Thurles Information

Thurles Co. Tipperary Shopping Forecast.

Let’s start with the need and wisdom of shopping around to reduce the cost of living.

Shoppers in Thurles are noticing striking price differences between local supermarket products. A local check in Thurles this week found that an 18-can slab of 7UP Zero was priced at €8.99 in Aldi: – €9.00 in Dunnes Stores: – €11.00 in Tesco: – €11.99 in Lidl: and €14.00 in SuperValu, demonstrating a spread that boldly underscores the point I am about to make and provides proof (as if proof was needed) that it pays to shop around and forget about loyalty.

Locked-In Loyalty – Why Staying with the same Provider is a costly mistake.

Households today are under pressure from multiple fronts, stagnant wages, rising rents, an inflationary drift in everyday goods purchased. In that context, taking time to compare providers for utilities, insurance, broadband or mobile and food is no longer a luxury; it’s a survival tactic. Because when you’re already squeezed, paying above-market rates for services and products you cannot do without, feels less like choice and more like injustice.

The smart consumer doesn’t just accept the default: they should demand value, they should compare, they should switch and not out of triviality, but out of necessity.

Moreover, competition only works if consumers engage: if everyone stays loyal out of inertia, then suppliers have no incentive to drive down costs or improve service. So shopping around is not merely savvy, it’s a civic duty in a market where you’re obliged to pay, but you still deserve fairness.

The Elephants In The Room:
Now let’s address the elephants in the room: the cost of essential services in Ireland, particularly electricity and internet, is woefully high and increasingly indefensible.
The internet provider Vodafone is down in Thurles yet again this morning, leaving people working from home without a service.
Regardless they will still send the same monthly bill at the end of this month and expect people to pay. Over the past 12 month the Vodafone service failed over 34 times; on one occasion last August for a period of 3 consecutive days. It is easier to ride a camel through the eye of a needle, than to complain to the commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Why they still continue to exist, few people understand.
When it comes to internet access, Irish consumers got 39% less value for their internet compared to UK users, and is placed only 22nd among European countries.
Put simply: one of your most basic bills is much higher here than most of our European neighbours; this isn’t an incidental detail; it’s a structural cost burden.

Household electricity prices in Ireland were measured at €0.3736 per kWh in the first half of 2024, the highest in the EU for Irish households.
In effect, Irish households are paying €350-plus annually, more for electricity than is the EU average.

What is especially galling is that when something is labelled “essential” it really ought to be priced in a way that doesn’t punish people just for being connected or powered. The fact that despite high VAT, network/levy costs, infrastructure investment and other “legitimate” components, the final bills remain so elevated it suggests a failure somewhere, either in regulation, competition, or both.

In short: shopping-around is vital; but it also shouldn’t be the only defensive mechanism. The system should not rely solely on consumers being alert and mobile. When essential services carry a premium burden, it erodes disposable income, squeezes savings, and perpetuates inequality.

Where to Find the Cheapest Bills in Ireland.

How to shop smart and cut your household costs.
Irish households continue to face some of the highest utility costs in Europe. Here’s how and where to compare providers for cheaper electricity, broadband, insurance, and more.

The Invisible Tax : How Irish Households Fund High Utility Costs
Rising Costs, Shrinking Choices: With electricity, broadband and insurance prices ranked among the highest in Europe, Irish households are paying a heavy premium for essentials. The truth is that loyalty rarely pays, and staying with the same provider year after year can cost you hundreds of euros more than is necessary.
Fortunately, there are independent tools that make comparing and switching simple. Spending just an hour reviewing your main bills once a year can make a real difference to your budget.

Shop Around or Pay the Price: How to Fight Back Against Sky-High Utility Costs.

Electricity & Gas:
Bonkers.ie : – the most comprehensive comparison site for Irish consumers. It lists every licensed energy supplier, breaks down standing charges and tariffs, and estimates your annual savings.
Switcher.ie : – a clear, easy-to-use alternative, often with cashback offers for new customers.
CRU.ie : – the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. It doesn’t compare prices, but it regulates the market and ensures the above sites remain impartial – supposedly.
Tip: Watch out for 12-month “introductory rates”. Once they expire, prices jump sharply, so set a reminder to review before renewal.

