Thurles Information

Martin Mansergh, Key Irish Peace Process Adviser, Dies Aged 78.

Mr Martin Mansergh, former Irish Minister of State and key Irish peace process adviser, sadly dies aged 78 years.

Martin George Southcote Mansergh, former Minister of State, historian, and one of the most influential advisers in the Northern Ireland peace process, has died at the age of 78 years, while on a trip to the Sahara with fellow retired parliamentarians.

Born in Surrey, England, in December 1946, Mr Mansergh was the son of historian and Oxford academic Nicholas Mansergh, a renowned authority on Anglo-Irish relations, and Diana Mary Mansergh. He was educated at The King’s School, Canterbury, before going on to study at Christ Church, Oxford, where he obtained a doctorate in history. His academic background and deep interest in Irish and European affairs shaped both his intellectual outlook and his later political career.

Although English-born, Mr Mansergh made Ireland his home and dedicated his professional life to Irish public service. His historical awareness, combined with a sharp political mind, made him a trusted adviser to Fianna Fáil Taoisigh Charles Haughey, Albert Reynolds, and Bertie Ahern. He was regarded as a central figure in the complex and often secret efforts to open dialogue with Sinn Féin from the late 1980s, laying the groundwork for the negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

Elected to Seanad Éireann in 2002, he served until 2007, when he was elected TD for Tipperary South. In government, he was appointed Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works. While his parliamentary career was significant, it was his quiet, steadfast role in shaping government policy on Northern Ireland and his contribution to peace that most defined his public legacy.

Tributes following his death have described him as a man of integrity, intellect, and generosity. His early negotiations on behalf of successive Taoisigh, his resilience during years of painstaking dialogue, and his commitment to reconciliation earned him the respect of political leaders across divides. “Few on the Irish side were more crucial to the Peace Process,” one tribute reflected, “whether through his role as an intermediary or in crafting a new political and intellectual framework for peace.”

He is recalled as being a key figure in establishing contacts and building trust in the years leading to the Good Friday Agreement. His contribution, alongside that of Mr John Hume, senior government officials, and Sinn Féin representatives, was pivotal in transforming the political Irish landscape.

Away from politics, Mr Mansergh was known as a historian and writer, contributing to Irish and European scholarship and offering reflections on politics and history that drew on both his academic training and his practical experience.

He is remembered as a warm and thoughtful man, generous with his time, devoted to his family, and proud of his roots in County Tipperary, where he lived for many years.

Mr Mansergh is survived by his wife, Elizabeth and their five children. His passing marks the loss of a figure whose intellect, dedication, and quiet determination were instrumental in securing peace in Ireland and whose life leaves behind a proud legacy of service and reconciliation.

In ár gcroíthe go deo.

Cost The Priority For Consumers When Buying Food.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today welcomes EU-wide research published by the European Food Safety Authority on citizen’s awareness of EU food safety. The 2025 Eurobarometer on food safety, the first to be commissioned since 2022, focused on a range of topics including concerns about food safety, trust in sources of information on food risks, and personal interest in food safety.

When asked about factors affecting food purchases, consumers in Ireland ranked cost (66%) as the most important consideration, with nutrient content (51%) and food safety (48%) following close behind. Notably, these results are higher overall than the average top concerns across the whole EU of cost (60%), nutrient content (39%) and food safety (46%).

Other findings from the Eurobarometer specific to Ireland include:

Pesticide residues in food (35%); microplastics found in food (35%); and additives like colours, preservatives or flavourings used in food or drinks (33%) ranked as the top three food safety concerns.
A strong majority of consumers in Ireland (84% of men and 82% of women) would change their food preparation or consumption behaviour if they were made aware of a foodborne disease outbreak news story, with 87% of those aged 15-24 stating they would do so.
Scientists and consumer organisations are the most trusted sources of information on food safety in Ireland, while social media is trusted far less.
When asked for their reasons for not engaging with the EU food safety system, consumers in Ireland (46%) responded; “I take it for granted that the food sold is safe”.

