Crime « Thurles Information

Public Warning Issued Over ‘Family Member’ Text Scam.

Public Warning Issued Over the old ‘Family Member’ Text Messaging Scam occurring in Co. Tipperary today.

Gardaí are warning members of the public to be on alert following an increase in fraudulent text messages, “See picture here on right”, same claiming to be from a son or daughter in need of assistance.

In these scams, recipients are urged to save a number and begin messaging, believing they are communicating with their child. The exchanges are designed to extract personal information and build trust. Before long, the victim is asked to send a small sum of money, typically around €20, with further attempts made to obtain additional funds and sensitive details.

Gardaí are advising the public that, if they receive any such message, they should block the number, report it, and not respond under any circumstances.

Former Tipperary Soldier Denies Murder Of Retired Army Captain.

A 67-year-old former Defence Forces member has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his long-time friend and retired army Captain, Mr Patrick O’Mahony, who was found shot dead at his home in Castlemaine, Co. Kerry, in February of 2024.

Mr Thomas Carroll, of Brookway, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, entered the plea at the Central Criminal Court in Limerick, where a jury of nine men and three women has been sworn in.

Opening the prosecution case, Mr Dean Kelly SC said Mr O’Mahony, aged 84, was a respected firearms dealer and former FCA and Defence Forces member, who retired as a Captain with an exemplary record. He had been widowed three months before his death.

The court heard that Mr Carroll, also a retired soldier with an excellent service record, travelled from Co. Tipperary to visit Mr O’Mahony for the weekend. The two men socialised together on the Friday and Saturday.

Mr Kelly said Mr Carroll contacted Mr O’Mahony’s son early on the Sunday morning claiming his father had suffered a fall. However, a post mortem later confirmed Mr O’Mahony died from a single close-range gunshot wound, thus prompting a murder investigation.

The prosecution alleges that events between the two friends “took a foul turn” and that Mr Carroll pointed a handgun at Mr O’Mahony with intent to kill or cause serious harm. It is further alleged that Mr Carroll’s account of a fall was “self-serving”.

The trial is ongoing.

Gardaí Arrest Three People Following Possible Murder Of Former Tipperary Resident.

Gardaí have arrested three individuals as part of their ongoing investigation into the possible murder of Mr William Delaney, who has been missing for almost seven years.

Two women, aged in their 30s and 50s, and a man in his 30s, were detained earlier today. They are currently being held at garda stations in the Midlands and Southwest regions under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

Mr Delaney, originally from Co. Tipperary, had been living in Portlaoise with his family at the time of his disappearance. On the morning of January 30th 2019, the 56-year-old left Portlaoise General Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment, before collecting his welfare payment at Portlaoise Post Office.

He was last seen at approximately 3:00pm that same day in Monasterevin, Co. Kildare, after calling to the home of a relative on the old Cork–Dublin Road, directly opposite the Hazel Hotel. The relative was not at home, but Mr Delaney was observed outside the property. He was reported missing by his family on March 6th 2019.

In June 2019, gardaí received credible information suggesting that Mr Delaney had been murdered and that his remains had been buried at a location in Co. Laois. A large-scale search operation was subsequently carried out in the vicinity of the Rock of Dunamase; however, no remains were located.

Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone with information relating to the disappearance or murder of William Delaney to come forward.

All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Gardaí Warn Retailers After €185,000 In Fake €50 Notes Seized.

An Garda Síochána is advising all retailers across Tipperary, and further afield, to be extra vigilant following the seizure of 3,695 counterfeit €50 notes in a Dublin 8 operation, with a face-value of €184,750.

The seized notes are now being examined by the Garda National Technical Bureau. While no arrests have yet been made, investigations into organised criminal networks are ongoing.

Key Advice for Retailers:
(1) Use the “Feel-Look-Tilt” test to check banknotes.
(2) Be alert to customers using large-denomination notes for small purchases, a common tactic used to get real change back.
(3) If you suspect a note is fake, retain it safely (don’t return it to the customer), and call your local Garda station.
(4) Report any counterfeits immediately, not only €50 notes, but all euro denominations.

Why This Matters:
Counterfeit notes can inflict significant losses, especially on smaller businesses. By staying alert and following simple checks, staff can help prevent fraud and protect both their business and customers.

Suspected Cocaine Seized In North Tipperary Garda Operation.

€17,000 Worth Of Suspected Cocaine Seized In Nenagh Garda Operation.

Gardaí attached to the North Tipperary Divisional Drugs Unit carried out a planned search of a property in Nenagh on Wednesday, November 19th, under warrant.

During the course of the operation, officers recovered suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of €17,000, along with as yet a public undeclared quantity of cash.

A man was arrested at the scene and detained at Nenagh Garda Station. He was subsequently charged and appeared before Nenagh District Court yesterday, Thursday, November 20th. The identity of the man arrested has not yet been publicly reported.

The suspected drugs have been sent for forensic examination, and a file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.