Education « Thurles Information

Lyrid Meteor Shower Lights Up Irish Skies – Viewing Prospects For Tipperary.

Irish stargazers are being urged to look skyward this week as the Lyrid meteor shower reaches its annual peak, bringing a striking display of shooting stars visible across the country, including Tipperary.

A Rare Celestial Display.
The Lyrids are one of the oldest recorded meteor showers, occurring each April as Earth passes through debris left by Comet Thatcher, last seen in 1861.
In 2026, the shower is active from mid-April through to April 25–26, with peak activity expected on the night of April 22 into the early hours of April 23.

Under ideal conditions, observers can expect:

Around 10–20 meteors per hour.
Occasional bursts of higher activity.
Bright streaks and occasional “fireballs” lighting up the sky.
Strong Viewing Conditions in Ireland.

This year offers particularly favourable viewing conditions. A crescent moon will set early, leaving darker skies for much of the night, latter ideal for spotting meteors.

The best time to watch is:
After midnight through to dawn, when the constellation Lyra rises higher in the eastern sky.
No special equipment is needed, just clear skies and patience.

Viewing Potential in Tipperary.
Tipperary is well positioned to enjoy this celestial event, particularly in rural areas where light pollution is low.

Key Advantages:

Dark countryside skies improve visibility
Elevated and open landscapes provide wide viewing angles
Distance from major urban lighting enhances contrast
Best Practice for Viewing:
Travel to rural or elevated areas such as hills or open farmland
Avoid towns and artificial lighting
Allow 20–30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to darkness
Lie back or use a reclining chair for a full-sky view

Meteor activity will appear across the sky, not just near Lyra, so a broad, unobstructed view is essential.

What to Expect.
While the Lyrids are considered a moderate meteor shower, they are known for fast, bright meteors,
occasional dramatic fireballs and short bursts of increased activity. Even outside the peak night, the shower remains active for several days, offering multiple chances to witness the display.

Final Outlook.
If skies remain clear, observers across Tipperary should have an excellent opportunity to see more shooting stars than on a typical night. With favourable conditions and minimal moonlight, 2026 could be one of the better years to catch this historic meteor shower, right from your own doorstep.

Landmark 1926 Census Release Opens New Chapter in Ireland’s Story.

The publication of the 1926 Census marks a defining moment in Ireland’s historical record, offering a vivid and deeply personal insight into life during the formative years of the Irish Free State.

The 1926 Census can be viewed by linking HERE.

Released by the National Archives following the expiry of the 100-year rule under the Statistics Act 1993, the census is now freely available online. The fully searchable resource provides access to more than 750,000 household and enumerator returns, opening a unique window into Irish society in the aftermath of independence.

Conducted just four years after the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922, the 1926 Census captured a population of approximately 2.97 million people. It reflects a country emerging from a decade of profound change, including the Easter Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War, and beginning to shape its national identity.

Taoiseach Mr Micheál Martin described the release as an opportunity for people to “step back in time” and connect with their families, communities and the everyday lives of those who lived nearly a century ago. He highlighted the census as a bold and visionary undertaking by a young state committed to nation-building.

The digitisation project, completed over three years, ensures the long-term preservation of these records while making them accessible to historians, genealogists and the wider public. Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Mr Patrick O’Donovan said the release is of particular importance to people across Ireland and the global Irish diaspora seeking to explore their heritage.

Director of the National Archives Ms Orlaith McBride emphasised that the census represents more than statistics, describing it as “the story of us”, a record of individuals, families and communities whose lives collectively shaped our modern Ireland.

To mark the release, a major exhibition titled The Story of Us: Independent Ireland and the 1926 Census has opened at Dublin Castle. Running until August 2027, the exhibition explores life in Ireland in 1926 through original records, photographs and immersive displays before touring internationally and across Ireland.

The 1926 Census stands as a vital resource for understanding Ireland’s past, offering people at home and abroad, an opportunity to rediscover their roots and engage with the lived experiences of a generation that helped shape the nation.

Irish Touring Exhibition
As part of its national tour, the exhibition will visit Thurles, Co. Tipperary at Source Arts Centre, Thurles, from 2nd – 21st November 2026, bringing this important chapter of Ireland’s history directly to local Tipperary communities.

Tipperary Lecture Explores Birth of Ireland’s National Police Force.

Mr Tim Maher (PRO), Bournea Reaching Out Historical Society reports:-

The Bournea Reaching Out Historical Society has announced an upcoming public lecture examining the foundation and early years of Ireland’s national police service, An Garda Síochána. The event will take place in Lismackin Community Hall, on Monday, April 28th at 8:00 pm sharp, and all members of the public are warmly invited to attend.

