Thurles Information

Earlier this month, a large numbers of freshwater crayfish were reported as dead, on a stretch of the River Suir, downstream from Clonmel.

Analysis, now carried out on the crayfish, has confirmed that the cause of the mortality was a water multicellular fungus or mold known as ‘Crayfish Plague’.  All agencies including the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Tipperary County Council, have been working to contain this outbreak.

Important to Check, Clean and Dry
Any person entering the river for any reason is now being urged to observe the practice of ‘Check, Clean and Dry’ when leaving or entering water. All wet gear, including boats, waterproof clothing and other associated equipment used, should be checked for mud, silt and plant material before disinfecting or washing using boiling water, and before allowing a drying period of at least 24 hour. Ensure also that water introduced internally in boats and other water craft, are also treated. This procedure is essential in the preventing of the spread of Crayfish Plague to other unaffected waters.

Discovered for the first time in Ireland in 1987; based on previous experience gleaned regarding this disease, a 100% mortality of the crayfish population is expected, which in turn creates major consequences for the future ecology of this stretch of the river Suir. No resistance to this disease as yet has been discovered in native European crayfish.

River users are also being asked to alert the local authorities of any other mortality of crayfish discovered elsewhere. Contact Ms C. O’Flynn (coflynn@biodiversityireland.ie) at the National Biodiversity Data Centre, in Waterford.

Preparations are now well under way for the upcoming ‘Darkness Into Light Walk/Run,’ which takes places early on Saturday morning next May 6th at 4.15am.

The Committee have been working hard promoting this excellent fund raiser for Pieta House, which, note, is being promoted for the very first time here in Thurles.

Chairperson for the event in Thurles, Mr Jonathan Gleeson today stated,“We have been truly overwhelmed by the sheer scale of support and good wishes conveyed, since we announced this event for Thurles. Over the last week alone, the number of those who have registered has more than doubled, with that figure now standing at over 1,195 persons pledged to take part. We’re possibly on target to reach over that figure on these final days, in the run up to the morning of May 6th”.

Some details worth noting for those attending:
Darkness Into Light (DIL), will start in the early hours (4.15am) of Saturday May 6th (that’s very early on Saturday morning, after an early night on Friday!  🙂), from the Dome at Semple Stadium, on a 5km route around Thurles, while the dawn is breaking.

The DIL committee is asking everyone to arrive at least 45 minutes early, as it will commence at 4.15am sharp. There will be no parking available at the Dome itself (for safety reasons due to the crowd congregating in same area) however, parking has been arranged across the road in the Greyhound Track, in the adjacent Gairm Scoil and in the LIT campus – there will be stewards on hand to direct traffic. Stewards will also be stationed at each junction on the route and the walking crowd will be led by a Garda patrol and followed by Order of Malta.

Dress Code
Dress warmly – layers are a good idea, and some kind of waterproof jacket too. A hat, scarf and gloves are recommended!  Also, bring a torch if you can. Dogs on a lead are welcome, however, please keep them on their lead and clean up after them. Remember that there will be children and other dogs around so they must be friendly! There will be light refreshments after the event and toilet facilities will be made available.

The DIL Committee is giving the final push this week and urging everyone to register ONLINE for this year’s event in Thurles HERE. Once registered, you can collect your t-shirt at either Ely’s Centra on Slievenamon Road or the offices of Sherry FitzGerald Gleeson on Cathedral Street – remember to bring proof of registration (a printed email or mobile phone display).

Finally a reminder to please ‘Like’ and ‘Share’ the posts throughout the next couple of days here on the DIL Thurles Facebook page.