Crime - Thurles Information

“Murderous Mary” Hanged 106 Years Ago This Month.

It happened this month (on September 13th), 107 years ago, in 1916. Mary, also known as “Big Mary” and “Murderous Mary” was hanged after killing circus employee Mr Walter Red” Eldridge.

The Mary in question was a five-ton Asian elephant who was trained to performed at the Sparks World Famous Shows Circus and was hanged in the Erwin Rail Yard, in Steuben County, New York, United States.
Mr Eldridge was murdered by her some 9.5 hours away in Kingsport, Sullivan County, Tennessee, while on his second day only, employed as her handler.

The star of Sparks World Famous Shows had been “Big Mary”, latter a giant Asian elephant advertised By Charles Sparks on his circus posters as “The Largest Living Land Animal on Earth”.
Mary had been purchased by his Charles Sparks’ father in 1898, when she was four years old and Charles Sparks claimed she weighed over 5 tons and stood 3 inches taller than “Jumbo”, latter the star elephant of the rival Barnum and Bailey Circus. Crowds were enthralled as Mary performed tricks which included playing musical instruments; pitching a baseball and standing on her head.

On September 11th, 1916, a homeless man of whom little is known, named “Red” Eldridge, who had initially landed a part-time job as a transient hotel clerk, was hired as an unqualified elephant keeper by the Sparks circus.

Eldridge was killed by “Big Mary” the following evening. Earlier that day, Mr Eldridge had led the elephant parade, from the front, while riding on top of Mary’s back. Later, while being led to a watering ditch between shows by Eldridge, a witness to the murder, one Mr W. H. Coleman, would later recount that his handler had prodded “Big Mary” behind her ear with a hook, after she had reached down to nibble on a discarded watermelon rind. “Big Mary” suddenly appeared to go into a rage, snatching Eldridge with her trunk, before flinging him against a drink stand and then stepped on his head, crushing him.

Later, contemporary newspaper reports, would sensationally claim that “Big Mary” had “sunk her giant tusks entirely through the body of Mr Eldridge. The animal then trampled his dying form, as if seeking a murderous triumph, then with a sudden swing of her massive foot hurled his body into the crowd”. However, of course female Asian Elephants do not grow tusks and only some male Asian elephants have tusks. Most accounts agree that she calmed down afterwards and did not charge onlookers, who began chanting “Kill the elephant! Let’s kill it.”

As crowds screamed and ran for their lives, while a local blacksmith, Mr Hench Cox, tried to kill “Big Mary”, by firing five gun shots, but the bullets bounced off the thick hide of “Big Mary”.
Kingsport officials quickly apprehended the now injured animal and staked her outside the county jail, where onlookers again gathered.

Meanwhile, the leaders of several nearby towns threatened not to allow the circus to visit, if “Murderous Mary” was included in any further shows. In those days rogue elephants who injured or killed handlers could quietly have their names changed and sold to another circus.
The circus owner, Charlie Sparks, reluctantly decided that the only way to quickly resolve the potentially ruinous situation was to kill the wounded elephant in public.
On the following foggy and rainy day, September 13th, 1916, Mary was transported by rail to Unicoi County, Tennessee, where a crowd of over 2,500 people including most of the town’s children assembled in the Clinchfield Railroad yard. Clinchfield had huge, 100-ton derricks they used to unload lumber off their freight cars. Due to flooding Clinchfield refused to send a derrick car all the way to Kingsport, so Charlie Sparks moved his circus south to Clinchfield’s headquarters and repair facilities in Erwin, Tennessee.

In an effort to calm “Murderous Mary”, it was decided to have her walk to the derrick with the other elephant herd, trunk to tail, like they did most every day. When “Big Mary” reached the derrick, circus semi-skilled labourers quickly chained her legs to the rail to keep her still, while the other elephants were led out of sight to avoid observing the horrible event that was about to commence.
By now a silence had fallen across the large assembled crowd gathered, as one of the circus labourers threw the derrick’s chain around the neck of “Murderous Mary’, before fitting the end through a steel ring, before signalling the derrick operator to hoist her up.

The first attempt at hanging, with “Big Mary” struggling resulted in the chain snapping, causing her to fall and break her hip. Her screams sent dozens of adults and children fleeing in terror. Having fixed a second more heavy chain and with Mary now fighting less as the derrick hoisted her into the air it took just a few minutes for the severely wounded Asian elephant to die. The now deceased “Murderous Mary” was buried in a large pre-prepared hole beside the railway tracks, but not before having been examined by a veterinarian who determined that she had a severely infected tooth in the precise spot where Red Eldridge had prodded her with a hook.

Tipperary Man Caught Travelling In Cork Using Stolen Car.

A 27-year-old Tipperary man, named as Mr Martin Harty, who was caught travelling in a stolen car in Cork city earlier this year, has been jailed for six months.

Mr Harty, with an address at No. 59 Summerhill, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, appeared before Cork District Court, and pleaded guilty to the accused charge, which arose out of an incident where he was found to be a front seat passenger in a stolen vehicle.

