Thurles Information » Community News

Tipperary Man Found Shot Dead

George — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:59:48 +0000

Two people, a male & female, were found shot dead in the early hours of this morning in County Roscommon.

The body of a 44 year-old man, understood to be a native of Co Tipperary, was found in a silver Volkswagen Passat, in the church car park shortly after midnight, at Cloonfad, Roscommon, a village located around 10 km from the town of Ballyhaunis in Co. Mayo.

At around 1.30am, the body of 30 year old Roscommon woman, a mother of two children,(latter aged 8 and 11 years resp.) was also found in a second car at the Spring Vale Housing estate one mile from Cloonfad.

The man who was orginally from Co Tipperary, had been living in the Roscommon area for some time and it is understood the two shooting incidents occurred between 9.30pm yesterday and just after midnight last night.

Both scenes have been preserved for forensic examination and the Office of the State Pathologist has been notified. An incident room has also been set up at Castlerea Garda Station in Roscommon.

Gardaí have appealed to anyone with information on either incident to immediatly contact them at Castlerea Tel: 094 9621630, or on the Garda Confidential Line at Tel: 1800 666 111 or indeed any Garda Station.

Tragic Accident In Clonoulty Tipperary

George — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:52:17 +0000

Residents in the nearby village of Clonoulty, Thurles, Co Tipperary are said to be in deep shock following news of the death of a local man in what is describe locally as a tragic accident.

The accident happened shortly after 8.00am this morning and the road between Clonoulty and Ballagh has been closed, as Gardai carry out a technical examination of the scene.

The deceased is believed to be aged in his early 50′s, married with two school going children. The accident is understood to have happened when the victim was struck by an oil truck which he was driving and which rolled forward causing fatal injuries, as he tried to open or close an entrance gate.

The identity of the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene, is known to locals but has not yet been officially released, until family members have been notified. His body has now been removed to South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel, Tipperary, where a post mortem is expected to be carried out later today.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

Thurles Meeting On Septic Tank Water & Household Tax

George — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:10:01 +0000

Hayes Hotel, Thurles, Co Tipperary

Campaigners against Septic Tank, Water, and Household Tax charges will hold a public meeting in Hayes Hotel Liberty Square, on Friday next, February 10th, beginning at 8.00pm sharp.

This event is just one of a series of such meetings planned around the country in the coming weeks.

People are being invited to attend to listen to argument as to why they should “boycott,” or voluntarily abstain from registering for this promised planned controversial taxation, which appears to target rural Ireland dwellers in particular.

It is interesting to note that the word “boycott,” first entered our English language during the Irish “Land War,” a prolonged period of civil unrest in the rural Ireland of the 1870s, 1880s and 1890s. The word derives from the surname of a land agent, one called Captain Charles Boycott, who then managed the estate of absentee landlord, Lord Erne, who owned property at Lough Mask House, in County Mayo.

Boycott was the subject of effective social ostracism, organized by the Irish Land League. Harvests had been poor in 1880 and Lord Erne had offered his tenants a 10% reduction in their rents. In September of that year, however protesting tenants demanded a 25% reduction, which was refused. Attempts by Boycott to evict eleven tenants, for non payment of rents demanded, further exacerbated the situation.

In a speech in Ennis, Co Clare, landowner, nationalist political leader and land reform agitator, Charles Stewart Parnell, proposed that when dealing with tenants who rented or took up residence on farms where a previous tenant was evicted, rather than resorting to violence, everyone in the locality should shun them.

This advice would lead to Charles Boycott being isolated. Soon his employees stopped work in his fields and stables. Domestic staff refused to work in his house and local businessmen stopped trading with him. Even the local postman refused to deliver his mail.

Next Friday’s evenings meeting in Hayes Hotel will offer Tipperary residents a chance to speak up for themselves and their particular communities, thus demonstrating their wish not to be treated in an unfair matter.

Dundrum House Hotel Divas & Diamonds Fashion Show

George — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:57:09 +0000

One of the largest Fashion and Beauty evenings ever undertaken in Co Tipperary to date, will take place in Dundrum House Hotel on March 2nd next organised by Dundrum Tidy Towns Committee.

The show, aptly entitled “Divas & Diamonds,” will feature Celia Holman Lee and models from the Holman Lee Agency. Her professional models will be showing clothing, jewellery, shoes and other fashion accessories by leading retailers, e.g. Le Chateau, Footsteps & Stakelums Fashions (Thurles), Fran & Jane (Clonmel), Mr Mister (Mitchelstown), Kilkenny Shop & Golden Threads (Cashel) and Pageant Boutique (Tipperary Town).

