Thurles Information

Latest Must Have Health App For You & Your Family.

Here on Thurles.info, [Which today celebrates having been viewed by over 4 million readers to date], we regularly highlight unhealthy foods that receive health warnings from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).

In this modern age of ultra processed foods, it is often hard to know what exactly we are eating, since it often is so far removed from its natural origins. Foods are replete and well supplied with additives and other ingredients and it is hard to know what is truly safe and what is unsafe.

If you want to know more about the foods you eat and whether or not they are healthy, then you should download, to your Smartphone, the Yuka Application, (App).

But first do take the time to view the video shown hereunder.

This Yuka App is totally free and unsponsored, and will inform you on the levels of additives, saturates, proteins and sugars in your food, by simply scanning the barcode on all food packaging offered for sale.

What’s more, it will tell you how hazardous any additives are and why. It also tells you what is to be found in your shampoos, soaps and other cosmetics.

How to download the Yuka Application unto all phones.

To download the Yuka App, simply visit the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store and search for Yuka, [ https://yuka.io/en/ ]. From now on take a little time with your shopping and use your Smartphone to scan barcodes on packaging and instantly learn if any intended item should be purchased.

With rising prices, time has come for consumers to dictate to Supermarket chains what products they should stock and which are most healthy; rather than what it is they deem as being most profitable.

Remember, Yuka’s information and recommendations should not replace a healthy balanced diet. Always consult a GP for advice on the best diet for you, as an individual.

Mid-West Region To Host Ireland’s First International Magic Convention.

**Leon Andersen of the Mid-West Magic Convention**.

The Mid-West region [Latter region consisting of counties of Tipperary, Clare and Limerick], will host Ireland’s first International Magic Convention in over 10 years, when some of the world’s most renowned magicians gather at Treacy’s West County Hotel, Ennis, on 18th-19th November for the inaugural Mid-West Magic Convention.

World record holder Jay Sankey, TikTok sensation Aidan Murphy, and ‘America’s Got Talent’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ semi-finalist Ryland Petty are amongst the lineup for the gala evening performance on Sunday 19th, when event goers will be able to mix with professional magicians, magical hobbyists, dealers, collectors of magical apparatus, and other students of the art of magic, throughout the convention weekend.

The international event has been secured for the Mid-West Region through funding support from the Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau and Fáilte Ireland.

Event participant Ryland Petty, who has been performing magic since the age of 2, created international headlines last year when he reached the semi-final of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ at the age of just 9. Earlier this year, the English magician reached the semi-final of the eighteenth season of ‘America’s Got Talent’.

Canada’s Jay Sankey, who holds the world record for creating more unique magic tricks than any other living magician, will also be performing in Ennis alongside Ireland’s TikTok sensation Aidan Murphy who has racked up 1.6m followers performing tricks on the social platform. Other performing magicians include Craig Petty (UK), Colm Dawson (Ireland) and Nick Lopaco from the United States, who is the official magician of “Penguin Magic” – the largest retail magic shop in the world.

Award-winning magician Leon Andersen from Limerick said, “As Ireland’s first annual celebration of the art of magic in Ireland in over a decade, this is a significant moment for the country’s large community of magicians. The Midwest Magic Convention brings together magicians and magic enthusiasts from all over the world and features a diverse range of magic from close-up tricks to grand stage illusions to a Magic Marketplace where event goers can purchase tricks, books and other magical paraphernalia. The weekend concludes with a special magic show on the main stage at Treacy’s West County on the evening of Sunday 19th.”

Danielle Devaney of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau commented, “We are excited about supporting this international event along with our partners Fáilte Ireland and look forward to establishing it as an important annual event in the magic circle worldwide. It presents a great opportunity for people in Ireland to view and meet with magicians from home and abroad as they put on a collective demonstration of their magical talents.”

There will be free entry (excluding Gala evening) to the Mid-West Magic Convention for under 14s, who are accompanied by an adult, in what organisers hope will draw younger people to the world of magic. Visit www.midwestmagicconvention.com for ticket information and the Mid-West Magic Convention event schedule.

Forensic Science Ireland Annual Report 2022 Published Today.

Over 23,500 forensic investigations processed by FSI in 2022, including nearly 12,000 drugs cases.
Assisted in the identification of 12 Missing Persons.
The National DNA Database assisted with almost 800 investigations in 2022 and over 6,000 investigations since commencement of the DNA Database.

The Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) Annual Report for 2022 was published today.

The 2022 annual report marks an important year for FSI. Despite an increase in the volume and complexity of submissions to FSI, the agency is understood to be performing well, and has met and exceeded the majority of its targets for 2022, including issuing 23,542 forensic reports.

FSI engaged with other criminal justice agencies last year. FSI and An Garda Síochána collaborated to develop and launch “KopShop”, a mobile app that gives guidance on best practices in gathering evidence from crime scenes. FSI also actively contributed to several training programmes with AGS and the Road Safety Authority.

The agency’s work also extended beyond Ireland in 2022, and FSI undertook significant international engagement in same year.

FSI’s DNA Database System now contains over 73,000 individual DNA profiles. This compares to just 25 profiles in 2015. This growth has allowed the DNA Database to become an important tool in investigating crimes and identifying perpetrators.