Insurance
Chill.ie : – compare car, home and travel insurance in one place.
CompareInsuranceIreland.ie : — independent comparisons that include smaller providers.

Note: Sometimes it pays to check insurers directly; Aviva, Allianz, AXA, or 123.ie can offer better rates to new customers than through a website or program that collects related items of content and displays them or links to them, (known as aggregators).
Tip: Never accept automatic renewals. The biggest insurance savings go to switchers, not loyal customers.

Banking & Mortgages.
CCPC Money Tools : – the official comparison hub from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. It covers current accounts, credit cards, personal loans, and mortgage rates.
Tip: If you took out a mortgage more than three years ago, check your rate. Switching lenders can save thousands over the lifetime of your loan.

Final Word – Financial Self-defence and Resistance.
Ireland’s high cost of living is not likely to drop overnight, but smart shopping can make it more manageable. Reviewing your main bills; for energy, broadband, and insurance, once a year is a simple act of financial self-defence.
In a system where essential services cost more than they should, comparison isn’t just wise; it’s a quiet form of resistance.

Horse Breeder John Magnier Donates 14-Acre Site, In Thurles, To Tipperary GAA.

John Magnier Donates 14-Acre Site To Tipperary GAA For Major Training Expansion.

Tipperary GAA has announced that businessman and horse breeder, Mr John Magnier has generously donated a 14-acre site adjoining Coolmore Morris Park in Thurles, paving the way for the development of a new state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence.

The additional land will allow Tipperary GAA to significantly expand its existing facilities, including the creation of new sand-based pitches and cutting-edge training infrastructure, designed to support both elite and grassroots development.

Welcoming the announcement, Tipperary GAA CEO, Mr Murtagh Brennan described the gift as a milestone for Gaelic games in the county: “This investment represents a watershed moment for Gaelic games in Tipperary and underscores our long-term commitment to nurturing athletic excellence and supporting the next generation of hurlers and footballers,” he stated. “Crucially, this expansion will serve not only our elite teams but also the thousands of young boys and girls who represent the future of Tipperary GAA. It will provide a safe, modern and inclusive environment for youth development, physical wellbeing, and personal growth.”

Mr Brennan added that the new Centre of Excellence will act as a focal point for the wider community: “The wider Tipperary community will also benefit, with this facility acting as a hub for participation, pride and connection across our county. Tipperary GAA extends its sincere gratitude to Mr Magnier for his outstanding generosity and vision. This development is not just an enhancement of facilities, it is an investment in the future of our county, our players, and our sporting community.”

The expansion of the Coolmore Morris Park is expected to ensure that Tipperary GAA will continues to thrive at all levels, providing its many athletes with the resources needed to reach their fullest potential.

Death Of Nellie Farrell, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with sadness that we learned of the death, today Wednesday 5th November 2025 of Mrs Ellen (Nellie) Farrell (née Ryan), Dehreen, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

In her 93rd year and pre-deceased by her husband Bobby and son James, Mrs Farrell passed away peacefully, at her place of ordinary residence and place of birth.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing and devoted family; sons Martin, Robert and Colm, daughter Deirdre (Molyneaux), grandchildren Collette, Mary, Martina, Aishling, Robert, Evan, Pearse, Liam and Colm, great-grandchildren Lara, Gerard, Bobby, Chloe, Sean, Kealan, Alex, Isaac, Ruby and Sadie, great-great-grandchildren Noah and Mason, daughters-in-law Mary, Margaret and Roisín, son-in-law Henry, nephews, nieces, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs Farrell will repose at Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, (Eircode E41 CP59) on Thursday afternoon, November 6th, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm same evening.
Her remains will be received into the Cathedral of the Assumption, Cathedral Street, Thurles, (Eircode E41 A528) on Friday morning, November 7th, at 10:30am to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:00am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Lognafulla, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

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

The extended Farrell 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.

Farmers Urged To Report Suspected Cases Of Bird Flu & Step Up Biosecurity.

IFA calls for housing order to protect poultry as avian flu confirmed in Co Carlow.

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has called for the introduction of a housing order requiring free-range poultry farmers to keep their birds indoors, as authorities confirm an outbreak of avian flu in a commercial turkey flock in Co Carlow, a county bordering on Co. Tipperary.

