Aherne.

It is with great sadness we learned of the death today, Friday 18th September 2015, of Mr Luke Aherne, Abbey Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formally Kerry and Kilbehenny, Co. Limerick.

The passing of Mr Aherne, in his 90th year, is most deeply regretted by his loving wife Eileen, daughter Anne, sons Michael and Liam, grandchildren, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends.

Funeral Arrangements
The earthly remains of Mr Aherne will repose at Egan’s Funeral Home on Sunday September 20th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, arriving at the Cathedral of the Assumption at 7:30pm. Requiem Mass will take place on Monday at 11:00am, with burial afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Thurles.

Please Note: House private. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Milford Hospice.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

Ryan.

It is also with great sadness we learned of the death today, Friday 18th September 2015, of Mr Martin Ryan, Brittas Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Mr Ryan, formally a retired teacher at Our Lady’s Templemore and pre-deceased by his wife Angela, passed away in the loving care of the Matron and Staff of St. Theresa’s Nursing Home, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Mr Ryan’s passing is most deeply regretted by his loving son Martin, daughters Niamh and Deirdre, sons-in-law Peter and Kaspars, daughter-in-law Jane, grandchildren Haley, Isobel, Georgia and Kristaps, brother Paddy, sisters Teresa and Angela, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends.

Funeral Arrangements
The earthly remains of Mr Ryan will repose at Egan’s funeral Home, Thurles on Saturday evening from 6:00pm with removal at 8:00pm to the Cathedral of the Assumption, to arrive at 8:30pm.

Funeral Mass on Sunday at 12:00 noon, followed by burial afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Thurles.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

It is with deep felt sadness our community learned of the death, on Thursday 17th September 2015, of Mr Eddie (Edward) Connolly, Barronstown, Loughmore, Templemore, Co. Tipperary.

The dual GAA star represented the Premier County (Tipperary) in both hurling and football and was Captain of the Tipperary Intermediate hurling team which won the All-Ireland in 2012.

The Loughmore-Castleiney club man was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013 and had been battling the condition ever since. He had recently travelled to Spain to receive a new form of cancer treatment.

Mr Connolly passed away peacefully at his home, most deeply regretted by his heartbroken parents Jim and Maureen, brothers James and Gerard, sisters Niamh and Fiona, niece Aibhe, grandmother Mary Teresa, sister-in-law Elaine, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Funeral Arrangements
The earthly remains of Mr Connolly will repose at his residence today, Saturday (19th September, 2015), from 3:00pm to 8:00pm, before arriving at Loughmore Church on Sunday morning, (20th September, 2015) for Funeral Mass at 11:00am. Burial will take place after Mass in the adjoining cemetery.

Note: Family flowers only please, donations if desired to Milford Hospice. House will remain private on Sunday morning please.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

Romanian native and Tipperary resident Anton Banaghan, certainly wowed judges Simon Cowell, Nick Grimshaw, plus lovelies Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Rita Ora on last night’s X Factor, with his impressive rendition of George Ezra’s ‘Budapest’.

The 21-year-old Anton, who moved here to Ireland with his adopted family, received four unanimous ‘Yes’ thumbs up’s from the judging panel after he performed last night on the final audition show of the 2015 X Factor season.

“I’m from County Tipperary and I am a part time bar man. I work in a local pub and they have open ‘mic nights’ where I get up on stage and entertain the locals,” he told the panel

“I have only been singing for about three years. I have not had any lessons. Singing makes me happy and I feel something that you can’t explain sometimes. My dream is to sell records, that’s what I want to do,” he continued.

All fingers will be crossed here in Tipperary for Anton tonight, in the hope that he will be among those selected to make it to the X Factor Bootcamp, under the ‘Boys’ category.

The televised programme goes out on TV3 tonight at 8:00pm.

Go Anton Banaghan, certainly the gorgeous Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is in your corner.

