Photography « Thurles Information

From Soot To Ceremony: How Wedding Chimney Sweeps Could Bring Luck.

There was once an old wedding tradition that believed it was good luck for a bride and groom to meet a chimney sweep on their wedding day. The story is often linked to a royal legend: a chimney sweep is said to have helped save a king from runaway horses, after which sweeps became known as bringers of good fortune. Whether the tale is fact or folklore, the symbolism is easy to understand. The sweep was connected with the hearth, the fire, and the warmth of the home; all powerful images for a newly married couple beginning life together.

Today, this tradition has become a charming wedding extra. A chimney sweep may appear outside the church, registry office, or wedding venue to greet the couple, shake hands with the groom, kiss the bride on the cheek, pose for photographs, and offer a few words of good luck. It is unusual, memorable, and full of character, exactly the kind of detail many couples now look for when planning a wedding.
Wedding venues and professional photographers could also adopt the idea as an added service for couples looking for something traditional, quirky, and memorable.

**“Wishing you a lifetime of love, luck, and happiness.”**

A venue might offer a “lucky chimney sweep” as part of a heritage or vintage wedding package, while photographers could suggest it as a characterful photo opportunity after the ceremony.
Some couples may worry about soot marking the bride’s white dress, but this can be easily avoided. The sweep can arrive in clean ceremonial clothing, use a display brush rather than a working one, avoid close contact with the dress, and pose carefully at the bride’s side. With a little planning, the charm of the tradition can be kept without any risk to the gown.

For modern chimney sweeps, this old custom could also offer a useful additional income stream.
The trade is changing. With cleaner heating policies, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and the gradual move toward low-carbon homes, traditional chimney work is not the same as it once was. Gas, oil, coal, wood, and smokeless-fuel use are all under closer environmental scrutiny, and many households are moving toward heat pumps, better insulation, and electric heating. At the same time, sweeps remain important for homes with working fireplaces, wood burners, and multifuel stoves, where regular sweeping is still essential for safety.

That creates a challenge but also an opportunity.
A wedding appearance does not replace the practical work of chimney sweeping, but it can sit alongside it. It makes use of the sweep’s traditional clothing, local reputation, storytelling, and historic image. It can be offered as a weekend or seasonal service, especially during the spring and summer wedding months, when demand for chimney maintenance may be lower.

A Chimney Sweep could offer packages such as:
► A lucky sweep appearance after the ceremony.
► Photographs with the bride and groom.
► A short traditional blessing or good-luck greeting.
► A certificate or keepsake for the couple.
► Optional attendance at the reception for photos with guests.

The idea works especially well for historic venues, country weddings, church weddings, vintage-themed ceremonies, and couples who want something different from the usual wedding entertainment. It also gives younger generations a chance to see a trade that was once central to everyday life but is now becoming less visible.
In that sense, the wedding chimney sweep is more than a novelty. It is a way of keeping an old craft in public view, preserving folklore, and helping working sweeps adapt as heating habits change.

For chimney sweeps looking to diversify, the message is simple: the soot may be less common, but the story still has value. A clean chimney keeps a home safe; a lucky sweep at a wedding brings a smile, a photograph, and a tradition that couples will remember for years.

“Come on, lads — let’s bring a little imagination to wedding events.”

River Suir in Thurles: Fine Words Are Not Enough.

River Suir in Thurles; Fine words are not enough, while the river Suir remains in a state of further decline.

Looking skyward from Barry’s Bridge in Thurles, my eyes are drawn to the golden Laburnum I planted there in 1989, now grown into the full grace of maturity. Along the eastern bank of the River Suir, the Hawthorn too is in bloom, softening the riverside walkway with its delicate spring beauty.
Yet, for all this natural splendour, the exposed bed of the Suir successfully dims the scene, drawing the eye away from the quiet enchantment of tree, blossom, bridge, and river.

Reading a local newspaper report recently, one wonders, has Cllr Mrs Kay Cahill Skehan actually walked along the River Suir in Thurles recently and has she observed the current condition it is in?

The video shown below is only a small example of what people in Thurles are expected to look at: shopping trolleys dumped, plastic, debris, waste caught along the banks, and a general appearance that is simply unacceptable for a river running through the heart of a busy historic, midland town.

Two very large piles of shredded timber are currently located, dumped within approximately half a metre of the river’s edge, following recent tree-pruning works in the area.