The crime was first detected on January 15th 2023, when Gardaí responded to a report that a stolen Vauxhall Insignia car was being driven in the area of Barnavara Crescent, Banduff Road, Co. Cork.
The vehicle came to a halt at the rear of a house at Barnavara Crescent. Two men were then observed exiting the vehicle, before fleeing into a back garden. The front seat passenger was identified as Mr Harty who pleaded guilty to allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle.

Mr Justice Olann Kelleher noted from 96 previous convictions; on this occasion it was the third time the defendant had travelled in a stolen car and that this latest offence merited a prison sentence.

Claims Of Over €2M + Euro Funds Go Missing At Garda College, Co Tipperary.

It is understood that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), has, at last, sent a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), following lengthy investigation into financial irregularities at the Garda Training College, situated in Templemore, Co. Tipperary.

Following investigations, same begun some 75 months ago, a decision is now awaited on whether any serving or retired Gardaí are likely to be charged in relation to this possible embezzlement.

It is understood that millions of euro, including European Union funds just vanished, with over €2m unaccounted for, and linked mainly to a restaurant at the Garda Training College, as well as huge sums linked to golf course land and a boat club.

Included in the internal audit report, are accusations as follows:-
(A) The Training College rented out land it did not own.
(B) Operated some 50 bank accounts with some allegedly used for purposes other than those for which they were intended. This included the buying of gifts, spending on entertainment and sponsoring garda clubs.
(C) Used public money to fit out privately owned shops.
(D) Operated one bank account in the name of the Garda laundry account, which were used for the payment of bonuses, some loans to staff, and the funding of entertainment and sporting expenses.
(E) Redirecting European Union funding into own bank accounts, before possibly being diverted to a Dublin bank account, referred to as the ‘Cabra Account‘.

These allegations first date back to 1999 and were then highlighted by Garda Human Resources boss Mr John Barrett. Mr Barrett gave extensive details of his efforts to raise concerns about Templemore’s existing finances.

Same was not referred to GSOC until June 2017 by the then Garda Commissioner Ms Nóirín O’Sullivan.
In her evidence to PAC in 2017, Ms O’Sullivan said that she first found out about same financial issues at a two hour meeting, described as a brief meeting, at the Training College, back in July 2015. However, inquiries do not appear to have continued, once Garda Commissioner O’Sullivan handed over her report to GSOC.

To date, one former senior Garda member, who was involved directly with the training college, has been deemed unable to fully co-operate with on going enquiries, due to failing health.

It is expected that this case could take the Irish State prosecutor some 12 months to rule if any current or now retired Gardaí should face criminal charges.

Local Community Safety Plan For Dublin’s North Inner City Published.

It would appear that the only way that neglected rural communities can attract the full attention of our present government is to viciously assault and steal from tourists or openly offer for sale various hallucinogens, which can produce an altered states of consciousness in thought, mood, and perception.

Here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, while unfortunately there are never any tourists found lurking, to assault, we do have the various hallucinogens being offered for sale, which we can highlight.

Minister for Justice Mrs Helen McEntee T.D., was joined by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Mr Paschal Donohoe T.D., yesterday, to launch the Dublin North Inner City Local Community Safety Plan.

In a press release issued, they stated that quote: “Building stronger, safer communities requires input from all State agencies“. The state agencies being suggested in this case – Dublin City Council, Business Groups, HSE, Tusla, Youth services, An Garda Síochána and unspecified others, pointing out that safer communities is not just the responsibility of An Garda Síochána or the justice sector alone.

The new Dublin North Inner City Plan published yesterday outlines 50 actions across five priority areas and these priority areas are:

Drugs, Inclusion-Health, Anti-Social Behaviour.
Family, Youth and Community.
Education, Life Long Learning.
Integration, Ethnic and Multi Faith Inclusion.
Physical Environment.

Under these priority areas, the detailed action plan includes measures to tackle anti-social behaviour and drug dealing, but also broader actions to improve feelings of community safety, such as integration of new cultures into the area, improved supports for families and increased awareness around issues like domestic violence.

The Community Safety Partnership will work with relevant groups to implement the actions in this plan, such as:

Continuing strong Garda presence in the area as well as Gardaí working with others to improve and maintain public spaces identified as ‘hot spots’ for anti-social behaviour and drug dealing.
But will small time drug dealers be offered freedom from prosecution if they name their suppliers, thus enabling Gardaí to do their job?
HSE, Tusla, Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána to extend drug outreach programmes, particularly to the under 18s.
Community Safety Wardens to work in Wolfe Tone Square, O’Connell Street and other areas.
Dublin City Council to carry out regular audits of streetscapes – lighting, cleanliness, maintenance – to improve feelings of safety.
Will this action also be undertaken In Thurles, resulting in the lights being switched off during the day time and will the myriad of street potholes be attended too?
Dublin City Council to review and refresh infrastructure of key commercial streets, prioritising O’Connell Street, Talbot Street, Moore Street and Capel Street.
Dublin City Council to work with business groups such as Dublin Town to tackle illegal dumping.
Probation Service, An Garda Síochána, Tusla and others to provide new programmes for young prolific offenders engaged in violent criminal behaviour.
HSE to provide health bus to promote positive health interventions such as vaccinations and tackling obesity.
Localised Mcdonald’s outlets are not going to like that. Maybe cooking classes could be arranged for the lazier members of this community.
Increasing the number of after school places for children.
An Garda Síochána Community Bus to address small policing matters.