Pictured Above: (Back Row L-R):- Mr Michael Ryan (Administrator Templemore / Thurles Municipal District Council ), Councillors Mr Jim Ryan, Mr David Doran, Mr Jackie Cahill, and Mr Willie Kennedy, Mr Frank Geary (Contracts Manager Conack Construction Ltd), Mr Michael Tierney (T/T Municipal District Council Engineer),

(Front Row L-R):- Mr Michael Landers (Managing Director at EML Architects Ltd), Mr Joe MacGrath (C.O. Tipperary Co. Council), Mr Seamus Hanafin (Cathaoirleach Tipperary Co Council), Councillor Mr John Hogan, Mr Tom O’Connor (Director Conack Construction Ltd) and Mr Matt Shortt (Director of Services Templemore / Thurles Municipal Council).

Yesterday, (21st September 2015), saw the final signing of a contract, in the Anner Hotel, Thurles, for the extension and refurbishment of the existing old Tipperary Library building, latter situated on Mathew Avenue in the town.

As previously sanctioned by Tipperary Co. Council, the old Thurles Library building will soon become the new administrative offices of the Templemore / Thurles Municipal District Council, with work expected to be fully completed by the end of 2016. The signing of this contract will now see the full commencement of building works; beginning with immediate effect.

No decision as yet has been made as to the disposal of the present Municipal District Council Office, situated on Slievenamon Road in Thurles, latter which, due to limited office administrative space, has now outlived its current usefulness.

McCarthy.

It is with sadness we learned of the death today, Wednesday 23rd September 2015, of Mr Andrew (Ronnie) McCarthy, No. 6 Lisheen Terrace, Mitchel Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

The sudden passing of Mr McCarthy, formerly of Littleton, Co. Tipperary is deeply regretted by his sorrowing wife, sons, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, aunt, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral Arrangements
The earthly remains of Mr McCarthy will repose at Egan’s Funeral Home tomorrow, Thursday, September 24th, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, arriving at The Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles, at 7.30pm.
Requiem Mass will be held on Friday morning at 11:00am, followed by burial afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

Bohane.

It is with sadness we learned of the death of Mr Michael Bohane, Moycarkey, Thurles, Co. Tipperary; Skibbereen, Co. Cork; Glenageary, Co. Dublin; Florida, U.S.A and Co. Meath.

The sudden passing of Mr Bohane, on Sunday 12th July 2015, is deeply regretted by his devoted wife Josephine (nee Maher, Killough, Thurles), his loving sons Alan and Adrian, brothers Patrick and Sean, sister Norah, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Funeral Arrangements
The earthly remains of Mr Bohane will arrive for funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Church, Moycarkey, Thurles at 12:00 noon on Saturday next, September 26th, followed by burial afterwards in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Moycarkey, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

With heart disease now acknowledged as responsible for the highest death rates in Ireland, Anner Hotel Leisure Centre staff here in Thurles have vowed to assist both their Leisure Centre members and the general public in their quest to achieve better overall heart health.

To this end therefore they have held various events, each open to the general public, e.g. On September 1st last, a talk on how to have a healthy heart and C.P.R demonstrations performed by a local paramedic.

Free Blood Pressure Road Show – Tuesday September 29th 2015, supported by Medtronic.

On Tuesday September 29th 2015 from 10:00am–1:00pm the Blood Pressure Road Show will be on site at the Anner Hotel, taking free blood pressure readings and giving out result cards.

Note: This event is readily open to the general public.

For more information please feel free to contact the Anner Leisure Centre on Tel: 0504 21164.

To further facilitate those unable to attend on the morning of Tuesday September 29th 2015, this Mobile Clinic will move to a new located on Lower Liberty Square, Thurles, (Positioned outside Catherine Maher Pharmacy and Mary Duffy Hair Salon – by the kind assistance and permission of Templemore / Thurles  Municipal District Council), from 2:00pm – 6:00pm.

So please do take the chance to avail of this wonderful opportunity to have your blood pressure checked, in the certain and clear knowledge that there are no fee’s payable for this service and no donations expected.

As stated, this Clinic is operated by the Irish Heart Foundation and for more advice on ‘Healthy Heart’ please CLICK HERE.

It is with sadness we learned of the death, yesterday (Wednesday 23rd September 2015), of Mrs Mary Maher (née Bowen), Kilbrickane, Loughmore, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and Ballygarvan, Co. Cork.

