Thurles Information

Buy A Gun For Your Son.

Lyrics and Vocals: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, American folk singer-songwriter Tom Paxton whose career spans more than sixty years.

Tom Paxton wrote “Buy a Gun for Your Son” in the mid-1960s at the height of the Vietnam War era. He performed it on Pete Seeger’s Rainbow Quest in 1965. It is not a song in praise of guns or war; it is pure satire, using cheerful, almost advertising-like language to expose how casually children can be taught to admire violence.
Paxton released it on Ain’t That News with Elektra, and more than half a century later its bite is still sharp.
So before you listen to it, it is worth remembering, that the joke is bitter, the target is serious, and the question underneath it is still with us and asks what exactly are we teaching the next generation to value?

Buy A Gun For Your Son.

Hallelujah, Dads and Mommies,
Cowboys, rebels, Yanks and commies,
Buy yourselves some real red-blooded fun.
If you want to make the grade,
You’ve got to have a hand grenade,
And a fully automatic G.I. gun.

Chorus.
So buy a gun for your son right away, sir.
Shake his hand like a man and let him play, sir.
Let his little mind expand, place a weapon in his hand,
For the skills he learns today will someday pay, sir.

Pound that kid into submission,
‘Till he’s mastered nuclear fission,
Buy him plastic warheads by the score.
Once he’s got the taste of blood,
He’s gonna sneak up on his buddies,
Starting his own thermo-nuclear war.

Repeat Chorus.

Buy him khakis and fatigues,
And sign him up in little leagues.
Give him calisthenics as a rule,
Once you’ve banished fear and dread,
Then pat his seven year-old head,
And send him off to military school.

Repeat Chorus.

Once he’s grown to be a man,
He might get tired of blasting Granny,
Then you’ll see a crisis coming on.
Don’t get worried, don’t get nervous,
Send that kid into the service,
Let him rise into the Pentagon.

At the Pentagon he’ll rise,
The President he will advise,
His reputation growing all the while.
With your picture on the wall,
He’ll get that long-awaited call,
And press the firing buttons with a smile.

Repeat Chorus.

END

Dublin Airport Unveils Smarter eGates To Improve Passenger Arrivals.

The Irish Government has launched a major upgrade of the eGates system at Dublin Airport, strengthening the country’s border management capability while improving the arrivals experience for millions of passengers.

The project follows a competitive public procurement process managed through the Office of Government Procurement’s eTenders system. A contract was awarded to Vision Box / Amadeus, leading to the installation of 25 new and upgraded eGates across Dublin Airport.

The upgraded technology is designed to support faster, safer and more efficient passenger processing at Ireland’s busiest airport. New features include enhanced facial comparison technology, stronger impostor detection measures, a two-step verification process and ID card reader functionality for eligible passengers from participating countries.

These improvements are expected to help reduce pressure at immigration control points while maintaining robust security checks. Passengers who require further examination will continue to be referred to immigration officers, ensuring that automated systems work alongside existing border control procedures rather than replacing them.

The investment comes at a time of continued growth in passenger traffic. According to the Government, 6.3 million passengers used eGates in 2025, and this number is expected to rise following the introduction of the upgraded facilities. Dublin Airport also welcomed more than 18 million arriving passengers last year, underlining the need for modern infrastructure that can keep pace with increasing demand.

Minister Colm Brophy said the new system brings important operational and security benefits, including improved verification processes and the ability for eligible passengers to use ID cards. The Government says the upgraded eGates will help airport staff manage higher passenger volumes safely and efficiently while continuing to uphold strong border security standards.

This modernisation reflects Ireland’s wider commitment to improving border management, supporting international connectivity and strengthening the passenger experience at a key national gateway. With tourism, business travel and international links continuing to grow, the upgraded eGates represent an important step in ensuring Dublin Airport remains efficient, secure and ready for future demand.

The launch marks a practical investment in Ireland’s aviation and immigration infrastructure, helping to deliver smoother arrivals for passengers while protecting the integrity of the State’s border systems.

