Display of Vegetable & Flower Arrangements. Pic: Matt Purcell.
Attendance includedSandra Gianesini Purcell and Noel Purcell. Pic: Matt Purcell.
As has been the tradition for many years; members of the local Roman Catholic Community joined with members of the Church of Ireland Community to give thanks, once again, for a rich and bountiful harvest.
There is always something special about a faith celebration in Littleton’s oldest Church building, which recalls many ancient memories for local village residents.
This year’s celebrant was Mr Thomas Cooke, latter a Church of Ireland Diocesan lay reader. Mr Cooke warmly welcomed local Roman Catholic Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Tom Fogarty, together with members of both congregations, as well as members of the GAA Men’s Shed, latter who incorporated the history of Saint Mary’s Church into their recent Pride of Place event.
Mr Cooke congratulated the Ladies Committee on the beautiful arrangement of flowers, vegetables, fruit, herbs, turf and hurleys; all visible signs of a 2025 bountiful harvest.
Two yellow pumpkins drew attention to the two pulpits, which are very rarely found in Church buildings. In his sermon, Mr Cooke told those assembled that St Matthew’s Gospel, (Ch 6. v 25-35), is one of the most comforting passages that we can read, quote; “Therefore I tell you do not worry about your life what you shall eat or drink…Is not life more than food?…
As a farmer, he gave thanks for this year’s good harvest and for all retailers involved in the food processing business, including restaurants and coffee shops. “Rarely do we pause in order to give thanks”, he stated.
He noted that the Lord’s prayer is common to all our Christian Churches and that being forgiven depends on our willingness to forgive others, which can be challenging due to our own and others imperfections. Using a spirit level; he said that we need to be straight with God and straight with others and profess our faith in Jesus Christ, who came as Saviour to all the world. Mr Cooke remains hopeful that we can continue to celebrate the richness and diversity of both our common faiths.
He stated that we must ask for forgiveness due to our waste of food and the world’s resources and we must give thanks to all farmers and agricultural workers, for packers, distributors, for company boards and all engaged in research who safeguard crops against disease and support life among the hungry. We must prosper the work of their hands and the searching of their minds that their labour may be to the benefit of all.
All in attendance prayed for the sick and all those confined to hospitals and nursing homes.
The final 1782 hymn, written by poet and journalist Matthias Claudius (174-1815), “We plough the fields and scatter the good seeds on the land, but it is fed and watered by Gods almighty hand”, (Based on Psalm 144), brought the thanksgiving service to a close.
One of the most comforting and enjoyable moments was the sharing of tea and delightful homemade pastries, which gave us time to chat and renew old acquaintances. In our modern, runaway culture today we rarely get time to see or meet our neighbours.
A final thanks to St Mary’s church committee who hosted the event.
EU Council Meeting discusses the return of third-country nationals, internal security of the Union, and better supports for Member States responding to emergencies.
Progress made towards agreeing a common European returns system to ensure the swift return of third-country nationals staying unlawfully in the EU.
Focus on strengthening cooperation between Member States to investigate and prosecute serious and organised cross-border crime.
Examination of ways in which the European Union can better coordinate support for Member States responding to natural and human induced emergencies.
Discussion on how to ensure free and open debate while at the same time protecting those involved in politics from threats and violence.
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Mr Jim O’Callaghan, met with his European counterparts in Brussels this week to discuss co-operation on migration, internal security and cross-border justice.
During two days of meetings, Ministers for Home Affairs and Migration considered proposals for a common European return system for migrants, latter who have no legal permission to remain in the EU.
Minister O’Callaghan reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to the initiative, saying: “Ireland is committed to the establishment of a common EU return system that is effective, fair and functional. We will continue to engage with our partners to finalise a robust mechanism to achieve this.”
Ministers also discussed the impact of the conflict in Gaza on EU internal security, with concerns raised about societal divisions and extremism. “While Ireland is not currently experiencing the same levels of polarisation as some other Member States, we share concerns about the rise of racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia,” Minister O’Callaghan said. “Ireland remains committed to promoting equality, inclusiveness and respect for human rights.”
Discussions extended to how the EU can better prepare for and respond to emergencies, including climate-related events. Minister O’Callaghan highlighted Ireland’s experience of EU support following Storm Éowyn, noting that greater cooperation will be vital in the face of growing global challenges.
At the meeting of Justice Ministers, strengthening Eurojust, the EU agency supporting Member States in tackling serious cross-border crime, was a key topic.
“Irish prosecutors and Gardaí have successfully handled many cross-border cases with Eurojust’s support,” the Minister said. “Ireland welcomes efforts to ensure the agency has the resources it needs to continue this vital work.”