Pre-deceased by her sister Noirine and brothers Jim (Joss), Tom and John, the passing of Mrs Maher took place following a short illness, latter borne with great dignity.

Her death is deeply regretted by her loving husband Jim, sons Stephen and Jim, daughter Anne Marie, daughters-in-law Breda and Eileen, much adored grandchildren Jim, Henry, Stefan, Orlaith and Sinéad, sister Anna, brother-in-law Bill, sisters-in-law Celia, Kit and Ena, her treasured nephews and nieces, relatives, neighbours and wonderful friends.

Funeral Arrangements
The earthly remains of Mrs Maher will repose at her son Jim’s residence, Kilbrickane House, Loughmore, Thurles, tomorrow Friday, September 25th, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, before arriving at the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, Loughmore, on Saturday morning, September 26th, for Funeral Mass at 11:30am.

Burial will take place following Mass in the adjoining cemetery.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

Thurles Gardaí today are warning the public to beware of a ‘telephone scam’ in which persons are being encouraged to part with their private personal data, as part of an overall bogus security call.

Voice Phishing or Vishing

Voice phishing, sometimes referred to as “Vishing” (The word is a combination of “voice” and “phishing”) happens when criminals / fraudsters deceive people into providing personal information, which they then attempt to use later to commit fraud.

The “Vishing” conversation between you (the victim) and the scam artist / fraudster, (the criminal) will basically take on the following format.

(A) You, a member of the public, receive a telephone call to your land-line from an unknown individual who will most likely claim to be a security person from a well-known department store.

(B) the members of the public will be asked to provide personal financial details, as part of the conversation.

(C) When you decline to give required details requested, (Which you, without exception, should always do regardless) the incoming caller politely advises the member of the public to either contact their financial institution, using the telephone number on the reverse of their genuine card, or alternatively to contact the local Gardaí and provide the required information to them. Note: You may also be advised by the fraudster of the name of the local Garda Superintendent, thus appearing to legitimize the need for you to provide your personal financial details.

(D) You, the victim, then hang up and assume you are now phoning back either the bank or the Gardaí as per instructed by the fraudster.

(E) However the original call, connecting you, has never been fully terminated by them and you the victim will end up disclosing your personal banking details to the fraudster or his / her accomplice, who has remained connected to your outgoing telephone line.

Please everyone, do keep in mind that no truly genuine person or representative from any organisation, will ever call and seek your personal, private details or other data, either over the phone or by email contact.

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

Thurles Gardaí would also like to remind the general public that tomorrow (Saturday, September 26th, 2015) the Thurles Station are holding an ‘Open Day‘, to which all are invited to attend between the hours 2:00pm and 5:00pm.  This ‘Open Day’ event will grant the observer a more intimate knowledge of the everyday workings of An Garda Síochána in our local community, while also serving as 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.

It is with great sadness we learned of the death today, Friday 25th September 2015, of Mr Tomas Murphy, St. Joseph’s, Dublin Road (Drish), Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

The passing of Mr Murphy, after a long illness, is most deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary, sons John, Tom and Paul, daughters Patricia, Ursula, Catherine and Marie, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother Bill, sister Una, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.

Funeral Arrangements
Mr Murphy’s earthly remains will repose at his residence St. Joseph’s Dublin Road, (Drish), Thurles, tomorrow, Saturday, September 26th, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm arriving at the Cathedral of the Assumption on Sunday at 9:30am, for Requiem Mass at 12:00 noon.
Burial will take place afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Thurles.

Note Please: House private on Sunday morning. No flowers.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

A special super moon lunar eclipse will occur tonight (Sunday, September 27, 2015) continuing into tomorrow morning (September 28th, 2015), which will create in the minds of some observers an atmosphere of wonder; while in others fear, marking the beginning of the end of our world.

Fear not however, as the last time this lunar eclipse took place was in 1982 and same event is expected to be repeated again in 2033.

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), tonight’s event requires the alignment of three astronomical cycles that only happens once every 18 years and 11 days.

When the moon is at “perigee”, or its shortest distance from our earth, it is approximately 226,000 miles away. From this distance it will appear to be 14% larger and some 30% brighter than when it was at its furthermost point away from us. It is also during this lunar eclipse, that the moon appears to turn a deep rusty red and this is caused by sunlight being scattered by our earth’s atmosphere.

When can I see this lunar eclipse I hear you ask? Answer; when the moon starts to enter our earth’s shadow at around 1:10am in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Here in Ireland on other years, tonight’s super moon would normally be referred to as the ‘Harvest Moon’, due to its occurrence falling as it does at the beginning of our autumn season.

Tonight’s astronomical event will require no special equipment and the moon will be fully eclipsed for a little over one hour or from start to finish it is expected to last just over three hours in total.

According to today’s forecast, our weather is expected to facilitate most viewers here in Ireland; wishing to view at least some part of this rare, past midnight, “Blood Red Super Moon” phenomenon.

It is with great sadness we learned of the death today, Sunday 27th September 2015, of Mrs Mairead Ryan (née Ryan), Killiney, Co. Dublin and formally of Thurles, Co. Tipperary,

The beloved wife of the late Thurles born Mr Tony Ryan (Guinness Peat Aviation & Ryanair) and mother of the late Mr Cathal Ryan; Mrs Ryan’s passing is most deeply regretted by her sons Shane, Declan, her grand children Cillian, Danielle, Claudia and Cameron, Conor, Eoin, Jack and Ana, Jake, Molly, Toni and her sister Ann. Also sister of the late Nuala, John and Seamus together with other extended family and many friends.

Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday (September 29th) at 11:00am in the Cathedral of The Assumption, Cathedral Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Note: Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, to Barnardos, Thurles.

Barnardos, Thurles benefited greatly in the past from a generous donation from the Tony Ryan Trust; enabling the former venue to undertake major redesign and expansion at their present Thurles child and family support facility.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

For the almost 2000 people who attended at last Saturday afternoon’s Garda Station Open Day, held at the open invitation of an Garda Síochána here Thurles, the event for all visitors proved extremely educational and for our more junior visiting members, thoroughly exciting and totally enjoyable.

The purpose of last Saturday’s ‘Thurles Garda Station Open Day’ was to allow adults and their families visit this facility and to view at first hand the often difficult and painstaking work undertaken daily by our local police force. Its purpose also was to allow second level and third level students, who, sometime in the future, just may decide to make a future career, as a member of Ireland’s much valued police force.

Click HERE to view Video hereunder in High Definition.

As our video above shows, on hand were members of the Regional Response Unit, Drugs Unit and Traffic Unit, together with those involved in crime scene finger printing, each explaining their specialist crime detection work.

Officers were on hand to discuss information on dealing with up and running anti crime systems such as ‘Crime Prevention’, ‘Thurles Text Alert’ and ‘Know your Patch’, all which are proving strong deterrents against crime.

Also present were our Fire Brigade and Ambulance services, who re-enacted, in demonstration format, exactly what they encounter when a motor vehicle is involved in a serious collision. (It took only 8 minutes for four Fire Brigade members to dismantle a car, thus allowing medical personnel access to a severely injured driver / passenger.)  

For our younger members ‘Face Painting’ and ‘Colouring Competitions’ were the order of the day and of course the joy of meeting the highly intelligent ‘Cúchulainn’ and ‘Harley’; latter police dogs used to respectively sniff out explosive substances and assist in control crowds in certain situations, by the Garda Public Order Unit.

In attendance also were the Garda Armed Support Unit; demonstrating equipment for use in more serious situations, thankfully as yet not so common an occurrence in today’s Irish society.

A big ‘Thank You’ to all the off duty Police Officers and Fire Brigade and Ambulance Service Members who returned to the Thurles station, giving up their valued personal time, to participate in this eye-opening event.

Finally a ‘Thank You’ also to Chief Superintendent Catherine Kehoe and Garda Annette Connolly, latter who was responsible for co-ordinating the full planning associated with last Saturday afternoon’s very successful programme of events.

