Thurles Information

“A Nickel Ain’t Worth A Dime Anymore”.

It is not just the rising cost of living which is diminishing the value of Irish currency, so also is rust, if coinage, when exposed to the elements, continues to be manufactured from copper-plated steel.

Global wealth, at the end of 2022, was estimated to be about $454.4 trillion, same shrinking for the first time, since the financial crisis in 2008, by an estimated $11.3 trillion last year, 2023.

Money has been part of our human history for at least the past 5,000 years, graduating from bartering, (e.g. a dry measure of wheat from a farmer in exchange for a pair of shoes from a shoe maker), to the introduction of money, the later thus increasing the speed at which business deals could be transacted.

**Above 3 coins are dated 1862** *(Young Victoria halfpenny)***, 1853** *(Young Victoria penny)* **and 2000** *(Irish 1p)***, respectively.**

The invention of metal coinage occurred when Lydia’s (Same country now present day Turkey), King Alyattes (r. 619-560 BCE) minted the first coins in the second half of the 7th century, before Christian era (BCE). These coins were made from electrum, latter a mixture of silver and gold that occurs naturally, and the coins were stamped with pictures that acted as the unit classification for each stated coin.

During 1260 CE, the Yuan dynasty of China, were the first to move from coins to paper money, with the stated warning, “Those who are counterfeiting will be beheaded”.

Of the above pictured 3 coins, same located buried in the ground and under similar circumstances; the first two dated 1862 and 1853 are made from bronze, while the 3rd coin; a decimal one penny Irish coin dated 2000, is coloured bronze, but made of actually copper-plated steel. As our readers can observe prone to rust if left/lost in damp clay.

It was in the 21st century that we began the form of making payments, for goods and services, using just the touch of our index finger, using a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet device.

In recent years, the acceleration of digital adoption, was brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and was the main reasons why the use of cash declined significantly. Paper money has been long seen as a carrier of germs and disease, and as that pandemic grew, some businesses insisted that consumers used plastic or contactless smartphones, to complete transactions. Indeed, going back to Victorian times the upper classes regularly washed coinage, before giving them to their children. (Interesting to note that following a study of €10 notes in recent years, nearly 80% of them showed traces of cocaine, skin bacteria, DNA from pets and viruses, but thankfully our skin remains a really good protector of our overall health).

Cryptocurrencies and the use of smart cards has increased considerably, mainly because they offer such convenience, through speed and greater security. Worldwide, coins are no longer being manufactured to the same degree, thus saving countries millions in the mining of metal and cost of coin manufacture.

While it is accepted that coins and paper money will cease to exist by the end of this century, the stated rule, “Investment in knowledge will continue to pays the best interest”, remains steadfast.

New Garda Recruitment Campaign.

Significant increase in training allowance.
New trainees to receive €305 per week.
Change to age requirements opens role to 35 to 50 year olds for first time.

The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, has welcomed the new recruitment campaign for An Garda Síochána, which opens for applications today and closes on Thursday 8 February.

Noting that recruitment into An Garda Síochána has accelerated following the forced closure of the Garda College to intakes, due to Covid-19, the Minister said: “I am very pleased to see Garda recruits once again regularly entering training at Templemore, and this competition will ensure there is a continuous pipeline of new trainees.
As a government we allocated the highest ever budget of €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána for 2024. That included funding for between 800 and 1,000 new Gardaí, and I hope, and indeed expect, that there will be a strong response to this campaign.
I encourage anyone who believes they can make a positive contribution as a Garda to consider putting their name forward.
Policing is a career in which no two days will be the same – it can be exciting, rewarding and undoubtedly challenging, but it offers a great opportunity to have a positive impact in the community and to be a part of a modern, inclusive police service that has the respect and trust of the Irish public.”

The last Garda recruitment campaign which closed in April 2023, received approximately 5,000 applications.

Both the Government and Garda Commissioner have said they are committed to reflecting the increasing diversity in Irish Society by ensuring that all communities see themselves reflected in An Garda Síochána. The Garda Commissioner has also put a strong focus on equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds to join An Garda Síochána through this campaign.