The lecture will be delivered by renowned historian Dr John Reynolds, a former member of the Gardaí who trained at Templemore Garda College. Drawing on both academic research and personal insight, Dr Reynolds will explore the dramatic and often challenging beginnings of the force during a pivotal moment in Irish history.

**Early Civic Guards.**
**Note:** *In 1922 many recruits didn’t yet have standard uniforms.*

An Garda Síochána traces its origins to February 1922, when the newly formed Provisional Government established the Civic Guard to replace the disbanded Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and take responsibility for policing the emerging Irish Free State . The initiative, closely associated with Michael Collins, aimed to create a national police service rooted in the community rather than the militarised traditions of the past.

The lecture will highlight key milestones in the formation of the force, including the early organisational meeting held in Dublin’s Gresham Hotel in February 1922 , the appointment of Michael Staines as the first Commissioner, and the transfer of authority symbolised by the Gardaí taking over Dublin Castle in August of that year.

Dr Reynolds will also examine the significant challenges faced during the early months, such as the Kildare Mutiny, which exposed tensions within the new force and ultimately shaped its development as an unarmed police service relying on public trust and moral authority . The transformation of the Civic Guard into An Garda Síochána under legislation in 1923, and its later unification with the Dublin Metropolitan Police in 1925, will also be discussed.

This promises to be an engaging and informative evening for anyone interested in Irish history, policing, or the foundations of modern Ireland.

All are welcome to attend.

Four Events Next Week In Cashel Library, Co. Tipperary.

Ms Maura Barrett, (Cashel Library) Reports:–

(1) Comhrá sa Leabharlann.
Bain triail as do chúpla focal sa leabharlann Chaiseal Mumhan. Tá fáilte roimh gach duine.
[Try your hand at a few words in the Cashel Munster library. Everyone is welcome.]

(2) Memory Cafe in Cashel Library.
The next meeting of the Memory cafe will meet Tuesday 14th April, 11am–12.30pm. All are welcome to attend.

(3) Cashel Juvenile Book Club.
The next meeting of the juvenile book club in Cashel library will take place Tuesday evening,14th April 6.30pm, suitable for those Aged 9-11years.

(4) Cashel Craft Circle.
Join the Cashel Craft Circle every Wednesday from 10am-12pm for their social gathering. Bring along your own project to work, share ideas, patterns and enjoy a chat and cuppa with others.
No need to book just come along.

People wishing to attend the above events can locate the Cashel Library building; situated on Friar Street, Lady’s Well, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, HERE. (Eircode E25 K798). TEL: 062-63825.

EPA Announces Funding Of €10.5m For New Environmental And Climate Research.

The EPA announces funding of €10.5m for new environmental and climate research inviting innovative solutions to address medium- to longer-term environmental research needs.

Research proposals are invited for research across the following areas:

Addressing Climate Change Evidence Needs
Delivering a Healthy Environment
Facilitating a Green and Circular Economy
Protecting and Restoring our Natural Environment
Policy Implementation, Effective Regulation and Innovative Governance Models

Successful researchers will be supported by EPA to engage with policy makers to ensure that the research is impactful and effectively informs environmental policy in Ireland.

Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces research funding of up to €10.5 million for new environmental research. The EPA is inviting proposals from the research community for innovative projects to support the development and implementation of environmental policies in Ireland. In particular, multi- and trans-disciplinary teams are welcomed to bring diverse perspectives to complex environmental challenges.

Announcing the EPA funding call, Ms Roni Hawe, Director of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment said: “The launch of the EPA Research Call 2026 marks a significant opportunity for the research community to contribute to addressing Ireland’s most pressing environmental challenges. This investment will support the generation of robust evidence needed for good policy and for more efficient and effective decision-making, as well as building skills and expertise in critical areas related to climate, the environment and sustainability.”

Opportunities for research are identified in areas such as how to bring mitigation and adaptation together to support Ireland achieving its climate and environmental goals; understanding antimicrobial resistance in the environment; how to accelerate our transition to a circular economy and how we can protect the environment while accelerating infrastructure and simplifying environmental regulation.

Dr Ms Caroline Wynne, EPA Research Manager, said: “This year, we are pleased to invite proposals for larger scale projects that will allow researchers to develop new and innovative solutions as well as supporting the recruitment and training of highly skilled PhD students. We are particularly interested in supporting a wide cohort of the research community to bring social, economic and environmental perspectives together, which is essential to address complex societal challenges.”

The EPA Research Programme is a Government of Ireland initiative funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment. Under this year’s call, the EPA is delighted to be partnering with Met Éireann to co-fund projects in areas of mutual interest.

The deadline for proposals is May 28th 2026.

Further funding: Other EPA funding opportunities this year include EPA Fast-track to Policy Funding; Fulbright-EPA Scholarships and Fellowships; the Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship, as well as opportunities supported through EPA’s participation in European Partnerships. Details are available on our Research Funding webpage.