Tipperary Independent TD Deputy Michael Lowry has this week criticised the long delayed Government initiative on a stimulus package to regenerate Rural Ireland.

“Labour Minister Ann Phelan has been Minister with specific responsibility for Rural Development for almost 5 years. We hardly knew she existed, but hey presto a couple of months before an election she comes out of her slumber with a whopper of an empty promise”, stated the Deputy.

“Since this Government was elected, all we have heard is aspirational statements and hot air. This most recent announcement is a paltry €30m pre-election gimmick.

Minister Ann Phelan has the audacity to allocate €4m of this same fund to her own constituency of Carlow/Kilkenny; leaving just €26m for the rest of the country. The kind of schemes covered under the new proposal, such as renovation of old buildings and improving local amenities are already covered under the terms of Leader Group and National Lottery Funding. The real issue faced our rural communities is that funding available to Leader in Tipperary has been cut by €15 m. It’s ironic that the person who presided over that €15m cut is one and same Minister Allen Kelly,” Mr Lowry continued.

“The root cause of the crisis in rural Ireland is the lack of job opportunity for young people. Thousands of our young people have had to emigrate, forced to leave home, leave their families, friends and community. Parents are denied the privilege of being close to their loved ones, denied the gift of seeing them mature into adulthood. There are many issues as a consequence of this emigration. Fewer houses being built, no work for builders and tradesmen, fewer children being born, schools losing numbers; putting teachers jobs at risk, with small rural schools facing closure. We then have small shops, post offices and Garda Stations being shut down. We also face the prospect, due to a shortage of priests; of parish clustering with major implications for our rural churches and hence reduced social contact”, stated Mr Lowry.

“Emigration has had a massive impact on local communities and in particular sports clubs. Many GAA soccer and Rugby teams have been decimated by the flight of its younger members. The government and the national agencies have done nothing to correct the imbalance between city and rural regeneration. Access to a proper broadband service and information technology is a huge disadvantage. It is impossible for country towns to attract industry as it has little prospect of competing against the city locations that have the entire necessary infrastructure already in place. The IDA should immediately construct advance factories in places like Tipperary. It is inevitable that when a Company decides to set up business it will make a decision on the location based on a ready to go turnkey facility”, continued Mr Lowry.

Deputy Lowry also stated, “We now have a two speed economy – one for Dublin and one for the rest, operating in a fast and slow lane. The closure of Garda Stations has left older people in particular, feeling vulnerable at a time when city crime gangs are roaming rural communities causing fear and anxiety. This feeling of isolation is made worse by no local transport, which makes it impossible for people to socialise”.

It is understood that considerable damage has been caused to Dundrum House Hotel as a result of a kitchen fire discovered early this morning.

The blaze was first spotted shortly before 7:00am this morning with the source of the blaze understood to have begun in the kitchen area, before then spreading to other immediate areas of the complex.

Up to seven units of the Co. Tipperary Fire Service were summoned; latter arriving from the nearby towns of Cashel, Tipperary Town and Cahir, to tackle the blaze, which later this morning was brought under control.

All staff and guests were evacuated from the premises as a precaution during the outbreak and we understand that the function room and the kitchen areas (shown framed within the white area in picture above) have suffered considerable damage.

As is customary, Gardaí and Fire Officers are now expected to launch an investigation into the cause of the blaze.

The classical Georgian manor house, built in the 1730’s and known worldwide today as Dundrum House Hotel, first opened for business as a family run hotel in 1981. This magnificent three-star accommodation includes 67 bedrooms, bars, restaurants, banqueting room, conference facilities, leisure centre, gymnasium and pool as well 16 self-catering holiday houses, six apartments and an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Golf Professional Philip Watson.

Located in the much vaunted Golden Vale area of Co. Tipperary, this luxury complex, which boasts two suburb restaurants, is set on some 170 acres of private ground containing natural woodland and mature trees dating back to the original estate buildings.

Our sincere sympathy’s go to Dundrum House Hotel staff and management at this time.

Christopher J. Verling reports on Positive Ageing Week Thurles 2015.

Positive Ageing Week Thurles 2015 begins tomorrow, with a full programme of events from October 1st to October 8th inclusive.

