Community News « Thurles Information

Write-Off’s On Welfare Payments Total More Than €15 Million Over Two Years.

Irish Taxpayers have carried the cost of more than €15 million in incorrect welfare payments over the past two years.

In the year 2024 alone, the Department of Social Protection (DSP) wrote off €7.97 million, up from €7.64 million in 2023. These write-offs occur when overpayments are deemed irrecoverable; for example, where the recipient has died or the cost of pursuing same outweighs likely recovery.

Approximately 75% of the write-off’s relate to individuals who are deceased; smaller amounts (typically under €100) are also cancelled when recovery is judged uneconomical. The DSP operates a structured debt-management policy, issuing annual statements to claimants and reserving the right to reopen a case, if a recipient’s financial circumstances improve.

Of the 2024 total, nearly €3.1 million was attributed to non-contributory state pensions, while some €1.44 million related to the contributory state pension, and around €841,000 to illness benefits. Other six-figure losses include invalidity pensions, jobseeker’s benefit, widows/widowers’ pensions and one-parent-family payments.

Over the same 2023-24 period, welfare overpayments in total amounted to €273 million, with a marked rise from €115.8 million in 2023 to €157.5 million in 2024. These overpayments stem from instances of false or misleading information by claimants, as well as errors by either applicants or the department itself.

The DSP states that overpayments in any year account for less than 0.5 per cent of total welfare expenditure. In 2023 the department recovered more than €87 million, and in 2024 the figure rose to just over €100 million.

Where overpayments occur, the DSP seeks full recovery, while balancing collection efforts with fair treatment of claimants with limited means. Deductions of up to 15 per cent of ongoing welfare payments may be made. If a debtor is in full-time employment and refuses to repay, an “attachment of earnings” order may be considered. The department emphasises it will strive to avoid causing “undue financial hardship” in any repayment plan.

Death Of Margaret Butler, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with sadness that we learned of the death, today Sunday 2nd November 2025 of Ms Margaret Butler, St Theresa’s Nursing Home, Dublin Road, Thurles and formerly of Coumnagella, Kilcommon, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her parents Nora and Patrick, brothers Nicholas, Matthew and P.J., sisters Bridie and Nora; Ms Butler passed away peacefully while in the care of staff of St Theresa’s Nursing Home, Dublin Road, Thurles.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving sister Sr. Mary Raphael L.C.M. (Little Company of Mary Mission), nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Ms Butler will repose tomorrow afternoon, Monday November 3rd, at McCormack’s Funeral Home, Kilcommon Cross, Thurles, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, before being received into the Church of the Little Flower, Curreeney Commons, Co. Tipperary, arriving at 8:00pm, same evening.
Requiem Mass will be offered for Ms Butler on Tuesday afternoon, November 4th, at 1:00pm, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in the adjoining graveyard.

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

The extended Butler 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 h-anam dílis.

Tipperary-Born Writer-Director Jo Southwell Embarks On Feature Film.

Tipperary-Born Writer-Director Jo Southwell Embarks On Feature Film, “The Catch.”

Press Correspondent Tom Ryan Reports.

Tipperary-born writer/director Jo Southwell (née Kelly) has confirmed her transition into feature filmmaking with “The Catch“, a bold new project which she has written and is directing.

**Tipperary-Born Writer/Director Ms Jo Southwell**.

Ms Southwell brings to the film a rich background in screen acting, television directing and immersive formats. A second-generation Irish woman now based in Henley-on-Thames, UK, she began her professional life teaching in Ireland; including at Teach an Leinn in Nenagh and St Mary’s in Newport, before moving into acting and subsequently into filmmaking. Her mother, Hanora Kelly, formerly resided in Templederry, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

Her acting career has included roles in Irish film and television dramas, before she relocated to the UK to further her screen work. She has directed short films that screened at BAFTA, BIFA and Oscar-recognised festivals, and has worked on episodic television (including shadow director placements on ‘Killing Eve and ‘Trigger Point‘).

“The Catch” emerges from this evolving trajectory. The film is described by Patrick Ewald, CEO of Epic Pictures, as “a razor-sharp blend of myth and obsession, a story that reminds us that the real monsters are often human.” The project attaches high-profile actors (including Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Ben Miles) and is being steered collaboratively by Southwell and producer Sara Gibbings.

Ms Southwell said: “I’ve always been drawn to stories that combine emotional truth and mythic resonance. In The Catch I explore how obsession distorts reality, and how the real monsters walk among us in human form.”

Production is scheduled to begin in 2026, with locations and final casting to be announced. The production is developed by Mermaid Pictures in association with Epic Pictures.

About Jo Southwell
Jo Southwell is an award-winning writer-director whose career spans screen acting, voice-over, radio presenting and directing. Born and educated in Ireland, she has directed television, feature and immersive formats, delivering emotionally driven and visually distinct storytelling with discipline and precision. She has served as a BAFTA juror (Best Supporting Actress 2023; Best Short Form TV 2025) and is completing an MA in Screenwriting at Falmouth University.

About Mermaid Pictures
Established in 2024 by Jo Southwell and Sara Gibbings, Mermaid Pictures is a UK-based production company focused on bold, female-led, genre-independent film and television. With “The Catch” as its first feature slate, the company seeks to bring imaginative and emotionally authentic stories to the screen.

Rhys Shelly Moycarkey/Borris & Tipperary Nominated All Star Hurling Goalkeeper 2025.

Rhys Shelly, Moycarkey/Borris & Tipperary goalkeeper nominated as All Star Hurling Goalkeeper 2025.

