Treacy Avenue, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formally of Castledermot, Co. Kildare.

The passing of Mr Farrell is most deeply regretted by his loving wife Margaret, sons Michael, Joseph and Kevin, daughter Linda, grandchildren, son-in-law, brother Desmond, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Funeral Arrangements
Mr Farrell will repose at Egan’s Funeral Home, Thurles, on Friday evening, September 4th, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, arriving at the Cathedral of The Assumption, Thurles at 7.30pm.

Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, September 5th, at 11:00am, in the Cathedral of The Assumption, with burial afterwards in Moon Cemetery, Co. Kildare.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

Mr John Ahern in his 67th year;  a father of four from Ballymackeogh, Newport, Co Tipperary, died tragically last night in what was described as an unfortunate workplace accident.

The well-known and loved Tipperary publican, agricultural contractor and dairy farmer, who had a passion for vintage machinery, was located deceased by his son Michael and daughter in law Theresa, wedged between the hood and the cab of his vintage lorry.

Following the grim discovery, Gardaí and emergency services were called to the rear of Mr Ahern’s family home, at approximately 9.50pm last night.

Mr Ahern ran the well known Ahern’s bar on the road between Newport to Limerick (R503); a premises renowned for hosting Sunday night dancing.

Mr Ahern is survived by his sons Michael, John Christopher and daughters Aishling and Deirdre.

In the wake of this tragedy, a deep sense of sadness, combined with disbelief and shock is being expressed in the surrounding area of Newport town today.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

An 18 year old male youth is being held today at Thurles Garda Station, under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act; latter which permits the detainee to be held in detention for up to 24 hours.

This detention follows the arrest of a youth early this morning; for questioning by Gardaí in connection with an incident which took place in the village of Borrisoleigh overnight. We understand that the male was taken into custody following an apparent assault which took place on the rural village’s Main Street, just shortly after midnight last night.

The victim is understood to be another male, believed to be in his 20’s and who it is understood suffered only minor injuries.

Anyone with any information surrounding this incident are being asked to contact Templemore Garda station on Tel: 0504-32630, or the Garda Confidential Line on Tel: 1800-666-111, or indeed any Garda station.

It is with great sadness we learned of the death yesterday, Thursday September 3rd 2015, of Mrs Phil O’Dwyer (née Webster) No 19. Ard Mhuire, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

The passing of Mrs O’Dwyer, who was predeceased by her husband Tommy, is most deeply regretted by her loving sons Jack, Paddy and Tommy, daughters Helen and Marian, brother Paddy, sisters Ann and Chris, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Funeral arrangements
The earthly remains of Mrs O’Dwyer will repose at Egan’s Funeral Home on Saturday evening, (5th September) from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, before arriving to the Cathedral of The Assumption, Thurles at 8.30pm.

Funeral Mass on Sunday (6th September), at 12:00 noon. Burial will take place after Mass in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Thurles.

Note: Family flowers only please, donations, if desired, to Milford Care Centre.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

It is with great sadness we learned of the death yesterday, Friday 4th September 2015, of Mr Thomas Cawley, No 4. St. Bridgets Terrace, Littleton, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

The passing of Mr Cawley is most deeply regretted by his wife Marcella, daughters Sarah, Louise, Elaine and Tara, grandchildren, mother-in-law, brothers, sisters, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, many relatives and friends.

Funeral Arrangements
The earthly remains of Mr Cawley will repose at his home today, Saturday, with removal to the Church of Our Lady and St. Kevin, Littleton, to arrive at 8:30 pm.
Requiem Mass will take place on Sunday at 12:00 noon, followed by burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Note: No flowers please, donations to Irish Cancer Research.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

Thurles Credit Union held their monthly ‘Members Cash Draw‘ at Credit Union House, Parnell Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary on today, (Saturday 5th of September 2015).

The monthly draw, which is always computer generated, saw the 1st prize of €10,000 go to winner Mr Patrick Joyce, The Island, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny.

Pictured left at the presentation is staff member and fellow Kilkenny native, Catherine Henderson, (Right) presenting a delighted Mr Joyce (Left) with his first prize.

