Thurles Information

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.

There’s A Blue Moon Over My World Without You.

Lyrics: Irish award winning singer-songwriter and musician Shunie Crampsey.
Vocals: The wonderful successful Irish musical duo of Mick Foster and Tony Allen. (Foster & Allen).

“There’s a Blue Moon Over My World Without You” is a gentle, deeply emotional song about the quiet emptiness left when someone special is gone. Written as a tribute to a treasured friend, it speaks to shared chats, warm memories, and the feeling that life looks different after loss. It’s a song that has resonated widely in Irish communities because it puts grief and gratitude into simple, comforting words.

The song’s message now regularly appears and is acceptable during public moments of remembrance, (i.e. funerals), underlining how closely the song is associated with paying tribute to someone dearly loved and missed.

There’s a Blue Moon Over My World Without You

I can only say the pleasure has been mine,
For at least I got to know you for a time,
But now you’re gone I don’t know what I’ll do,
There’s a blue moon over my world without you.

Each time we meet just sit and talk a while,
And things they seem much better with your smile,
When I think of all the things that you’ve been through,
There’s a blue moon over my world without you.

The stars will shine much brighter in the heavens now you’re there,
Each time I think about you I say a silent prayer.
I’ve lost a special friend so warm and true,
And there’s a blue moon over my world without you.

To each and every one comes judgement day,
Where all you take is what you gave away,
You gave so much to everyone that’s true,
And there’s a blue moon over my world without you.

The stars will shine much brighter in the heavens now you’re there,
Each time I think about you I say a silent prayer,
I’ve lost a special friend so warm and true,
And there’s a blue moon over my world without you.

Goodbye my special friend so warm and true,
There’s a blue moon over this world without you.

END

Death Of Kevin O’Connor, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, today Monday 2nd March 2026, of Mr Kevin O’Connor, Newtown, Drangan, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his parents Dermot and Statia; Mr O’Connor, sadly, passed away unexpectedly while in the care of staff at Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Gaye, sister Lily and brother-in-law Richard, nephews Ciaron and Conor and their wives Melody and Johanna, grand-nephews Tristan, Oskar and Luka, sisters-in-law Phyllis, Anne and Marion and their families, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr O Connor will repose at McCarthy’s Funeral Home, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, on Wednesday evening next, March 4th 2026, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm.
His remains will be received into the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Drangan, Thurles, on Thursday morning, March 5th, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:00am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.

The extended O’Connor family 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 anam dílis.