Thurles Information

Christmas Remembrance Tree Returns To Thurles Shopping Centre For 18th Year.

The “Remembrance Tree” fund raiser is back again this year in Thurles Shopping Centre, situated outside of Boots Pharmacy, and will run from now until Christmas Eve next, Wednesday December 24th.

***Pictured above, manning the stall today, in association with Thurles Community Social Services, are well known Thurles volunteers Mr Donal Duggan and Mr Larry Doherty.***

Patrons are being asked to visit the stand to mark the occasion of the passing of a deceased person, perhaps a friend or close relative with a card, which will later be blessed in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles on Christmas Eve next.

Note: Donations are totally voluntary and all proceeds donated, will be in aid of the “Suir Haven”, Cancer Support Centre.
This is the project’s 18th year in succession and same is now a familiar sight outside of Boots, within the Thurles Shopping Centre.
Many people find it is a wonderful way to acknowledge the great service that Suir Haven presently provides here in Thurles and surrounding areas.

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.”