Noting recent changes made to the eligibility requirements and increased training allowance, Minister McEntee added: “We have significantly increased the training allowance for trainee Gardaí, to €305 per week. Given that, and the decision to increase the maximum age of recruitment from 35 to 50, I believe we are opening up policing as a career option to a new cohort of people who will bring a range of different life and career experiences to the table.
Across 2023 we have seen recruitment into An Garda Síochána gain real momentum. And with unprecedented funding recently allocated for equipment and wellbeing initiatives, and recent increases in frontline supervisors, I believe those who join will be supported as they take on what I know can be a challenging job.
Our Gardaí do vital work every day investigating crime, supporting victims and maintaining the security of the state. Given that my top priority is building stronger, safer communities, I want to express my gratitude to them for their outstanding dedication and commitment and I hope this competition will lead to many more joining their ranks.”

Prospective candidates can visit publicjobs.ie for more information on how to apply.

Closing Date for the competition is Thursday 8th February 2024.

Death Of Jack O’Dwyer, Formerly Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, today Sunday 14th January 2024, of Mr Sean (Jack) O’Dwyer, CBE, Derry, and formerly of Drumdowney, Slieverue, Co Kilkenny, and Drombane, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his sisters Kay and Brigid, brothers Denis, Ned, Fr. Paddy and Stephen; Mr O’Dwyer passed away peacefully, surrounded by his devoted family, while in the care of staff at Altnagelvin Hospital, Glenshane Rd, Londonderry, United Kingdom.

His passing is most deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving family; wife Peggy, children Sean, Ann, Mary, Paul, Mark and Colm, daughter-in-laws Catriona, Tanja, Araceli and Cathy, sons-in-laws Shaun and Eamon; adored grandchildren Sarah, Katie, Emma, Orla, Rachel, Sasha, Tara, Jack, Oscar, Hugo, Leo, Liam, Rory and Mika, sisters Mary, Margaret, Eileen and Josephine, brothers Bill and Tom, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews; extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr O’Dwyer will be received into the Church of St. Columb, No. 32 Chapel Rd, Londonderry, United Kingdom, (BT47 2BB), to further repose for Requiem Mass on Wednesday, January 17th, at 12:00 noon, followed by interment, immediately afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ardmore Rd, Londonderry United Kingdom, (BT47 3QP).

For those persons who are unable to attend Requiem Mass for Mr O’Dwyer, 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.

Note Please: The funeral will also be recorded, House strictly private. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to St. Vincent de Paul – or – Salvation Army.

In ár gcroíthe go deo.

Death Of William Croke, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, on Saturday 13th January 2024, of Mr William Denis Croke, Newlands, Mullinahone, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Aged 72 years and pre-deceased by his loving brother John; Mr Croke sadly passed away, suddenly, after a short illness most bravely borne.

His passing is most deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving family; wife Nora, son William, daughter-in-law Christine, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Croke will repose at Brett’s Funeral Home, No.6 Kickham Street, Mullinahone, Thurles, Co. Tipperary on Tuesday afternoon, January 16th from 5:00pm until 8:00pm, same evening.
His remains will be received into the Church of St. Michael, Mullinahone, Thurles, to further repose for Requiem Mass on Wednesday morning January 17th, at 11:00am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.

The extended Croke 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.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Death Of Isabelle Foyle, Formerly Templemore, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, in the early hours of Saturday morning, 13th January 2024, of Mrs Isabelle Foyle (née McKenna), ‘Ceann Scríbe’, An Bóithrín, No. 51 Upper Caisleán Nua Uacht, Gaillimh; Falls Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim and Templemore, Co. Tipperary

A wonderful, creative lady in her 93rd year and pre-deceased by her husband Brendán and her brother Danny; Mrs Foyle passed away peacefully, surrounded by her much-loved family at the Galway Clinic.

Her passing is most deeply regretted and sadly missed by her nine children; Gearóid, Mairéad, Bernadette, Sibéal, Eoin, Úna, Dónal, Íde, Eibhlín, and their families, by her brothers Robert, Brian, Patrick, and James, sisters Kathleen, Eileen, and Margaret, twenty adoring grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, extended Foyle and McKenna relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs Foyle will repose at her home (H91 W40P) on tomorrow evening, Monday, January 15th 2024, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm.
Her remains will be received into the Church of St. James, Bushy Park, Co. Galway, to further repose for Requiem Mass on Tuesday morning, January 16th, at 11:00am, follow by interment, immediately afterwards, in the New cemetery, Bohermore, Co. Galway.

The extended Foyle and McKenna 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.

Note Please: No flowers. Donations in lieu, if preferred, to St. Vincent de Paul, – or – Cope, Galway, – or Gaza Crisis Emergency Appeal.