The virus, which causes the disease, is known as HPAI H5N1 and has been in circulation among wild birds over the past year.

Mr Nigel Sweetnam, Chair of the IFA National Poultry Committee, said the measure is urgently needed to help contain the spread of the highly contagious disease and safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.
He urged all poultry farmers to be on high alert and to contact their vet and the Department of Agriculture, immediately, if they suspect any signs of avian flu.

Mr Sweetnam said farmers should watch for indicators such as high mortality and lethargic birds, and highlighted the importance of establishing exclusion zones around affected farms where movement of birds in and out is tightly controlled under veterinary supervision.

With the whole pattern of bird flu changing/mutating; the virus has appeared earlier than usual this year and in different geographical areas, with two outbreaks in Co. Cork.

Mr Sweetnam believes that a housing order should be comparable to restrictions in place during the Covid-19 pandemic, thus limiting movement and requiring birds to be kept indoors.
The IFA continues to engage with the Department of Agriculture on measures to contain the outbreak and protect Ireland’s poultry sector.
The Department is reminding all flock owners to maintain the highest standards of biosecurity, including disinfecting footwear and equipment, restricting visitors, and preventing contact between domestic poultry and wild birds.

Barriers To Investment In Climate Adaptation.

Barriers to investment in climate adaptation explored in new joint report by Climate Change Advisory Council and Central Bank of Ireland.

A new joint report by the Climate Change Advisory Council and the Central Bank of Ireland has warned that the deployment of climate adaptation finance is below what is required to address the escalating risks posed by climate change. Without action, the impact of extreme weather events will test Ireland’s economic and financial resilience.

While there is significant ambition to reduce emissions, focus must also be applied to addressing the impacts of climate change that are already emerging by enabling investment in climate adaptation projects at both national and local levels. Many adaptation projects, particularly at local levels, are seen as too small or too uncertain to secure funding, even though their benefits are clear and long-lasting.

Deep rooted barriers to investing in climate adaptation include a lack of locally relevant climate risk data, high upfront costs of adaptation projects, fragmented access to funding, and the absence of clear investment pathways that can attract private capital.

The report emphasises the importance of credible transition plans to build resilience in the financial sector and contribute towards a resilient economy. Actionable solutions include transition planning that incorporates adaptation, and the development of scalable, investable project models, and a register of successful adaptation projects to build momentum and share solutions.

Insurance is a key part of adaptation finance but protection gaps (where businesses, individuals and communities lack adequate or affordable insurance) pose a significant barrier to resilience. The report notes the need to address the insurance protection gap as set out in the Action Plan for insurance reform. This requires a long-term strategic approach to flood insurance with enhanced data sharing and a clear recognition of adaptation measures, as well as ensuring solutions are complemented by continued investment in measures such as flood defences to reduce risks and safeguard long-term sustainability.

Another challenge in assessing the scale of investment required is the absence comprehensive estimates of the short- and long-term costs of climate adaptation. The report proposes a National Adaptation Finance Strategy to attract private and EU funding which should build on improved estimates of long-term investment needs.

Commenting, Professor Mr Peter Thorne, Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council’s Adaptation Committee said, “The recommendations within this report come at a critical time with the ever increasing frequency and impact of extreme weather events which are wreaking havoc across communities and the economy. The development of resilient infrastructure, storm resistance in coastal defences, drought-resistant crops, nature-based solutions, early warning systems and community resilience building would be transformative for our society saving lives and protecting livelihoods. By addressing barriers, mobilising public and private finance, and implementing innovative solutions, Ireland can build a more resilient economy and society while reducing risks to the financial system.”

Mr Vasileios Madouros, Deputy Governor of Monetary and Financial Stability for the Central Bank of Ireland, said, “Climate change poses risks to the financial system and the long-term stability of our economy. We’re already seeing the impact extreme weather has on communities, businesses and infrastructure, and we recognise the importance of addressing climate-related risks, including the growing need for investment in adaptation measures. This joint report proposes actionable steps to build resilience in the economy by increasing the deployment of adaptation finance in Ireland. Safeguarding Ireland’s financial stability in the face of a changing climate requires collaboration across public and private sectors, enabling investment at both national and local levels, and further assessing the short and long-term costs of climate adaptation.”