Three other runners-up prizes of €1000 each were also drawn by three other lucky winners who are named hereunder as follows:-

(1) Mr Simon Gleeson and M/s Lorraine Cleary, Ballycurrane, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
(2) M/s Gabrielle O’Meara, Clongour, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
(3) M/s Kathleen Benson, Athnid, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Our congratulations to all of the above named September 2015 Thurles Credit Union cash draw winning members.

It is reliably understood that Gardaí today are questioning a 48-year-old male in connection with the theft of some €15,000 from a licensed premises on O’Donovan Rossa Street, here in Thurles.

The theft occurred on the licensed premises of All-Ireland winning Tipperary left corner-forward Mr Lar Corbett.

In a series of understandably angry communications using Twitter, Mr Corbett offered a reward for any information; correctly indicating that similar incidents on a large scale are happening daily across Co. Tipperary.  Following the burglary, Mr Corbett offered a €5,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thief or thieves involved.

His earlier appeal, on August 28th last, has lead to the arrest of a man in Cork city yesterday afternoon and the accused has now been transferred to Thurles Garda Station for further questioning.

Persons with any new information on this burglary are being asked to contact Thurles Garda station on Tel: 0504-25100, or the Garda Confidential Line on Tel: 1800-666-111, or indeed any Garda station.

Dwyer.

It is with great sadness we learned of the death, suddenly yesterday, Saturday 5th September 2015, of M/s Noreen Dwyer, Mathew Avenue, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

The loving daughter of the late Thomas and Bridget, sister of the late John and Thomas; the passing of M/s Dwyer is most deeply regretted by her sorrowing family; sisters Ann, Mary and Celine, brothers-in-law Seamus and Gerard, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Funeral Arrangements
The earthly remains of M/s Dwyer will repose at Ardeen Nursing Home this evening, September 7th, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, arriving at the Church of St. Joseph and St. Brigid, Bothar-na-Naomh at 7:30pm. Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 10:00am, followed by burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

Douglas (née Moloney).

It is also with great sadness we learned of the death yesterday, Saturday 5th September 2015, of Mrs Sheila Douglas (née Moloney), No 5, Abbey View, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare and formally of Mitchels Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Predeceased by her son Brian; the passing of Mrs Douglas is most deeply regretted by her husband Oliver, sons Christopher, Ollie and Séan, daughter Arlene, son in law, daughters in law, grandchildren, sister (Bridie), sisters in law, nieces, nephews, extended family relatives and many friends.

Funeral Arrangements
Reposing at the Chapel of Rest, Monasterevin today September 7th with removal this evening at 6:45pm to arrive at St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church for 7:00pm. Requiem mass will take place on Tuesday at 11:00am, with interment afterwards in St Evin’s Cemetery, Monasterevin, Co Kildare.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

Jobs Minister Mr Richard Bruton (FG) is expected to announce 200 new jobs for Clonmel, Co. Tipperary today. These new employment places are to be created by Eishtec, an outsourced contact centre based in Co Waterford and first established in 2011 to provide tailored solutions to business. This company now intend to establish of a custom built centre in Ard Gaoithe, in Clonmel. Recruitment is understood to begin immediately.

While this announcement is most welcome, earlier similar job pronouncements for Co. Tipperary over the past number of weeks, e.g. 300 new jobs long term at US generic drugs giant Amneal Pharmaceuticals;  152 jobs at ABP Food Group etc,  have born little fruit to-date.

While unemployment figures for August 2015, (published by the CSO on September 5th, 2015) appear to show a drop for the first time in persons unemployed in Co. Tipperary, one cannot help wondering how much of this sudden drop is reflected in real job creation within the county.

When unemployment figures are viewed over a period of the past eight months; these same statistics do not make for exhilarating reading.

Unemployment figures for Co. Tipperary over the first 8 months of 2015

North Tipperary and Associated Towns – 2015

—Jan — Feb — Mar —- April — May — June — July —- Aug —–Town/Region
6,312 – 6,237 – 6,139 – 6,030 – 6,199 – 6,462 – 6,601 – 6,475. North Tipperary – [Increase = 163 persons].
2,568 – 2,497 – 2,465 – 2,446 – 2,529 – 2,635 – 2,658 – 2,589. Nenagh  – [Increase = 21 persons].
1,166 – 1,168 – 1,138 – 1,119 – 1,164 – 1,187 – 1,246 – 1,213. Roscrea  – [Increase = 47 persons].
2,578 – 2,572 – 2,536 – 2,465 – 2,506 – 2,640 – 2,697 – 2,673. Thurles  – [Increase = 95 persons].

