Photography « Thurles Information

Cinnabar Moth Spotted In Thurles, Co. Tipperary In April.

Spotted here in Thurles on Monday last, the first Cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) of the season. Native to Ireland and indeed Europe, Cinnabar moths are daytime-flying moths, with distinctive pinkish-red and black wings.

**Left -Right: (1) Cinnabar Moth – (2) Cinnabar** *(Chinese red, Mercuric Sulfide)* **– (3) Ragwort.**

Cinnabar moths measure about 20mm (0.79in) in length with a wingspan of some 32–42mm (1.3–1.7in) and acquires its named from the red mineral Cinnabar, because of the red patches on its predominantly black wings.

Interesting to note that this moth has been introduced into New Zealand, Australia and North America to control Ragwort (latter poisonous to horses and other livestock), on which its larvae feed.
This Ragwort diet, eaten by their pale yellow and black striped larvae, leaves them unpalatable to their would-be predators. Females can lay up to 300 eggs, in batches of 30 to 60 on the underside of Ragwort leaves and their caterpillars being voracious eaters; a large population can strip entire patches of ragwort clean, within a very short period of time.

Though not considered very rare in Ireland, the Cinnabar moth remains, annually, in grave danger due to the Noxious Weeds Act of 1936, which makes it an offence for the owner or occupier of lands not to prevent the growth and spread of Ragwort. In 2020, some 52 “notices to destroy” were issued to land owners, by the Department of Agriculture, for the presence of Ragwort being on their property and in 2021, some 22 such notices were also issued.
Many caterpillars will starve if their food runs out before they are fully grown, so as competition intensifies the caterpillars become more aggressive and may even turn to cannibalism in their quest for calories.

Thurles St Patricks Day Parade – Part 3

We share hereunder with our readers further images, of onlookers, who viewed this year’s (2025) St. Paddy’s day parade, held here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary on Monday afternoon last.

Photography courtesy Mr Stewart Willoughby.

Once again a huge “Thank You” to the work undertaken by Mr John Kenehan and his Thurles committee, and to the many individuals, in reflective jackets, together with Thurles Gardaí, who ensured the health and safety of the public in attendance and controlled the traffic.

Thurles St Patrick’s Day Parade-Part 2

A few further images, (with more promised), of those who viewed this year’s (2025) St. Paddy’s day parade held here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

A huge “Thank You” to the work undertaken by Mr John Kenehan and his committee, and to the many individuals, in reflective jackets, and the Gardaí, who ensured the health and safety of the public in attendance and controlled the traffic.

More Changes To Thurles Skyline Following Storm Éowyn.

Persons attempting to reach the village of Littleton and/or the N62 exiting southward out of Thurles, Co. Tipperary; travelling via Mill Road towards Archerstown from Thurles town, are being warned to avoid the area. Council workers presently are attempting to remove a large tree blown over in recent hours by Storm Éowyn.

**Large tree blocking roadway at junction with Littleton village and the N62 route on Mill Road, to the rear of Thurles Golf Club.**
*Picture: G. Willoughby*.

Traffic on this route are being asked to turn around and find an alternative route, as no signs are in place warning of this road closure.

Local telephone lines and ESB lines have been broken, brought down by this fallen tree.

Changes To Thurles Skyline Following Storm Éowyn.

At least 15,000 Tipperary homes and business premises are without electric power this morning, with many reports of fallen trees and strewn branch debris, following the extreme winds courtesy of Storm Éowyn.

Here in Thurles town council workers will have a few extra jobs to undertake today, as our pictures hereunder now demonstrate.

**Branches down at the *‘Swinging Gates’*, on the junction of Emmet Street and Thomond Road, Thurles, at early light this morning.**
*Picture: G. Willoughby*

**Large tree blown over on the N62 close to Thurles Golf Club entrance closing the west facing lane. Motorists warned to take care.**
*Picture: G. Willoughby*.

**Newly planted trees in the vicinity of Lidl Supermarket, will need immediate attention.**
*Picture: G. Willoughby*.

Met Eireann has, this morning, downgraded the Red Level severe weather wind alert to Level Orange for all of Co. Tipperary; same valid from 7:00am today Friday January 24th until at least midday.
For more information see www.Met.ie