(Click on poster image for larger resolution)

The evening will also include a Wine & Canapé reception on arrival at 6.30pm, a Fashion & Beauty exhibition, a style talk by Fashion TV Presenter Celia Holman Lee, the Fashion Show itself, beginning at 8.00pm sharp, followed by music in “The Venue,” provided by top entertainer Willie Bun. Note the event will also feature “Best Dressed Awards,” with lovely prizes to be won, so “don your best frock,” ladies.

The event promises to be a fabulous evening of fashion entertainment and your chance to view Tipperary’s full range of retail fashion stock all under one roof. Tickets costing just €20 are available by telephoning Cait on 087 244 1265, Michelle on 062 – 71116, Collette on 087 852 0248, Claire’s Hair Studio & The Beauty Suite (Dundrum) or from the Fashion Houses participating.

Dundrum Tidy Towns Committee was formally established in February 2010 and is constituted as an “open,” committee with three elected officers, namely a Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary.

Since it’s formation the Committee has been ably chaired by D.J. Butler, with the support of Vera O’Dwyer as Treasurer and Kyran Colgan as Secretary. Active membership consists of approximately 10 people, with supplemental support from a further 10 associated members, from time to time as work and planning demands.

The committee has now participated in two National Tidy Towns competitions and have made considerable progress since their inception. They scored a very creditable 269 points in the 2010 competition which placed them joint third with Newcastle in their county category, and with only Emly and Kilsheelin (Both National winners) ahead of them. With an increased effort from everyone last year, and with the benefit of a full year of planning, they managed to improve their score in the competition by a further 9 points up to 278.

The activities of the Committee have given a fantastic boost to local community spirit and village awareness. The Committee’s activities to date have been funded by modest grants, donations, and fund raising activities. However, they now need to undertake more ambitious projects, which will require a greater level of funding and support.

The village is fortunate to be home to a fine array of historic buildings and features, as well as a fantastic natural environment and high quality outdoor amenities. The Committee’s long term aim is to maintain, improve and integrate all these assets in a way which will enhance the village experience for both residents and visitors alike. They hope that this in turn will help the village develop an even stronger sense of identity and continue it’s evolution, to being both a vibrant business centre and a gateway for leisure and environmental tourism.

They hope that this forthcoming Fashion Show, to be held in Dundrum House Hotel on the 2nd. March 2012 will give them the financial foundation to embark on a number of projects already identified in the village this year.

Note your calender: Venue: Dundrum House Hotel; Date: 2nd. March 2012; Ticket Cost: €20; Time: 6.30pm till Late.

North Tipperary Vintage & Machinery Club Donation

George — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:42:09 +0000

North Tipperary Vintage And Machinery Club

North Tipperary Vintage and Machinery Club members pictured here presenting a cheque for €2,200, to Mr Billy Shanahan, latter representing the worthwhile organisation “Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.”

The presentation was made in Corcoran’s Pub, Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, Co.Tipperary and even Billy’s Guide Dog showed her full appreciation with a big sloppy kiss for one of the club members.

John Dunne, the Club’s Chairman, was loud in his praise of all who had generously supported their fundraising events over the past year, both financially and also in donating their much valued time to all projects undertaken.

Photo courtesy G.Willoughby.

Local Clubs To Inherit Closed Courthouses

George — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:13:38 +0000

Despite protests and walkouts by Solicitors, Roscrea and Templemore Courthouses have been closed.

North Tipperary County Council are now inviting “expressions of interest,” from local Clubs, Community groups and other Bodies for to tender for the use of these former Courthouses, with a view to making better use of said vacant buildings, located in both rural towns.

Proposals for shared use by a number of community based groups will now be considered.

Letters or emails of interest should be clearly marked: Courthouses – Expressions of Interest and should clearly state to which premises the request refers.

Such expressions of interest may be made in writing or by email and should specify the following information:

1. The proposed use of the premises.
2. The proposed frequency of use (e.g. full-time, one day per week, number of hours per day, week-ends only).
3. The proposed duration of any agreement.
4. The contribution which the club or group is prepared to make towards the maintenance of the premises.
5. Details of the constitution of the group or club, its membership and its full remit.
6. Details of the extent to which the proposed use will serve the local community (e.g. will use be confined to membership or will there be general access to the community?)
7. Name and number of contact person etc..

Expressions of interest should be sent by post to Rosemary Joyce, Senior Executive Officer, North Tipperary County Council, Corporate Support, Civic Offices, Limerick Road, Nenagh or by email to rosemary.joyce@northtippcoco.ie .

The closing date for receipt of expressions of interest is Friday 24th February 2012.

Templetuohy Man Looses Life In Australia

George — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:21:22 +0000

We regret to report that a 28-year-old Tipperary man, on a working holiday with his brother in Australia, has lost his life following a freak accident.