South Tipperary and Associated Towns – 2015

—Jan — Feb — Mar —- April — May — June — July —- Aug —– Town/Region
7,864 – 7,786 – 7,681 – 7,595 – 7,809 – 7,998 – 8,110 – 7,957.  South Tipperary – [Increase = 93 persons].
1,129 – 1,120 – 1,096 – 1,071 – 1,094 – 1,145 – 1,164 – 1,128.  Cahir – [Decrease = 1 person].
1,685 – 1,674 – 1,650 – 1,625 – 1,663 – 1,697 – 1,719 – 1,688.  Carrick-On-Suir – [Increase = 3 persons].
1,060 – 1,035 – 1,015 –   998 –  1,017 – 1,025 – 1,063 – 1,035.  Cashel – [Decrease = 25  persons].
2,480 – 2,489 – 2,464 – 2,470 – 2,562 – 2,611 – 2,616 – 2,586.  Clonmel – [Increase = 106 persons].
1,510 – 1,468 – 1,456 – 1,473 – 1,431 – 1,520 – 1,548 – 1,520.  Tipperary (Town) – [Increase = 10 persons].

Current reigning Tipperary politicians will shortly be demanding our votes, based of their ‘vast experience’ and ‘proven competence’. The Tipperary electorate and particularly Thurles voters, on the other hand, will be waiting with ‘bated breath’.

It is with great sadness we learned of the death today, Friday 11th September 2015, of Mr John (Jake) Dwyer, Ballyvinane Littleton, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

The passing of Mr Dwyer is most deeply regretted by his brother Tim, sisters Josie and Lizzie, cousin John, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Funeral Arrangements
The earthly remains of Mr Dwyer will repose in Egan’s Funeral Home this Sunday between 5:00pm and 8:00pm before arriving to St Kevin’s Church Littleton at 8:30pm.

Requiem Mass will take place on Monday in St Kevin’s Church, Littleton at 11.30am, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Family flowers only, donations, if desired, to Milford Care Center.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

Some three attempts to rescue and preserve the 16th Century Archer tomb in Thurles, (Situated on the east side of St. Mary’s graveyard) over the past 12 years, have been met with the reply “Do Not Touch”, by those responsible for preserving our important historical heritage nationally.

Early 16th Century Archer Tomb, found in St Mary’s Graveyard, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

This unique stone carved tomb, (shown above), once clearly bore the inscription “Here [lies] Edmund [Archer] burgess of Thurles and Lord of Rathfernegh, Galboly, Corbale [and] Killienane who died on the 18th of the month of September in the year 1520. Counuchan caused me to be made”, but alas no more.

This Archer tomb, considered to be from the Ossory school of sculpture, (Same encompasses all sculpture within this region from that time period which was unsigned.) needs to be immediately protected from the elements.  There were very few sculptors who signed their work during the 16th century, with the exception possibly of the Kerin School and the O’Tunney School. Today tomb sculpture still remain the richest source of information available for the study of Irish armour and dress. Each sculpture then was a statement of status by the families who once commissioned these monuments.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny, some days ago, spoke of the serious danger posed by the Islamic State group ISIS, with refugees in the Middle East now currently fleeing into Europe. Speaking to eager journalists, Mr Kenny pointed to the growth of the terrorist group in Syria and the global threat war fleeing refugees now pose in relation to the destruction of historical artefacts and century old buildings.

Ardmore Cathedral Co. Waterford

According to confirmed reports, last month these terrorists blew up a historic temple in Syria, destroyed several mausoleums in Afghanistan, sold valued artefacts on the black market, burned books / manuscripts and smashed age old statues. Now according to Mr Kenny they may wish to blow up the Rock of Cashel and Newgrange etc.

Trust me Mr Kenny; while I appreciate your worried sentiments expressed, ISIS has been operating here in Ireland, unseen for decades, in the form of politicians devoid of experience, imagination and competence. Our worries should now be focused on the failure of this nation in the past, led by successive governments, to fund the protection of our valuable existing heritage sites, if for just one reason only the further development of our future tourism business.