Sponsorship of all events has been secured by the Positive Ageing Thurles committee, thus making all events, taking place during the week, free of charge, except for the “Trip Around Tipp”.

Positive Ageing Week Thurles 2015 Programme of Events

Thursday 1st October: The “Trip Around Tipp”.  Join up for a ramble around South Tipperary with local historian Jimmy Duggan, who returns to demonstrate another side to our Premier County. The tour will take in Ballingarry War House, lunch in Clonmel and then a visit to the Swiss Cottage and St Paul’s Church of Ireland in Cahir.  A fee in this case of €10 only will apply, but will cover transport, entrance fees and lunch. Here places are limited and do note this tour does include some walking. Please wear appropriate footwear and rain gear. To reserve your place, contact Thurles Library on Tel: 0504-29720.

Friday 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd October: Memoir Writing Workshops in Thurles Library, The Source, Thurles from 12:00noon -1:00 p.m. Here Librarian, M/s Mary McCormack, will facilitate a series of memoir writing workshops, where the participants will be encouraged to write about their memories and experiences. Mary will look at themes like family and home life, school, pastimes, working and social life. The workshops will begin on 2nd October with “Introduction and Family plus Home Life”; 9th October with “School, and Pastimes”; 16th October with “Historical, National Events and Social life”; 23rd October concludes with “Useful Tips and Hints about writing memoirs. Contact Thurles Library on Tel. 0504-29720 to reserve your place. (Note: All these workshops are free of charge.)

Monday 5th October: Musical Entertainment in Golden Years Centre; from 11.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.  Pat Marnane and Fran Curry will sing a selection of your favourite songs, past and present. They have been performing for many years in Ireland, the U.K. and the U.S.   Audience members will be welcome to sing along or perform a party piece.  For more info. contact M/s Catherine Hayes, Tel. 0504 27654.

Also happening on Monday 5th October,  Join together for BINGO in the Community Hospital of the Assumption from 2:00p.m. – 3:30 p.m. This event as always promises to be a fun afternoon with lots of spot prizes. Refreshments will be also provided. For more info. contact M/s Deirdre Mullen on Tel. 0504 27700.

Tuesday 6th October: Card Making Workshop. Mrs Nancy Tynan will facilitate a card making workshop on Tuesday, in the Order of Malta Hall, Borroway, Thurles from 2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m.  At this workshop you will get hands-on experience in card making and will leave with a beautiful, hand-crafted card, made by you. To book your place for this event, do call Mobile 086 8038820.

Wednesday 7th October: Celebration Mass & Tea Dance
Venue: Anner Hotel; 2:00p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Join the celebration of Mass, followed by a Tea Dance, with music provided by Tina McGarry. Anyone who requires assistance with transport please call the Order of Malta, who will be on hand to assist.

Thursday 8th October: Lár na Páirce GAA Museum Tour, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The Positive Ageing Week festivities come to an end with a tour of the local GAA museum. To book a place on this tour please telephone Mobile 086 3903396.

The Positive Ageing Thurles committee would like to express their gratitude to the following:- The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Thurles Credit Union, Thurles Lions Club and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Please do inform elderly parents and their friends of these upcoming events.

Cleary.

It is with great sadness we learned of the death on Monday 21st September 2015, of Mr Gerard Cleary, 100 North Acton Road, Parkroyal, London and formally of Croke Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Mr Cleary’s passing is most deeply regretted by his son Gerard, daughters Margaret, Rose and Christina, grandchildren Rhianna, Amy, Lucy, Matthew and Séan, daughter-in-law, son-in-law and partners, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.

Funeral Arrangements
Reposing on today (Thursday, 1st October 2015), at his residence Croke Street, Thurles from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.  Arriving Friday morning at 10:15am to The Cathedral of The Assumption, Thurles for 11:00am Requiem Mass. Burial afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Thurles.

Note: House private Friday morning please.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

Kelly.

