Thurles Information

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.

Thurles Fuel & Cost-Of-Living Protest Event An Anticlimax, After High Anticipation.

Mixing financial obligations with personal relationships within political parties, often causes strain, resentment, and the potential dissolution of close bonds.

A fuel and cost-of-living protest took place in Thurles this afternoon, Saturday, April 18th, organised by Sinn Féin representative Mr Dan Harty. The demonstration formed part of wider national actions responding to rising fuel prices and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

The protest assembled at the Munster Hotel car park before proceeding toward Liberty Square, a central commercial hub in the town. Organisers had previously stated the event would be peaceful and intended to minimise disruption to traffic and local business activity.

Local observations suggest that turnout on the day was extremely modest. While the event proceeded through the town centre, well stretched out to look larger, many shoppers had reportedly conducted their business much earlier than usual in anticipation of potential delays.

Thurles’ notably wide footpaths, capable of accommodating significant pedestrian movement, however remained unused; with the demonstration led by a only one Irish flag, moved along a key route around Liberty Square, drawing attention only, by affecting the normal flow of traffic activity in the area.
No police were in attendance and official reports state that no significant incidents arose from the 40 only individuals who attended the protest gathering.

**Montgomery *“Monty”* McQueen massive attraction at Tipperary Raceway in Rosegreen, Co. Tipperary**.
*Picture: G. Willoughby*.

Meanwhile, in just a 20 minute drive away from Thurles, a massive crowd turned up to support an English Child Bereavement Charity, which featured a created model of disney’s Montgomery “Monty” McQueen, more commonly called “Lightning McQueen”, from the movie “Cars”.
Same anthropomorphic stock car is the protagonist of the Disney/Pixar Cars and made a welcome appearance at Tipperary Raceway in Rosegreen, Co. Tipperary; Ireland’s popular premier Hot Rod oval raceway to the delight of all.

Death Of Michael Cuddihy, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Friday 17th April 2026, of Mr Michael Cuddihy, Knockroe, Drangan Village, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his parents Michael and Margaret, and his sister Helen, Mr Cuddihy passed away peacefully, while in the loving care of the staff of St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny, surrounded by his loving family.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Helen, sons Conor, Adam and Robert, brother Johnny, sister Ann, nieces, nephews, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, extended relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Cuddihy will repose for private Requiem Mass, followed by cremation on Monday, April 20th, at the Island Crematorium, Rocky Island, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork.

Note Please: House and funeral service strictly private.

The extended Cuddihy 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.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Short-Term Agreement Extends Racing Lifeline At Thurles.

The Molony family, long-time owners of Thurles Racecourse, have agreed to extend a temporary arrangement with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). This follows a similar agreement that kept the track operational for the previous season after the family signalled their intention to step back from running the venue due to ongoing operational challenges.

The continuation of racing under this framework allows valuable time for discussions around the long-term future of the racecourse, which has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s winter racing calendar for generations.

Operational Continuity Under Ms Jessica Cahalan.
Ms Jessica Cahalan will remain in charge of day-to-day operations at Thurles for the upcoming season. Her continued leadership is seen as key to maintaining stability at the track while the Molony family considers future plans for the venue, located on the Nenagh Road just outside Thurles.

Industry Support Recognised.
Suzanne Eade, CEO of HRI, welcomed the development, highlighting the collaborative effort involved in securing the agreement. She acknowledged the role of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), as well as the broader racing industry, in supporting the continuation of racing at Thurles.

The IHRB oversees approximately 500 fixtures annually across Ireland, covering Flat, National Hunt, and Point-to-Point racing, with around 39,000 runners each year, underlining the scale and importance of the sector.

Strategic Importance to Racing Calendar.
Thurles Racecourse has long been regarded as a vital component of the Irish National Hunt season, particularly during the winter months when its track conditions are highly valued by trainers and jockeys.

The decision to extend operations is also influenced by broader infrastructure factors within the sport. Notably, nearby Tipperary Racecourse is currently closed for a major redevelopment project and is not expected to reopen until October 2027, when it will feature both a new all-weather surface and an upgraded turf track.

Looking Ahead.
While the agreement secures the immediate future of racing at Thurles, it remains a transitional solution. The additional time afforded by this extension is expected to be used by stakeholders to explore sustainable long-term options for the venue.

For now, however, the message is clear: Thurles Racecourse will continue to play a central role in Irish racing for another season, much to the delight of fans and the wider industry.

Death Of May Rochford, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, today Friday 17th April 2026, of Mrs May Rochford (née Tuohy), Glebe House, Fennor, Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Bridgetown, Killaloe, Co. Clare and Co. Kilkenny.

Pre-deceased by her husband Seamus, her parents Martin and Mary, brother Pajoe and sister Cathy (Pearse); Mrs Rochford passed away peacefully while in the care of nurses and staff at Padro Pio Nursing Home, Holycross, Thurles in the presence of her family.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving daughters Marie, Colette and Caroline, son Patrick, son-in-law Melvin, daughter-in-law Katrina, adored grandchildren Seán, James, Thérése, Sarah and Grace, sisters-in-law Carmel and Mary, brother-in-law Vincent, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs Rochford will repose at Doyle’s Funeral Home, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny, (Eircode E41 XO38), on Sunday evening, April 19th, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, before being received into the Church of the Sacred Heart, Gortnahoe, Thurles, arriving at 8:30pm.
Requiem Mass for Mrs Rochford will be offered on Monday morning, April 20th, at 11:30am, followed by interment in Fennor Cemetery, Co. Tipperary.

The extended Rochford and Tuohy families 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.

Note Please: House strictly private.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.