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LAWPRO To Discuss River Suir, Thurles Co. Tipperary.

As part of 2025 National Heritage Week a ‘walk and talk‘ event will take place here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, on Monday evening next, August 18th.
Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) officials will hold this event on the banks of the River Suir, initially commencing in front of “The Source” building, at 6:30pm sharp.
As part of this event, LAWPRO officials will explore the rivers history and its significance to the town of Thurles.
LAWPRO was set up in 2016 (Nine years ago) as a shared service on behalf of the 31 Local Authorities in Ireland. The Programme operates nationally out of 13 different Local Authority centres. LAWPRO is supposed to be driving public engagement, participation and consultation with communities and stakeholders at local level via its Communities Team; while delivering a programme of catchment assessment in priority areas for action via its Catchment Science Team and coordinating these activities across the relevant public sector via five Regional Operational Committees.

It has not rained in Thurles during the last 48 hours, yet today water and litter continues to flow from street drainage pipes into the river.
Pic: George Willoughby.

We are informed that LAWPRO scientists will discuss the water quality within the river Suir and carry out a ‘kick sample*.

* Kick Sampling; Scientists can examine the amount of macro-invertebrates by kick sampling. Macro-invertebrates are the small aquatic animals such as insect larva, snails, worms, beetles etc. all of which are excellent indicators of water quality.
Where a river is unpolluted these are to be found in abundance. Where a river has excessive amounts of nutrients and other pollutants, the numbers and types of macro-invertebrates are usually lower and many of the rare and sensitive species are therefore absent.

Thurles.Info has continuously, over the past twelve years, raised this same issue (first on November 7th, 2013, in relation to the River Suir).

In September 2024 we were informed, 11 years later, following a video posted on Thurles.Info, on August 17th last, that a biologist, Mr Fran Igoe, a spokesperson representing the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) has agreed that what is happening in Thurles and the river Suir is ‘shocking‘.
Mr Igoe (LAWPRO) one year ago stated that test results, now show that while one should expect to find a broad range of aquatic insects and bugs, he could only find two species in our town’s river.

One year on, (the above video first published on August 17th 2024) despite promises, nothing has changed.

Last September 2044, the public were informed that LAWPRO, alone, would be drawing up a plan of action which would involve input from all the relevant bodies within a 6 month time span to produce an agreed action plan. At that stage they would apply for funding to carry out all recommendations in this soon to be completed report.
One year on, as far as the public is concerned, – silencenothing – except the cutting of reeds, twice this year already, latter destroying Mother Nature’s method of cleaning badly polluted water.
One must now assume that if only two species of aquatic insects and bugs reside here, then lack of funding must be the excuse for having to tolerate this deplorable state of our river.

If funding is the problem, where are our out of touch Tipperary elected TD’s namely Alan Kelly, Michael Lowry and Ryan O’Meara, latter two who enjoy offices within Thurles town and all three who enjoy speaking rights in Dáil Éireann.

The deplorable smelly state of the River Suir today, photographed from Barry’s Bridge in the centre of Thurles.
Pic: George Willoughby.

All ages, including elected councillors and politicians are welcome to attend at this event and for those residents of Thurles, who, rightly, find themselves greatly offended by the current deplorable state of the river Suir, your attendance is a must at this event.

Two Closure Orders Affect Food Outlets In Co. Tipperary.

Note Please: All Enforcement Reports can be found published at the link SHOWN HERE.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today reported that ten Closure Orders and two Prohibition Orders were served on food businesses during the month of July for breaches of food safety legislation, pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998 and the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020. The Enforcement Orders were issued by Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE).

In total four Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on:
(1) Creed’s Foodstore, Burncourt, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.
(2) Lidl, Sallynoggin Road, Glenageary, Co. Dublin.
(3) Brandon Hotel
(Closed areas: All kitchen areas including dry goods store, wash up areas, staff canteen, restaurant and stills area), Prince’s Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry
(4) Emerald Park
(Closed area: The storage unit located to the rear of “coffee dock” in Emerald Park) Kilbrew Ashbourne, Co. Meath.

