George Willoughby « Thurles Information

Death Of Johnny Medley, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday, Friday 3rd April 2026, of Mr Johnny Medley, Shyan Terrace, Mitchel Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his parents Aidan and Lena, brothers Thomas and Frankie; Mr Medley passed away peacefully, following an illness most bravely borne, while in the care of staff at Sacred Heart Nursing Home, Crosspatrick, Co. Kilkenny.

His passing is most deeply regretted sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving sisters Geraldine, Helen. Noreen and Mary, brothers-in-law Chris, Pat and Seamus, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, neighbours, colleagues in Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (O.N.E. Veterans) and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Medley will repose at Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, (Eircode E41 CP59) on Sunday afternoon, April 5th, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm same evening.
His remains will be received into the Cathedral of the Assumption, Cathedral Street, Thurles on Monday morning, April 6th at 10:30am, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:00am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Lognafulla, Thurles Co. Tipperary.

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

The extended Medley 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.

Localized Wind Impacts Expected Across Tipperary.

As unsettled conditions develop, localized wind impacts expected across Tipperary.

Met Éireann’s latest forecast indicates a markedly unsettled and breezy day across County Tipperary, with conditions varying locally between Clonmel, Thurles, and Nenagh as a band of rain clears and strong, gusty winds develop through the afternoon and evening.

Overview – Tipperary Today
According to Met Éireann, the day will begin wet and overcast, with rain clearing eastwards, followed by sunny spells and scattered showers. Winds will increase from the south to southwest, becoming fresh to strong and gusty, before veering westerly later.

Local Breakdown.
Thurles (Mid Tipperary) – Early conditions: Rain clearing around midday.
Afternoon – evening: Frequent showers with sunny intervals.
Wind: Noticeably gusty, especially in open areas.
Key risk: Rapid changes in conditions, calm spells followed by sharp gusts. Thurles sits in a transition zone, experiencing both the clearing rain and strengthening winds.

Clonmel (South Tipperary) – Early conditions: Persistent morning rain, clearing early afternoon
Afternoon: Brighter spells with showers.
Wind: Strong and gusty, but somewhat moderated by more sheltered inland terrain
Key risk: Sudden squally showers bringing brief bursts of strong wind. Clonmel is likely to see more rain early, but slightly less exposed wind than northern areas.

Nenagh (North Tipperary) – Early conditions: Rain clearing earlier than the south.
Afternoon – evening: More persistent showers.
Wind: Strongest inland gusts across the county, due to more exposure.
Key risk: Blustery westerly winds and reduced visibility in showers. Nenagh is expected to feel the strongest wind impacts locally, particularly later in the day.

Peak Impact Window Timing: Late afternoon through evening.
Conditions: Strong, gusty winds Heavy, fast-moving showers, rapid shifts between bright and squally conditions.
Met Éireann highlights that such a pattern brings “scattered showers, some heavy… with gusty winds”, typical of an unstable Atlantic airflow.

Key Risks Across Tipperary:
Difficult driving conditions on exposed routes. Sudden strong gusts, especially during showers. Reduced visibility in heavy bursts of rain. Localised surface water on roads.

Summary: Morning: Wet across all areas. Afternoon: Improving but increasingly windy. Evening: Most disruptive period with strong gusts and showers.

Local variation:
Thurles: Mixed and changeable.
Clonmel: Wetter earlier, slightly more sheltered.
Nenagh: Windiest and most exposed.

Tomorrow Is Forever.

Lyrics: American singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman Ms Dolly Rebecca Parton.
Vocals: American country music singer Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton.

“Tomorrow Is Forever” is a tender country ballad written by Dolly Parton and recorded with Porter Wagoner in 1970. Filled with quiet longing and hope, the song speaks about letting go of past pain and choosing love in the present, trusting that tomorrow holds something lasting and true. Its gentle message reminds us that even after heartbreak, love can still feel endless.

Tomorrow Is Forever.

Take my hand and run with me,
Out of the past called history,
And walk with me into the future of tomorrow.
Yesterday must be forgot,
No looking back, no matter what,
There’s nothing there but memories that bring sorrow.
Yesterday is gone,
But tomorrow is forever.
No more crying, tears leave tracks,
And memories find their way back,
Tomorrow’s waiting, let’s journey there together.
Yesterday is gone,
But tomorrow is forever.
I care not for yesterday,
I love you as you are today,
Yesterday just helped to pass the time while waiting.
We must forget, the passing time,
My love for you is the real kind.
The kind that won’t hurt you, no, never.
Yesterday is gone,
But tomorrow is forever.
Yesterday is gone,
But tomorrow is forever.
END

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.

Tipperary Man Among Visitors To Houston Space Center For Artemis II Moon Mission.

A proud Tipperary native was among the international visitors gathered at Space Center Houston ahead of one of the most historic moments in modern space exploration; the launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission.

Mr Seanie Ryan, originally from Kennedy Park, Thurles, and a former member of the Tweed and Kenny Ryder Superband, travelled to the renowned visitor centre prior to the launch of the Artemis II mission from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on Wednesday, April 1st.

The landmark mission saw four astronauts embark on humanity’s first crewed journey around the Moon in over 50 years, marking a major milestone in global space exploration.

**Mr. Seanie Ryan and his wife Pamela, at Houston Space Center for Artemis II Moon Mission.**

Mr. Ryan and his wife Pamela, (pictured above), who previously lived in Houston and now resides in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, was joined by family members for the memorable visit. His daughter, Sarah, works locally as an American Sign Language teacher, near the Space Center, while his son, Kevin; a former member of the White House Press Corps, was present in a professional capacity, reporting on the historic launch.

The Artemis II mission has captivated millions worldwide, as the crew of four astronauts. including the first woman assigned to a lunar mission, undertake a journey orbiting the Moon before returning to Earth.

A well-known musician on both sides of the Atlantic, Mr Seanie Ryan has performed with numerous bands in Ireland and the United States. He is currently working as a professional soccer referee in America and remains a loyal supporter of Port Vale Football Club.

Mr. Seanie Ryan is also the brother of Thurles-based journalist Mr Tom Ryan, Rahealty, Thurles, whose poem commemorating the Artemis mission has featured in coverage of the event by his son Kevin.

The Ryan family’s presence at Space Center Houston added a personal Irish connection to an event of global significance, as the world once again turns its attention to the Moon and the future of human space exploration.

Bon voyage Artemis 11.
By Poet & Author Tom Ryan.

When there’s a bridge,
Between stars and sod,
Who knows all men may yet find God.
And so at last in one another
See ourselves as sister – brother
Bon voyage Artemis 11.
END.