Thurles Information

Greyhound Racing Ireland Launches New Code Of Practice.

Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) / Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) today (Tuesday, 16 November 2021) launched a new Code of Practice that applies to any person who keeps, breeds, rears, trains, races, trades or transports a greyhound in Ireland.

**Pictured at the launch of the GRI Code of Practice at Limerick Greyhound Stadium. L – R Frank Nyhan *(Chairman RCÉ)*, Joann Murray (Welfare Officer), William Fitzgerald *(Veterinary Director)*.**

The Code is the latest in a series of GRI care and welfare initiatives being progressed, including the provision of care and foster care centres, the introduction of an expanded inspection programme for greyhound establishments, the operation of a Greyhound Injuries Support Scheme, and the recent commissioning of the Rásaíocht Con Éireann Traceability System (RCÉTS).

Frank Nyhan, Chairperson of the Board of GRI, said the principal theme of the Code is that the welfare and care of a greyhound must at all times take precedence over the demands of the stakeholders and all those involved in the greyhound industry.

“The overriding theme of this Code is that owners or keepers must plan for the whole of a greyhound’s life,” he added.

Mr. Nyhan explained that GRI has invested significantly on its care and welfare programme during 2021 despite the impact on commercial operations during COVID-19.

He continued, “GRI plans over the next 12-18 months include a further expansion of the Care Centre/Foster Centre Programme and continuing to financially incentivise the rehoming of greyhounds in Ireland through additional supports though the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT). From January to October 2021, the rehoming of 1,827 greyhounds has been achieved compared to 1,775 for the full year of 2020,” he added.

“GRI’S Welfare Team conducted 843 announced and unannounced inspections of greyhound establishments in the year up to the end of October. Additionally, Phase Two of the RCÉTS will add further functionality and reporting to the System when it is rolled out in 2022. This amongst other life events recorded, will include recording of injury data, including injuries that occur during official and unofficial trials at GRI stadia,” added Mr. Nyhan.

William Fitzgerald, GRI Veterinary Director, commented, “The launch of the new Code demonstrates how the care and welfare of greyhounds is an absolute priority for GRI. It is also underlines GRI’s commitment to implementing a broad and comprehensive programme of initiatives that further strengthen its level of direct engagement with owners, trainers and keepers across Ireland.”

Each section of the newly launched Code of Practice has been expanded compared to the previous Code. The Code features the addition of several new principles including a direction that all trainers and owners must maintain records, must be aware of their responsibilities under all laws/regulations, must avail of training programmes, and must plan of whole of greyhound’s life. The key sections of the GRI Code of Practice include the following:

Housing must be designed, constructed and maintained in a way that ensure the welfare of the greyhounds, prevents the transmission of infectious diseases, prevents escape of greyhounds and prevents injury to either human or greyhounds.
Greyhounds must be provided with an adequate amount of exercise for their overall health and wellbeing and must be appropriate for the greyhounds age, anatomy and behavioural pattern. Greyhounds must be given the opportunity to exercise outside of their kennel at least once a day.
Enrichment and Socialisation must be provided for the greyhound at all stages of their life to enhance their wellbeing, permit them to live in many social environments and to increase their suitability for rehoming.
Owners and/or Keepers must plan for the whole of a greyhound’s life and maximise opportunities for the rehoming of their retired greyhound. All efforts must be made to rehome greyhounds once retired and given the opportunity to spend the rest of their lives as pets.
Those caring for greyhounds must possess the ability, knowledge and competence necessary to maintain the health and welfare of greyhounds. Owners/Keepers must regular check the condition of greyhounds, including their dental health.
Each premises must have a designated Veterinary Practitioner that can provide assistance and treatment. Veterinary attention must be sought if greyhounds are showing any signs of ill health.
A suitable animal health programme agreed with Vet is required of all owners/keepers including vaccination programmes and a control programme for endoparasites (worms) and ectoparasites (fleas, ticks etc).
Owners must notify the ICC of the death of a greyhound. Both the owner and new owner must notify the ICC of the transfer or sale of any greyhound. Failure to do so is an offence under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011

The GRI Code of Practice is available to download from www.grireland.ie/codeofpractice.

Man In 70s Looses Life In Single Vehicle Accident In Tipperary.

A man, aged in his 70s, has been pronounced dead, following a single vehicle collision at 4:15pm, this afternoon in the vicinity of Main Street, Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary.

The road remained closed to allow for a technical examination by Forensic Collision Investigators, and local diversions were put in place.

Gardaí are now appealing for any road users who were travelling in that area this afternoon and who may have dash-camera footage; to make same available.