Six Closure Orders were served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on:
(1) KRS Catering Stall (Closed activity: the service of all foods prepared off-site and transported to the venue. Closure does not apply to the sale/service of beverages and foods prepared on site) Powerstown Park Racecourse, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
(2) Londis Athboy (Closed areas: the deli/food preparation area and ice cream service area) Connaught Street, Athboy, Co. Meath.
(3) Tim Nessa, 2A John’s Street, Co. Limerick. (Note further hereunder).
(4) Hidden Dojo Asian Street food, 47A Phibsborough Road, Phibsborough, Dublin 7.
(5) Wakami Sushi & Asian, 47A Phibsborough Road, Phibsborough, Dublin 7.
(6) Costa Coffee, 1 Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

One Prohibition Order was served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on:
(1) Ballymaguire Foods Unlimited Company, Rathmooney, Lusk, Co. Dublin.

One Prohibition Order was served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on:
(1) Timothy Onwuegbusi, 2A John’s Street, Limerick and Emeka Ikebudu, 2A John’s Street, Limerick.

The FSAI is aware that this food business, (Tim Nessa, 2A John’s Street, Limerick), continued to trade despite the service by the HSE on July 8th 2025 of a closure order pursuant to S.I. No. 79 of 2020. As a result, and in accordance with the applicable legislation, the FSAI applied to the High Court for various orders including that the continuance of the food business operator be prohibited and that the food business premises should immediately close until the food business is notified in writing that contraventions in the closure order have been remedied or further order of the High Court. An order of the High Court was granted on an ex-parte basis in those terms on 29 July 2025, with the matter back before the High Court on 27 August 2025, with the parties given liberty to apply to the High Court in the interim. FSAI and the HSE’s National Environmental Health Service will continue to monitor the food business to ensure it complies with the High Court’s order, the HSE’s closure order and the relevant food legislation.

Some of the reasons for the Enforcement Orders in July include: rat droppings found in a dishwasher room and food store and noted at a main customer entrance; inadequate means to wash hands preventing frequent handwashing in a kitchen; owners and staff not wearing clean protective clothing during food preparation; dead beetles observed in the bottom of a container of packaged food displayed for sale; various foods such as meat and poultry based curries and yoghurt and vegetable based condiments being kept at unsafe temperatures; rat droppings found in a storage unit which was used to store food and food contact materials such as reusable cups, lids and straws; numerous rodent droppings noted on high and low level shelving where food was stored; dead cockroaches in a main kitchen under worksurfaces where food is prepared and under cooking equipment where food is cooked; extensive food debris on the floor of the store room, on the shop floor and on the floor of a bakery.

Mr Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI, said: “Recent foodborne incidents serve as a stark reminder of the need for food businesses to maintain the highest food safety standards. Consumers are entitled to expect that the food they purchase is safe, and food businesses have a clear legal and moral responsibility to ensure that it is. The Enforcement Orders issued this month reflect serious, preventable breaches of food safety law.
Every food business must take its responsibility to comply with food safety law seriously. The FSAI can provide support and advice to food businesses to help them meet their obligations. However, as demonstrated by the enforcement actions this month, where food businesses do not comply with their obligations, we will take action.”

Details of the food businesses served with Enforcement Orders are published on the FSAI’s website. Closure Orders and Improvement Orders will remain listed in the enforcement reports on the website for a period of three months from the date of when a premises is adjudged to have corrected its food safety issue, with Prohibition Orders being listed for a period of one month.

Olympic-Bound OCR World Championships Comes To Mid-West Region in 2026.

4,000 Competitors to deliver €2.8 million boost to Mid-West Economy.

Limerick has today been announced as the host city for the 2026 Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) World Championships, just two years before the sport is set to make its official debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The Fédération Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles (FISO), the global governing body for OCR, confirmed that the event will take place from August 7th to 9th, 2026, at Limerick Racecourse, with the University of Limerick serving as the official Athlete Village.

More than 4,000 athletes from over 60 countries are expected to compete, making it one of the largest international sporting events ever staged in the Mid-West region; latter which consists of counties Tipperary Clare and Limerick.

Fédération Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles (FISO) confirm Mid-West Region as venue for 2026 Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) World Championships, ahead of LA28 Olympics.