Ministers also discussed protecting open political debate while ensuring the safety of public representatives. “Those in public life should not be subjected to personal abuse or intimidation,” Minister O’Callaghan said. “Protecting democracy means protecting the people who serve it.”
Other issues on the agenda included law enforcement access to data, protection of fundamental rights, and simplification of the EU’s regulatory framework.
Pre-deceased by her husband Richard and son Richard Jnr, sister Sheila and brother Michael; Mrs Grainger passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, while in the care of staff at Wygram Nursing Home, Wygram House, Davitt Road, North, Co. Wexford.
Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving daughter Maria, son Barry, brother Chris, sister Elsie, grandchildren Keith, Andrea and Reece, great-grandchildren Molly, Mila, Max, Lucy and Alex, son-in-law Larry, daughter-in-law Paula, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
Rest In Peace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The remains of Mrs Grainger, will repose at Macken’s Funeral Home, Distillery Road, Wexford, (Eircode Y35 HP29) on Wednesday afternoon, October 15th, from 4:00pm until 6:00pm same evening. A celebration of life and a service of cremation will be held at Macken’s Funeral Home at 12:00 noon on Thursday, October 16th next.
For those persons who would wish to attend the service of cremation for Mrs Grainger, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended Grainger and O’Connell 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.
Public Service Announcement – Commuters Take Note.
Turtulla Junction, N62 Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Temporary Traffic Management will be operational on the N62 at Turtulla Junction, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, beginning, Thursday October 16th 2025 until October 17th 2025.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) report that Ten Enforcement Orders were served on food businesses in September.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today reported that Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE) served five Closure Orders and five Prohibition Orders on food businesses during the month of September for breaches of food safety legislation, pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998 and the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020.
Three Prohibition Orders were served under European Union (Official Controls in Relation to FoodLegislation) Regulations, 2020 on: Nearby Cashel (Retailer), 3 Main Street, Cashel, Tipperary. Enforcement report. XL Convenience Store (Retailer), Main Street, Drumconrath, Navan, Meath. BK Foods Limited (Wholesaler/ Distributor), Clongorey, Newbridge, Kildare.
Three Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on: SuperValu Hollyhill (Retailer), Hollyhill Shopping Centre, Hollyhill, Cork (served 04/09/2025). Wok In Noodle Bar (Restaurant/ Café), 48-50 Stephen Street Lower, Dublin 2. SuperValu Hollyhill (Retailer), Hollyhill Shopping Centre, Hollyhill, Cork (served 29/09/2025).
Two Closure Orders were served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on: New Leaf (Closed activities: the preparation and sale of sushi and sashimi)(Take Away), 18 New Street, Skerries, Dublin. The MOMO House (ceased trading on 10/10/2025)(Take Away), East Ocean, 61 Port Road, Letterkenny, Donegal.
Two Prohibition Orders were served under the FSAI Act 1998 on: Food Business trading as Vitalorganico and website vitalorganico.ie operating at the domestic dwelling house (Wholesaler/ Distributor), Castleknock, Co. Dublin. Duud (Retailer), Pinewood House, Huntstown Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
Some of the reasons for the Enforcement Orders in September include: evidence of pest activity; a live rat observed on a premises and rat droppings visible on floors and shelving throughout areas where food and food packaging were stored; holes and gaps in the cavity wall behind a shelf on a shop floor; no hot water, soap or hygienic drying materials available at wash hand basins in the kitchen or staff toilets; ceilings, walls and floors of food preparation and cooking areas not clean, with significant accumulations of grease, dirt and old food residues; no evidence of controls in place to manage the risks associated with the storage, preparation and sale of food products containing raw fish; chilled and frozen foods stored at potentially unsafe temperatures; no evidence of adequate staff training in necessary food safety controls; food products offered for sale past their sell-by date.
Mr Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI, said “It’s concerning that we continue to see serious and recurring breaches of food safety law. These types of breaches are preventable where food businesses have a proper robust food safety management system in place and ensure staff are adequately trained. The FSAI has numerous free resources and a learning portal to help support food businesses. Our new Guidance Note on Food Safety Culture, published recently, provides practical advice to help food businesses develop a food safety culture within their business, comply with their legal obligations and prevent these kinds of non-compliance issues from arising.”
Details of the food businesses served with Enforcement Orders are published on the FSAI’s website. Closure Orders and Improvement Orders will remain listed in the enforcement reports on the website for a period of three months from the date of when a premises is adjudged to have corrected its food safety issue, with Prohibition Orders being listed for a period of one month.
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