Thurles Information

Death Of Dick Stapleton, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, on Tuesday 21st April 2026, of Mr Richard (Dick) Stapleton, The Rea, Curreeney, Kilcommon, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his father Jack and mother Kathleen; Mr Stapleton passed away peacefully at Haywood Lodge, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving brothers and sisters, Mary (Graydon), John, Kathleen (Hayden), Noreen (O’Lone) and Tom, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended relatives, neighbours and great friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Stapleton will repose on Friday afternoon next, April 24th, at J & S McCormack’s Funeral Home, Kilcommon, Thurles, from 5:30pm until 7:30pm same evening.
His remains will be received into the Church of the Little Flower, Curreeney, Kilcommon, Thurles, on Saturday morning, April 25th, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:00am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.

The extended Stapleton 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.

Thurles Among Communities Affected As Born Clothing Enters Liquidation.

Born Clothing Group Enters Provisional Liquidation.

The High Court has appointed provisional liquidators to the Born Clothing retail group, marking a significant development for one of Ireland’s long-established fashion chains.

The decision follows an urgent court application in which the company was deemed insolvent. The group, which operates 15 stores nationwide and employs approximately 116 staff, has accumulated debts totalling €7.82 million, including €2.2 million owed to the Revenue Commissioners.

Court-Appointed Liquidators.
At a sitting of the High Court, Judge Mr Micheál O’Connell appointed David O’Connor and Ian Barrett of BDO as joint provisional liquidators across multiple entities within the Born Clothing group. The court heard that the appointment was necessary to preserve the business and manage its affairs, as an alternative creditors’ winding-up process would have resulted in the immediate cessation of trading.

Retail Footprint and Regional Impact.
Born Clothing has been a familiar presence across Ireland for over a decade, with stores located in numerous towns and shopping centres. This includes outlets in Thurles Shopping Centre, Co. Tipperary; The Canopy, Co. Sligo and Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. The inclusion of Thurles highlights the broad regional reach of the brand, with communities across the country now facing uncertainty regarding store closures and job losses.

Background and Financial Position.
The court was informed that the company has experienced sustained financial difficulties, culminating in its current insolvent position. The provisional liquidation process is considered an emergency measure designed to stabilise the company’s affairs, while a full hearing on winding-up is pending.
Industry reports indicate that the retailer had struggled with ongoing losses in recent years, contributing to mounting liabilities and ultimately leading to the court intervention.

Next Steps.
The provisional liquidators will now take control of the company’s operations and assets while assessing the viability of the business. Their role includes safeguarding assets, reviewing financial records, and determining whether any parts of the business can continue trading or be sold.

The outcome of the process will have significant implications for employees, creditors, and the retail landscape in towns where Born Clothing has operated, including Thurles and Sligo.

Government Announces Major Reform Of Ireland’s Family Justice System.

The Government has today published an Implementation Plan for the Family Courts Act 2024, setting out a major transformation of Ireland’s family justice system over the coming years.
The reforms aim to create a more accessible, efficient, and child-focused system for families engaging with the courts. The plan has been approved by Cabinet and outlines how the new structure will be introduced on a phased basis, beginning in January 2027.
At the core of the reforms is a commitment to improving the experience of families in the legal system. The new model will prioritise the needs and welfare of children, while also seeking to reduce costs, simplify processes, and make the courts more user-friendly.

New family court structure.
The Family Courts Act 2024 provides for the establishment of dedicated family court divisions within the existing court system. These will include a Family District Court, Family Circuit Court, and Family High Court, each dealing specifically with family law matters.
Under the new system, specialist judges with expertise in family law will be assigned to these courts on a full-time basis. Each division will be led by a Principal Judge, ensuring improved case management and consistency across the system.
The reforms will also allow for greater flexibility in how cases are handled, including enabling certain family law applications, such as divorce proceedings, to be heard at different court levels.

Phased implementation from 2027.
The implementation plan sets out a three-phase rollout designed to minimise disruption while ensuring effective delivery.

Phase 1 (January 2027):
The first family courts will open in selected locations, each providing a full suite of family court services. Judges and staff will receive specialised training, and public awareness initiatives will be introduced.
Phase 2 (January 2028):
Additional locations will be brought into the system, building on lessons learned from the initial rollout.
Phase 3 (January 2029):
Full national implementation will be achieved, with family courts operating across the country.
This staged approach reflects the complexity of the reforms and allows for ongoing evaluation and refinement at each stage.

Planning and oversight.
A preparatory phase is already underway to ensure the first courts are operational by 2027. This includes infrastructure development, staff training, and coordination across the Courts Service, judiciary, and other stakeholders.
To support delivery, an Implementation Steering Group has been established to oversee progress, monitor performance, and ensure collaboration between all parties involved.

A long-term transformation.
The reforms represent one of the most significant changes to Ireland’s court system in decades. By introducing specialised court divisions, strengthening judicial expertise, and embedding child-centred principles, the new system aims to deliver a more responsive and effective family justice framework.
Once fully implemented, the reformed system is expected to provide a more streamlined, supportive, and accessible experience for families, while ensuring that the best interests of children remain central to all proceedings.

FSAI Recall Salmonella Infected Good4U Super Sprouts Super Greens.

FSAI Recall of specific batches of Good4U Super Sprouts Super Greens due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

Alert Summary dated Wednesday, 22nd April 2026.

Category 1: For Action.
Alert Notification: 2026.16.
Product Identification: Good4U Super Sprouts Super Greens; pack size: 60g.
Batch Code: Use by dates: 22/04/2026, 26/04/2026, 29/04/2026, 30/04/2026 and 03/05/2026.
Country Of Origin: United Kingdom.

Message:
The above batches of Good4U Super Sprouts Super Greens are being recalled due to the possible presence of Salmonella. Recall notices will be displayed at point of sale.

Nature Of Danger:
People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

Action Required: Manufacturers, Wholesalers, Distributors, Caterers, Retailers & Consumers:
Retailers: Same are requested to remove the implicated batches from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.
Consumers: Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batches.

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.