Photography « Thurles Information

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).

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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.

Tipperary-Born Writer-Director Jo Southwell Embarks On Feature Film.

Tipperary-Born Writer-Director Jo Southwell Embarks On Feature Film, “The Catch.”

Press Correspondent Tom Ryan Reports.

Tipperary-born writer/director Jo Southwell (née Kelly) has confirmed her transition into feature filmmaking with “The Catch“, a bold new project which she has written and is directing.

**Tipperary-Born Writer/Director Ms Jo Southwell**.

Ms Southwell brings to the film a rich background in screen acting, television directing and immersive formats. A second-generation Irish woman now based in Henley-on-Thames, UK, she began her professional life teaching in Ireland; including at Teach an Leinn in Nenagh and St Mary’s in Newport, before moving into acting and subsequently into filmmaking. Her mother, Hanora Kelly, formerly resided in Templederry, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

Her acting career has included roles in Irish film and television dramas, before she relocated to the UK to further her screen work. She has directed short films that screened at BAFTA, BIFA and Oscar-recognised festivals, and has worked on episodic television (including shadow director placements on ‘Killing Eve and ‘Trigger Point‘).

“The Catch” emerges from this evolving trajectory. The film is described by Patrick Ewald, CEO of Epic Pictures, as “a razor-sharp blend of myth and obsession, a story that reminds us that the real monsters are often human.” The project attaches high-profile actors (including Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Ben Miles) and is being steered collaboratively by Southwell and producer Sara Gibbings.

Ms Southwell said: “I’ve always been drawn to stories that combine emotional truth and mythic resonance. In The Catch I explore how obsession distorts reality, and how the real monsters walk among us in human form.”

Production is scheduled to begin in 2026, with locations and final casting to be announced. The production is developed by Mermaid Pictures in association with Epic Pictures.

About Jo Southwell
Jo Southwell is an award-winning writer-director whose career spans screen acting, voice-over, radio presenting and directing. Born and educated in Ireland, she has directed television, feature and immersive formats, delivering emotionally driven and visually distinct storytelling with discipline and precision. She has served as a BAFTA juror (Best Supporting Actress 2023; Best Short Form TV 2025) and is completing an MA in Screenwriting at Falmouth University.

About Mermaid Pictures
Established in 2024 by Jo Southwell and Sara Gibbings, Mermaid Pictures is a UK-based production company focused on bold, female-led, genre-independent film and television. With “The Catch” as its first feature slate, the company seeks to bring imaginative and emotionally authentic stories to the screen.