Thurles Information

A Changing Thurles Landscape.

Thurles Golf Club commenced work on Friday August 9th, to fell their commercial forestry at the Mill Road entrance to “Our Ladies Well” walk-way.
Walkers will be aware that the “Our Ladies Well” walk-way remained closed from both entrances (both from the Mill Road and N62 Turtulla entrances), on Wednesday 14th, Thursday 15th and Friday 16th last (August 2024), but has since opened again to the public.

**“Our Ladies Well Walk-Way”, Thurles.**
*Pic. G. Willoughby.*

Perhaps the seat on the walk-way, kindly sponsored by Dew Valley Meats, in Thurles, could now be moved slightly westward, into shelter.
In the coming months for those who may choose to“Dwell Awhile”, at where it resides presently, no shelter remains available and that line taken from an Irish blessing, “Go raibh an ghaoth go brách ag do chúl” (English translation- May the wind be always at your back.), I have no doubt was written for those walking and not for those seated.

Meanwhile; back on Barry’s Bridge, in the Thurles town centre, a mystery has unfolded.

**Where Are The Missing Chrome Bollards Gone?**
*Pic. G. Willoughby.*

Where are the 4 Chrome impact protection bollards/posts, each costing possibly €137.00 [ inc VAT. (Total €548.00) plus labour costs ] and once situated on the left-hand-side, as you crawl westward, slowly behind numerous HGV’s?
Were they stolen?
Were they struck by a heavy goods vehicle, (HGV)?

The bolts end, which once retained these missing chrome bollards to the pavement, suggest that an angle grinder had at least a small part to play in their sudden disappearance.

The waste of ratepayers money, by Tipperary Co. Council, continues.

Death Of Grace Mannix, Formerly Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Monday 19th August 2024 of Mrs Grace Mannix (née Conway), Caherconlish, Janesboro, and Thomondgate, Co. Limerick and late of ‘The Ragg’, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

In her 91st year and pre-deceased by her husband Paddy, baby daughter Anne and her sister Eileen; Mrs Mannix sadly passed away while in the care of staff at St. Michael’s Nursing Home, Caherconlish, Co. Limerick.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; children Patrick, Anne-Marie, Michael, Gráinne, Mary and Siobhán, their partners Seán, Edel, Ger and David, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister Angela, sister-in-law Eileen and husband Sean, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and many friends

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs Mannix will be received into the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Janesboro. Co. Limerick on Saturday morning, 24th August next, to repose for Requiem Mass at 10:00am, followed, immediately afterwards, by interment in nearby Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery, Spital-Land, Limerick City, Co. Limerick.

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

The extended Mannix and Conway 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 extended Mannix and Conway families wish to offer sincere thank you to the staff of Ashdown Medical Centre, who took such wonderful care of Mrs Mannix for many years; to the staff and residents at St Michael’s Nursing Home for their exceptional kindness, friendship and care; to Fr. Roy Donovan who brought Mrs Mannix such comfort and peace, and to her beloved home carer Elaine, who always went ‘over and above’, also, for Mrs Mannix.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.

Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) Publish Annual Report For 2023.

With the July 2023 completion of Forensic Science Ireland’s (FSI) long-awaited purpose-built facility, the 2023 report reflects on a landmark year for Forensic Science Ireland during which:-

Submissions to FSI increased by 5% overall compared to 2022.
FSI issued over 21,700 forensic reports.
FSI assisted in 171 body identification and Missing Person investigations.
11 missing persons were identified in 2023 with FSI’s assistance.
FSI identified Nitazene, a potent synthetic opioid, as responsible for a cluster of overdoses in heroin users in November 2023.
FSI progressed the introduction of an upgraded AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System).
FSI progressed the introduction of a new system for automation of DNA processing data.
FSI secured accreditation to the ISO: 2017 17025 Quality Standard for several forensic services in the new building, including drugs testing, fingerprint mark enhancement and comparison, Documents & Handwriting, Blood Pattern Analysis and Damage assessment.

FSI’s new campus at Backweston Science Campus, Stacumny Lane, Celbridge. Co.Kildare (W23 FT2X) is a major investment in forensic services for the State, which play a crucial role in criminal investigations as well as DNA identification services for missing persons.

