Thurles Information

New Gardaí Strengthen Policing Across Ireland And Tipperary.

A total of 193 new members of An Garda Síochána were formally sworn in today Friday, May 1st 2026, marking another significant step in the ongoing expansion of Ireland’s police force. The attestation ceremony took place at the Garda College in Templemore, County Tipperary, where all Garda recruits undergo their initial training before entering operational service.

The newly attested class consists of 134 men and 59 women, reflecting continued recruitment efforts aimed at strengthening frontline policing nationwide. Following their ceremony, the recruits officially became probationer Gardaí and are now being deployed to communities across the country. This group brings the total number of sworn Garda members to 14,661, highlighting a steady increase in personnel since recruitment resumed in recent years.

As expected, the largest allocation of new Gardaí has been directed toward the crime ridden Dublin Metropolitan Region, with 141 officers assigned there to support high-demand urban policing. Much smaller numbers have been distributed to other regions, including the Eastern, Southern, and North Western divisions, ensuring a minor nationwide boost in policing visibility and response capacity.

For counties such as Tipperary, the impact of this intake is modest but still important. While only a small number of new Gardaí will be assigned to the wider Southern Region, they are likely to be placed in key operational hubs such as Thurles, Templemore, Clonmel, or Nenagh. These larger stations serve as central bases for policing surrounding rural areas, including smaller stations in towns like Borrisoleigh, Templetuohy, and Killenaule. Newly attested Gardaí typically begin their service in busier stations, where they gain frontline experience in patrol duties, emergency response, and community policing before potentially rotating to smaller local stations.

The attestation also reflects a broader strategy by the Irish Government to maintain a steady pipeline of Garda recruits. New trainee classes are scheduled to enter Templemore every few months, ensuring continued growth in Garda numbers and supporting high-visibility policing initiatives across the country.

Overall, this latest group of Gardaí represents not just an increase in numbers, but a continued investment in community safety. For areas like Thurles and the wider Tipperary district, even a small number of additional officers can make a meaningful difference, enhancing local policing presence and strengthening connections between Gardaí and the communities they serve.

Ending Youth Wage Inequality In Ireland.

On International Workers’ Day, the spotlight has once again turned to a controversial issue in Ireland’s labour market: sub-minimum wages for young workers. According to the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), more than 27,000 young people are currently earning less than the standard minimum wage; a figure that has sparked renewed calls for reform.

Ireland remains one of the few countries in the EU where workers under 20 can legally be paid less than the full minimum wage. These reduced rates are structured by age, meaning younger employees may receive as little as 70% – 90% of the adult rate, regardless of their experience or responsibilities.
The NYCI argues that this system amounts to “age-based pay discrimination,” sending a troubling message that younger workers’ contributions are inherently less valuable. Ms Kathryn Walsh, Director of Policy and Advocacy at NYCI, has warned that such policies deepen inequality and undermine living standards for young people already facing rising costs of living.

Beyond fairness, there are growing concerns about exploitation. Research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) suggests some employers may rely on lower youth wage rates to offset rising labour costs as the national minimum wage increases. This creates a system where young workers are not only paid less, but may also be more vulnerable to insecure and precarious employment conditions.
For many young people, minimum wage jobs already offer limited stability. Lower pay rates can make it even harder to afford basic living expenses or plan for the future.

The NYCI believes abolishing sub-minimum wages is a necessary step toward ensuring dignity, equality, and fair treatment in the workplace.

As Ireland moves toward a “living wage” model in the coming years, pressure is mounting on policymakers to act. Ending sub-minimum pay rates would not only align Ireland with broader European standards but also signal a commitment to valuing all workers equally,regardless of age.

Love Is like A Butterfly.

Lyrics and Vocals: American singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman Ms Dolly Rebecca Parton.

According to Ms Parton’s lyrics; love arrives quietly, like something you almost don’t notice at first. It lingers in the air with a softness that feels both fragile and endless. It doesn’t rush, instead it drifts and lingers before choosing you gently and finally settling, like something so delicate you’re afraid to hold too tightly, yet so beautiful that you never want to let it go. The song was released in 1974 as one of her signature country hits.

Love Is like A Butterfly.

Love Is like A Butterfly.

Love is like a butterfly,
As soft and gentle as a sigh,
The multicolored moods of love are like its satin wings.
Love makes your heart feel strange inside,
It flutters like soft wings in flight,
Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing.
I feel it when you’re with me,
It happens when you kiss me,
That rare and gentle feeling that I feel inside.
Your touch is soft and gentle,
Your kiss is warm and tender,
Whenever I am with you, I think of butterflies.
Love is like a butterfly
The multicolored moods of love are like its satin wings.
Love makes your heart feel strange inside,
It flutters like soft wings in flight,
Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing.
Your laughter brings me sunshine,
Every day is springtime,
And I am only happy when you are by my side.
How precious is this love we share,
How very precious, sweet and rare,
Together, we belong like daffodils and butterflies.
Love is like a butterfly,
As soft and gentle as a sigh,
The multicolored moods of love are like its satin wings.
Love makes your heart feel strange inside,
It flutters like soft wings in flight,
Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing.
Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing.
(Love is like a butterfly)

END

GoodLife Spicy Bean Burgers Recalled By FSAI.

Recall of a batch of GoodLife Spicy Bean Burger due to the possible presence of plastic pieces.

Alert Summary Dated Thursday, April 30th 2026.

Category 1: For Action
Alert Notification: 2026.17
Product Identification: GoodLife Spicy Bean Burger; pack size: 454 g
Batch Code: L6030; best before date: 28/07/2027

Message: The above batch of GoodLife Spicy Bean Burger is being recalled due to the possible presence of plastic pieces. Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.

Action Required: Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers, retailers and consumers:

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.

Death of Bob Hall, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, today Thursday 30th April 2026, of Mr Robert (Bob) Hall, Graystown, Killenaule, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Mr Hall passed away peacefully at his place of ordinary residence, surrounded by his loving family.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Anne, daughters Sarah and Sinéad, sons Robert and Kevin, grand-daughters Meadhbh, Clodagh and Éadaoin, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Hall will repose at his residence, (Eircode E41 C822), on Saturday afternoon next, May 2nd, from 5:00pm until 8:00pm same evening.
His remains will be received into the Church of St. Mary, Bailey Street, Killenaule, Thurles on Sunday morning, May 3rd, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:00am, followed by interment immediately afterwards, in Moyglass Cemetery, Fethard, Co. Tipperary.

For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mr Hall, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.

The extended Hall 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: Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Irish Cancer Society in memory of Mr Robert (Bob) Hall.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.