Recently I had the privilege of escorting some Canadian visitors on a visit to the 12th century monastic settlement of St. Declán, latter situated in the coastal historic seaside village of Ardmore, Co. Waterford. While examining the magnificent stone carvings to be found on the South ‘lunette’ west face, (‘lunette’ from the French meaning, “little moon,” – a half-moon shaped space, filled with recessed masonry or simply void) of the now ruined Cathedral, one of the group rightfully expressed their shock at our failure to protect our important past history. Today much of the magnificent stone carvings have disappeared, while the still barely visible remaining relief work continues to be eroded annually by nature and the elements.

The present Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, FG’s Ms Heather Humphreys, some months ago announced the provision of an extra €2m; to be taken from her Arts funding, and expended on Museums in Dublin and in Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s birth place of Co. Mayo. The purpose of this extended funding was to ensure that museum attractions in Dublin and Mayo, latter hosting historical artefacts, many of which have been ‘raided Viking style’ from Co. Tipperary, remain to be viewed, admission free, to the benefit of Dublin’s bustling economy.

Time now for those responsible for rural tourism, both in Co. Tipperary and elsewhere, to get their act together to ensure the protection of Ireland’s rural tourist economy, latter worth almost €4 billion annually to the Irish State.

Readers are invited to place the Archer Tomb on their ‘Bucket List’, as by next year yet another piece of this fine rare stone sculpture will have vanished forever, due to the lack of foresight by those we appoint who take on the responsibility of ‘caretakers of history’.

It is with great sadness we learned of the death yesterday, Saturday 12th September 2015, of Mr Jimmy Meaney (Snr), No 19, McDonagh Tce, Littleton, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

The passing of Mr Meaney is most deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary, sons Jim, Pat, Thomas, Timmy and John, daughters Marie, Eileen and Josie, grandchildren, great-grandchldren, brother Mike, sister Geraldine, daughter-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral Arrangements
The earthly remains of Mr Meaney will repose at his residence on Monday 14th September 2015 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Removal will take place on Tuesday morning at 11:00am to St Kevin’s Church, Littleton, for 11.30am requiem Mass, followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Note house will remain private on Tuesday morning.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

Fine Gael’s Justice Minister Mrs Frances Fitzgerald, speaking recently at a graduation ceremony in the Garda Training College, Templemore, Co. Tipperary, announced that at least 500 extra Gardaí will be recruited in 2016.  This news comes amidst urgent calls from the public to increase Garda numbers, particularly in rural areas, in an attempt to clamp down on crime, often carried out in the knowledge that present Garda personnel and resources are somewhat thin on the ground nationwide.

Since 2008 and over the following five-year period, during which there were no new recruits added to An Garda Síochána, it is believed that as many as 30,000 people have expressed an interest in joining the force. If Minister Fitzgerald is correct in her recent forecast; competition for future places as career members of An Garda Síochána are likely to be vigorously challenged.

Pictured here at the Thurles Community Policing Seminar held in St Patricks College. Thurles, last January 2015 were (L – R) Garda Regina McCarthy, Mr Frank Flanagan (Clonmel), Garda Jacinta Phelan, Ms Kathleen Wright (Thurles) and Garda Annette Connolly.

Thurles Garda Station – Open Day Saturday, September 26th, 2015

On Saturday, September 26th, 2015 next, the Garda Station here in Thurles are holding an ‘Open Day’, to which all are invited to attend between the hours 2:00pm and 5:00pm.

The purpose of this ‘Open Day’ is to allow adults and their families to visit Thurles Garda Station; to view at first hand the often difficult and painstaking work undertaken daily by our local police force.

This planned afternoon programme of events, co-ordinated by Garda Annette Connolly (pictured right above), will see off duty police return to Thurles station, thus giving up their valued personal time to participate in this event.

The afternoon programme of events will include: Face Painting and Colouring Competitions to entertain the younger members of our community. For our adults and those planning to join the force possibly sometime in the future, there will be an ideal opportunity to view at first hand live demonstrations of how our Garda Dog Unit work e.g. sniffing out explosive substances, drugs and also working with our Garda Public Order Units etc.

