Thurles Information

Death Of Steve Ridge, Formerly Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death on Tuesday last 16th June 2026 of Mr Steve (Martin Steven) Ridge of Calgary, Canada and formerly of Dublin, Ireland; Vereeniging, South Africa; Harare, Zimbabwe, and Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his parents Maureen and Declan; Mr Ridge sadly passed away suddenly at his place of ordinary residence in Calgary, Canada.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Adri-Anne, daughters Genevieve, Bianca, Monique and Gianna, sister Cathy, brother Dec, aunt Patricia, mother-in-law Tessa, sisters and brothers-in-law, Liz, Tom, Tanya and Gerrie, Louise and Chris, Su-Mari and Johan, Jean-Pierre and Zelda, Eddie and Kobie, extended relatives spread out through Ireland, South Africa, and Canada, and many friends and family all over the world.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

A Memorial Service for Mr Ridge will be held in Miltown Parish Church, Miltown, Dublin 6 (St. Columbanus, St. Gall and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) on Friday July 3rd, at 12:00 noon, while a celebration of his life will be held in Calgary, Canada on Thursday July 16th, 2026.

The extended Ridge 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.

Solas na bhflaitheas agus leaba i measc na n-aingeal dó.

Death Of Joseph Fogarty, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great personal sadness that I learned of the death yesterday, Wednesday 24th June 2026, of Mr Joseph Fogarty, Killahara, Dovea, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Loughmore, Templemore, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his parents Jeremiah and Winifred; Mr Fogarty passed away peacefully, following a long illness, surrounded by his loving family.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; sons Stephen, Anthony, Damien and Declan, grandchildren Amy, Cameron, Nathan, Cian, Darragh, Daniel, CJ and Óisin, daughters-in-law Michelle, Susan and Amy, son-in-law Graeme, brothers Dermot and Noel, sister-in-law Alisha, nephews, niece, cousins, extended relatives, former colleagues at McCoole’s Garage, Thurles and Tipperary County Council, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Fogarty will repose at Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, (Eircode E41 CP59) on Friday afternoon, June 26th, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. His remains will be received into the Church of the Nativity of our Lady Church, Loughmore, Templemore, (Eircode E41 F5N0) on Saturday morning, June 27th, at 11:00am, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:30am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in the adjoining graveyard.

For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mr Fogarty, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.

The extended Fogarty 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.

Solas na bhflaitheas agus leaba i measc na n-aingeal dó.

Fresh Disruption On Kickham Street, Thurles, As New Pavements Dug Up Yet Again For Fibre Works.

Residents and motorists using Kickham Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, faced fresh disruption this morning after crews moved in to carry out further fibre/telecoms-related works along the street.

Newly installed footpaths ripped up yet again, with no notice of single lane Stop & Go traffic delays by Tipperary Co. Council; by Virgin Media or by WhiteKight Civils & Utilities latter undertaking the work.

The works, understood locally to be connected with Virgin Media infrastructure, involved barriers, cones and a mini-digger fitted with a jackhammer operating immediately outside homes and businesses. The activity has caused concern among residents, particularly as the pavements affected were only newly installed in recent weeks.

Locals claim no written warning or advance notification was given to householders before machinery arrived. Residents also expressed frustration that one of the busiest routes into and out of Thurles was reduced to a single lane, creating delays and raising fears of heavier congestion later in the day, particularly when parents travel to collect children from local schools.

Concerns have also been raised about the manner in which the works were being carried out. Residents reported personnel operating in a confined roadside area, with traffic moving nearby, while householders said vibrations from the jackhammer caused homes to shake. Some also complained of difficulty contacting Tipperary County Council, with one resident claiming it took roughly 20 minutes to get through, but without receiving any satisfactory clarification. Directly on a triple junction personnel have no radios and no con saw, resulting in stop signs not in use and an incessant vibrating high pitched hammering sound.

