Mixing financial obligations with personal relationships within political parties, often causes strain, resentment, and the potential dissolution of close bonds.
A fuel and cost-of-living protest took place in Thurles this afternoon, Saturday, April 18th, organised by Sinn Féin representative Mr Dan Harty. The demonstration formed part of wider national actions responding to rising fuel prices and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
The protest assembled at the Munster Hotel car park before proceeding toward Liberty Square, a central commercial hub in the town. Organisers had previously stated the event would be peaceful and intended to minimise disruption to traffic and local business activity.
Local observations suggest that turnout on the day was extremely modest. While the event proceeded through the town centre, well stretched out to look larger, many shoppers had reportedly conducted their business much earlier than usual in anticipation of potential delays.
Thurles’ notably wide footpaths, capable of accommodating significant pedestrian movement, however remained unused; with the demonstration led by a only one Irish flag, moved along a key route around Liberty Square, drawing attention only, by affecting the normal flow of traffic activity in the area. No police were in attendance and official reports state that no significant incidents arose from the 40 only individuals who attended the protest gathering.
Montgomery “Monty” McQueen massive attraction at Tipperary Raceway in Rosegreen, Co. Tipperary. Picture: G. Willoughby.
Meanwhile, in just a 20 minute drive away from Thurles, a massive crowd turned up to support an English Child Bereavement Charity, which featured a created model of disney’s Montgomery “Monty” McQueen, more commonly called “Lightning McQueen”, from the movie “Cars”. Same anthropomorphic stock car is the protagonist of the Disney/Pixar Cars and made a welcome appearance at Tipperary Raceway in Rosegreen, Co. Tipperary; Ireland’s popular premier Hot Rod oval raceway to the delight of all.
While Renewing Essential Transport Services, RTÉ Reaffirms Commitment To Responsible Spending.
Keeping in mind that RTÉ, in the recent past, needed €56 million from taxpayers to survive, same has confirmed the renewal of a controlled, multi-year contract for chauffeur-driven transport services, emphasising that the arrangement is a standard operational requirement and represents a modest, capped cost within a tightly managed budget framework.
The contract, valued at up to €175,000 over five years, relates to the provision of pre-booked chauffeur services for programme contributors, visiting guests, and official engagements. This equates to a maximum of approximately €35,000 per annum, and will operate on an as-needed basis, under a competitive tender process.
RTÉ has stressed that this arrangement is not new spending, but a continuation of an existing framework first established in 2021 and now being renewed following its expiry. The service is separate from general taxi usage and is intended for specific operational scenarios requiring reliability, scheduling precision, and discretion.
Accountability in the Context of Public Funding.The renewal comes in the context of significant public scrutiny following the €56 million State bailout in 2024, alongside broader reforms aimed at restoring trust and ensuring financial sustainability. RTÉ acknowledges the importance of demonstrating clear value for money to licence fee payers and taxpayers, particularly in light of commitments made as part of its restructuring programme, including cost controls, workforce reductions, and tighter oversight of discretionary expenditure.
A spokesperson stated:“All procurement decisions are subject to rigorous internal governance and public procurement rules. This contract reflects a defined operational need and is structured to ensure cost efficiency, transparency, and accountability.”
Operational Necessity and Cost Controls. The broadcaster noted that transport services are a core requirement for live broadcasting, where timing, coordination, and reliability are critical. Chauffeur services are used selectively for:
Time-sensitive programme contributors
International or high-profile guests
Situations requiring confidentiality or logistical coordination
The contract will be delivered through a multi-supplier framework (up to three providers), ensuring competitive pricing and flexibility, while preventing over-reliance on any single vendor. RTÉ also highlighted that the €175,000 figure represents a maximum ceiling rather than guaranteed expenditure, with actual usage expected to vary depending on operational demand.
Ongoing Commitment to Reform RTÉ reiterated that it remains focused on:
Strengthening financial oversight
Reducing unnecessary expenditure
Delivering public service broadcasting efficiently
The organisation confirmed that all spending decisions will continue to be assessed against the principles of necessity, proportionality, and public accountability.