Mr. Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI said, “With the ongoing high cost of living, it is understandable that Irish consumers report cost as the main factor when purchasing food. However, from a food safety perspective, it is encouraging that Irish consumers consider food safety as one of the three most important factors when buying food.
Over 1,000 consumers in Ireland participated in this survey, with 90% agreeing that regulations are in place to ensure the food we eat is safe, and 83% trusting national authorities as a source of information on food risk, a figure well above the EU average of 70%. These findings highlight the continued confidence consumers in Ireland place in our regulatory system, and the importance of keeping that trust through rigorous enforcement and guidance.
75% of people in Ireland surveyed said they have a personal interest in food safety. This is very positive. Food safety extends from the farm to the table, with consumers playing an important role in the food safety chain. How we handle, prepare, store and cook food in our home is just as important as how it is managed in a food business. The FSAI, together with the food inspectorate, continues to work closely with food businesses across Ireland to uphold food safety regulations and raise compliance throughout the industry,” Mr Dempsey concluded.

Death Of Mary Slattery, Drangan, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Wednesday 24th September 2025, of Mrs Mary Slattery (née Bowe), Main Street, Drangan, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Portlaoise, Co. Laois.

Pre-deceased by her parents Elsie and Mick, sister Phyllis; Mrs Slattery passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, while in the care of staff at South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving husband Anthony, daughter Dawn, son Mark, son-in-law Adrian, daughter-in-law Jean, granddaughter Sophie, sisters Paula and Anne, brothers Sean, Pj and Michael, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs Slattery will repose at Brett’s Funeral Home, Mullinahone, Thurles, (Eircode E41 EV78) on Saturday afternoon, September 27th, from 5:00pm until 8:00pm same evening.
Her remains will be received into the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Drangan, Thurles, on Sunday morning, September 28th, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:00am, followed by interment immediately afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.

The extended Slattery and Bowe 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: House strictly private.

The Slattery and Bowe families would also like to express their sincere thanks to the Palative Care Team and to all those who cared for Mrs Slattery, throughout her life and illness.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.

Next Week – 96 Additional Beds Will Become Available At UHL.

University Hospital Limerick (UHL) is set to open 96 additional beds in the coming days, in what health officials say marks the first step in a long-term plan to ease chronic overcrowding at the Mid West Region’s main hospital.

The €96 million development, which has been under construction over the past three years, will deliver 96 single en-suite rooms, all of which are new bed stock. It is understood the unit will be fully staffed once it becomes operational next week.

This is the first of three 96-bed blocks planned for the UHL campus, with the second expected to open in 2027 and the third in the 2030s.

UHL has consistently been ranked the country’s most overcrowded hospital. This morning, figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) recorded 86 patients waiting on trolleys across the hospital’s emergency department and wards, while on the previous day, the figure stood at 118.

The hospital has come under repeated scrutiny from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), which has found UHL to be understaffed and posing significant risks to patient safety. Inspections reported that patient dignity and privacy were routinely compromised in the overcrowded emergency department.

Public concern over safety at UHL intensified following the death of 16-year-old Ms Aoife Johnston in December 2022. An independent review by former Chief Justice Frank Clarke concluded her death was “almost certainly avoidable” after she waited 13.5 hours for life-saving medication. The report warned that without urgent action to address staffing and capacity, further avoidable deaths would remain an “inevitable” risk.

The emergency department at UHL is the only 24-hour facility serving the Mid West region-covering North Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, and parts of Cork and Kerry – since a controversial reconfiguration of services by Fianna Fáil government, back in 2009.
Campaign groups, including families bereaved at the hospital, continue to call for additional emergency departments to be established in the region.

Listeria monocytogenes Found In Café Sol Pesto Pasta & Chicken

Food Safety Authority of Ireland recall a batch of Café Sol Pesto Pasta & Chicken, due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes

Alert Summary dated Thursday, September 25th 2025.

Category 1: For Action
Alert Notification: 2025.50
Product Identification: Pesto Pasta & Chicken; pack size: 224g
Batch Code: Use by date: 25/09/2025
Country Of Origin: Ireland

Message: Freshways is recalling the above batch of Café Sol Pesto Pasta & Chicken due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.

Nature Of Danger: Symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection can include mild flu-like symptoms, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications. Some people are more vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes infections, including pregnant women, babies, and people with weakened immune systems, including the elderly. The incubation period (time between initial infection and first symptoms appearing) is on average 3 weeks but can range between 3 and 70 days.

Action Required: Manufacturers, Wholesalers, Distributors, Caterers & Retailers.
Retailers: Same are requested to remove the implicated batch from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.
Wholesalers/Distributors: Same are requested to contact their affected customers and recall the implicated batch and provide a point-of-sale recall notice to their retailer customers.
Consumers: Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch.