|
|
A series of public online auctions involving gold assets seized during criminal investigations has successfully generated more than €1.8 million for the State, authorities have confirmed.
The auctions were conducted following extensive operations led by An Garda Síochána, specifically targeting proceeds linked to drug trafficking and money laundering activities uncovered by the Dublin Crime Response Team.
In total, approximately 18.8 kilograms of gold bullion were sold across four separate auction events, raising a combined €1,803,810. The initiative forms part of ongoing law enforcement strategies aimed at dismantling organised crime networks by confiscating and repurposing illicit assets.
The auctions, which began earlier this year and were facilitated by Wilsons Auctions, were accessible to members of the public, ensuring transparency throughout the disposal process. Individual auction rounds generated significant returns, with proceeds of €456,395, €500,430, €438,265, and €408,720 respectively.
Officials emphasised that reclaiming criminal proceeds is a critical component of disrupting illegal operations. Detective Inspector Ken Holohan of the Dublin Metropolitan Region highlighted that redirecting such funds to the State not only removes financial incentives for crime but also reinforces public trust in the justice system.
All net proceeds from the auctions will be transferred to the national Exchequer, reinforcing State resources and underscoring a continued commitment to combating organised criminal activity.
It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, today Saturday 2nd May 2026 of Mrs Maura Griffin (née O’Leary), Bishopstown, Co. Cork and late of Clongour, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Pre-deceased by her beloved husband Luke, parents William and Helena, and siblings Liam, Eamon, Neilus, Eileen and Dolores; Mrs Griffin passed away peacefully.
Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving sons Anthony and Arthur (Thurles), daughters-in-law Cathy and Bridie (Thurles), sisters Margot, Anna and Catherine, cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Mrs Griffin will repose at the Wilton Funeral Home, Sarsfield Road, Doughcloyne, Co. Cork, on Monday afternoon next, May 4th, from 5:00pm until 6:00pm.
Her remains will be received into the Church of the Real Presence, Curraheen Road, Bishopstown, Co. Cork, on Tuesday, May 5th, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 12:00 noon, followed by interment immediately afterwards in Rathcooney Cemetery, Rathcooney, Co. Cork.
For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mrs Griffin, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended Griffin and O’Leary 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.
Note Please: Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to the Irish Heart Foundation, in memory of Mrs Maura Griffin.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.
Community Water Officer Mr Darragh Kelly with LAWPRO (Local Authority Waters Programme) reports:
I am delighted to announce that the 2026 Small Grants & Events Scheme is now open for applications.
I attach a copy of the revised 2026 guidelines and also a link HERE to the Small Grants and Events Scheme 2026 portal.
This grant scheme is designed for community groups seeking support for small-scale initiatives and events that fall outside of LAWPRO’s targeted funding calls. It supports activities such as World Wetlands Day, Biodiversity Week, Science Week, and similar events.
Funding may also be used for awareness-raising initiatives including surveys, action plans, citizen science projects, meetings, workshops, litter picks, publications, biodiversity signage, and other small-scale projects.
Note: All applications must demonstrate a clear focus on water quality or water awareness.
Please Also Note: This application form must not be used for events taking place during Heritage Week (15th–23rd August 2026). A separate application process for Heritage Week funding will be announced in advance.
Download Guidelines for LAWPRO Small Grants and Events Scheme 2026.
→ Please ensure you are logged in as a registered user, before you start completing a form.
◘ You must contact your local Community Water Officer before making an application.
→ Contact details for LAWPRO’s CWOs can be found HERE.
◘ Each application will be assessed based on its merits as it is submitted.
→ There is no obligation on LAWPRO to request any outstanding or supporting information.
◘ Please read the Guidelines carefully before making an application.
A long-running land dispute in Tipperary has taken another decisive turn after the High Court upheld a permanent ban preventing a local farmer from accessing lands once owned by his family.
Farmer Mr Patrick Heffernan failed in his bid to extend the time to appeal a Circuit Court ruling that bars him from entering or trespassing on an 83-hectare farm near Fethard, Co. Tipperary. The lands were sold in 2022 for €1.5 million, to US-based businessman Mr Maurice Regan.
Court Rejects Late Appeal.
The High Court heard that Mr Heffernan sought extra time to appeal an earlier decision but filed his application 63 days after the deadline had expired. Justice Eileen Roberts ruled that while he may have intended to appeal, there was no valid reason for missing the 28-day time limit.
The judge noted that Mr Heffernan claimed he “forgot” the deadline, while attempting to obtain court documentation, but this did not constitute a sufficient excuse.
Background to the Dispute.
The lands had been mortgaged to financial institutions before being transferred to finance firms and ultimately sold by receivers in June 2022.
Following the sale, tensions escalated when Mr Heffernan refused to remove livestock from the property. Court records described “serious difficulties” between both parties, leading Mr Regan to seek legal intervention.
Last year, January 2025, the Circuit Court granted an injunction restraining Mr Heffernan from entering the lands, interfering with locks or signage, or obstructing access.
Criminal Convictions and Garda Intervention.
The dispute also involved multiple legal breaches. Mr Heffernan was twice convicted of criminal damage for cutting locks and once for removing CCTV cameras. He spent 87 days in custody after refusing bail conditions that required him to stay away from the farm.
Gardaí were called to intervene during the conflict, and further legal consequences were warned if trespassing continued.
Claims Rejected by Court.
Mr Heffernan argued that the receivers had no legal authority to sell the land and alleged fraud in the transaction. He also claimed the property was worth €3.5 million, placing it outside the Circuit Court’s jurisdiction.
However, Justice Roberts rejected these claims, stating the €1.5 million sale price, reflecting land without vacant possession, fell within the court’s remit.
Final Outcome.
The High Court concluded that there had been no breach of fair procedures and that proper notice of the original hearing had been given.
Mr Heffernan’s application was dismissed in full, with costs awarded against him, leaving the permanent ban firmly in place.
Recall of a batch of Organic Moringa Powder, supplied by Nuts in Bulk, due to the presence of Salmonella.
Alert Summary dated Friday, May 1st 2026.
Category 1: For Action.
Alert Notification: 2026.18.
Product Identification: Nuts in Bulk Organic Moringa powder; (all pack sizes), and Organic Moringa powder; pack size: 25kg and 3kg (supplied by Nuts in Bulk).
Batch Code: MPCHS1224; best before date: 31/12/2027.
Message: The above batch of Organic Moringa Powder, supplied by Nuts in Bulk, is being recalled due to the presence of Salmonella. Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.
Nature Of Danger: People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.
Action Required: Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers & retailers:
Wholesalers / Distributors: Same are requested to contact their affected customers and recall the implicated batch and provide a point-of-sale recall notice to retailer customers.
Retailers Same are requested to remove the implicated batch from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.
Consumers: Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch.
|
Support Us Help keep Thurles.info online by donating below. Thank you.
Total Donated 2026: €290.00
Thank You!
Daily Thurles Mass Livestream
|
Recent Comments