In line with legislative requirements, 12,159 DNA samples taken from individuals for the purposes of generating a DNA profile were taken down in 2022, while 6,406 profiles were removed from the National DNA Database in 2022. 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.

WARNING – Thurles Cyclists Beware.

Pictures hereunder currently show the present state of just a two meter (6.56ft) stretch of roadscape in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

State of roadscape currently on Friar Street in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, latter a town with two Dail Éireann politicians both currently in residence, who have their constituency offices less than 500 meters from the above.
*Pic: G. Willoughby.*

The craters have developed over a period of 12 weeks, on Friar Street in the town, and can be easily located just east of Supervalu.

Cyclists in particular are warned to take great care to avoid these craters positioned close to the footpath. These craters measuring up to 15cm (6ins) deep are a particular hazard after dark, and presently force cyclists to quickly move out into often fast moving traffic, in an effort to avoid the cratered surface.

The current state of this particular streetscape, together with other areas of the town [e.g. Barry’s bridge, Kickham Street etc, etc], demonstrate a total lack of proper administration by Thurles Municipal District Council officials.

**Kickham Street, Thurles, pictured after a light rain shower.**
*Pic: G. Willoughby.*

Perhaps, this would be an opportune time for Mr Jackie Cahill TD and Mr Michael Lowry TD to invite Minister for Transport, Mr Eamon Ryan TD to visit a now forgotten Thurles. Emphasize and ensure that he brings his bicycle and pedals around the town.
Other benefits would be that the latter TD’s could have their pictures taken, together with local Town Councillors.

New Action Plan To Prevent & Combat Human Trafficking Launched Today.

The third National Action Plan to combat human trafficking was launched today.

The Plan aims to work towards ending human trafficking in the Irish State, as a key element of building stronger, safer communities.
A number of Government Departments, including An Garda Síochána, TUSLA and the HSE will all have significant roles to play in the implementation of the Action Plan to combat this criminal activity and support victims.

Its actions will include:

Establishment of a new National Referral Mechanism, which will make it easier for victims to come forward, be identified and access support. It will ensure that victims can come forward to a range of agencies and not just An Garda Siochana as is currently the case. This is in recognition of the fact that victims may, due to experiences in their own countries, not trust police services.
New and widespread training for all who may come into contact with victims of human trafficking across Departments and State agencies. This will include the Border Management Unit, as well as health and social care professionals, and Civil Registration Services staff working in the HSE.
Ongoing development of training, through NGOs, targeting front line staff in industries such as hospitality, airline and shipping who may come into contact with trafficked persons.
Ensure effective anti-trafficking screening measures are in place at point of entry to the State
Establish dedicated accommodation for victims of trafficking.
Expand the funding, use and awareness of cultural mediators and accompaniment services
Provide victims of trafficking with protection from deportation.
Provide exit pathways for individuals impacted by prostitution who may be vulnerable to trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Continue to raise awareness through materials available in languages of recognised victims of human trafficking, and making information available in healthcare and other settings.
The HSE Anti Human Trafficking Team will develop an online presence for reaching vulnerable and ‘hard to reach’ victims with a view to increasing access to medical and social care services.
Ensure that all professionals in contact with children, and working on child related matters, are qualified in dealing with and recognising victims of trafficking and act in the child’s best interest.

The ultimate goals of this Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy is to create a more victim-centred approach to identifying and supporting victims, to raise awareness and provide training for those who need it and to prevent, detect and prosecute the culprits of this abhorrent crime.

The key objectives that the Plan will aim to achieve include:

Work towards the abolishment of human trafficking and its demand.
Identify and provide supports to victims of trafficking.
Enforce the rights of the victim and bring perpetrators to justice.
Ensure whole-of-Government co-ordination in supporting victims and decreasing incidents of trafficking.

In 2022, a total of 42 victims were formally identified by An Garda Síochána. Most victims are trafficked in to the State for sexual exploitation. Trafficking for labour exploitation also makes up a significant number of victims.

A report by the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Project on the Island of Ireland published by Mary Immaculate College in Limerick in 2021 suggests that the true incidence of human trafficking in the State may be 38% higher than the official figure.

The Report was supported by the Departments of Justice in this State and Northern Ireland, as well as An Garda Síochána and the PSNI.

An Garda Síochána report that 1,000 to 1,600 women are engaged in prostitution in any one year in Ireland and that prostitution and human trafficking are inextricably linked.

In September 2021 the first convictions in Ireland for human trafficking were handed down by the Courts, and there are a number of other human trafficking investigations ongoing by An Garda Síochána.

The actions in this plan fall under four Preventative Pillars:

Prevention of human trafficking by working towards stronger protections for vulnerable people and the elimination of the demand for the services of trafficked persons.
Identifying and providing supports to victims of trafficking.
Enforcing the rights of the victim and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Support evidence-based research on human trafficking.

Already, work is underway and specific elements of this issue are being examined as part of the Government’s Zero Tolerance Strategy to combat DSGBV. A number of significant measures to create a more victim-centred approach to identifying and supporting victims and to raise awareness and provide training, have been introduced.

In addition to the new National Action Plan, other ongoing initiatives which will help combat human trafficking include the improvements being made to the Criminal Justice System to support victims through the implementation of Supporting a Victim’s Journey.