Thurles Information

Death Of Neddy Neary, Formerly Of Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Monday 30th March 2026, of Mr Neddy Neary, St. Mary’s Avenue, Urlingford, Co.Kilkenny and formerly of Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his beloved wife Betty (née Forrestall), son-in-law Alan Kenny, his parents Michael and Ellen, sister Mary and brother Patsy; Mr Neary passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family, while in the care of staff at University Hospital Waterford.

His passing is most deeply regretted sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving daughter Gillian, son Barry, daughter-in-law Ciara, his adored grandchildren Courtney, Kerri, Lorcan, Fionn and Michaela, sisters Phyllis (O’Brien), Nannie (O’Brien), Babby (Looby), brother Francie, nieces, nephews, the extended Kenny family Castlecomer, Forrestall family Moyne, Thurles and Tobin family Castlecomer, his best friend Ann Butler, cousins, extended relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Neary will repose at Doyle’s Funeral Home, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny, (Eircode E41 XO38), on tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday April 1st, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, same evening; pausing for prayers at 6:00pm.
His remains will be received into the nearby Church of the Assumption, Urlingford on Thursday morning, April 2nd to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:00am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards in St Kieran’s Cemetery, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny.

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

The extended Neary and Forrestall 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 at all times.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Death Of Pat Costello (Snr.), Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Monday 30th March 2026, of Mr Pat Costello (Snr.), Graigue, Moycarkey, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

Pre-deceased by his parents Jack and Nora, sister Josephine and brother John; Mr Costello passed away peacefully, following an illness most bravely borne.

His passing is most deeply regretted sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Eileen (née Moore), sons Pat and Denis, daughters-in-law Imelda and Anne, grandchildren Adam, Ellie and Jamie, brothers Seamus and Liam, sisters Margaret, Kathleen, Maura, Teresa, Breda and Geraldine, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Costello will repose at Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, (Eircode E41 CP59) on Wednesday afternoon, April 1st, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm same evening.

His remains will be received into the Church of St Peter, Moycarkey, Thurles, on Holy Thursday morning, April 2nd, at 10:30am to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:00am, followed by interment immediately afterwards in nearby St Peter’s Cemetery, Moycarkey, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

The extended Costello and Moore 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.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Gardaí Intensify Crackdown On Suspected Cockfighting In Tipperary.

**Picture Courtesy of An Garda Síochána**.

Historic Bloodsport Under Scrutiny – Gardaí Intensify Crackdown on Suspected Cockfighting in Tipperary.

Gardaí have seized a range of items believed to be linked to suspected illegal cockfighting activity following a coordinated, multi-agency operation in Tipperary Town.

The search, carried out as part of ongoing investigations into animal welfare concerns, involved personnel from An Garda Síochána; Tipperary County Council; the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA); the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Department of Agriculture.

During the operation, a premises suspected of hosting organised cockfighting events was examined. Investigators recovered a significant number of bird cages along with materials commonly associated with the practice, including controlled medications, steroids, antibiotics, and a quantity of suspected illegal imported substances. All items seized will now undergo detailed forensic and technical analysis.

No animals were found at the location during the search, and no arrests have been made to date. Gardaí have confirmed that inquiries are continuing in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture.

Background: A Persistent but Illegal Bloodsport.

Cockfighting, a practice in which roosters are bred and trained to fight, often to the death, has deep historical roots in various parts of the world, including Ireland. While once tolerated in centuries past, it has long since been outlawed under animal welfare legislation, due to its inherent cruelty.

Despite its illegal status, authorities across Ireland and the UK have periodically uncovered suspected cockfighting rings, often linked to organised activity involving gambling, animal cruelty, and the illicit use of veterinary drugs. The presence of performance-enhancing substances and antibiotics in such operations is a recurring concern, raising both animal welfare and public health issues.

Ongoing Investigation.
Gardaí have reiterated that this remains an active investigation. The analysis of seized materials is expected to play a key role in determining the scale and nature of the suspected operation.
Authorities are continuing to appeal for information as part of wider efforts to combat illegal animal fighting and associated criminal activity.