FSI has performed strongly in relation to its 2023 targets in spite of managing a complex transition to its new laboratory without any interruption to the provision of its important services.

FSI’s expertise and analysis of evidence helps to secure hundreds of convictions a year, in the most serious of criminal cases.

In line with legislative requirements, 10,691 DNA samples taken from individuals for the purposes of generating a DNA profile were destroyed in 2023. 6,590 profiles were removed from the National DNA Database in 2023. This is an indication that FSI is adhering to the important safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the DNA Database and the persons whose DNA data is recorded on it.

FSI will hosts the European Academy of Forensic Science (EAFS) in the Dublin Convention Centre in May 2025. EAFS is Europe’s biggest forensic science event, bringing together over 1,000 forensic science practitioners, stakeholders, and partners from across the forensic science community to showcase the depth and breadth of developments in forensic science. This is a great opportunity for FSI to showcase the range of talents and capabilities on the European stage and make EAFS 2025 a memorable event. It is significant that FSI’s hosting of EAFS in 2025 coincides with its 50-year anniversary.

The full Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) Annual Report For 2023 can be found HERE.

Death Of Joseph Doran, Formerly Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Monday 19th August 2024, of Mr Joseph Doran, Stamullen, Co. Meath and formerly of Ardara Avenue, Donaghamede and Drangan, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his parents Catherine and John, (Drangan Co Tipperary); Mr Doran sadly passed away while in the loving care of staff at St Francis Hospice, Raheny, Co. Dublin; surrounded by his loving family

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; wife Rose and his daughters Catherine and Linda, sons-in-law Tommy and Ronan, grandchildren Sean, Ryan, Cian & Sophie. brothers-in-law Packie and JJ Carey, sister-in-law Mary Margret, nieces, nephews (Doolough Belmulet), extended relatives, neighbours and friends .

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

A funeral service for Mr Doran will take place at 12:30pm, on Thursday next, August 22nd at Dardistown Crematorium, Collinstown Cross, Old Airport Rd, Dardistown, Dublin, [K67 HP26].

The extended Doran 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 St Francis Hospice, Raheny. Co. Dublin.

In ár gcroíthe go deo.

River Suir Thurles In Unacceptable State – Continued.

The video which demonstrated the deplorable and completely unacceptable state of the first 50 metres of the river Suir south of Barry’s Bridge, in the very centre of our declining town of Thurles, was further supported by comments on social media. All comments indicated the disappointment felt by residents with regards to council officials and elected councillors and the degrading of Thurles.
Ms Sharon Scully (Thurles District Administrator) was, (as is usual with Thurles.Info), made aware of our dissatisfaction.

We will of course be forwarding an email to Ms Scully again later tonight, seeking further assistance with regards to the next 100 metres of this town’s valued river Suir.

Pic (1) Despite two days with no rain, evidence of ground water continuously flowing from under the Leisure Centre. Note the plastic papers ready to exit, come the next downpour to push open the heavy drain lid.
**Pic (2, 3, 4) *Supermarket Trolley’s which have remained in the River Suir for months*.**

What we would like is that Ms Scully would contact three of the local Supermarkets, latter backing unto the river Suir, asking that they remove their shopping trolleys from the water.

I know that Ms Scully will be anxious to observe this area herself, (after all seeing is believing), and so there are two other issues she might help us with, which are as follows:-

(1). Take a walk on now retired Mr S. Hanifin’s tarmac path from the ‘Swinging Gates’, on Emmet Street and examine the crater close to the now deceased Chestnut tree stump, same waiting for some pedestrian to fall into. (Yet another day out in Dirty Dublin, emerging for Tipperary Co. Council to visit the High Court, may still await.)

**Pic (*left*)** – Giant crater on riverside walk near Emmet Street *‘Swinging Gates’*.
Pic (*right*) – Some unknown liquid flowing into the river Suir from behind the future useless and yet unfunded *‘Thurles Inner Relief Road’*.

(2). What is flowing into the river Suir from a drain at the area where the inner relief road will be built. (Look, it’s possible that it was someone just brushing their teeth). Sure you know the area that I am talking about, didn’t TD Mr Jackie Cahill get the money from government to buy and update this area way back in 2021, or was he joking. [See video HERE quickly, before someone teaches him how to remove it.]