Crime « Thurles Information

Uncultured Vandal Smears Historic Thurles Bridge Castle With Graffiti.

Despite street lighting being left switched on day and night in Thurles town, no person saw the graffiti “tagger” vandalising the wall of the historic Bridge Castle in our town centre.

Sadly, over the past 6 days, it would also appear that our Thurles Municipal District Councillors and officials remain totally unaffected by this errant and infantile behaviour, which now has become systemic, right across our town.

**View the work of a delinquent, which now for 6 days remains on show in a town that craves foreign tourism**.

Known historic background to Bridge Castle in Thurles
Bridge Castle Thurles overlooks Barry’s Bridge in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, latter which provides the main vehicle and pedestrian passage across the river Suir. The latter was originally constructed circa 1650 and was partially reconstructed again circa 1820.

This medieval Bridge Castle or tower house; the now focus of our attention is quite similar to many other such buildings erected across Ireland during the middle of the 15th century. Same was an attempt to control; collect tolls or taxes and if/when necessary to defend river crossings from marauding attacks by rival clans or invaders, using the small garrisons of armed soldiers, kept housed in such buildings.

**Wash drawing of Bridge Castle, Thurles, 1779-1793**.

This wash drawing, shown above, faces westward, (Circa 1779-1793, attributed to English artist J.J. Barralet 1747-1815.) shows the town of Thurles, with Barry’s Bridge and Bridge Castle in the foreground leading into the town centre, with a castle on the left, (Today the entrance to Friar Street.) and a Market House, centre in the town square. (Latter, partially ruined by fire, and eventually demolished in 1901 following the erection of the 1798 monument or Stone Man.) The castle building today still remains in excellent structural condition.

Plan of Bridge Castle,Thurles.
The Bridge Castle itself has dominated the Thurles skyline since 1453, built possibly by the Norman invader McRickard Butler of whom history records that he erected, that same year, two castles at Thurles and one at Buaidlic (Boulick).
It is a small three storey tower with a vault over the first floor. The original doorway may have been set in the west wall and connects to a spiral stairway which rises in the north west corner, giving full access to all the upper floors.
A small fragment of the once original east facing arched gateway of this once walled town protrudes today; attached to the north facing wall of this building.
The existing small pointed, arch doorway, a ‘Yett’, also on the north wall was possibly constructed to grant immediate access from the tower, for those charged with guarding this town entrance at this river crossing.

***A ‘yett’ and the small fragment of the original east/west arched gateway which still exists on Thurles Castle/Tower House, Co. Tipperary.***

Unlike a portcullis, which is raised and lowered vertically using mechanical means, yetts are hinged in the manner of a traditional gate or door and are secured either by bolts attached to the yett or by long bars drawn out from the wall or gateway.
Little history actually exists regarding Thurles Bridge Castle, however records do exist showing that on the 17th June 1617, the castle was leased: “Thomas, Lord Viscount Thurles, by deed grants to Richard Power, Donat O’Haly and Rd. Wale, all that castle called Bridge Castle with its appurtenances, parcel of the Manor and Lands of Thurles, for 21 years at £5 per annum and one swine (pig), one sheep and three capons.” *

* Note: A capon is a rooster that has been castrated to improve the quality of its flesh, for eating purposes.

The Down Survey (1655-1656), also known as the Civil Survey, (A mapping of Ireland undertaken by Sir William Petty, English Economist, Scientist and Philosopher), lists James Butler, Earl of Ormond (1610-1688) and Lady Elizabeth Butler (alias Preston) Viscountess Dowager of Thurles, (1615-1685) as the proprietors. Both the latter named are direct progenitors to the present heirs to the British Throne.

History also records that there were great celebrations in Thurles in 1768 when Francis Mathew, 1st Baron Landaff, later 1st Viscount Landaff and again later 1st Earl of Landaff (1738-1806), was elected Tipperary Member of Parliament, a position he held from 1768 to 1783. History informs us that bonfires burned, with the castle, bridge and market house illuminated. Plenty of free drink was available, with soldiers joining the local populace in the ensuing celebrations.

Hopefully, this repair work will be cheaper than the cleaning of Dublin’s Millennium Spire (also known as the Stiletto in the Ghetto; the Pin in the Bin, the Stiffy by the Liffey, the Spire in the Mire, or simply The Spike), which cost taxpayers €420.000 in 2020.

