Photography « Thurles Information

Thurles Special Olympics Club.

Wishing all athletes and their families a very Happy Christmas and a healthy 2026.

Basketball training has been moving forward most satisfactorily this season so far. We have huge numbers turning out each week for exercising, ball skills and basketball training.

Well done to each of them and their families and carers for transporting the athletes to every session. We welcomed a group of new volunteers this season and they have blended in very nicely with our existing group.

Thanks to all the volunteers and Mr Martin Hehir, at the Presentation Sports Hall, for their support.

We held our annual Christmas party in Meitheal on Wednesday, December 10th last and a great night was had by all present.

A big thank you to Linda and Meitheal Staff, Mr Paul Scully from Photo Station who looked after the photographs on the night, the volunteers who prepared the gifts and assisted at the party and all the athlete members who danced and sang on the night.

Training resumes on Wednesday January 7th, and in the meantime a very Happy Christmas to everyone associated with Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club.

Superhero Litter Of 15 Pups Born To Parents Omma & Mango In Tipperary.

“Superhero litter” of 15 pups born in Tipperary as Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland marks record milestone

Two-Mile-Borris Correspondent Mr Gerry Bowe Reports:-

Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) has welcomed a record-breaking litter of 15 Labrador puppies; nine males and six females, born to proud parents Omma and Mango at a foster home in Leigh, Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, Co Tipperary.
The puppies arrived between 4:00am and 1:00pm on October 22nd at the home of Mr/Mrs Robert and Bridget [nee Kerwin (formerly Moycarkey Thurles)] Hayes, thus marking the largest litter in the charity’s personal history.

**Mr Robert & Mrs Bridget Hayes, Leigh, Two-Mile- Borris, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.**
*Photo Courtesy Ms Sophie Duchaney*.

Affectionately dubbed the “Superhero Litter”, each puppy has been named after a superhero to reflect the life-changing role many of them may one day play for autistic children and their families: Marvel, Phoenix, Harley, Rogue, Storm, Wanda, Peter, Rocket, Falcon, Groot, Loki, Flash, Thor, Hulk and Dara.

“Every puppy born here has the potential to become someone’s superhero,” said Ms Elaine Cannon, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland Brood Programme Manager.

**Pic Shows: Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) members Ms Elaine Cannon, Ms Sarah Murphy, Ms Jessica Santos, Mrs Bridget Hayes, and Ms Rose Hurley.**
*Photo Courtesy Ms Sophie Duchaney*.

Behind the milestone is a quieter story of nights interrupted and hands-on care: AADI said volunteer puppy raisers Bridget and Robert Kirwan, opened their home to Omma and her litter during the crucial early weeks, helping ensure each pup was warm, fed and thriving.

The celebration comes amid sharply rising need. AADI says it has seen a 53% increase in interest over the past two years, with more than 1,000 families expressing interest in 2025 alone’ but without direct government funding, the charity could only commit to supporting 38 families.

“An assistance dog isn’t just a companion; it’s a lifeline,” Ms Cannon said, pointing to the daily barriers many autistic children face in ordinary outings and public spaces.

AADI estimates each dog costs €25,000 to train and is provided free of charge to families; the organisation says it has delivered 138 assistance dogs since its founding, while demand continues to grow.

One puppy, Dara, carries a special tribute. The name honours Dara Kissane from Castledermot, Co Kildare, whose family fundraiser has raised €25,474 for AADI.

AADI CEO Ms Nuala Geraghty said: “By supporting us, you’re not just making a donation, you’re giving a child independence and helping families live more freely together.”

A Very Acceptable & Affordable Xmas Gift For Women & Men.

I refer to the 14 Inch Mobile Phone Screen Magnifier Folding Stand Holder Portable for Movie Video Enlarger 3D Phone Agnifier Screen Pull Design for All Smartphone (Colour Black).

The foldable Screen magnifier phone holder [View Here] is simple and easy to use, making it the ideal gifts for men and women of all ages.
It is also suitable as a Kitchen Gadget receipe holder, Christmas gift, New Year gift, Birthday gift, Mothers Day gifts, Fathers Day gifts, Valentine’s Day, and various anniversary gifts for both him/her.

Thin foldable mobile phone amplifier, super slim when folded which allows for being carried around in your bag or briefcase.

The Simple and Stylish design makes this product your best choice of holiday gifts for your friends or loved ones.

Missing-Person Alert: Grace Benyim (36), Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

Clonmel Gardaí are urgently appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Ms Grace Benyim, aged 36, who was reported missing from her home in Clonmel, County Tipperary on the night of Friday, November 21st, 2025.

Grace was last seen in Clonmel during the morning of Friday, November 21st, 2025.

She is described as approximately 5ft 8ins (1.7272m) in height, with black hair and brown eyes.
Both Gardaí and her family have expressed concern for her welfare.

Members of the public who may have any information about Grace’s whereabouts are asked to contact: Clonmel Garda Station: Tel: 052 617 7640; the Garda Confidential Line: Tel: 1800 666 111; or indeed any Garda station.

Any information, no matter how small, may assist in locating Grace and ensuring her safety.

An Garda Síochána wishes to thank the public and media for their assistance in this matter.

In Our Hands – Preserving Thurles Cathedral, Co. Tipperary.

In memory of the late Sally Willoughby, a beloved member of the Thurles community, who greatly cherished the Cathedral of the Assumption. Her family are delighted to present a limited-edition series of 20 wooden nature prints, celebrating God’s flora and fauna.

**Photographic prints are impressed on wood, producing a unique natural look**.

Each print is beautifully wrapped and ready for Christmas gift-giving and all 20 prints are being sold from tomorrow, at the Thurles Cathedral Parish Centre, with 100% of proceeds going to the “In Our Hands – Preserving the Cathedral” campaign.

It is a meaningful Christmas gift, honouring Sally’s involvement in photography, faith and community, while helping to ensure our Cathedral’s heritage for future generations.

For enquiries and to purchase, contact the Thurles Parish Office Centre, Tel: 0504 22229/22779.