Members of the Regional Response Unit, Drugs Unit and Traffic Unit, together with those involved in crime scene finger printing will also be on hand to explain their specialist detection work. So too will be available ample information from officers dealing everyday with ‘Crime Prevention’, ‘Thurles Text Alert’, and the ‘Know your Patch Garda Information’ sections, latter three of which I hasten to add, most of us are often slow to implement, until we experience personal difficulties within our homes, factories and other businesses.

Also present on the afternoon of September 26th next will be our Fire Brigade and Ambulance services. Latter will perform a live demonstration of what they encounter when a motor vehicle is involved in a serious accident, so often brought about by speeding on our roads. (Note: An actual crashed car will be used in this latter ‘true to life’ demonstration, so often shielded thankfully from our public gaze.)

This ‘Open Day’ event on September 26th next will not only grant the observer a more intimate knowledge of the everyday workings of An Garda Síochána in our local community, but will also serve useful to second level and third level students, who may be planning a future career, as a member of Ireland’s much valued police force.

Our congratulation to all involved and Thurles.Info will be reminding our readers about this event closer to the scheduled date.

There may just be good pre-election news for Pensioners and people in receipt of Social Welfare payments, announced today.

Our Tánaiste and current Minister for Social Protection, Ms Joan Burton, has publicly stated that single people will get a Christmas bonus of €115 this year, while couples will get €220. Same constitutes a rise of some 50% on last year’s Christmas bonus payments which had been scrapped during the Ireland’s recent economic downturn.

Ms Burton also confirmed publicly that next month’s budget statement will see increases to investments into health, education and childcare.

If true, in real money terms this announced 50% bonus would mean an extra €115 this December for a person in receipt of an Irish Contributory Pension, and close to some €220 extra for a couple in similar circumstances. This bonus would also mean an extra €102 for a Carer and would be further increased if that carer has children.

However remember this is a pre-election announcement from the Labour Party who may not be in power after October’s promised budget and who in past pre-election assurances have shown their guarantees to be just about as useful as ‘an ashtray on a motorcycle’.

When it comes to Labour Party promises, perhaps it is best wait and save any promised bonus for the January 2016 sales.

It is with great sadness we learned of the death on Saturday, September 12th 2015, of Mr George Ralph No. 10, Cluain Na Seimre, Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, Tipperary / Dublin

The passing of Mr Ralph is most deeply regretted by his partner Joan, sons Paul, Brian, Tony and Richard, Nancy and Sean O’Dwyer (mother-in-law and father-in-law), brothers Harry, Joe and Billy, sister Phyllis, daughter-in-law Rachel, grandchild Finlay, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Ralph will repose at his residence on Tuesday evening, September 15th 2015, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

Cremation will take place in Newlands Cross Crematorium, Ballymount Road, Dublin 24, on Wednesday, September 16th, at 1:00pm.

May He Rest in Peace.

St Patrick’s College, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

Yesterday Mary Immaculate College (MIC), latter founded in 1898, announced an expansion of its geographical footprint, following their incorporation of St. Patrick’s College, here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

St. Patrick’s College, Thurles, has been long synonymous with education dating back to 1837. Indeed the foundation stone was laid in the presence of the Great Liberator, Daniel O’Connell in 1829.

Today, the Thurles College offers four concurrent degree programmes which are designed to prepare students to become second-level teachers. These programmes are validated by the University of Limerick and are accredited by the Irish Teaching Council.

As a result of this announced incorporation, which is expected to take place formally in 2016, MIC will become a multi-campus institution offering 9 undergraduate degree programmes in Education and the Liberal Arts, as well as a wide range of continuing professional development offerings for teachers and numerous postgraduate opportunities at Masters and PhD level.

This incorporation will now consolidate the position of MIC as the most significant provider of initial teacher education outside of Dublin and Prof. Michael A. Hayes President of MIC, paid tribute to the current President of St. Patrick’s College, Fr. Tom Fogarty, commending him on his stewardship of St. Patrick’s College since May 2004.

The welcome announcement for Thurles was also greatly acknowledged by Mr. Tom Boland the Chief Executive of the Higher Executive Authority (HEA), whose officials were closely involved in the negotiations between MIC and St. Patrick’s College.