By the way, whoever goes down to clean this unsightly eyesore, same should be charged to remove the long plastic ribbons, found fluttering in the south-westerly breeze from the bridge’s street lights.
Local street wardens with their smart phones being used to photograph car reg numbers, should turn their attention to this blatant ribbon littering and prosecute the responsible “flag waving” individual. Someone will end up with an eye cornea damaged by these same razor sharp, plastic, ribbon edges, same being caught by the wind, and blown across the faces of unsuspecting, local pedestrians.

Approval Secured To Establish New Office For EU Criminal Justice Cooperation.

Irish Cabinet approval has been secured for priority drafting of the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation Office) Bill 2025, which will establish the Criminal Justice International Cooperation Office and set out its powers in line with the EU e-Evidence Regulation and Directive.

The EU e-Evidence Package allows authorities in one EU Member State to issue an order to produce electronic evidence needed for a criminal investigation to an online service provider, based in another EU Member State.

In 2018, the European Commission estimated that electronic evidence was relevant in 85% of criminal investigations and that 55% of all criminal investigations required a request by the investigating authorities to service providers across borders (i.e. based in another jurisdiction).

The e-Evidence Package will regulate this practice and apply the same rules to all online service providers across the EU, providing legal certainty and clarity for businesses and law enforcement.

The establishment of the Criminal Justice International Cooperation Office will provide a cohesive approach to digital regulation in the criminal justice space by centralising the necessary skills and expertise, and ensuring a streamlined regulatory framework based around a single regulator.

This approach is further strengthened by government approval to incorporate other international co-operation instruments, such as the European Investigation Order Directive, into the implementation of the EU e-Evidence Package.

Driver Arrested Following Garda Chase In Thurles.

Tipperary Roads Policing Unit, while carrying out Pro Active patrols in the Tipperary Central area yesterday evening, spotted occupants of a motor vehicle acting suspiciously in Thurles.

The vehicle, when requested by Gardai to halt, failed to do so, and proceeded to continue on driving dangerously when pursued.

The vehicle eventually was brought to a halt with the occupants attempting to escape on foot. Same were apprehended following pursuit by Gardaí.

The driver was later formerly arrested on suspicion of ‘Dangerous Driving’ and ‘Drug Driving’ having failed a roadside Drug Test.
A quantity of suspected Cocaine and Cannabis were also found, before the vehicle was seized, when it was discovered that the driver held no current Motor Insurance or Driving Licence.

Gardaí state that following this arrest, investigations are now continuing.

Attestation Of 120 New Gardaí Welcomed.

Further intake of Garda recruits will enter the Garda College in Templemore, Co. Tipperary next week.

The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Mr Jim O’Callaghan T.D. has welcomed the attestation of 120 new members of An Garda Síochána, at an attestation ceremony in the Garda College in Templemore, Co. Tipperary today.

The new Garda members will now be assigned by the Commissioner, to Garda Divisions throughout the country, where they will begin their careers in An Garda Síochána.

Speaking at the Garda College today, Minister O’Callaghan said: “My focus is on ensuring Ireland is a safer place for everyone. Making sure that An Garda Siochana is at full-strength is a core part of that. This Government has made a commitment, and we will recruit at least 5,000 new Gardaí over the next five years.
I am pleased that a further 170 recruits will enter the Garda College this coming Monday 9th June.”

Of the 120 attesting today, 89 are men and 31 are women.

Minister O’Callaghan added: “I want to congratulate our new Garda members as they attest from the Garda College and join their new stations across the country. Some 74 of the new Members (61.6%) will be deployed across the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
For each new Garda attesting today, this is a milestone that marks the beginning of a fulfilling career dedicated to protecting the community and to public service.
That strong relationship between our Gardaí and the community is not the norm in many countries and it is something we must never take for granted. I know that each one of these Gardaí will continue in this great tradition”.

An Garda Síochána’s National Awareness Day Highlighting Domestic Abuse.

Go Purple Day – An Garda Síochána’s National Day for domestic abuse awareness – takes place next week, on Friday 30th May.

Go Purple Day aims to increase awareness of domestic abuse and the supports available to those experiencing it. An Garda Síochána encourages you to get involved and support this years Go Purple Day Campaign by baking purple; sewing purple or wearing purple.

Perhaps you might invite friends in for tea or hold a coffee morning in the office. All ideas are welcome!

Above all, An Garda Síóchána asks that you speak to one another about this issue. Without realising, you might just give someone the crucial support they’ve needed to begin to share some of the fear they deal with alone.