An Garda Síochána Tipperary are asking those wishing to attend the Tipperary V Cork match on Sunday next April 19th, to please be aware that there is roadworks around the Semple Stadium, Thurles, which may affect your journey time. Please see image hereunder.
Image courtesy An Garda Síochána Tipperary.
An Garda Síochána Tipperary are asking that attendee’s leave plenty of time for your trip to Tipp.
Lyrics: Singer, Australian-American musician, actor and songwriter, Rick Springfield. Vocals: Australian folk pop and gospel band “The Seekers” made up of the late Judith Durham(1943 – 2022) on vocals, piano and tambourine; former politican Athol Guy on double bass and vocals; Keith Potger on twelve-string guitar, banjo and vocals and Bruce Woodley on guitar, mandolin, banjo and vocals.
Late Judith Durham.
“Speak to the Sky,” performed by The Seekers and featuring the unmistakable voice of Judith Durham, is a gentle and uplifting song that reflects the group’s signature blend of folk, pop, and easy-listening styles. Originally written and released by Rick Springfield in 1972, the song was later reinterpreted by The Seekers on their 1997 album ‘Future Road’.
With its soothing melody and reflective lyrics, The Seekers’ version captures a sense of hope, introspection, and emotional openness. The song encourages listeners to look beyond their struggles, to “speak to the sky,” and find comfort in expressing their feelings; an idea that resonates deeply through Durham’s warm and heartfelt vocal delivery.
Speak To The Sky.
Speak To The Sky.
Speak to the sky whenever things go wrong, And you’ll know you’re not talking to the air, To the air, And the world will look better from up there. Speak to the sky ’cause things can get you down, And you’ll know when you’re talking to the Lord, To the Lord, The world will look better than before.
And if I stumble, and it seems that I am blind, Or if the road I’m on seems awful hard to find, And though my conversation doesn’t always rhyme, I always try to find some time, To speak to the sky, and tell you how I feel, And you know sometimes what I say ain’t right, It’s all right, (It’s all right), ‘Cause I speak to the sky every night.
And if I stumble, and it seems that I am blind, Or if the road I’m on seems awful hard to find, And though my conversation doesn’t always rhyme, I always try to find some time, To speak to the sky, and tell you how I feel, And you know sometimes what I say ain’t right, It’s all right, (It’s all right), ‘Cause I speak to the sky every night.
Yeah, speak to the sky whenever things go wrong, And you’ll know you’re not talking to the air, To the air, And the world will look better from up there. And the world will look better from up there. Yes, the world will look better from up there.
Speak to the sky whenever things go wrong. Speak to the sky whenever things go wrong. Yeah, speak to the sky whenever things go wrong. Speak to the sky whenever things go wrong.
Lyrics: American folk singer-songwriter and guitarist, the late Tom Jans (1948–1984). Vocals: American musician and actor, the late Kris Kristofferson (1936–2024) and American recording artist Rita Coolidge.
The late Kris Kristofferson.
Back in the early ’70s, there was a song that captured something a lot of us have felt at one time or another; that moment when you walk away from love, thinking you need freedom, only to realize later what you left behind really mattered. Written by Tom Jans and brought to life by Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge, ‘Loving Arms’ is a quiet, heartfelt reflection on regret, longing, and the hope of finding your way back home. This is a song about mistakes, and the courage it takes to admit them.
Loving Arms.
Loving Arms.
If you could see me now, The one who said that he’d rather roam, The one who said he’d rather be alone, If you could only see me now.
If I could hold you now, Just for a moment, if I could make you mine, Just for a while, turn back the hands of time, If I could only hold you now.
I’ve been too long in the wind, too long in the rain, Takin’ any comfort that I can, Lookin’ back and longin’ for the freedom of my chains, Lyin’ in your lovin’ arms again.
If you could hear me now, Singin’ somewhere through a lonely night, Dreamin’ of the arms that held me tight, If you could only hear me now.
I’ve been too long in the wind, too long in the rain, Takin’ any comfort that I can, Lookin’ back and longin’ for the freedom of my chains, Lyin’ in your lovin’ arms again.
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