Thurles Information

Government Prepares For Potential Summer Electricity Increases.

The Government has warned that electricity prices may rise modestly over the coming months, as global energy market pressures continue to create uncertainty for households and businesses across Ireland.
Minister for Energy Mr Darragh O’Brien said electricity costs could increase by between 4% and 9% during the summer period, with potential changes expected from May through July. He described the current market conditions as “very volatile,” pointing to rising international fuel costs driven by geopolitical tensions.

While acknowledging broader concerns about significant price hikes, the Minister emphasised that electricity increases are expected to remain in the single-digit range, depending on individual suppliers and their pricing strategies, including hedging arrangements.
Gas prices, however, may see higher increases, though not to the levels of 30% suggested in some commentary.

Government Response and Supports.
The Government has already introduced a €750 million cost-of-living support package, one of the largest in Europe, aimed at helping households manage rising energy costs. Measures include targeted supports such as fuel allowances, now reaching approximately 470,000 households nationwide.

Minister O’Brien reaffirmed that the Government will remain “flexible and nimble” in responding to further price pressures, with additional supports, including potential energy credits, not ruled out ahead of Budget discussions in October. The Minister also confirmed plans to reintroduce the energy levy in the upcoming Budget, while noting that the carbon tax has been temporarily paused to ease financial pressure on households and businesses.

Focus on Long-Term Solutions.
In addition to short-term supports, the Government is prioritising long-term cost reduction measures, including expanded grants for home retrofitting and energy efficiency improvements. These initiatives are designed to help households reduce reliance on volatile energy markets and lower bills sustainably.
Minister O’Brien stressed that while immediate pressures are being addressed, there will be “no rolling back” on climate commitments, with efforts continuing to transition towards more secure and sustainable energy sources.

Monitoring Fuel Price Transparency.
Separately, the Minister has requested that the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) enhance its monitoring of fuel price fluctuations. This follows sharp increases in global oil prices linked to international conflict, which have raised concerns about pricing transparency.
While recent findings attribute fuel price spikes primarily to higher wholesale costs, the Government has emphasised the importance of ensuring fair pricing and consumer protection, particularly during periods of crisis.

Outlook.
Ireland’s energy supply remains secure, but global pressures are expected to continue influencing prices in the months ahead. The Government has committed to closely monitoring developments and taking further action where necessary to support households and businesses.

Death Of Elaine Coughlan, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, on Friday April 17th, 2026, of Ms Elaine Coughlan, No. 52 Childers Park, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formerly Desmond Grove, Lismore Lawn, Waterford City, Co. Waterford.

Ms Coughlan, sadly, passed away unexpectedly at her place of residence.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving partner Gerry (Darmody), son Seán daughter Sarah, parents Michael and Mary, sister Sue, father-in-law John, nephew Aaron and niece Aoife, brother-in-law Ian, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended relatives, work colleagues, Niamh, Josephine, Bríd and Clara, wonderful neighbours and many friends.

Rest In Peace.
Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Ms Coughlan will repose at Kennedy’s Funeral Home, Upper Kickham Street, Dublin Road, Thurles, (Eircode E41 XY 47), on tomorrow afternoon, Tuesday April 21st, from 5:00pm until 6:30pm same evening.
Her remains will be received into the Church of St Joseph and St Brigid, Bohernanave, Thurles, on Wednesday morning, April 22nd, at 10.30am to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:00am, followed by private cremation.

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

The extended Coughlan and Darmody 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 desired, to the Irish Heart Foundation in memory of Ms Elaine Coughlan.

In ár gcroíthe go deo.

Landmark 1926 Census Release Opens New Chapter in Ireland’s Story.

The publication of the 1926 Census marks a defining moment in Ireland’s historical record, offering a vivid and deeply personal insight into life during the formative years of the Irish Free State.

The 1926 Census can be viewed by linking HERE.

Released by the National Archives following the expiry of the 100-year rule under the Statistics Act 1993, the census is now freely available online. The fully searchable resource provides access to more than 750,000 household and enumerator returns, opening a unique window into Irish society in the aftermath of independence.

