Mr Tim Maher (PRO),Bournea Reaching Out Historical Societyreports:-
The Bournea Reaching Out Historical Society has announced an upcoming public lecture examining the foundation and early years of Ireland’s national police service, An Garda Síochána. The event will take place in Lismackin Community Hall, on Monday, April 28th at 8:00 pm sharp, and all members of the public are warmly invited to attend.
The lecture will be delivered by renowned historian Dr John Reynolds, a former member of the Gardaí who trained at Templemore Garda College. Drawing on both academic research and personal insight, Dr Reynolds will explore the dramatic and often challenging beginnings of the force during a pivotal moment in Irish history.
Early Civic Guards. Note:In 1922 many recruits didn’t yet have standard uniforms.
An Garda Síochána traces its origins to February 1922, when the newly formed Provisional Government established the Civic Guard to replace the disbanded Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and take responsibility for policing the emerging Irish Free State . The initiative, closely associated with Michael Collins, aimed to create a national police service rooted in the community rather than the militarised traditions of the past.
The lecture will highlight key milestones in the formation of the force, including the early organisational meeting held in Dublin’s Gresham Hotel in February 1922 , the appointment of Michael Staines as the first Commissioner, and the transfer of authority symbolised by the Gardaí taking over Dublin Castle in August of that year.
Dr Reynolds will also examine the significant challenges faced during the early months, such as the Kildare Mutiny, which exposed tensions within the new force and ultimately shaped its development as an unarmed police service relying on public trust and moral authority . The transformation of the Civic Guard into An Garda Síochána under legislation in 1923, and its later unification with the Dublin Metropolitan Police in 1925, will also be discussed.
This promises to be an engaging and informative evening for anyone interested in Irish history, policing, or the foundations of modern Ireland.
The community is in deep mourning following the tragic death of a young mother who succumbed to injuries sustained in a violent incident in Co. Tipperary.
Scarlett Faulkner, a woman in her 20s from Limerick, passed away on Monday, April 13th 2026, in Cork University Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She had been receiving critical care after suffering severe head injuries in a brutal assault, latter which occurred on March 21st last in Birdhill, Co. Tipperary.
Despite the tireless efforts of medical teams and the unwavering hope of her family, Scarlett remained in a critical condition for several weeks before the heartbreaking decision was made to withdraw life-sustaining treatment.
Scarlett is remembered as a devoted mother, whose love for her young child and family was at the centre of her life. Tributes from loved ones describe her as a caring, strong, and deeply cherished individual whose loss will be felt profoundly by all who knew her.
The incident that led to her injuries has shocked communities across Ireland. Gardaí continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault, which involved multiple individuals and occurred in a public setting. Two people have been charged in connection with the case, which remains before the courts.
At this time, the thoughts of the wider community are with Scarlett’s family, especially her young child, as they face an unimaginable loss. Support services and family liaison officers remain in place to assist them during this difficult period.
The public is respectfully reminded not to share distressing content related to the incident and to allow the family privacy as they grieve.
The Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) has formally notified the National Ambulance Service (NAS) of planned strike action next month, marking a significant escalation in a long-running dispute with the Health Service Executive (HSE) over pay and working conditions.
Around 2,000 SIPTU members working across the ambulance service in Ireland, including Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), paramedics, advanced paramedics, specialist paramedics and supervisors, have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, up to and including full strike action.
The planned industrial action will begin with a 24-hour strike on 12 May, followed by a 48-hour stoppage starting on 19 May and a 72-hour stoppage from 26 May. Further strikes are also scheduled for June.
In addition, a work-to-rule will commence on 11 May, meaning staff will not cooperate with new procedures or changes introduced by management.
The dispute centres on the HSE’s failure to implement recommendations from an independent review published in 2020, which called for updated salary scales to reflect the increased responsibilities and workload of ambulance staff over the past two decades.
According to SIPTU, ambulance personnel now provide a far higher level of pre-hospital care than in the past, requiring additional training, qualifications and clinical decision making. The union argues that despite these expanded duties,including a significant increase in medication administration, staff pay and grading structures have not been updated to reflect these changes.
In her 92nd year and predeceased by her loving husband Willie, parents, brothers and sisters; Mrs Kavanagh, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, while in the care of staff at the Barrow Ward, St Lukes Hospital, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny, and staff at the Sacred Heart Nursing Home, Crosspatrick, Co. Kilkenny.
Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving daughters Mary (Murphy) and Olive (Horan), sons-in-law Michael and Michael, six adored grandchildren Billy, Sarah, Mike, Billy, JJ and Robert, nine great grandchildren, sister Breda Hickey, brother-in-law Liam Ryan, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Mrs Kavanagh will repose at Dermot Ronan’s Funeral Home, Ballingarry (SR), Thurles, (Eircode E41 YD96) on tomorrow afternoon, Tuesday, April 14th, from 5:00pm until 8:00pm same evening. Her funeral cortège will leave from her home at Foyle, Ballingarry (SR), Thurles, on Wednesday morning, April 14th, before being received into the Church of The Assumption, Ballingarry (SR), Thurles, (Eircode E41 X523), to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:30am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in the adjoining graveyard.
The extended Kavanagh and Pollard 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.
“The Kavanagh and Pollard families would also like to take this opportunity to thank most sincerely the entire team of staff at the Sacred Heart Nursing Home, Crosspatrick for the wonderful care shown to Aggie over the last two years”.
Pre-deceased by his parents Tom and Molly, brother Paddy, sisters Joan and Sally and baby daughter Angela Mary; Mr Duggan, sadly, passed away suddenly.
His passing is most deeply regretted sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Margaret, sons Brian and Tomás daughter Maria, adored grandchildren Mia, Lauren, Jack, John, Faye, Sally and Tom, Daughters-in-law Helena and Lucy and son-in-law Damien. brother Tom and sister Mary.
May he Rest In Peace
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Mr Duggan will repose at his place of ordinary residence(Eircode E41 XR28) on Thursday afternoon, April 16th, 2026, from 3:00pm until 7:00pm same evening. His funeral cortège will leave from his home on Friday morning, to be received into the Church of the Assumption, Ballingarry (SR), Thurles, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:30am, followed by interment immediately afterwards, in the adjoining old graveyard.
The extended Duggan 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.
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