Organisers say the economic impact will be significant, with the event is projected to generate over €2.8 million for the wider Mid-West economy.

Obstacle Course Racing is one of the fastest-growing sports globally and has now been elevated to Olympic status for LA28. The sport blends speed, strength, and strategy, challenging athletes to overcome a range of natural and man-made obstacles — including walls, rigs, rope climbs, carries, and crawls — across courses of varying distance and difficulty.

The World Championships to be held in Limerick will feature a range of formats, from short and explosive 100m and 400m sprints to 2–3km technical courses, a 15km endurance race, and high-energy team relays. The competition is open to professionals, age group athletes, Para-OCR competitors, and dedicated amateurs, making it a diverse and inclusive global event.

The successful bid to host the event in the Mid-West was prepared and submitted by the Obstacle Course Racing Association of Ireland (OCRA Ireland), Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Aimwell Events, the University of Limerick and Limerick Racecourse.

Mr Sergej Dikun, (President of OCRA Ireland), described the announcement as a landmark moment for Irish sport, “Hosting the World Championships just two years before the sport’s Olympic debut is a huge moment for Ireland. We’re honoured to bring the global OCR community to Limerick — and to showcase the passion, people, and places that make the Mid-West Region so special.”

Mr Adam Taylor (Aimwell Events), who travelled with Mr. Dikun to Portugal to present the bid, commented, “Bringing the OCR World Championships to Limerick is a landmark moment not only for the sport but for the entire Mid-West region. We’re proud to be part of the team delivering a world-class event that will attract thousands of athletes and fans from around the globe for this showcase event.”

Ms Danielle Devaney (Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau) said the benefits of hosting the World Championships would be far-reaching. She explained, “This event will leave a lasting legacy for the Mid-West. It’s a chance to welcome the world, be part of an Olympic story, and generate real economic impact for our communities across the region.”

Mr Michael Lynch, (CEO of Limerick Racecourse), stated, “We are delighted to be working with the event stakeholders towards delivery of this prestigious event. This is a proud moment for us. Limerick Racecourse offers a potentially spectacular setting for OCR, and we can’t wait to see it transformed into a world championship arena.”

This week’s event announcement coincides with Limerick playing host to the first-ever European 400m OCR Championships, which will take place at the University of Limerick from July 18th to 20th. That event will bring 300 elite athletes from across Europe to Ireland, marking the country’s first major international OCR competition.

Mr David Ward (Sports Business Development Manager at the University of Limerick), added, “With OCR going to the Olympics, this is a sport on the rise. UL is proud to help grow its global footprint by hosting the athlete village and supporting both this and the European Championships. It shows the scale of what this region can deliver.”

Organisers says the event will require hundreds of volunteers that will be vital to the smooth running of the championships, from obstacle marshals and hydration stations, to medal ceremonies, race kit distribution, and media support.

Visit www.ocrwc2025.com for information on this year’s OCR World Championships, taking place in Gothenburg, Sweden, in September.

Two-Mile-Borris Coffee Morning & Open Day.

Thurles Lions Club will sponsor a “Coffee Morning and Open Day” at the Two-Mile-Borris, Transport Museum, [Eircode E41 EE95], Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

This event will take place on Sunday morning, June 29th, 2025, beginning at 10:30am until 3:00pm, same afternoon.

Please Note: Part of the proceeds from this enjoyable event will go towards
the new Two-Mile-Borris Graveyard.

Uncultured Vandal Smears Historic Thurles Bridge Castle With Graffiti.

Despite street lighting being left switched on day and night in Thurles town, no person saw the graffiti “tagger” vandalising the wall of the historic Bridge Castle in our town centre.

Sadly, over the past 6 days, it would also appear that our Thurles Municipal District Councillors and officials remain totally unaffected by this errant and infantile behaviour, which now has become systemic, right across our town.

View the work of a delinquent, which now for 6 days remains on show in a town that craves foreign tourism.

Known historic background to Bridge Castle in Thurles
Bridge Castle Thurles overlooks Barry’s Bridge in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, latter which provides the main vehicle and pedestrian passage across the river Suir. The latter was originally constructed circa 1650 and was partially reconstructed again circa 1820.

