Community News « Thurles Information

Man Pleads Guilty To Manslaughter In Co. Tipperary 2023 Case.

A 29-year-old man has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a Polish national in County Tipperary, bringing a significant development in a case that dates back more than two years.

Mr Tomasz Rozpeda, of no fixed abode, entered the guilty plea before the Central Criminal Court on Friday morning. He had originally been charged with the murder of 32-year-old Mr Maciej Nowak, who died following an incident in late December of 2023.

The court heard that the unlawful killing occurred on or about December 26th or 27th, 2023, at Ballycranna, Kilross, Co. Tipperary. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed that the State has accepted the plea to manslaughter.

During proceedings, the court was informed that the victim’s family, who are based in Poland, wish to attend the sentencing hearing. In light of this, a sentencing date has been scheduled for May 18th next.

Ms Justice Karen O’Connor adjourned the case to that date and directed that a victim impact report be prepared. Mr Rozpeda was remanded in custody pending sentencing.

The court also heard that a nolle prosequi, (not to wish to prosecute), will be entered on the original murder charge at the conclusion of sentencing proceedings, meaning the State will not pursue that count further.

Further details, including sentencing, will be determined at the next court hearing.

Death Of Peg Malone, Formerly Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, on Thursday 12th March 2026 last of Mrs Margaret (Peg) Malone (née Sheppard), Eccles, Manchester, U.K. and formerly of Aughnagomaun, Horse & Jockey, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

In her 102nd year and pre-deceased by her husband Lawrence, brothers Jim and Tom, sisters Mary (Broome), Susan (Ryan), Kitty (Grove) and Hannie (Gleeson); Mrs Malone passed away peacefully at her place of ordinary residence, surrounded by her loving family.

Her passing is most deeply regretted sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving sons Peter and Brian, daughters Susan and Geraldine, son-in-law Paul, daughter-in-law Wendy, grandchildren Suzanne, Sam and Anna, brother John, sister-in-law Josie, nephews, nieces, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs Malone will repose at Devitt’s Funeral Home, The Green, Cashel, on Sunday afternoon next, March 29th from 5:30pm until 7:00pm same evening.
Her remains will be received into the Church of St Peter, Moycarkey, Thurles, (Eircode E41 FY29), to further repose for Requiem Mass on Monday morning, March 30th, at 11:30am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in nearby St Peter’s Cemetery, Moycarkey, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

The extended Malone and Sheppard 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.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.

Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club.

Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club – Annual General Meeting.

Club Chairperson Mr Enda Bourke (Secretary) Reports:-

The 2025 Annual General Meeting of Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club took place on Tuesday 24th March last at the Order of Malta premises, Bohervaroon, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
A good attendance representing athletes, volunteers and family members were present to get an update on Club affairs over the past year.

With a full agenda, reports were given by Club Chairperson Mr Enda Bourke (Secretary), Ms Mary Ryan Maher (Treasurer), Ms Carmel Sammon (Club Safeguarding Officer), Ms Marian O’Reagan and Mr Dennis Jordan (Medical Officer).

The reports confirmed a satisfactory year for the Club and the Chairperson complimented the athletes for their commitment and dedication to weekly basketball and training sessions at the Presentation Convent Sports Hall.

**Pictured following a presentation made to silver medals winner Ms Maureen O’Shea, are L-R**: **Mr Enda Bourke, Ms Catherine Dwan, Ms Maureen O’Shea, Ms Mary Ryan Maher and Ms Carmel Sammon.**

The Club acknowledged the support of family members and carers, Presentation Sports Hall Manager, Mr Martin Hehir, Meitheal 21 staff, Tipperary Co Council, Mr Jim Ryan MC, Mr Paul Scully (Thurles Photo Station), Mr Darren Hassett (Tipp Star) and Mr George Willoughby (Thurles Information).

Officers for the various roles were selected for 2026 and the Chairperson wished the athletes and members success for the year ahead.

At the conclusion of the AGM a special presentation was made by the Chairperson to athlete, Ms Maureen O’Shea, (See image above), to acknowledge the 30th anniversary of her fantastic performance at the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in the U.S. when she won 2 silver medals representing Ireland.
Ms O’Shea is a member of the Thurles Club since its inception in 2004 and is the athlete representative at all Club meetings. There was huge applause for what Ms O’Shea achieved in 1995, and she proudly showed off the medals to all in attendance.

The meeting concluded with refreshments at the impressive Order of Malta premises and our thanks to them for facilitating our visit.

Death Of Bridget Keane, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Thursday 26th March 2026 of Ms Bridget Keane [Prop. Keane’s Wallpaper and Paints], Friar Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her parents Patrick and Mary and brother Tim; Ms Keane passed away peacefully, following a long illness most bravely borne.

Her passing is most deeply regretted sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving sister Josephine (Molloy), nieces Carmel, Patricia and Marie, nephews Frank and Gerard, grand-nephew Tadhg, brother-in-law Joe, sister-in-law Vivienne, cousins, extended relatives, loyal customers and many friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Ms Keane will repose at Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, (Eircode E41 CP59) on Sunday afternoon, March 29th, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm same evening.
Her remains will be received into the Cathedral of the Assumption, Cathedral Street, Thurles, (Eircode E41 A528), on Monday morning, March 30th, 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 Ms Keane, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.

The extended Keane 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.

Death Of Joe Cooney, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Thursday 26th March 2026 of Mr Joe Cooney, Turtulla, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Ballybeg, Littleton, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his parents Michael and Katie, brothers Marty, Michael, Seamus, John, Paddy and Phil, sister Kitty (Cooke), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law; Mr Cooney passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, while in the care of staff at Fennor Hill Care Facility, Urlingford, Co Kilkenny and St Luke’s Hospital, Co. Kilkenny.

His passing is most deeply regretted sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; devoted and loving wife Maura (née O’Meara), sons James and Declan, daughter Edel, grandchildren Aaron, Anthony, Jack, Sam, Kilian, Kiara and Evan, great-grandson Arthur, daughters-in-law Alice and Anna, sisters Mary (Ryan) and Nellie (Lee), nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law Ted, Sean and Dinny, sisters-in-law Patsy, Josie and Kathleen, cousins, extended relatives, Sean Treacy Pipe Band members, the community and staff at Fennor Hill, neighbours,and many friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Cooney, will repose at Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, (Eircode E41 CP59), on tomorrow afternoon, Saturday March 28th, from 5:00pm until 7:30pm same evening.
His remains will be received into the Cathedral of the Assumption, Cathedral Street, Thurles, (Eircode E41 A528), on Sunday morning, March 29th 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 Cooney, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.

The extended Cooney and O’Meara 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.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.