All of the above benefits being offered to this violent, drug dealing, undeserving community will now be financed by the silent hardworking taxpayer.

Minister McEntee has stated: “The north inner city is a wonderful part of Dublin, and indeed of our country. It has brilliant communities – families with roots going back generations, as well as new arrivals making the area their home.
It has fantastic schools and colleges. It is the commercial heart of our city centre, bringing so many of us in to shop and do businesses every day. And O’Connell Street, the historic main street of our capital city, is also at the heart of this area.
There are of course challenges too, and I want to ensure that those living and working and living in our capital, and those who visit the city, are safe and feel safe.”

In July, Minister McEntee announced €10million of additional funding for Garda overtime in Dublin, specifically to increase high visibility policing and prevent crime. She also introduced Garda specialist regional firearms units, as opposed to regular uniformed Gardaí, who are unarmed, and detective gardaí, who are armed but not assigned to ASU roles. Was it her intention to shoot drug dealers and those causing violent disorder, or was it just for ‘optics’, giving the appearance that this government actually were awake.

Minster McEntee added: “Having stronger, safer communities is at the core of my work as Minister for Justice. Gardaí across the city continue to work hard to keep people safe, to prevent crime and provide reassurance.
Where incidents take place, An Garda Síochána move swiftly to fully investigate, make arrests and bring those responsible to justice.
The re-opening of Fitzgibbon Street Garda station last year and the opening of a new station for O’Connell Street in March, have also helped improve that visible Garda presence.
But increasing community safety – people being safe, and feeling safe too – is not only the responsibility of the justice system or An Garda Síochána.
It requires many of us in State agencies and organisations working together – and working with the local community. Because nobody knows better than local communities how to make their areas safer.
This is our new policy on community safety, and it is one we will be rolling out across the country next year.
Communities drawing up plans on how to make their areas safer, with everyone around the table – health, education, business groups, An Garda Síochána, public and community representatives – finding solutions.
The Dublin North Inner City plan being published today is a perfect example of this fresh approach.”

“Wow” and if that wasn’t enough, Minister Paschal Donohoe TD said: “Dublin’s North Inner City is an area of great diversity and vibrancy. Of course some challenges exist. That is why today marks a special day.
The publication of the Local Community Safety Plan for Dublin’s North Inner City aims to bring all those who know the area best and those who are best placed to identify and implement the changes that are needed to ensure that the area is a better place to live, to visit and to enjoy.
By prioritising these five areas, we can make sure that resources are allocated in the right way so that they make the biggest difference.
The people of the North East Inner City are rightfully proud of where they live and come from. This plan will go a considerable distance to making the NEIC a stronger and safer community which is no less that the residents deserve.”

Speaking at the launch of the Dublin North Inner City Community Safety Plan, the Chair of the North Inner City Community Safety Partnership Mr. Eddie Mullins had little to said only: “As the recently appointed Chair of Dublin’s North Inner City Community Safety Partnership I am delighted to welcome everyone here today for the launch of the Community Safety Plan for the North Inner City. On behalf of the Partnership I want to welcome the Ministers McEntee and Donohoe also and thank them for their continued interest in and support for the work of the Partnership. In my short time working with the Partnership I am struck by the commitment of the Partners to the Community and want to recognise and thank the Partners for coming together in the preparation of this document.
The Community Safety Plan is a living a document which we expect will evolve and continue to be informed by the Community we seek to support.”

Just keep throwing taxpayers money at the issues, in the hope that a ‘softly softly’ approach can garner working class votes.

Car Hijacked In Clonmel, South Co. Tipperary.

Gardaí in Clonmel are currently investigating a serious incident which occurred in the early hours of Monday morning last, September 4th 2023.

At approximately 12:30am and on the above stated date, a car was prevented from exiting the Tesco car park, off the Inner Relief Road (N24) in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, by four males, who then surrounded the car.
The male suspects gained access and put the driver under duress to transport them to the Prior Park Road, Queen Street, area of Clonmel.
The driver of the car was then assaulted, before the suspects fled the scene on foot, travelling in the direction of the Cashel Road, Clonmel.
The four suspects are all believed to be in their mid-teens and may have been observed, while on foot in the area of the Inner Relief Road (Bypass), or in the Queen Street / Cashel Road areas of Clonmel, between 12:00 midnight and 1:30am on Monday morning last.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have observed these individuals or any other suspicious behaviour which may be linked to this incident.
Similarly, any drivers in possession of dash-cam footage, who were in this area at the time, are asked to contact Gardaí.
Persons with information are asked to make contact with Clonmel Garda Station, Tel: 052-6177640 or the Garda Confidential Line Free-phone, Tel: 1800 666 111 or indeed any Garda station.