This medieval Bridge Castle or tower house; the now focus of our attention is quite similar to many other such buildings erected across Ireland during the middle of the 15th century. Same was an attempt to control; collect tolls or taxes and if/when necessary to defend river crossings from marauding attacks by rival clans or invaders, using the small garrisons of armed soldiers, kept housed in such buildings.

Wash drawing of Bridge Castle, Thurles, 1779-1793.

This wash drawing, shown above, faces westward, (Circa 1779-1793, attributed to English artist J.J. Barralet 1747-1815.) shows the town of Thurles, with Barry’s Bridge and Bridge Castle in the foreground leading into the town centre, with a castle on the left, (Today the entrance to Friar Street.) and a Market House, centre in the town square. (Latter, partially ruined by fire, and eventually demolished in 1901 following the erection of the 1798 monument or Stone Man.) The castle building today still remains in excellent structural condition.

Plan of Bridge Castle,Thurles.
The Bridge Castle itself has dominated the Thurles skyline since 1453, built possibly by the Norman invader McRickard Butler of whom history records that he erected, that same year, two castles at Thurles and one at Buaidlic (Boulick).
It is a small three storey tower with a vault over the first floor. The original doorway may have been set in the west wall and connects to a spiral stairway which rises in the north west corner, giving full access to all the upper floors.
A small fragment of the once original east facing arched gateway of this once walled town protrudes today; attached to the north facing wall of this building.
The existing small pointed, arch doorway, a ‘Yett’, also on the north wall was possibly constructed to grant immediate access from the tower, for those charged with guarding this town entrance at this river crossing.

A ‘yett’ and the small fragment of the original east/west arched gateway which still exists on Thurles Castle/Tower House, Co. Tipperary.

Unlike a portcullis, which is raised and lowered vertically using mechanical means, yetts are hinged in the manner of a traditional gate or door and are secured either by bolts attached to the yett or by long bars drawn out from the wall or gateway.
Little history actually exists regarding Thurles Bridge Castle, however records do exist showing that on the 17th June 1617, the castle was leased: “Thomas, Lord Viscount Thurles, by deed grants to Richard Power, Donat O’Haly and Rd. Wale, all that castle called Bridge Castle with its appurtenances, parcel of the Manor and Lands of Thurles, for 21 years at £5 per annum and one swine (pig), one sheep and three capons.” *

* Note: A capon is a rooster that has been castrated to improve the quality of its flesh, for eating purposes.

The Down Survey (1655-1656), also known as the Civil Survey, (A mapping of Ireland undertaken by Sir William Petty, English Economist, Scientist and Philosopher), lists James Butler, Earl of Ormond (1610-1688) and Lady Elizabeth Butler (alias Preston) Viscountess Dowager of Thurles, (1615-1685) as the proprietors. Both the latter named are direct progenitors to the present heirs to the British Throne.

History also records that there were great celebrations in Thurles in 1768 when Francis Mathew, 1st Baron Landaff, later 1st Viscount Landaff and again later 1st Earl of Landaff (1738-1806), was elected Tipperary Member of Parliament, a position he held from 1768 to 1783. History informs us that bonfires burned, with the castle, bridge and market house illuminated. Plenty of free drink was available, with soldiers joining the local populace in the ensuing celebrations.

Hopefully, this repair work will be cheaper than the cleaning of Dublin’s Millennium Spire (also known as the Stiletto in the Ghetto; the Pin in the Bin, the Stiffy by the Liffey, the Spire in the Mire, or simply The Spike), which cost taxpayers €420.000 in 2020.

By the way, whoever goes down to clean this unsightly eyesore, same should be charged to remove the long plastic ribbons, found fluttering in the south-westerly breeze from the bridge’s street lights.
Local street wardens with their smart phones being used to photograph car reg numbers, should turn their attention to this blatant ribbon littering and prosecute the responsible “flag waving” individual. Someone will end up with an eye cornea damaged by these same razor sharp, plastic, ribbon edges, same being caught by the wind, and blown across the faces of unsuspecting, local pedestrians.