Conducted just four years after the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922, the 1926 Census captured a population of approximately 2.97 million people. It reflects a country emerging from a decade of profound change, including the Easter Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War, and beginning to shape its national identity.

Taoiseach Mr Micheál Martin described the release as an opportunity for people to “step back in time” and connect with their families, communities and the everyday lives of those who lived nearly a century ago. He highlighted the census as a bold and visionary undertaking by a young state committed to nation-building.

The digitisation project, completed over three years, ensures the long-term preservation of these records while making them accessible to historians, genealogists and the wider public. Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Mr Patrick O’Donovan said the release is of particular importance to people across Ireland and the global Irish diaspora seeking to explore their heritage.

Director of the National Archives Ms Orlaith McBride emphasised that the census represents more than statistics, describing it as “the story of us”, a record of individuals, families and communities whose lives collectively shaped our modern Ireland.

To mark the release, a major exhibition titled The Story of Us: Independent Ireland and the 1926 Census has opened at Dublin Castle. Running until August 2027, the exhibition explores life in Ireland in 1926 through original records, photographs and immersive displays before touring internationally and across Ireland.

The 1926 Census stands as a vital resource for understanding Ireland’s past, offering people at home and abroad, an opportunity to rediscover their roots and engage with the lived experiences of a generation that helped shape the nation.

Irish Touring Exhibition
As part of its national tour, the exhibition will visit Thurles, Co. Tipperary at Source Arts Centre, Thurles, from 2nd – 21st November 2026, bringing this important chapter of Ireland’s history directly to local Tipperary communities.

Thurles Fuel & Cost-Of-Living Protest Event An Anticlimax, After High Anticipation.

Mixing financial obligations with personal relationships within political parties, often causes strain, resentment, and the potential dissolution of close bonds.

A fuel and cost-of-living protest took place in Thurles this afternoon, Saturday, April 18th, organised by Sinn Féin representative Mr Dan Harty. The demonstration formed part of wider national actions responding to rising fuel prices and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

The protest assembled at the Munster Hotel car park before proceeding toward Liberty Square, a central commercial hub in the town. Organisers had previously stated the event would be peaceful and intended to minimise disruption to traffic and local business activity.

Local observations suggest that turnout on the day was extremely modest. While the event proceeded through the town centre, well stretched out to look larger, many shoppers had reportedly conducted their business much earlier than usual in anticipation of potential delays.

Thurles’ notably wide footpaths, capable of accommodating significant pedestrian movement, however remained unused; with the demonstration led by a only one Irish flag, moved along a key route around Liberty Square, drawing attention only, by affecting the normal flow of traffic activity in the area.
No police were in attendance and official reports state that no significant incidents arose from the 40 only individuals who attended the protest gathering.

**Montgomery *“Monty”* McQueen massive attraction at Tipperary Raceway in Rosegreen, Co. Tipperary**.
*Picture: G. Willoughby*.

Meanwhile, in just a 20 minute drive away from Thurles, a massive crowd turned up to support an English Child Bereavement Charity, which featured a created model of disney’s Montgomery “Monty” McQueen, more commonly called “Lightning McQueen”, from the movie “Cars”.
Same anthropomorphic stock car is the protagonist of the Disney/Pixar Cars and made a welcome appearance at Tipperary Raceway in Rosegreen, Co. Tipperary; Ireland’s popular premier Hot Rod oval raceway to the delight of all.

Death Of Michael Cuddihy, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Friday 17th April 2026, of Mr Michael Cuddihy, Knockroe, Drangan Village, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his parents Michael and Margaret, and his sister Helen, Mr Cuddihy passed away peacefully, while in the loving care of the staff of St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny, surrounded by his loving family.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Helen, sons Conor, Adam and Robert, brother Johnny, sister Ann, nieces, nephews, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, extended relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Cuddihy will repose for private Requiem Mass, followed by cremation on Monday, April 20th, at the Island Crematorium, Rocky Island, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork.

Note Please: House and funeral service strictly private.

The extended Cuddihy 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.