Thurles Information

Tributes Paid As Cistercian Community Set To Leave Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.

Bishop Monahan Pays Tribute as Cistercian Community to Leave Roscrea for Mellifont.

Bishop Fintan Monahan of Killaloe has expressed deep sadness following confirmation that the Cistercian Community of Our Lady of Silence Abbey, Roscrea (formerly Mount Saint Joseph’s Abbey), is to relocate to Mellifont Abbey in Co Louth.

The Bishop noted that, since 1878, the abbey has been a cherished and faithful presence in the pastoral life of the Diocese of Killaloe, holding “a special place in the hearts of the people of Roscrea”, including all who prayed and worshipped there, generations of pupils, (former students, included former Taoiseach Mr Brian Cowen and former Tánaiste Mr Dick Spring), and staff connected with the school on the grounds since 1905, and those who benefited from retreats and the hospitality of the guesthouse. He also acknowledged the importance of the farm on the college grounds to the wider local community.

As stated, the abbey was founded in 1878 by a group of 32 monks from Mount Melleray Abbey, County Waterford. A number of years earlier Arthur John Moore MP of County Tipperary had visited Mt Melleray petitioning for it. The church was later opened for worship in 1883, on 600 acres in Mount Heaton, Roscrea, and a Boarding school, Cistercian College, Roscrea, was founded in 1905.

Bishop Monahan paid tribute to the contribution of the monks and school staff to education, highlighting the respected tradition of the boarding school and its strong sporting ethos. He confirmed that the Cistercians will continue as patrons of Cistercian College, ensuring the Cistercian spirit remains central to school life.

He said the abbey’s greatest gift has been its spiritual witness, including the long-standing availability of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the enduring legacy of figures such as Dom Eugene Boylan OCSO.

While acknowledging local disappointment, Bishop Monahan said he understands the decision follows prolonged prayerful discernment and reflects wider rationalisation in Church life today. He offered gratitude to Dom Rufus and the community, assuring them of prayers and good wishes as they undertake this transition.

Thurles Gardaí Shut Down Over 500 Suspected Illegal IPTV Accounts.

Gardaí Shut Down Over 500 Suspected Illegal IPTV Accounts Following Thurles Search Operation.

An Garda Síochána has confirmed that more than 500 accounts, suspected of accessing illegal TV streaming services, have been shut down following an intelligence-led operation conducted in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Gardaí searched a domestic residence in the Thurles area on Monday, March 2nd 2026, as part of an operation targeting the alleged provision of illegal streaming services and money laundering offences.

During the search, electronic devices were seized for examination. No arrests have been made at this time. However, a file is being prepared for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Background.
Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) delivers TV content over broadband or internet connections. The use of unauthorised IPTV services, often accessed through modified streaming devices commonly referred to as “dodgy boxes”, which may constitute a copyright offence under Irish law.

Under Section 140 of the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, certain copyright offences can carry significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment upon conviction on indictment.

Wider Context.
In separate reporting, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) has confirmed it has been engaging with Sky regarding the company’s efforts to tackle illegal streaming, including the proposed use of personal data in anti-piracy activity, subject to data protection requirements.

CCPC Warns Consumers After Asbestos Concerns Prompt Toy Recalls Across Ireland.

Just 5 days ago, (February 27th 2026), the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), issued an urgent consumer alert following recalls of toys sold in a number of retailers across Ireland due to the possible presence of asbestos.

Asbestos is banned across the EU because it poses a risk to health. The CCPC said a My Living World – Worm World Kit was recalled last week after laboratory testing detected tremolite asbestos in some samples of the sand included with the product. The kit is intended to house worms so children can study them.

The CCPC has also highlighted a separate recall being carried out by HTI Toys involving Stretcherz Toys, where the sand inside the product may contain asbestos.

Consumer advice.
The CCPC is advising anyone who has the affected products at home to:

Stop using the product immediately.
Seal the product in a heavy-duty plastic bag, label it clearly, and store it securely out of reach of children.
Contact your local authority for advice on collection and disposal.
Contact the retailer where the item was purchased to request a refund before disposal.
Full batch code details are available on the CCPC website.

Irish Retailers confirmed to date for the Worm World Kit.

The CCPC confirm the My Living World – Worm World Kit has been sold and distributed through a number of Irish retailers, including:

Oliver Douglas & Sons, Roscrea Road, Birr, Co Offaly.
Banba Toymaster, 48 Mary Street, Dublin 1.
Hopkins Toymaster, Main Street, Wicklow Town.
Toy Corner, Moycullen, Galway.
Eamonn Fahey Toymaster, Crossmolina Road, Ballina, Co Mayo
Kellys Toymaster, Church Road, Tullamore, Co Offaly

The CCPC also confirm it has been in contact with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), Scientific Laboratory Supplies Limited (SLS Ltd) and relevant schools regarding the Worm World Kit recall.

Death Of Mary Kamhal, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Monday 2nd March 2026, of Mrs Mary Kamhal (née Hickey), Gurtataggart, Thurles and formerly Bohernanave, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her grandson Patrick, parents Pat and Philomena; Mrs Kamhal sadly passed away unexpectedly.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving husband Roman, sons Adam and Michael, daughters Dearbhla, Luchia and Melissa, grandchildren, daughter-in-law Samantha, sons-in-law Dermot, Thomas and Jamie, brothers John, Pat, Philip and Denis, nephews, nieces, sisters-in-law Maura, Fiona, Monica and Claire, Roman’s Slovenian family, cousins, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs Kamhal will repose in Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, (Eircode E41 CP59), on Thursday afternoon, March 5th, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm same evening.
Her remains will be received into the Church of St Joseph and St Brigid, Bothar-na-Naomh, Thurles, on Friday morning, March 6th, at 10:30am, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:00am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Lognafulla, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mrs Kamhal, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.

The extended Kamhal and Hickey families wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.

Irish Government Warns Against Fuel Price Gouging.

Irish Government warns against fuel price gouging amid current Middle East tensions.

Taoiseach Mr Micheál Martin has said there is “no excuse for prices going up at the pumps yesterday, or indeed anywhere”, warning fuel and home-heating suppliers against taking unfair advantage of consumers in response to escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Speaking ahead of a Cabinet meeting, Mr Martin said Ireland currently has adequate supplies and noted that much of the State’s oil is sourced from the North Sea, including Norway. He acknowledged the situation could have implications over time if it does not stabilise, but said immediate price rises are not justified.

The Taoiseach said he has raised the issue with Minister for Energy Mr Darragh O’Brien and has engaged with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). The Government has asked the CCPC to examine the sector for any unfair pricing practices. He also pointed to ongoing work on energy affordability and wider EU-level discussions on energy pricing structures.

Enterprise Minister Mr Peter Burke said energy price rises are a concern for the economy, noting prices increased on Monday, while emphasising the country has continued to see solid growth despite geopolitical instability.