This latest disruption follows earlier concerns reported on Thurles.info regarding fibre/telecoms cabling repairs and the lack of written notice to affected homeowners. That earlier report also highlighted questions around responsibility, communication and delays linked to fibre infrastructure in the area.

The immediate issue for Kickham Street residents is not simply the inconvenience of roadworks. It is the apparent lack of communication, the repeated disturbance to recently completed public footpaths, and the effect on householders, pedestrians, businesses and motorists.

With evening school traffic expected to add further pressure, motorists are advised to avoid the Kickham Street area where possible and use alternative routes until the works are completed.

Residents are now calling on Tipperary County Council and Virgin Media, or their appointed contractors, to explain why newly laid pavements are being disturbed, why householders were not notified in advance, and when the street will be fully restored.

Awareness Levels Of Radon And Associated Health Risks Declining.

People’s awareness levels of Radon and associated health risks is declining, says the EPA.

Radon gas is Ireland’s largest source of radiation exposure and is a leading cause of lung cancer.
A new EPA survey of attitudes toward radiation showed awareness of radon gas has dropped from 82% in 2020 to 71% in 2025.
More than half of respondents were unaware of the link between radon and lung cancer. Even when people are aware of radon gas, fewer than half are likely to test their homes.
The most significant sources of radiation exposure in Ireland arise from natural radiation in the environment, including radon, and medical exposures. However, people are more concerned about nuclear facilities abroad and damage to the environment.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today published the findings of a national survey on attitudes to radiation in Ireland. Over a thousand adults were surveyed, on behalf of the EPA, to understand public awareness of, and concerns about, radiation.

The survey indicates that only 31% of respondents are concerned about radiation. Worryingly, the findings revealed the level of awareness of radon had dropped from 82% in 2020 to 71% in 2025. Radon gas is Ireland’s leading source of radiation exposure. It accounts for more than half of the radiation dose received by the Irish population and is the leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking. Radon gas can enter your home from the ground through small cracks in floors and through gaps around pipes or cables.

The survey found most people are:-
► Not concerned about the health risk of radon.
► Unaware that radon exposure is linked to lung cancer.
► Unlikely to test their home for radon levels.

Commenting on the survey, Mr Patrick Byrne, (EPA Director of the Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring), said: “The EPA is concerned to see a decline in radon awareness, and the continued reluctance among householders to test their homes. We found that many believe that their property is not affected. This is particularly worrying given that radon is our largest source of radiation exposure and a leading cause of lung cancer. Testing for radon in your home is simple and we urge all households to take this step to protect themselves and their families. It costs about €50 and the EPA website has a list of companies that supply the monitors. Reducing you and your family’s exposure to this harmful gas can be achieved using simple and effective methods.”

The survey found that one of the top radiation-related concerns was how nuclear facilities abroad affect Ireland.
Dr Kevin Kelleher, (EPA Senior Scientific Officer), responded to this, noting: “Although our survey indicates public concern over such facilities, our research indicates that a nuclear emergency abroad would not have a significant radiological impact on Ireland. However, it is reassuring to see that the public would follow guidance from Government and expert bodies in the event of such an emergency.”

The National Radon Control Strategy which is led by the Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment, brings together departments and state agencies to take action to reduce radon risk. The EPA will use the findings of this survey to strengthen its awareness work under the Strategy to drive testing and remediation to reduce radon risk to people’s health.

Food Alert.

Recall of specific batches of various Marks and Spencer Pink Lady apple products, due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

Alert Summary dated Wednesday, 24th June 2026.

Category 1: For Action
Alert Notification: 2026.35
Product Identification: Please see table below for product details.
Batch Code: Please see table below for use-by dates.

Message: The below batches of Marks and Spencer Pink Lady apple products is being recalled due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.

Product Name.	Product Name.	Use-by date.
M&S Food Pink Lady Apple Slices.	225g.	24/06/2026.
M&S Food Pink Lady Apple.	90g.	24/06/2026.
M&S Café Pink Lady Apple.	90g.	24/06/2026.

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.

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.