Death Of Patsy Cooney, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, today Monday 25th May 2026, of Mr Patrick (Patsy) Cooney, Killeens, Ballynonty, Thurles, Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his parents Jim and Margaret and brother Tim; the passing of Mr Cooney is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving sisters Sheelagh, Margaret, Norma, Kathleen and Rosemaria, sister-in-law Violet, brothers-in-law John and Larry, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Cooney will repose at O’Connell’s Funeral Home, Killenaule Thurles, (Eircode E41 HH66), on Wednesday afternoon next, May 27th, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, before being received into the nearby Church of St Mary, Bailey Street, Killenaule, at 7:30pm same evening.
Requiem Mass will be offered for Mr Cooney on Thursday Morning at 11:30am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in Crosscannon Cemetery, Killenaule, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

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

The extended Cooney 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.

Death Of Joan McCormack, Formerly Of Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, on Thursday last 21st May 2026, of Ms Joan McCormack, Churchtown, Dublin and formerly of Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Ms McCormack passed away peacefully while in the care of staff at Beneavin House Nursing Home, Glasnevin, Dublin 11.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving brothers, sisters, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Ms McCormack will repose at Massey Bros. Funeral Home, Templeogue Village, Dublin (Eircode D6W AC82) on Tuesday afternoon, May 26th 2026, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm same evening.
Her remains will be received into the Church of the Sacred Heart, Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, on Wednesday morning, May 27th, at 11:30am, to further repose for Requiem Mass, followed by interment immediately afterwards in Aglish Cemetery, Gortnahoe, Co. Tipperary.

The extended McCormack 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 h-anam dílis.

Five-Goal Limerick Power Past Tipperary To Book Cork Final Showdown.

Limerick produced a ruthless attacking display at the TUS Gaelic Grounds, sweeping Tipperary aside on a 5-27 to 0-25 scoreline to secure their place in the Munster senior hurling final against Cork on Leeside on June 7.

A crowd of 29,069 paid into the Ennis Road venue, where John Kiely’s side once again underlined the strength of their round-robin form on home soil. It was Limerick’s third Championship win in succession and it sends them into an eighth consecutive Munster decider, extending their remarkable run of provincial final appearances since 2019.

The tone was set almost immediately. Aaron Gillane struck the opening goal inside the first 15 seconds, finding space straight from the throw-in before driving a low finish to the net. From there, Limerick rarely looked in danger of being reeled in.

Aidan O’Connor added Limerick’s second goal in unusual fashion when his low delivery from a 65 travelled all the way through a crowded goalmouth and ended up in the net. With Gillane also claiming another green flag later in the contest, and O’Connor finishing with a brace of his own, the Limerick full-forward line carried a constant threat.

Kiely had restored Cian Lynch to the starting team after his influential showing against Waterford, while Mike Casey was also handed a start. Shane O’Brien and Barry Nash were named among the substitutes, but Limerick’s reshuffle did little to interrupt their rhythm.

All six starting forwards were on target before half-time, with Gearóid Hegarty, Tom Morrissey, Cathal O’Neill, Lynch, Gillane and O’Connor all contributing as the home side built a commanding platform. Casey also chipped in from defence as Limerick moved 2-6 (12pts) to 0-4 ahead during the opening half.

Tipperary, despite having surrendered their All-Ireland crown eight days earlier, did offer resistance before the break. Stefan Tobin impressed with his movement and accuracy, while Darragh McCarthy, Noel McGrath, Jake Morris and Eoghan Connolly helped Liam Cahill’s side stay within range.

A run of Tipperary scores briefly brought life to the travelling support, with Tobin proving a willing outlet and McCarthy reliable from placed balls. Connolly landed a long-range effort late in the half, but Diarmaid Byrnes responded with a free of his own to leave Limerick 2-12 (18pts) to 0-14 in front at the interval.

The second half, however, belonged almost entirely to the Treaty. Limerick tightened their grip around the middle third and began to punish every gap in the Tipperary defence.

Byrnes dispatched a penalty after Kyle Hayes was fouled by Connolly, a moment that also resulted in a black card for the Tipperary player. During that spell, O’Connor struck again before Gillane completed his double, turning a competitive-looking contest into a heavy defeat for the Premier County.

Late points from Tobin, Connolly and substitute Paddy McCormack added to Tipperary’s total, but they did little to alter the complexion of the afternoon. The result leaves Tipperary fifth in the Munster table, below Waterford on scoring difference, while their wait for a Championship win over Limerick continues.

For Limerick, this was a statement performance: five goals, a 17 point winning margin, and another Munster final date secured.