Thurles Information

Fire Crews Continue Six-Day Battle Against Slievenamon Wildfires

Firefighters in County Tipperary are continuing efforts to bring a series of wildfires on Slievenamon under control, with emergency crews now working at the scene for a sixth consecutive day.

Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service described conditions on the mountain yesterday evening as particularly difficult, as several previously extinguished areas reignited and required further attention. Crews faced repeated flare-ups across the affected ground, adding to the challenge of containing the blaze.

Acting Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer Ms Carol Kennedy said firefighters had succeeded in extinguishing or controlling a number of sections, but some of these areas later caught fire again.

Emergency teams are carrying out a fresh assessment of the mountain this morning to identify remaining hotspots and determine where resources are most urgently needed.
Ms Kennedy said the overnight change in weather had provided some assistance. Lower temperatures, fog and cloud cover helped reduce the intensity of the fires and calm some of the most active areas.
Additional personnel are being deployed on the ground today, while aerial support is also expected to resume. Aircraft have been assisting crews by targeting parts of the mountain that are difficult or unsafe to reach on foot.

Despite the ongoing operation, the fire service has said there is currently no immediate threat to nearby homes or other property. However, residents and members of the public are being urged to remain cautious and follow official safety advice.
People are being asked to stay away from Slievenamon wherever possible and to avoid non-essential travel in the surrounding area. Keeping roads and access routes clear is considered vital, as fire engines and other emergency vehicles need to move quickly and safely.

Residents who can see or smell smoke near their homes should keep windows and doors closed to reduce indoor exposure. Those living downwind of the fire are being advised to take particular care, as shifting winds may carry smoke towards nearby communities.
Children, older people, pregnant women and anyone with respiratory or heart conditions are being encouraged to minimise their exposure. People are also being asked to check on neighbours, relatives or others who may be vulnerable or need assistance.
Farmers and animal owners should continue monitoring livestock for signs of distress. Where it is safe and practical, animals should be moved away from areas affected by heavy smoke.

The fire service, supported by Civil Defence personnel, has carried out a house-to-house information campaign in nearby communities. Leaflets have been distributed, and residents have been given an opportunity to raise concerns and ask questions about the developing situation.
Officials have stressed that emergency personnel remain available to provide guidance to people living close to the affected area.
Although weather conditions have offered some relief, the operation remains active and demanding. Crews will continue monitoring sections that have already been treated, as dry ground and hidden heat can cause fires to restart.

The cause of the fire remains unknown and has not been officially determined.

The public has again been urged not to approach the mountain, both for personal safety and to avoid interfering with emergency operations.

Death Of Mary Kelly, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Thursday 23rd July 2026 of Mrs Mary Kelly (née Quinlan), Fortview, Ballyduff Road, Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Castletown, Moyne, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her parents Kathleen and John; Mrs Kelly passed away peacefully, following a short illness, surrounded by her loving family, while in the care of staff at Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin.

Deeply regretted by her loving husband Michael, daughters Lorraine and Michelle, son Brendan, grandchildren Nicole, Aaron, Lauren, Noah, Christina, Sophie and Brian, daughter-in-law Kelly, Lorraine’s partner Alan, sister Helen, brothers Andrew, Frank, Tom and Johnny, nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs Kelly will repose at Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, (Eircode E41CP59) on Sunday afternoon, July 26th from 5:00pm until 7:00pm same evening.
Her remains will be received into the Church of St James, Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, on Monday morning, July 27th at 11:00am to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:30am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards in nearby Two-Mile-Borris Cemetery, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

The extended Kelly 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.

Solas na bhflaitheas agus leaba i measc na n-aingeal di.

Plans Submitted for 42-Home Development on Kickham Street, Thurles, Tipperary.

A significant new residential development has been proposed for Kickham Street in Thurles, potentially providing 42 homes close to the town centre.

Coolross Homes Ltd has submitted a planning application to Tipperary County Council for the development on lands at Innisfail, Kickham Street, Thurles, (Eircode E41 P8X8). The proposed scheme would offer a varied selection of houses and apartments intended to accommodate individuals, couples and families with different housing requirements.

Plans for the site include two-storey semi-detached houses containing two, three and four bedrooms. A two-storey terraced building incorporating one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments is also included in the application.

The mixture of property sizes is one of the most notable elements of the proposal. Smaller apartments could provide options for single occupants, couples, older residents or people hoping to establish their first independent home. Meanwhile, the larger houses would be more suitable for families requiring additional bedrooms and living space.

The proposed location could also prove attractive because of its proximity to the centre of Thurles. Residents would potentially be within convenient reach of shops, schools, sporting facilities, public services and other local amenities. Developing homes within or close to an established urban area may also help support local businesses while reducing dependence on longer journeys for everyday needs.

