Sinn Féin has confirmed that its Party TD Mr Aengus Ó Snodaigh is chairperson of Liberty Recycling, an organisation involved in recycling donated clothing and providing employment, rehabilitation and training opportunities for people affected by addiction.
A major Garda investigation into suspected money laundering at the Dublin-based charity has raised serious questions about financial oversight, accountability and the management of charitable donations.
According to reports, Garda detectives carried out searches at locations in Dublin and across eastern and southeastern Ireland, as part of an ongoing investigation conducted in conjunction with the Charities Regulator.
Items reportedly seized include:
Two BMW X5 vehicles valued at approximately €250,000.
Louis Vuitton designer handbags.
Rolex watches and jewellery.
Luxury goods estimated to be worth a further €40,000.
The total estimated value of the seized vehicles and luxury goods is €290,000.
The investigation centres on suspicions that proceeds from charitable donations may have been laundered for private gain. These remain allegations under investigation, not proven findings. Not surprisingly in a statement, Sinn Féin confirmed that Deputy Ó Snodaigh is chairperson of the organisation and said the party fully supports the Garda and the Charities Regulator investigations. The party also stated that Mr Ó Snodaigh has engaged with the Charities Regulator, has not been contacted by Gardaí but will make himself available if requested to do so. Note: There is no established allegation of personal wrongdoing against Deputy Ó Snodaigh in the reporting reviewed.
Serious Questions About Charity Oversight The charity reportedly remains on the official Charities Register while the investigation continues. This raises legitimate questions about financial governance, board oversight and the safeguards protecting donations intended to support vulnerable people. The public deserves transparency about how charitable funds are managed, how concerns are investigated and what measures protect the people these organisations exist to help.
Note: An investigation is not a conviction, and everyone involved is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence. However, given the serious nature of the allegations and the significant value of the seized assets, the outcome of the Garda and Charities Regulator; any such inspections will be of considerable public interest, during the period of such investigations.
Growing concerns nationally over the number of lives being lost on Irish roads have brought renewed attention to road safety across County Tipperary, where communities know only too well the devastating consequences of fatal collisions.
New national road fatality figures have highlighted the continuing seriousness of the situation, with young people particularly vulnerable. According to provisional Garda statistics published earlier this month, 146 people had lost their lives on Irish roads by October 12th 2026, compared with 136 over the corresponding period last year. The figures represent more than a national road safety challenge. For families and communities throughout Tipperary, they are another painful reminder of the urgent need to prevent further tragedies.
Tipperary Communities Know the Heartbreak From Clonmel and Cahir to Cashel, Thurles, Nenagh, Roscrea and towns and villages across the Premier County, road safety remains an issue of enormous importance. Tipperary has experienced several devastating road tragedies during 2026. In July, a man in his 50s lost his life following a single-vehicle collision in Dundrum, while in September, a man in his 60s died following a four-vehicle collision on the R688 at Cooper’s Lot near Cashel. Each death has left families mourning and communities reflecting on the dangers that can arise on our roads. Further figures published in August revealed that 23 children were killed or seriously injured on Tipperary roads between 2021 and 2025, highlighting the particular importance of protecting younger road users.
Sign on the R498, situated close to Scoil Ailbe in Thurles, ignored and neglected for months. Pic: G. Willoughby.
Young Lives Lost – A Growing National Concern The number of young people losing their lives in road collisions continues to cause particular concern. Evidence presented to an Oireachtas transport committee in September indicated that close to one-third of people killed on Irish roads during 2026 were aged 25 or younger. Behind every statistic is a son or daughter, a brother or sister, a friend or neighbour whose future has been tragically cut short. For parents throughout Tipperary, particularly those with young or newly qualified drivers, the figures serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety awareness.
Greater Focus Needed on Tipperary Roads As a large rural county with an extensive network of national, regional and local roads, Tipperary faces particular road safety challenges. Many motorists travel considerable distances daily for work, education, farming, shopping and essential services. Narrow rural roads, dangerous bends, poor visibility, adverse weather conditions and speeding can all contribute to hazardous driving conditions. There is a continuing need for investment in road maintenance, improved signage, safer junctions, appropriate speed management and effective Garda enforcement. Road safety education must also remain a priority, particularly for younger motorists and vulnerable road users.
Every Journey Should End Safely While the latest national figures make for deeply concerning reading, the message for motorists and communities throughout Tipperary is clear. Every road user has a responsibility to help prevent further tragedies. Reducing speed, avoiding distractions, never driving under the influence and remaining alert to pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users can make a life-saving difference.