This presents a serious environmental and flood-related risk. In the event of heavy rainfall or flooding over the coming months, the lightweight shredded timber is likely to float and be carried downstream. Once saturated, the material may also release tannins, resins and other wood leachate into the water, which can degrade water quality and harm aquatic life. Research on wood residue near aquatic environments notes that wood leachate can have harmful effects on fish and aquatic habitats.
As both piles appear to be located within a flood-risk area and immediately adjacent to the riverbank, they should be removed and relocated without delay. If immediate removal is not possible, the piles should at minimum be securely covered with heavy-duty tarpaulin and properly weighted or fastened to prevent displacement during heavy rain or rising water levels.
We won’t mention the nice piles of logs, as some smart individual might decide to bag them for use as firing next winter.

**Whatever other effluent is being washed into the river water, same forms a rich soapy caught by the overhanging vegetation..**

We have reported this matter to the Local Authority and request that urgent action be taken to prevent potential pollution, obstruction, and downstream environmental damage.

Cllr Mrs Cahill Skehan is correct when she says the River Suir is a huge issue for Thurles. She is also correct in stating that people notice it more when water levels drop. But the people of Thurles do not need more sympathy. What they crave is action.

There is also a wider issue here. Her brother, former Fianna Fáil TD and former Chair of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee Mr Jackie Cahill, recently appointed Chairperson of the National Milk Agency by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon in April 2026, was also a prominent critic of the reduction in Ireland’s nitrates derogation from 250kg to 220kg organic nitrogen per hectare, warning of serious consequences for the dairy sector.

Indeed, no one sector should carry all the blame. But we also have to be honest. Nitrogen leaching, nitrates, agricultural run-off and intensive land use are a major part of the water-quality problem in the River Suir.
Farmers cannot be blamed for shopping trolleys dumped in the River Suir, but agriculture cannot be written out of the wider pollution picture either.

So where does that leave Thurles?
It leaves us with a river that is visibly neglected, environmentally under pressure, and politically talked about for the last 15 years with absolutely no action being taken.
Local Authority Waters Programme officials, (LAWPRO), may be sampling water. Reports may be being written. Presentations may be being given, but no one needs a scientific investigation to view shopping trolleys in the river. No one needs a catchment study to identify rubbish, plastic, clothing and debris sitting in plain sight. This is the work of highly paid Municipal District officials.

If Cllr Mrs Cahill Skehan is serious about the River Suir being an issue for Thurles, then the question must be asked; what immediate action is being demanded from Tipperary County Council and the other relevant authorities, to clean what is clearly visible today?
The public are tired of hearing that “work is ongoing”, while the river remains a total eyesore.

Thurles deserves better than this. The River Suir should be an asset to the town, not something people are embarrassed to walk past, holding their noses.

Responsibility must be shared, yes; but responsibility must also be acted upon.

RSPB England Issues New Seasonal Guidance On Garden Bird Feeding.

RSPB England Issues New Seasonal Guidance on Garden Bird Feeding to Prevent Disease Spread.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued new guidance urging the public to adopt seasonal bird feeding practices to help protect vulnerable garden bird populations from disease.
The charity is advising households across England to pause routine bird feeding between May 1st and October 31st, citing increased risks of disease transmission during warmer months, when feeders can become contamination hotspots.

Rising Concern Over Bird Disease.
The recommendation follows growing concern over trichomonosis, a parasitic disease that affects birds’ mouths, throats, and digestive systems, often making it difficult for them to eat or breathe. The disease spreads through contaminated food and water sources and has been linked to significant declines in several species.
Among the most affected is the greenfinch, whose population has dropped by an estimated two million birds in the UK, placing it on the conservation red list. Long-term monitoring data also shows a steep decline in sightings, with greenfinches falling from one of the most commonly recorded garden birds to much lower rankings in recent years.

Seasonal Feeding Approach Recommended.
Under its new campaign “Feed seasonally, feed safely”, the RSPB is encouraging the public to rethink year-round feeding habits. While feeding birds can provide benefits, especially during colder months, the charity warns that concentrated feeding in summer can facilitate the spread of disease.
Limited feeding may still be appropriate if done carefully. The RSPB advises offering only small quantities of food, such as mealworms or fat-based products, sufficient for one or two days at most.

Hygiene Measures Essential.

To reduce risks, the RSPB recommends:

Cleaning bird feeders at least once a week.
Regularly changing feeder locations to prevent waste buildup.
Providing fresh tap water daily if offering water.
Cleaning bird baths weekly.
Avoiding flat surface feeders, such as traditional bird tables, where contamination can accumulate more easily

The organisation has already begun phasing out flat feeders from its own product range.