Thurles has experienced continued demand for additional housing, with several public and private residential projects progressing through planning, design or construction in recent years. Recent developments in the town have included homes of different sizes and tenures, demonstrating the need for a broad range of accommodation rather than a single type of property.

However, the submission of an application does not mean that construction has been approved. Tipperary County Council must examine the proposal in detail, including matters such as access, traffic, drainage, public services, residential amenity, landscaping and the development’s relationship with neighbouring properties.

Given the continued failure of local politicians to deliver meaningful progress on either the proposed Inner Relief Road or the long-awaited Outer Ring Road, traffic congestion must now become a central and decisive consideration in the assessment of every future planning application in Thurles. Any further permissions granted, without first addressing the town’s already serious traffic problems, risk placing an intolerable additional burden on an increasingly overstretched road network.

Members of the public will also have an opportunity to examine the planning documents and make observations within the statutory consultation period.

The council’s eventual decision will determine whether the 42-home development can proceed as submitted, requires amendments or is refused permission.

Templemore, Tipperary Welcomes Largest Garda Attestation Class Since 2019.

206 New Gardaí Join the Ranks as Recruitment Drive Builds Momentum.

An Garda Síochána has received a major personnel boost following the attestation of 206 new members at the Garda College in Templemore.

The graduating class, comprising 142 men and 64 women, is the largest single group of Gardaí to attest since 2019. It is also the third attestation ceremony held in 2026, reflecting the continued expansion of recruitment and training activity at the college.

Following their graduation, the probationer Gardaí will be assigned by the Garda Commissioner to divisions throughout the country. Their deployment is expected to strengthen frontline policing, increase visibility in communities and provide additional operational capacity during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Almost half of the new members will again serve in the capital. A total of 94 probationer Gardaí have been allocated to the Dublin Metropolitan Region. The Eastern Region will receive 56 members, while 31 will be deployed to the North-Western Region and 25 to the Southern Region.

The new Gardaí will begin their careers at a time when policing responsibilities are becoming increasingly complex. Alongside traditional community and frontline duties, members must respond to organised crime, cybercrime, online offending and evolving national and international security threats.
Ireland’s EU Presidency will create further operational demands, with Garda personnel responsible for supporting the security and smooth running of meetings and official events. Extensive planning and coordination have already taken place, and the additional members will help ensure that regular policing services can be maintained while these responsibilities are delivered.

The latest graduation represents another step in the Government’s plan to increase the strength of An Garda Síochána. Three recruitment competitions have taken place during the past 18 months, attracting more than 15,000 applications.
The training pipeline is also set to continue growing. More than 200 additional trainees are due to enter the Garda College during the week beginning 27th July, with further classes expected to commence at regular intervals throughout the year.

Budget 2026 provided more than €2.74 billion for An Garda Síochána. The funding supports the recruitment of sworn members and civilian staff, as well as investment in training, technology, equipment and other resources required to deliver modern policing services.

Following the latest attestation, An Garda Síochána has 14,733 sworn members. The organisation also includes 3,683 Garda staff and 304 Garda Reserve members, while another 604 trainees are progressing through their education and training.

The arrival of the 206 probationer Gardaí will provide an immediate increase in personnel across Ireland’s policing regions. Their deployment will also support the wider objective of building a larger and more sustainable Garda workforce capable of meeting the changing safety and security needs of communities throughout the country.

Death Of Jiri Hatala, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Thursday 23rd July 2026, of Mr Jiri Hatala, No.3 Mill Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Mr Hatala, sadly, passed away at his place of ordinary residence.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Iveta, daughters Sara, Rosalinda, Lenka, Katerina, Radka and Iveta, sons Armando and Luksas, sons-in-law Viktor, Bartosz and Braig, daughter-in-law Alzbeta, his sister Lenka, grandchildren Mia, Kristina, Rihanna and Jordan, nieces Michelle and Julia, nephews William and Jacob, extended relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Rest In Peace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The remains of Mr Hatala will repose at Kennedy’s Funeral Home, Upper Kickham Street, Dublin Road, Thurles (Eircode E41 XY47) on Sunday afternoon next, July 26th, from 4:00pm until 6:00pm same evening.

A Service of Cremation will take place on Monday afternoon, July 27th, in Shannon Crematorium, Illaunmanagh, Shannon, Co. Clare, (Eircode V14 PV30) at 1:00pm.

For those persons who would wish to attend the Service of Cremation for Mr Hatala, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, using the password JHK.

The extended Hatala 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.

In ár gcroíthe go deo.