Crime « Thurles Information

Gardaí Intensify Crackdown On Suspected Cockfighting In Tipperary.

**Picture Courtesy of An Garda Síochána**.

Historic Bloodsport Under Scrutiny – Gardaí Intensify Crackdown on Suspected Cockfighting in Tipperary.

Gardaí have seized a range of items believed to be linked to suspected illegal cockfighting activity following a coordinated, multi-agency operation in Tipperary Town.

The search, carried out as part of ongoing investigations into animal welfare concerns, involved personnel from An Garda Síochána; Tipperary County Council; the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA); the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Department of Agriculture.

During the operation, a premises suspected of hosting organised cockfighting events was examined. Investigators recovered a significant number of bird cages along with materials commonly associated with the practice, including controlled medications, steroids, antibiotics, and a quantity of suspected illegal imported substances. All items seized will now undergo detailed forensic and technical analysis.

No animals were found at the location during the search, and no arrests have been made to date. Gardaí have confirmed that inquiries are continuing in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture.

Background: A Persistent but Illegal Bloodsport.

Cockfighting, a practice in which roosters are bred and trained to fight, often to the death, has deep historical roots in various parts of the world, including Ireland. While once tolerated in centuries past, it has long since been outlawed under animal welfare legislation, due to its inherent cruelty.

Despite its illegal status, authorities across Ireland and the UK have periodically uncovered suspected cockfighting rings, often linked to organised activity involving gambling, animal cruelty, and the illicit use of veterinary drugs. The presence of performance-enhancing substances and antibiotics in such operations is a recurring concern, raising both animal welfare and public health issues.

Ongoing Investigation.
Gardaí have reiterated that this remains an active investigation. The analysis of seized materials is expected to play a key role in determining the scale and nature of the suspected operation.
Authorities are continuing to appeal for information as part of wider efforts to combat illegal animal fighting and associated criminal activity.

Further updates are expected as enquiries progress.

Arrests In Investigation Into 2019 Murder Of Tipperary Native William Delaney.

Gardaí investigating the murder of Tipperary native William Delaney, who was reported missing in January 2019, have today confirmed the arrest of three individuals in connection with this ongoing investigation.

The persons arrested include two women, aged in their 20s and 30s, and a man in his 30s. They are currently being detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 at Garda stations in the Midlands and South Western regions.

Mr Delaney, a Tipperary native, had been residing in Portlaoise with his family at the time of his disappearance. On the morning of January 30th, 2019, he left Portlaoise General Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment, and subsequently collected a social welfare payment from Portlaoise Post Office.

He was last seen at approximately 3:00pm that afternoon in Monasterevin, County Kildare, where he had called to a relative’s residence on the old Cork–Dublin Road. The relative was not present at the time; however, Mr Delaney was observed outside the property, located opposite the Hazel Hotel.

Mr Delaney was reported missing by his family on March 6th 2019. In June of that year, An Garda Síochána received information indicating that he had been killed and buried at a location in County Laois. A detailed search operation was subsequently carried out in the vicinity of the Rock of Dunamase; however, no remains were discovered.

Gardaí continue to appeal to the public for assistance. While acknowledging the support received to date, investigators believe that additional information remains within the community that has not yet been shared.

Anyone with information in relation to this investigation is urged to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on Tel: 057 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line Tel:1800 666 111, or indeed any Garda station.

Investigations in the case remain ongoing.

Tipperary: Woman & Teenage Girl Charged Following Serious Roadside Assault.

The charges relate to an incident on the R494 at Birdhill, Nenagh on Saturday, March 21st, during which a woman, Ms Scarlett Faulkner, sustained severe injuries. She remains in critical condition in hospital following the attack.

An adult woman and a teenage girl have been formally charged in connection with a serious assault that occurred in Co. Tipperary earlier this month.

Both accused are due to appear before a special sitting of Limerick District Court today Saturday March 28th.

Gardaí have confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing and continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

In particular, anyone who was travelling on the R494 between Birdhill and the M7 motorway between 5pm and 6pm on the day of the incident is asked to contact investigating officers. Road users who may have relevant footage, including dash-cam recordings, are urged to make this material available to Gardaí.

Investigators are especially interested in information regarding the movements of two vehicles; a grey 162 Ford Transit van and a blue 161 Volkswagen Touran, both of which were observed travelling in convoy or being driven dangerously between approximately 4:30pm and 5:30pm. The vehicles were seen in and around Birdhill village and the surrounding townlands, including Cooleen, Crag Cross, Shower Cross, Kylebeg, Annaholty, and Thornhill.

Gardaí are also aware of video footage of the incident circulating online. Members of the public are strongly urged not to share this content on social media or messaging platforms, but instead to provide it directly to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station Tel: (067) 50450, the Garda Confidential Line Tel: 1800 666 111, or indeed any Garda station.

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.

Gardaí Appeal For Information Following Serious Assault In Co Tipperary

An Garda Síochána has issued an appeal for information following a serious assault that occurred in Birdhill, Co Tipperary, on Saturday evening.

A woman in her 20s remains in a critical condition in hospital after sustaining significant injuries during the incident, which took place on the R494 at approximately 5.30pm.

Gardaí have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and that they are examining all available evidence. They are aware that video footage of the incident is circulating online and are urging members of the public not to share such material. Instead, any footage or information should be provided directly to investigating officers.

Authorities are particularly seeking information from individuals who were travelling on the R494 between Birdhill and the M7 motorway between 5:00pm and 6:00pm, and who may have dash-cam or other recordings.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station Tel: (067) 50450, the Garda Confidential Line Tel: 1800 666 111, or indeed any Garda station.