It is also with great sadness we learned of the death yesterday, Wednesday 30th September 2015, of M/s Norma Kelly, ‘Casa Olivia’, Abbey Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

M/s Kelly passed away following a short illness bravely borne. Late of Kelly’s of Fantane, M/s Kelly is predeceased by her sister Olivia and her passing is most deeply regretted by her heart-broken parents Willie and Mary, brothers Rory and Billy, sister-in-law Emma, her adored nephew baby Cillian, especially by close cousin Helena and a very dear friend Christine, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and many friends.

Funeral Arrangements
Reposing at her residence today (Thursday, October 1st, 2015), from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, arriving at the Church of St. Joseph and St. Brigid, Bothar na Naomh, on Friday morning at 9.15am for Requiem Mass at 10:00am. Burial afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Thurles.

Note: House private on Friday morning please. Family flowers only but donations, if desired, to Hospice.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

South Tipp General Hospital

Following reviews commissioned after the publication of a HIQA report into maternity services, at the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, Tipperary Independent TD, Deputy Michael Lowry, has called for further clarity on the external review published yesterday into the governance of Maternity Department Services at South Tipperary General Hospital (STGH) in Clonmel, Co Tipperary.

We understand the Assurance Review found that small hospitals are unable to operate in isolation as stand alone facilities, either clinically or financially, thus supporting the current acute hospital reform programme.

Deputy Lowry stated; “This latest report is disturbing in the context of the long-term future of Maternity Services at South Tipperary General Hospital.

South Tipperary General Hospital provides a vital service for the people of Tipperary. In 2014 there were 1,102 births registered at this venue. The people of Tipperary and the Staff of South Tipperary General Hospital now deserve clarity into the governance and the future of Maternity Services at this Hospital.” the Deputy stated.

Deputy Lowry concluded; “I now call on the Minister for Health Mr Leo Varadkar TD, to clarify the Governments attitude to this latest report and to give reassurance that there will be no reduction in the level or quality of services as currently provided by South Tipperary General Hospital.”

Jail terms, ranging from 12 to 20 years, were imposed today on seven Dublin men. All the accused admitted to carrying out an aggravated burglary some two years ago, in November 2013, at the home of Emma and Mark Corcoran and their three young daughters, at Burnchurch, near Killenaule in Co Tipperary.

The seven convictions were handed down today at Clonmel Circuit Court shortly before 12 noon, by Mr Justice Thomas Teehan, who described the effects of the burglary on the Corcoran family as “catastrophic”.

All defendants were in receipt of free legal aid and despite their admission of guilt previously, these men each were represented by a Senior Counsel, a Junior Counsel and a Solicitor representing their cases; all paid for by the Irish State, with costs ultimately being passed on to the Irish taxpayer.

The seven men, who had previously admitted carrying out this aggravated burglary; together with their individual sentences passed down by Mr Justice Thomas Teehan, are named hereunder:-

Michael McDonagh, aged 23, of Tara Lawns, Belcamp Lane, Coolock, Dublin 17, (who was the only defendant with no previous convictions), was sentenced to 12 years, with seven of those years suspended.
Donal O’Hara, aged 22, of Glin Park, Coolock, Dublin 17, who received a sentenced of 12 years, with seven suspended.
Patrick Joyce, aged 23, of Beaumont Hall, Beaumont Woods, Dublin 9, who was given a sentence of 14 years, with four years suspended.
Thomas Flynn, aged 21, of Moatview Avenue, Coolock, Dublin 17, who was sentenced to 12 years, with three years suspended.
John Joyce, aged 21, of Lentisk Lawn, Donaghmede, Dublin, was sentenced to 15 years, with four years suspended.
Patrick Gately, aged 28, of Primrose Grove, Darndale, Dublin 17, was also sentenced to 20 years, with four years suspended for 10 years.
Dean Byrne, aged 22, of Cabra Park, Dublin 17, who was given a sentence of 20 years, with four years suspended, backdated from November 21st 2013.

Also deployed at Clonmel Courthouse were two sections of the Garda Armed Response Unit; together with a number of other Gardaí, all present as an extra security measure.

Following sentencing the seven male defendants were led from the court in handcuffs; showing little remorse, but rather joking and smiling, while one blew kisses at the waiting media.