However, responsibility must not rest with motorists alone. Local authorities, national road safety agencies and Government must continue working together to identify dangers and deliver meaningful improvements.
The people of Tipperary deserve roads that are as safe as reasonably possible, whether travelling through our towns, along busy national routes or on quiet country roads. In Thurles town in particular, road signage has been neglected for far too long, with some signs facing the wrong direction, others missing entirely, including pedestrian crossing lighting, most of which has been struck by high sided vehicles, following poor engineering decisions and then simply ignored.
Behind every fatal collision is a family facing a lifetime of heartbreak. As Ireland confronts another deeply troubling year on its roads, the hope must be that greater awareness, stronger enforcement and sustained investment will prevent more families from experiencing such devastating loss.
One death on our roads is one too many. Every life matters, and every journey home matters.
Pre-deceased by his parents Michael and Mary (St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard), brother Thomas (Cheshire, UK), sisters Elizabeth (Curran, Moyglass), Bridget (O’Shea, Wales) and Mary (O’Shea, Fethard); Mr O’Shea, passed away peacefully following a short illness, while in the care of staff at the Community Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; nephews Anthony (Curran) and Martin (O’Shea), nieces Barbara and Veronica (O’Shea), extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mr O’Shea, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended O’Shea family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
As the October nights grow darker and Halloween approaches, join us for a magical evening of Irish folklore, mysterious tales, myths and legends with storyteller Ms Maura Barrett.
Discover the stories, superstitions and traditions that have been passed down through generations. A perfect way to embrace the spooky spirit of the season!
Venue: Cashel Library Date: Tuesday, 27th October Time: 6:30pm Booking essential please to Tel: 062 63825
Come along for an enchanting evening of storytelling and discover the magic and mystery of Irish folklore!
We look forward to welcoming you!
You canlocate Cashel Library building, situated on Friar Street, Lady’s Well, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, HERE. [Eircode E25 K798].
Continued Progress Needed to Achieve Stricter 2030 Limits.
Air quality in Ireland is good, meeting air quality limits for 2025 and with pollutants decreasing over the last 20 years.
When air pollution occurs, it causes significant health impacts. Despite meeting EU air quality limits, there are around 1,500 premature deaths a year linked to air pollution.
Local authorities continue to play a key role in maintaining and supporting cleaner air including enforcing compliance with solid fuel regulations which ban the sale of smoky fuels, promoting retrofitting and delivering active travel infrastructure for communities.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published its report: Air Quality in Ireland 2025, which is based on data from Ireland’s extensive air monitoring network of 113 stations, reveals that air quality in Ireland is good, it currently meets EU air quality limits and highlights how pollutants have decreased over the last twenty years. This benefits people’s health and the environment.
Continued progress in implementing measures such as the enforcement of solid fuel regulations which ban the sale of smoky fuels, promotion of home retrofitting, support for active travel, and public awareness initiatives will enable Ireland to further improve air quality and meet the stricter 2030 EU Requirements.
Air pollution in Ireland is not confined to larger cities. Communities in towns and villages can also be negatively affected by pollutants from solid fuel burning and traffic emissions. The EPA website provides hourly real-time information on local air quality and the new Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH) links general health advice to monitored air quality. This valuable resource informs citizens on the steps they can take to protect their health during periods of poor air quality.
Despite Ireland’s relatively good air quality, air pollution from solid fuel burning and traffic emissions still causes significant health impacts. The European Environment Agency estimates that, in Ireland, about 1,500 premature deaths annually are attributable to air pollution. To deliver cleaner air and improved public health, Government support for infrastructure, household measures such as cleaner heating and home retrofit grants, and enforcement activities must be maintained and strengthened.
Mr Pat Byrne, Director of the EPA’s Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring, stated: “Continued improvement in air quality is possible with practical local action and sustained investment in supporting cleaner heating, promoting home energy retrofitting, improving public transport and encouraging active travel. By focusing support on communities most affected by air pollution, we can reduce health risks, improve quality of life and ensure healthier futures for those communities.”
Local authorities play a vital role in improving air quality through the enforcement of solid fuel regulations, promoting home retrofitting, promotion of active travel, and public awareness initiatives.
Mr Warren Phelan, EPA Programme Manager for Environmental Monitoring and Surveillance, added: “Clean air is essential for good health, and Ireland’s air quality is generally good. Continued progress will require commitment from government, local authorities, businesses and communities to protect and further improve the air we breathe. By working together, we can reduce exposure to air pollution, improve quality of life, and create healthier places to live and work.”
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