Widespread Public Impact.
Bird feeding is a popular activity in England, with millions of households participating regularly and significant annual spending on bird food. The RSPB acknowledges that changing established habits may be challenging but stresses the importance of protecting bird populations.
The guidance has been developed in collaboration with scientific partners and is based on an extensive review of available evidence. While some industry groups have raised concerns about the changes, the RSPB maintains that precautionary action is necessary.

Supporting Birds Responsibly.
The RSPB emphasises that feeding birds can still play a positive role when done responsibly. However, it warns that continuing current practices without adjustment could contribute to further population declines.

“We cannot continue as usual,” the charity stated, highlighting the need for collective action to safeguard garden birds for the future.

Thurles Celebrates St Patrick’s Day In Strong Community Spirit.

Thurles Co. Tipperary came alive today as the rural heart of mid-County Tipperary marked St Patrick’s Day with a parade that reflected the warmth, pride and community spirit for which the town is so well known. Despite the cold and cloudy conditions, large crowds gathered along the streets in great numbers, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere from start to finish. Thurles is a thriving town in County Tipperary, and St Patrick’s Day, celebrated each year on 17th March, remains one of the most important occasions in Ireland’s civic and cultural calendar.

Families, friends, neighbours and visitors of all ages turned out in good spirits, wrapped up against the chill but full of enthusiasm and festive cheer. The parade offered a proud display of local identity, bringing together a broad and mixed population in a shared celebration of Irish heritage, community and belonging. The sight of the crowd lining the route, applauding participants and waving flags, captured the very best of Thurles; resilient, friendly and united.

Video: Courtesy G. Willoughby.

Today’s event was a reminder that even under grey skies, the spirit of St Patrick’s Day shines brightly in towns such as Thurles. The success of the parade is a credit to the organisers, volunteers, participants and all those who attended and supported the celebration. Their contribution ensured a memorable occasion that honoured tradition while strengthening the bonds of community that continue to define Thurles.

The Vee, Tipperary, In The Running For National “Best Drives” Award.

The Vee in the running for national “Best Drives” award, and here’s how to back Tipperary.

One of Ireland’s most dramatic road trips is in the spotlight this week, with The Vee shortlisted in the Best Drives series, run by The Journal in association with Allianz Insurance. The series celebrates standout scenic routes around the country, and the overall winner will be rewarded with a dedicated video feature shared across The Journal’s platforms.

Why ‘The Vee’ is turning heads:
The nomination describes ‘The Vee’, (VIEW HERE ), as “one of the most visually stunning drives in Ireland”, and it’s easy to see why. Named for its famous V-shaped bend, the route climbs into the Knockmealdown Mountains and opens up sweeping views over valleys and patchwork farmland below
On clear days, you’re treated to big skies and big horizons, with views stretching towards the Galtee Mountains, home to Galtymore (917.9m), widely noted as the highest inland mountain in the country.
And then there’s the height of the pass itself: The Vee rises to around 610 metres (2,000 feet) above sea level, adding that unmistakable “mountain road” feel, especially as the road curls past the lake and viewpoint.

The suggested starting route:
The drive can be started from either Clonmel or Cahir, continuing through Clogheen, up and over The Vee, and onwards towards Lismore.
It’s a route that manages to feel like a proper road trip without demanding an entire day, ideal if you want a scenic spin with a few memorable stops built in.

Don’t miss Bay Lough:
A highlight mentioned in the nomination is Bay Lough, latter a quiet, upland lake close to the high point of the pass. It’s a natural “pull in, step out, and take it all in” moment, whether you’re after photos, fresh air, or a calm pause mid-drive.
The nomination also suggests taking to the water, including kayaking, as part of the experience, underlining the sense that this is more than a nice view from a car window; it’s an outdoorsy corner of the county worth lingering in.

A route on the Tipperary–Waterford line:
The Vee sits right on the border, straddling Tipperary and Waterford, a gateway drive that shows off the best of both sides of the mountains, with wide open panoramas and that signature V-shaped turn that gives the route its name.

How to vote:
Tipperary County Council has urged people to “support Tipperary with your vote” as the poll goes live.
To take part, look up The Journal’s “Allianz Best Drives” poll HERE and please do cast your vote for The Vee. (As we go to press now running in second place).

Tip: As always on upland routes, take it handy on bends, expect changing conditions, and pull in safely when stopping for photos, the views will still be there when you arrive.