Thurles Information

Death Of Nellie Mooney, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, today Wednesday 17th December 2025, of Mrs Helen (Nellie) Mooney (née O’Brien), Sunnyside, Dublin Road, Thurles, Tipperary and formerly Cragg, Newport, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her parents Michael and Mary, and sister Margaret (Lim); Mrs Mooney passed away peacefully after a long illness most bravely borne, while in the care of staff at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; devoted husband Eddie, brothers Michael (Gortnahoe) and Arthur (Cragg), sister Maria (O’Keeffe, Ballinunty), niece Avalon, nephews Fabian and Fiac, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, sister-in-law Maura, brother-in-law Bart, cousins, extended relatives, carers, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs Mooney will repose at Hugh Ryan’s Funeral, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, (Eircode E41 CP59), on Thurday afternoon, December 18th from 5:00pm until 7:00pm same evening.
Her remains will be received into the Cathedral of the Assumption, Cathedral Street, Thurles, (Eircode E41 A528), on Friday morning, December 19th, at 10:30am to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:00am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road Lognafulla, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

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

The extended Mooney and O’Brien 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.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.

Death Of Danny O’Dwyer, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Tuesday 16th December 2025, of Mr Daniel (Danny) O’Dwyer, Lanespark, Ballynonty, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his father Martin, mother Kitty and sister Mary; the passing of Mr O’Dwyer, is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Phyllis, daughter Carol and son Robert, grandchildren Sarah, James and Danny, son-in-law Donal, brothers Martin and John, brothers-in-law Tommy, Eugene and Liam, nephews and nieces, extended relatives, neighbours and large circle of friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr O’Dwyer Will repose at O’Connell’s Funeral Home, Killenaule, Thurles, (Eircode E41 HH66), on tomorrow afternoon, Thursday from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, before being received into the Church of St. Mary, Killenaule, Thurles, at 7:15pm same evening.
Requiem Mass will be offered for Mr O’Dwyer on Friday morning at 11:30am, followed by a service of cremation later.

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

The extended O’Dwyer 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.

Tipperary Soil Travels To Illinois For Newborn’s “First Step” On Irish Ground.

The clip hereunder points to a well-known Kerrygold television advertisement, in which an Irish emigrant brings home soil abroad so that a child born overseas can “touch Irish soil first”.

Tipperary to Illinois.

A box of soil and grass gathered in Co Tipperary has been sent nearly 4,000 miles to the United States after an American couple asked that their newborn daughter’s first touch of “Irish ground” could happen at their home.

Mr Michael Murphy and his wife Nikki, who live in Illinois, arranged the delivery through friends in Tipperary shortly after the birth of their daughter, Vivienne, last month. The couple have not visited Ireland, but Mr Murphy can trace his family roots to Co. Armagh and says Irish culture has long been a major interest in their home.

A short video showing Vivienne’s foot touching the box of Irish soil was shared on social media some weeks ago and has since attracted almost five million views.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Murphy described the moment as being deeply meaningful for their family, and said they hope to visit Ireland sometime in the future, including the River Shannon and family places connected with his grandfather in Belleek, Co Armagh. He said the gesture was also intended as a lesson for their daughter encouraging her curiosity, respect and openness to other cultures.

Superhero Litter Of 15 Pups Born To Parents Omma & Mango In Tipperary.

“Superhero litter” of 15 pups born in Tipperary as Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland marks record milestone

Two-Mile-Borris Correspondent Mr Gerry Bowe Reports:-

Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) has welcomed a record-breaking litter of 15 Labrador puppies; nine males and six females, born to proud parents Omma and Mango at a foster home in Leigh, Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, Co Tipperary.
The puppies arrived between 4:00am and 1:00pm on October 22nd at the home of Mr/Mrs Robert and Bridget [nee Kerwin (formerly Moycarkey Thurles)] Hayes, thus marking the largest litter in the charity’s personal history.

**Mr Robert & Mrs Bridget Hayes, Leigh, Two-Mile- Borris, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.**
*Photo Courtesy Ms Sophie Duchaney*.

