Community News « Thurles Information

Death Of Ted Irwin, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, today Tuesday 20th January 2026, of Mr Ted Irwin, Sue Ryder Homes, Holycross, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his son Nicky, father Nick and brother Fr Jimmy; Mr Irwin passed away peacefully, following a short illness, while in the care of staff at Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving mother Elizabeth, wife Joan (née Delahunty), daughters Trish, Liz and Joan, sons Timmy and John, grandchildren Shannen, Seán óg, Samantha, Leah and Theodore, sons-in-law Dan (O’Meara) and John (Quinlan), daughter-in-law Áine (Delaney), brothers John, Ber, Ger, Martin, Michael and Eamon, sisters Liz (O’Sulllivan) and Ann (Wong), nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended relatives, Sue Ryder community, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Irwin will repose at Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, (Eircode E41 CP59) on Thursday afternoon next, January 22nd, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm same evening.
His funeral cortège will be received into the former Cistercian Monastery Abbey, Holycross, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, (Eircode E41 PH01), on Friday morning, January 23rd 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 Irwin, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.

The extended Irwin and Delahunty 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.

New Tipperary Community Water Officer Appointed As Funding Opens For World Wetlands Day 2026.

Community groups across Tipperary are being invited to celebrate and showcase their local wetlands, following the appointment of Mr Darragh Kelly as Tipperary’s new Community Water Officer.

Mr Kelly has spent the past number of years working in the Environment Section of Kilkenny County Council and has said he is delighted to take on this new role, supporting communities to protect and enhance local waters and wetlands.

Coming from a farming background, Mr Kelly said he has a strong interest in the outdoors, including fishing and hiking, and is particularly fond of exploring Slievenamon.

World Wetlands Day — 2 February 2026.
This year’s World Wetlands Day will be marked on Monday, 2nd February 2026, the International Day that commemorates the signing of the Ramsar Convention ♦ on Wetlands.

♦ The Ramsar Convention (or Convention on Wetlands) is an International Treaty for wetland conservation, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, promoting the “wise use” of wetlands for sustainable development, especially for waterfowl habitats.

The 2026 theme is: “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage”, highlighting the links between wetlands, communities, and the knowledge passed down through generations.

Funding now open for World Wetlands Day promotions.
Mr Kelly has confirmed that the Small Grants and Events Scheme 2026 portal opened for applications on Monday, 19th January at 11.00am, specifically for World Wetlands Day promotion.

Groups and organisations are encouraged to make contact if they would like to organise an event to celebrate a local wetland — from guided walks and talks to school visits, clean-ups, wildlife sessions or community information events. Revised scheme guidelines for 2026 are also available.

How to apply.
The information portal is now available HERE, so do get in touch.
Anyone wishing to organise an event or looking for support is invited to contact Mr Kelly directly @ Darragh Kelly, Community Water Officer (Tipperary), Mobile: 085 8333383.

Death Of Baby Caelan Bannon, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, on Sunday 18th January 2026, of Baby Caelan Bannon, Cassestown, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Baby Caelan, was born on 18th January and following some precious moments in Mammy and Daddy’s arms, sadly he passed away peacefully.

The passing of Baby Caelan is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and is lovingly remembered by his sorrowing and heartbroken parents Liam and Linda, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.

Mass of the Angels for baby Caelan will be celebrated in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Cathedral Street Thurles, (Eircode E41 A528), on Thursday morning, January 22nd, at 11:00am, followed afterwards by a private family burial.

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

The extended Bannon 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.

“Parents Liam and Linda wish to express their depth of gratitude to the staff at the Maternity Unit, St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny for the great kindness and sensitivity shown to them at this saddest of times.“

Note Please: House Strictly Private.

“Until we meet again our darling little boy, Mam and Dad xxx”
In ár gcroíthe go deo.

Death Of Elizabeth Senior, Formerly Of Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Sunday 18th January 2026, of Mrs Elizabeth Senior (née Ryan), Blackrock, Co. Dublin and formerly of Killenaule, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her husband Michael, parents Edgar and Terry and brother Alan; Mrs Senior passed away peacefully after a long illness.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving children, Lizanne and Edgar; grandchildren, Delphine and Michael; and her sister Geraldine, brothers Desmond and Gary, extended families, neighbours and friends.

Rest In Peace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The remains of Mrs Senior will repose at a private ceremony for immediate family, same to be held today, January 20th 2026, at Newlands Cross Crematorium, Ballymount Road, Ballymount Great, Dublin 24.
A burial ceremony for friends and family will take place at Kilternan Cemetery Park, Ballycorus Road, Kilternan, Dublin 18, at a later date, to be advised.

The extended Senior 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.

Note Please: Family flowers only; Donations in lieuif desired to Focus Ireland in memory of Mrs Elizabeth Senior (née Ryan)

In ár gcroíthe go deo.

Thurles Student Crowned Lions Clubs Ireland “Young Ambassador of the 21st Century”.

Thurles student Ms Caitlin Tierney has been crowned Lions Clubs Ireland “Young Ambassador of the 21st Century”

Ms Tierney, a student studying at the Ursuline Secondary School, in Thurles has been named Lions Clubs Ireland Young Ambassador of the 21st Century, following the national finals held last weekend.

**Photo L-R:** **Ms Mary Slattery** *(Thurles Lions Club Vice President),* **Ms Caitlin Tierney and Mr William McDonagh** *(Thurles Lions Club).*

Ms Tierney, who had been selected just before Christmas to represent Thurles Lions Club, was announced as the overall national winner, an achievement that recognises exceptional community involvement and a strong connection to the values and service work carried out by Lions Clubs.

As Ireland’s new ‘Young Ambassador’, Ms Tierney will now go forward to represent Ireland at the European stage of the competition, latter to be held in Germany.

The award also includes a €1,000 bursary, to be donated to a charity of her choice or used to support a community project, along with a three-week international exchange in a country of her choice, to take place this summer or next.
Ms Tierney will also participate in the UK finals as part of the wider programme experience.

The Young Ambassador of the 21st Century initiative is a Lions Youth Programme, run across Europe, which highlights young people, aged 15–19, for community service, leadership and communication skills, while encouraging volunteering as a key part of leadership.