Local County Councillors have discovered in recent days that a large pothole has emerged on Barry’s Bridge in Thurles, Co. Tipperary. In fact same has been there since Xmas last but somehow went unnoticed until last Tuesday’s monthly Co. Council meeting.

Mick was the first to arrive at 8.30am this morning, whistling “Sliabh na mBan,” (Irish Translation – ‘Mountain of the women’) as he free-wheeled down Liberty Square, Thurles, on his rusty ‘High Nelly’ bicycle; to come to a staggered halt on Barry’s bridge.

“Bejasus you are out and about early Mick,”  said I.

Pothole found on Thurles bridge. NRA to investigate.

“Yea,” Mick replied, “I was told to get my arse down here pronto; some emergency regarding the surface on this bridge,” he continued, as he untied his shovel from the crossbar.

“Are we in danger Mick,” said I smiling.  “Wouldn’t think so”, said Mick, “but some feckin County Councillor leaked information to the local radio station this morning, from yesterdays County Council meeting; now it appears panic is spreading locally.  Don’t forget it’s an election year and according to the NRA (National Roads Authority) Minister Alan Kelly could be recalled from his debate on ‘Climate Change,’ taking place today in Rome, in the presence of His Holiness Pope Francis.”

“Begob that sounds serious Mick,” said I, quickly tripping lightly to firmer ground on the Kobii Cafe side.

Having secured the bike, Mick, shovel in hand, joined me.

“You know this feckin bridge has always been a problem,” confided Mick. “It would be back in the 80’s shortly after the mother died; I was home from England for the funeral. I was on the way back when I discovered she had willed me the cottage instead of me sister, so I remained here and joined the dole. I had worked spreading tarmac for McAlpine, across the water and he had gotten a few jobs over here, so he approached meself, Paddy Ryan and Johnny Connors; (God be good to both of them)  to work on this same bloody bridge.”

“All of us were claiming Social Welfare at the time but working quietly on the side. McAlpine’s foreman, Mousey Flynn, gave us our instructions and told us to remember, if any Inspector from the Social Welfare office came sniffing around, to give him a false name,” continued Mick.

“Sure,” Mick continued, “Johnny said, yes Mousey, but what if he catches us unaware like and we can’t think of a name fast enough?”  Mousey replied “Look, are ye feckin stupid or what, in a case of difficulty just look around and use one of the names written on the shop fronts in Liberty Square.” (Before he headed off himself to find a snug corner in the Arch Bar.)

“I can see straight away why Mousey was chosen as your foreman,” says I.

“No listen you ejit!” says a frowning Mick.  “About an hour passes, lo and behold a Social Welfare fraud officer turns up.  “Right now ye three” says he approaching us, “Ye’re under suspicion of working whilst claiming the dole; give me your names,” shouts the fraud officer.  “Well” said Mick, “I looked around and seeing Hayes’ Hotel said, ‘Mick Hayes’ sir. Paddy Ryan looked briefly around and spotting Dempsey’s Ladies Drapery (I believe, Paddy spent a lot of his life viewing Dempsey’s Ladies drapery, if you understand my meaning.) and lowering his gaze yells ‘Paddy Dempsey’.

According to Mick, the inspector then turned to Johnny Connors yelling “And you, what’s your name?” to which Johnny replied “Buck” sir, I’m an American”.  The Inspector glared at Johnny before demanding “And your second name Buck ?”  Johnny replied back “Buck Worm, sir”

“Listen,” said Mick ” I’ll let you go; I’m off to break open me flask of hot Bovril, before the feckin NRA officials land in on top of me and Alan Kelly and Noel Coonan start announcing a new job in Thurles.  If I had me way I’d just fill that feckin hole up with 2 small shovels of cold tarmac and be finished with it “

Investigations are under way by Gardaí following an accident between a minibus which was in a collision with a car, in the south of the county yesterday evening.

It is understood that the minibus was carrying several children on board.

The accident happened at around 5.30pm yesterday evening, near Whitelands, New Inn, Cashel, Co Tipperary. Emergency services including two units of Cahir fire brigade were summoned to the accident scene.

Several persons, including children, were taken to South Tipperary General Hospital, as a precaution.

It is understood there were no life-threatening injuries.