Affectionately dubbed the “Superhero Litter”, each puppy has been named after a superhero to reflect the life-changing role many of them may one day play for autistic children and their families: Marvel, Phoenix, Harley, Rogue, Storm, Wanda, Peter, Rocket, Falcon, Groot, Loki, Flash, Thor, Hulk and Dara.

“Every puppy born here has the potential to become someone’s superhero,” said Ms Elaine Cannon, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland Brood Programme Manager.

**Pic Shows: Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) members Ms Elaine Cannon, Ms Sarah Murphy, Ms Jessica Santos, Mrs Bridget Hayes, and Ms Rose Hurley.**
*Photo Courtesy Ms Sophie Duchaney*.

Behind the milestone is a quieter story of nights interrupted and hands-on care: AADI said volunteer puppy raisers Bridget and Robert Kirwan, opened their home to Omma and her litter during the crucial early weeks, helping ensure each pup was warm, fed and thriving.

The celebration comes amid sharply rising need. AADI says it has seen a 53% increase in interest over the past two years, with more than 1,000 families expressing interest in 2025 alone’ but without direct government funding, the charity could only commit to supporting 38 families.

“An assistance dog isn’t just a companion; it’s a lifeline,” Ms Cannon said, pointing to the daily barriers many autistic children face in ordinary outings and public spaces.

AADI estimates each dog costs €25,000 to train and is provided free of charge to families; the organisation says it has delivered 138 assistance dogs since its founding, while demand continues to grow.

One puppy, Dara, carries a special tribute. The name honours Dara Kissane from Castledermot, Co Kildare, whose family fundraiser has raised €25,474 for AADI.

AADI CEO Ms Nuala Geraghty said: “By supporting us, you’re not just making a donation, you’re giving a child independence and helping families live more freely together.”

Work Of Mid-West Health Campaigners Pays Off.

Clare Fine Gael TD Mr Joe Cooney has welcomed Health Minister Mrs Jennifer Carroll-MacNeill’s confirmation that the Government will proceed with all three HIQA options to expand hospital capacity in the Mid-West, while paying tribute to hospital and health service campaign groups across the wider Mid-West region for their sustained advocacy.

Deputy Cooney said the Minister’s decision represents a significant milestone that would not have been reached without the persistence and commitment of local campaigners.

“I want to acknowledge and pay tribute to the hospital and health service campaign groups in Clare and right across the Mid-West who have worked tirelessly over many years to keep the pressure on and to ensure the voices of patients, families and frontline staff were heard,” he said.
“In my year since becoming a member of Dáil Éireann, and previously during my time as a member of Clare County Council, I have witnessed at first hand the relentless, science-driven and people-centred approach adopted by these campaign groups. Their advocacy has always been grounded in evidence, focused on patient outcomes and carried out with dignity and determination.”

Deputy Cooney said the Minister’s statement also reflects the collaborative political effort undertaken in recent weeks across the Mid-West.

“Over recent weeks, I initiated a grouping of TDs and Senators from across Tipperary, Clare, and Limerick to build political consensus on the options for delivering healthcare services in the Mid-West, as outlined in the HIQA review of urgent and emergency care services,” he said.

“The group met on three occasions, including a detailed engagement with the HSE Mid-West management team, a meeting with the Mid-West Patient and Service Users Council, and a final meeting with the Minister and her officials,” he explained. “There was unanimous agreement among the 14 Oireachtas members that all three HIQA options must be progressed in parallel to relieve the ongoing and unacceptable pressure at University Hospital Limerick.”

In its presentation to the Health Minister and her officials last month, the group fully endorsed a three-tier approach to expanding hospital capacity across the region, which is what has been announced this week. The group held a further meeting with the Minister following her announcement.

Deputy Cooney added that while immediate and medium-term delivery is essential, planning for the long-term solution must now begin in earnest.
“With the Government decision now taken to progress all three HIQA options, it is vital that Department of Health officials immediately commence structured engagement with the HSE and with clinical experts to identify a clear and credible timeline for the delivery of Option C and a new Model 3 or Model 4 hospital for the Mid-West,” he said.

“Population growth, patient demand and clinical need all point to the necessity of an additional hospital in the region. Early and transparent planning will be critical to ensuring that this project moves from concept to reality and that the Mid-West finally has the hospital infrastructure required to meet the needs of current and future generations,” he concluded.