Thurles Information

Record Numbers Receive Irish Citizenship Decisions In 2024

Over 30,000 Citizenship decisions made in 2024, the most made in a single year since records began.
More than 6,000 people to be naturalised in Killarney this week.
Digitisation of services have resulted in significantly improved service.

Citizenship ceremonies were first introduced in 2011 in order to mark the occasion of the granting of citizenship in a dignified and solemn manner. Since Citizenship Ceremonies were first introduced, there has been a total of 197 Ceremonies (inclusive) with people from over 180 countries receiving their certificates of naturalisation.
To date, over 191,000 people have received Irish citizenship since 2011; 108 of whom are resident in Co. Tipperary.

This year will see a record number of people take the final steps towards receiving their Irish citizenship, with over 30,000 decisions made in 2024. The numbers represent a significant increase on the 20,000 decisions made in 2023, and is nearly double the number of decisions made in 2022.

This Monday and Tuesday alone, over 6,000 new Irish citizens will be granted citizenship in seven ceremonies being held at the INEC Killarney. The Ceremonies will see applicants from 140 countries around the world, and living in 32 counties on the island of Ireland, being conferred as Irish citizens.

The Presiding Officers at the ceremonies over the next two days are retired Justice Mr Paddy McMahon, and retired President of the High Court, Ms Mary Irvine, latter who will confer the attendees with Irish Citizenship. Both will administer the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State. The new Irish citizens will undertake to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.

Significant changes have been introduced in the Citizenship Division of the Department of Justice to speed up the application process for applicants, including the introduction of an online digital application, online payments, and eVetting. Going forward, it is envisaged that the majority of applications based on residency will receive a decision within 12 months.

It is important to note that no two applications are the same, and some take longer than others to process. Applicants are required to have 5 years reckonable residence in the State prior to making an application. Citizenship Division has held 24 citizenship ceremonies this year, an increase from the 15 ceremonies held last year, and the 6 that were held in 2022.

More information on the application process is available at the following link shown HERE.

Death Of Dominic McMonagle, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Saturday 30th November 2024, of Mr Dominic McMonagle, Glengoole, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his father Bill and nephew Patrick; Mr McMonagle passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, while in the care of staff at St Lukes Hospital, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; his mother Teresa, sister Rosaleen, brothers Sean, Mark and Michael, sister-in-law Fiona, associates Philip, Assumpta and Natalie, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr McMonagle will repose at O’Connell’s Funeral Home, Killenaule, Thurles, (E41 HH66) tomorrow afternoon, Monday December 2nd, from 4:30pm until 7:00pm same evening.
His remains will be received into the Church of St Patrick and St Oliver, Glengoole, Thurles on Tuesday morning, December 3rd, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:30am, followed by interment in the adjoining graveyard.

The extended McMonagle 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.

A Song For A Sunday

Christmas Time.

Vocals: Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, record producer and photographer Bryan Guy Adams.
Lyrics: Brian Adams and Canadian songwriting, drummer (Rock Band PRiSM), arranger and producer Jim Vallance.

Christmas Time.

We waited all through the year,
For the day to appear.
When we could be together in harmony,
You know the time will come.
Peace on earth for everyone,
And we can live forever,
In a world where we are free,
Let it shine for you and me.
Something about Christmas time,
Something about Christmas time,
That makes you wish it was Christmas everyday.
See the joy in the children’s eyes,
The way that the old folks smile,
Says that Christmas will never go away.
We’re all as one tonight,
Makes no difference if you’re black or white,
‘Cause we can sing together, in harmony.
I know it’s not too late,
The world would be a better place,
If we can keep the spirit.
More than one day in the year,
Send a message loud and clear,
Something about Christmas time,
Something about Christmas time,
That makes you wish it was Christmas everyday.
To see the joy in the children’s eyes,
The way that the old folks smile,
Says that Christmas will never go away.
It’s the time of year when everyone’s together,
Celebrate here on Christmas day,
When the ones you love are there,
You can feel the magic in the air,
You know it’s everywhere.
Something about Christmas time,
Something about Christmas time,
Something about Christmas time,
Something about Christmas time,
That makes you wish it was Christmas every day.
See the joy in the children’s eyes,
The way that the old folks smile,
Says that Christmas will never go away.
Something about Christmas time,
Something about Christmas time,
That makes you wish it was Christmas everyday.
To see the joy in the children’s eyes,
The way that the old folks smile,
Says that Christmas will never go away.
Please tell me Christmas will never go away.

END

Death Of Kitty Boland, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, on Thursday 28th November 2024 of Ms Catherine (Kitty) Boland, Leugh, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

In her 84th year and pre-deceased by her parents Michael and Mary, brothers Thomas, Pat and John, sister Eileen, sister-in-law Catherine, brothers-in-law Paddy and Danny, nephews Tommy and Michael; Ms Boland sadly passed away tragically.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; sister Pauline, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, great-grand-nieces, great-grand-nephews, sisters-in-law Joan and Mary, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Ms Boland will repose at Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, on Monday afternoon, December 2nd, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, same evening.
Her remains will be received into the Cathedral of the Assumption, Cathedral Street, Thurles on Tuesday morning next, December 3rd, at 10:30am, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:00am, followed by a Cremation Service at Shannon Crematorium, Illaunmanagh, Shannon, Co. Clare, (V14 PV30) at 3:00pm.

For those persons who are unable to attend the funeral service for Ms Boland, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.

The extended Boland 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.

Note Please: House strictly private.

Suaimhneas síoraí dá h-anam dílis i dteannta na Naomh agus na n-aingeal.

Switching On Of Thurles Christmas Lights.

Thurles Christmas lights will be officially switched on at 6:00pm sharp, on Friday evening next, December 6th 2024.
The lighting ceremony will take place in the centre of Liberty Square, with staged live music; same starting at 5:30pm, and continuing until 7:00pm.

Santa will be also in Thurles on Friday December 6th, in Thurles Tourist office (on Slievenamon Road).

We hear also that a Santa Grotto will be open at the above stated Tourist Office in the town, beginning each Saturday; starting from December 7th, and operating between the hours of 2:00pm and 4:00pm.
(Kids, don’t you worry about the lack of parking on Liberty Square, in Thurles; Santa always parks on the roof.)

Parents Do Note: A small appearance fee (€3.00) will be charged for this Santa Grotto service, to all children attending, (obviously to cover the cost of feeding carrots to Santa’s reindeer).

Q. Can you guess what Mrs. Santa Claus said to Santa when she looked up at the sky last Christmas Eve?
A. “Looks like rain dear”.

Q. What do you call Santa when he’s wearing his ear muffs?
A. You can call him anything you like; sure he can’t hear you.

Q. And while we are on the topic, how is Christmas like a day at the office?
A. You do all the work, and that fat guy, in the suit, gets all the credit.

Q: What goes “oH oH oH” at Christmas?
A: Santa walking backwards.