A statement read on behalf of Mr and Mrs Corcoran, following today’s sentencing, thanked their local community of Burnchurch and Killenaule, Judge Teehan and the efforts of Thurles Gardaí, both during and after the committed aggravated burglary.

The question must now surely be asked “Should known / recognised career criminals be granted full,  free Legal Aid; particularly in cases where the offence has been previously admitted?”

SWEENEY (née Mitchell).

It is with sadness we learned of the death today, Wednesday 7th October 2015, of Mrs Margaret Sweeney (née Mitchell), Orwell Stud, Rahealty, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Mrs Sweeney, who was in her 94th year, passed away peacefully, predeceased by her husband Phil and two sons Edmond and Philip. Her passing is deeply regretted by her daughters Marguerite (Barrett), Pam and Cecily (Purcell), her grandchildren Michelle, Louise, Frank, Jack, Isobel, Rebecca, Rachel and Roz, great-grandchild Aoibheann, her sisters Reneé Haslam and Pam Reid, her nieces, nephews, her sons-in-law John Purcell and Frank Barrett, cousins, nieces-in-law, nephews-in-law, her wonderfully wide circle of friends and kind neighbours.

Mrs Sweeney’s earthly remains will repose at Orwell Stud on Thursday, October 8th, and will arrive at The Cathedral of the Assumption, Cathedral Street, Thurles, on Friday, October 9th, at 12:45pm.

Requiem Mass will take place at 1:30pm followed by burial afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Thurles.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

RYAN (née Mulqueen).

It is with sadness we learned of the death yesterday, Tuesday 6th October 2015, of Mrs Mary Ryan (née Mulqueen), Cummermcloughney, Milestone, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, and formerly of Gortmore Lower and Ballywilliam, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

Mrs Ryan was the beloved wife of the late Michael and her passing is most deeply regretted by her loving son Thomas, daughter Margaret (Brett), grandchildren Conor and Liam, daughter-in-law Sinead, son-in-law Patrick, sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

The earthly remains of Mrs Ryan will repose at Kennedy’s Funeral Home, Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary, on Thursday, Oct. 8th, from 5:30pm, followed by removal at 8:00pm to St. Patrick’s Church, Kilcommon.

Requiem Mass will take place on Friday, Oct 9th, at 11.30am, followed by interment afterwards in Upperchurch Cemetery.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

M/s Rachael Willoughby (PRO Thurles Famine Museum) Reports.

Tipperary Independent TD Mr Michael Lowry was on hand to welcome and lead a group of tourists visiting Ireland and Thurles, Co. Tipperary, last week.

The visiting coach tour, which numbered some 42 persons from Maryland, USA, visited Thurles Famine Museum and the Cathedral of The Assumption, before spending an hour checking out some of the shops in the town. The above visiting tour group were endorsed by STITA Tours & Pathfinders, STITA House, 11 Trinity Lane, Cheltenham, GL52 2NT.

For the first time this year coach tours have begun visiting Thurles; their main agenda to visit Thurles Famine Museum and view at first hand the rare primary source exhibits on display, which are strongly promoted by the voluntary efforts of Thurles Famine Museum personnel, through continuous national TV, local and national press reports.

Meanwhile, Tipperary Tourism Company supported by Tipperary County Council and Tipperary Local Enterprise Office has announce that the long awaited Tipperary Tourism Seminar will take place not on Tuesday, October 20th as scheduled, but is now pushed back to Tuesday, November 23rd beginning at 10am – 2pm, at Brú Ború, Cashel, in Co. Tipperary.  This Seminar is expected to feature Fionn Davenport, (Award winning Travel Writer); Fáilte Ireland discussing their development of Ireland’s Ancient East together with updates from Tipperary Tourism, latter expected to include the launch of a redeveloped tourism website www.tipperary.com (not as yet on-line).

This Seminar is an opportunity for service providers to find out exactly about what is happening on tourism in Co. Tipperary and to network with other tourism providers.

Note: To confirm your attendance and be assured of a place at this Tipperary Tourism Autumn Seminar, click HERE and for further information do please contact:  marie.phelan@tipperarycoco.ie