Anyone with information should contact Thurles Garda Station on Tel: 0504 25100, the Garda Confidential Line on Tel: 1800 666 111, or indeed any Garda Station.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis

Death Of Davy Kerwick, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death today, Monday 15th November 2021, of Mr David (Davy) Kerwick, Newpark, The Commons, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Predeceased by his parents Michael and Mary, his sisters Bridget and Mary and his brother Michael; Mr Kerwick sadly passed away while in the care of staff at Padre Pio Nursing Home, Holycross, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

His passing is most deeply regretted by his sisters Josephine, Margaret and Kathleen, his brothers John and James, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Kerwick will repose at Ronan’s Funeral Home, Ballingarry (SR), Thurles on Tuesday evening, November 16th, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm; before being received into the Church of the Assumption, Ballingarry (SR), Thurles, on Wednesday morning, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:30am.
Following Mass, interment will take place immediately afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.

[NB: Due to Public Health Guidelines, regarding C-19 virus restrictions; those attending will continue to observe strict adherence to social distancing and face covering.]

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

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Death Of Nuala Dowling, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death yesterday, Sunday 14th November 2021, of Mrs Nuala Dowling (née McGann), Slievenamon Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Athenry, Co. Galway.

Predeceased by her husband Bill, sisters Fidelma and Cora, brothers Cyril and Dermot, Mrs Dowling passed away peacefully, while in the care of staff at Acorn Lodge Nursing Home, Cashel, Co. Tipperary.

Her passing is most sadly missed by her loving family, daughters Dearbhla and Orla (Gleeson), grandchildren Cathal and Róisin, son in law Michael, nephews, nieces, sisters-in-law Brenda, Miriam and Teresa, brothers-in-law Michael and Larry, extended relatives, good neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs Dowling will repose at Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, on Wednesday evening, November 17th, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, before being received into St Peter’s Church, Moycarkey, Thurles at 7:30pm.
Requiem Mass for Mrs Dowling will take place on Thursday morning, November 18th, at 11:30am, followed by interment immediately afterwards in St Peter’s Cemetery, Moycarkey, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

[NB: Due to Public Health Guidelines, regarding C-19 virus restrictions; those attending will continue to observe strict adherence to social distancing and face covering.]

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

Note Please: House strictly private.

Suaimhneas síoraí dá h-anam dílis.

Covid-19 Cases On Irish Mainland Reach 6,027 Today.

There have been 4,570 new cases of Covid-19 reported by the Department of Health, over the past 24 hours, here in the Irish Republic.

Of these patients 117 are being treated in intensive care units; same an increase of 11 on yesterdays reported figures.

According to the HSE’s Chief Operations Officer, Ms Anne O’Connor; Ireland’s hospital system has almost reached full capacity and is now under widespread pressure in all parts of the island, due to the ongoing rise in Covid-19 admissions,

An Taoiseach Mr Micheál Martin has stated that Ireland is not looking at implementing a lock-down for those unvaccinated against Covid-19, however he would look with interest at how Austria implements its lock-down for those who have not as yet availed of vaccination.

Meanwhile, pregnant women are being encouraged to get a vaccine to protect against Covid-19, in a new HSE information messaging campaign, which advises that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect mother and baby from the virus.

In Northern Ireland, a further 1,457 cases of coronavirus were reported by their Department of Health today, up from 1,377 on yesterday’s figures.

There remain 412 patients with Covid-19 in northern hospitals, up from 397 cases reported on Friday last. There remain 37 patients with Covid-19 in their hospital intensive care units, up from 34 on Friday.

Sadly, 5 Covid-19 related deaths have also been reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in Northern Ireland, since the start of the pandemic, to 2,797.

In England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that British residents must now come forward for Covid-19 vaccines, when they are eligible, if new or further restrictions are to be avoided this winter season.

In China they are now battling the spread of their biggest Covid-19 outbreak, caused by the Delta variant, in north-eastern Dalian city, latter the financial centre of Northeast China. Chinese authorities are anxious to block any further transmissions under the government’s zero-tolerance guidance.

In Latvia, employers are permitted to dismiss any/all employees who refuse to get vaccinated against the killer virus, under new rules aimed at controlling the pandemic in that EU member state. Unvaccinated employees will be placed on three months of unpaid involuntary vacation and then laid off with one month’s salary as compensation, if they still refuse to get vaccinated. Same rule will apply to elected politicians.

Please do continue to keep yourself and your family safe by regularly washing your hands; wearing a mask when appropriate and please do cut down on your direct social contacts.