Further updates are expected as enquiries progress.

Tipperary Takes Centre Stage As Ireland Unlocks Its Heritage Treasures This Wednesday.

This Wednesday, April 1st, history comes alive across Ireland, but nowhere more vividly than in the heart of Tipperary. As part of the popular “Free Wednesday” initiative, visitors are invited to step beyond the everyday and into centuries of rich heritage, with free access to nearly 40 iconic sites nationwide. From majestic castles to hidden architectural gems, this unique opportunity opens doors, literally and figuratively, to Ireland’s past, offering unforgettable experiences for families, explorers, and culture enthusiasts alike.

**The Swiss Cottage, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.**

In Co. Tipperary, the spotlight shines brightly on a remarkable collection of historic landmarks, including Cahir Castle, Ormond Castle, Roscrea Castle, and the enchanting Swiss Cottage. These sites, steeped in stories of medieval power, elegant design, and rural life, showcase the county’s extraordinary contribution to Ireland’s built heritage. Many locations across the country have also recently reopened following conservation efforts, adding a renewed sense of discovery for returning and first-time visitors alike.

With no booking required and access granted on a first-come, first-served basis, this is a rare chance to immerse yourself in Ireland’s cultural legacy; completely free of charge. Whether wandering through ancient halls, admiring intricate craftsmanship, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of centuries gone by, tomorrow Wednesday promises a journey through time not to be missed.

Tipperary – Icarus Robotics Signs Landmark Agreement With Voyager Technologies.

Icarus Robotics Signs Landmark Agreement with Voyager Technologies to Deploy AI-Powered Robot on International Space Station.

Icarus Robotics, a pioneering space robotics company co-founded by Irish entrepreneur Jamie Palmer, who grew up in Co. Tipperary, has announced a major agreement with Voyager Technologies to test its innovative robotic platform aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

**Pictured L-R: Ethan Barajas & Jamie Palmer**.
*Image Courtesy: J Anders Urmacher/NYFrequency*.

Under the newly signed mission management contract, Voyager Technologies will support the deployment of Icarus Robotics’ free-flying robot, Joyride, with a demonstration mission scheduled for early 2027. The agreement represents a significant milestone in advancing autonomous robotics capabilities in space.

Voyager will provide end-to-end mission services, including payload integration, safety certification, launch coordination, on-orbit operations planning, and real-time mission execution support.

The Joyride platform is designed to operate in microgravity environments, using artificial intelligence to enable human-controlled robots that can learn from demonstrations and progressively perform complex tasks independently. The ISS mission will serve as a critical step in validating the system’s navigation, maneuverability, and operational performance in space.

“Icarus Robotics represents the next generation of space builders, providing a turnkey solution for reliable, flight-proven access to space,” said Mr Matt Magaña, President of Space, Defense & National Security at Voyager Technologies.

Founded in 2024, Icarus Robotics is focused on developing a robotic workforce for space applications. Its systems aim to address growing labour constraints in orbit, where astronauts often spend valuable time on routine tasks such as maintenance and cargo handling. By deploying intelligent robotic systems, the company seeks to free astronauts to focus on high-value scientific research and mission-critical operations.

The company’s first-generation robots are operated remotely by humans, forming the foundation for “embodied AI”; systems capable of learning from human input and eventually carrying out tasks autonomously in complex environments.

Co-founder Ethan Barajas highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting its connection to his early experience in Voyager’s NASA HUNCH programme. “It is a full-circle moment to now deliver a robotic platform that will help make the ISS and future commercial stations smarter, autonomous, and capable of operating where humans cannot easily go,” he said.

Looking ahead, Icarus Robotics envisions its technology playing a key role in a wide range of space activities, including intravehicular operations, satellite servicing, and large-scale orbital construction.

The upcoming ISS demonstration marks a critical step toward that future, laying the groundwork for more autonomous, efficient, and scalable space operations.