Mr Martin Costigan, a native of Templetuohy, Thurles, Co Tipperary, was in the sea with his brother and friends at lunchtime yesterday at Scarborough Beach, which is close to Perth, when he was swept away by a freak wave.

Mr Costigan, a non-swimmer, was one of a highly respected farming family of eight children and played hurling and Gaelic football for his local GAA club, Moyne Templetuohy.

Mr Costigan’s body was later recovered near the Perth coastline.

Mr Costigan had been in Australia for only a couple of months and had returned home at Christmas to be with his family and friends. Mr Costigan’s brother, who presently resides in New York, is flying out to Perth today.

The deceased man’s father Mr Connie Costigan, is chairman of the local Co-Op and is a former chairman of the Moyne-Templetuohy GAA club.

Our deepest sympathies go to his family and friends.

Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

Local Household Charges No Benefit To Local Councils

George — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:36:15 +0000

We have already warned of the true reason for Minister Phil Hogan’s controversial €100 Household Charge. This money is being collected to “cut a stick to beat us.”

Those who believed that the expected €160 million in revenue from this new Household Charge would go towards providing additional funds for Ireland’s cash-strapped local authorities is in for a rude awakening, as we suspected.

Minister Phil Hogan’s controversial €100 Household Charge is being collected centrally and will provide little extra at local level, unlike the €200 annual charge for second properties, which goes to source.

In most European countries the local charges are designated for use in the areas where they are collected. It now looks like Tipperary funding will be used to clean up Dublin’s inner city litter problem, with any surplus funding used to install water meters, generating a new source of revenue, in desperation.

Take a look at Frank McDonald’s article in today’s Irish Times. it would appear the money flowing into Government coffers from this expected new payment will simply allow a reduction, by an equivalent amount, of the cost of the centrally controlled local government fund.

When you finish reading the above link, do familiarise yourself with the Household Charge website:

The Household Charge is an annual charge introduced by the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 which is payable by owners of residential property. It is a matter for owners of residential properties to register and pay the Household Charge on or after the 1st of January 2012.

The EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland commits the Government to the introduction of a property tax for 2012. We are one of the last countries in Europe that does not fund local services through local property-based charges.

These services are essential to your community. They include: fire and emergency services; maintenance and cleaning of streets; planning and development; public parks; street lighting; libraries; open spaces and leisure amenities. These facilities benefit everyone.

Minister, with respect, businesses and consumers, latter through Parking Charges, here in Thurles have been paying for these services for years. We don’t have public parks, open spaces and free public leisure amenities. Our streets are neglected and beyond the powers of our local Town Council to fix. Planning and Development is non existent. Follow the McCarthy Report recommendations please and reform local government. History will thank you.

It would appear that this Fine Gael government, unlike Fianna Fáil, does not even have the ability to cover up it’s own deceit.

Crash On Thurles Holycross Road

George — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:27:06 +0000

The Thurles to Holycross Road has now reopened following a serious collision at about 6.40pm yesterday evening.

A technical examination of the scene on the R661 Thurles road at Beakstown was completed by police this morning

Two people are understood to remain in intensive care following last night’s three car collision.

In total five people were taken to South Tipp General Hospital, with two elderly people reported as having life-threatening injuries.

Gardai in Thurles would like to hear from anyone who was in this area at around the time of the crash.

Gardaí can be contacted at Telephone 0504 25100.

Tipperary Soldier Honoured By Queen Elizabeth

George — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:46:16 +0000

Lance Corporal James White

A Tipperary soldier who joined the British Army in 2005, has just been honoured by Queen Elizabeth II, for multiple acts of bravery during two seven-month tours in Afghanistan.

Twenty Eight year old Lance Corporal James White, a member of the Parachute Regiment, is from Greenfields, Cappawhite, Co Tipperary, and was presented by the Queen, with the Military Cross.

Mr Pat White, Lance Corporal James White’s father said his son always wanted to be a soldier and tried to join the Irish army. However he failed his medical because he suffered from asthma as a child.

Lance Corporal James White took part in two seven-month tours of Afghanistan as part of a ‘Special Forces Support Group, and won his award following three incidents which took place during his last tour.

On one occasion, two platoons were pinned down by enemy fire and he crossed a 200 metre stretch of open ground to assist his comrades, despite automatic gunfire and RPGs firing all around him, clearing out enemy positions and thus alleviating the two platoons.

On a second occasion he took out an insurgent machine gunner and on a third he helped the evacuation of soldiers, by attacking a compound.

Lance Corporal James, who now begins a civilian career in England, was just one of 136 members of the British Armed Forces to be included in the honours list, and received his award in November 2011.

James White, Tipperary salutes your bravery.