Littleton & Two-Mile-Borris Correspondent Mr Gerry Bowe now reports:-

The Gaelic Athletic Association-Gaelic Players’ Association All Stars Awards (often known simply as the All Stars) are presented annually to the best player in each of the 15 playing positions in Gaelic football and hurling.
We are happy to announce that Moycarkey-Borris player Rhys Shelly has been nominated for All Star Goalkeeper for the 2025 season, having contributed significantly to Tipperary winning the 2025 All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.

In his third season with Liam Cahill’s squad, this was the 25 year old’s breakthrough year. Rhys was selected as ‘Cúlbaire’ for the critical Munster Round Robin game against Clare in Ennis and thereafter his selection was never in doubt. As Tipperary won successive games against Clare, Laois, Galway, Kilkenny and Cork; Rhys skilfully delivered a range and variety of puck outs that helped his teammates amass their winning scores.

In a memorable All Ireland Final, Rhys saved a penalty, became the first goalie to score from play, and performed excellently throughout.
[Wouldn’t the former Moycarkey Borris and Tipperary ‘Cúlbaire’ John O’Grady RIP, have relished analysing his successors puck outs in his ‘Tipperary Star’ columns?]

Rhys is the first player from Moycarkey Borris to be nominated for an All Star Award and the entire parish community is delighted for him and his family on his nomination.

Rhys grew up next door to the hurling field in Littleton where his sisters, brother and his friends spent many hours of practice and fun. His Dad Larry is from Thurles town, but the family home was built on lands of his maternal grandparents.

Jimmy Shanahan and Margaret (nee Kennedy from the Ragg) were always strongly supportive of Moycarkey Borris GAA and the club’s second playing field was purchased from the family.

As Rhys progressed from the Under 8’s into the various under age team groups his mother Mary volunteered to do many of the most essential duties in the Juvenile club.
Currently the club’s Senior ‘Runaí’, Mary, is Bord Na -Óg secretary, photographer, PRO etc. etc. and her family have not only provided invaluable support to Rhys, but to a whole generation of boys and girls in the parish.
Mary’s mother Margaret (RIP) died a few days before the game against Clare and in the early spring Mary herself was hospitalised with a stroke from which she has thankfully gradually recovered.

Rhys was fortunate to develop, as a young player, in a very talented group of young players and great coaches in Moycarkey Borris GAA. His first experience of being played in goal began at Under 12 and within a couple of years he was established as the team’s regular number one.
In this very strong Juvenile team Rhys won Mid and County A Championship medals at Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16.
This team also excelled in football and Rhys got his first opportunity in a County panel, with the under 21 footballers. In 2018 Rhys played his first season in the Moycarkey Senior Hurling team as the team won promotion to the top tier of the County Hurling Championships.
Also in 2018 he won Mid and County Minor A Hurling Championship medals playing on the half forward line. Having completed his primary and secondary education in Littleton, Moycarkey and Killenaule, Rhys graduated at the University of Limerick and his hurling progressed further in Fitzgibbon Cup winning panels.
In 2021 Rhys Captained the Moycarkey Borris team to min the Mid and County Under 21 A Hurling championships.
He has helped Moycarkey Borris progress in the County Senior Hurling Championships of 2024 and 2025 to Mid Finals and a County Semi Final

His dedication and achievements have made Rhys an inspiration for the young players in his parish. All Star nominated Rhys, now working with H&MV Engineering, is focused on further successes with Tipperary and bringing the Dan Breen Cup back to Moycarkey Borris.

We wish Rhys the best of luck in the All Star‘s awards on Friday night next.

Thurles Lions Club Leads New Heritage Trail Initiative In Thurles.

Thurles Lions Club has secured €29,600 in grant support under the LEADER Programme toward the development of a new heritage trail in Thurles. The initiative will offer both visitors and local residents a looped walking route through the town centre, complete with interpretive signage and digital access to the town’s rich history and heritage.

**Members of Thurles Lions Club at the Official signing of the Thurles Heritage Trail were:**
**Back Row:** *Chris Delahunt, Pat Donnelly, Gary Roche, Una Crowley, Eamon Medley, John McCormack, Anne O Dwyer, Anne Bolton, William McDonagh, Tom O Toole, and Paddy Hickey.*
**Front Row:** *Jane Ryan (Thurles Tourism), Margaret McCormack, Pat Shanahan, Mary Slattery and Louis Curley.*

The project will be delivered in two phases:
Phase One involves the identification of the route, the design of the signage, translation of the sign content, consultation with the public and the development of the online component. The total cost of Phase One is €39,600, of which the Thurles Lions Club will provide €10,000 in matching funding to be achieved through public fundraising.

Phase Two will proceed with the manufacture and installation of the physical signage at strategic locations around the town core, and this element will be funded by the Tipperary County Council via the Thurles Municipal District.

**Photographed at the Official signing of the Thurles Heritage Trial**.
**Photo L to R**: William McDonagh *(Thurles Lions Club)*, Patrick Killeen *(North Tipperary Development Company)*, Pat Shanahan and John McCormack *(Thurles Lions Club)*.
*Pic: Louis Curley*

Each sign will incorporate a dedicated QR code, enabling users to explore detailed online content about the town’s heritage and history as they walk the trail.

“The trail will not only enhance Thurles’s visitor offering, but it will also give local people an attractive recreational amenity that connects them with the heritage of their town,” said a spokesperson for Thurles Lions Club.

The project builds on the club’s commitment to supporting community infrastructure and promoting sustainable tourism in Thurles. Once fully implemented, the heritage trail will provide a memorable, interactive experience that combines physical way-marking with digital storytelling.