Thurles Information

Gardaí Report More Than 200 Drink and Drug Driving Arrests During St Patrick’s Weekend.

Over 5,000 Speeding Offences Detected as Gardaí warn of ongoing road safety risks.

An Garda Síochána has described road safety compliance during the recent St Patrick’s bank holiday enforcement period as deeply disappointing, with more than 200 motorists arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs over the past seven days.

In Tipperary, within the past 7 days at least several arrests linked to drink- and drug-driving enforcement were reported during the St Patrick’s bank holiday period, including a drink-driving arrest in Cahir, a serious drink-driving incident in Cashel, and a suspected drug-driving arrest in South Tipperary.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland, Superintendent Mr Liam Geraghty of the Garda Press Office said the provisional figures showed a troubling level of dangerous behaviour on Irish roads, despite widespread public discussion about road deaths, road safety, and increased Garda enforcement over the holiday period.

Superintendent Geraghty said the level of offending was especially concerning given the visibility of the Garda road safety campaign and the additional checkpoints put in place during the St Patrick’s operation.

Gardaí also expect that more than 5,000 drivers will have been detected speeding during the same seven-day period. According to Superintendent Geraghty, this represents a significant rise on the 2025 average of approximately 500 speeding detections per day, with the bank holiday weekend seeing daily detections exceed 700.

He highlighted one particularly serious example in which a vehicle was detected travelling at 112 km/h in a 50 km/h zone on the R183 in Monaghan, describing it as motorway speed on a small urban road in a built-up area.

Superintendent Geraghty said it was a major concern that, despite advance notice of increased checkpoints and enforcement activity, such high numbers of road users continued to take the risk of speeding or driving under the influence, placing themselves, their passengers, and other road users in danger.

He further noted that six people had died on Irish roads since the Garda road safety operation was launched the previous Wednesday at the Road Safety Conference in Killarney.

Referring to public attitudes, Superintendent Geraghty said there appeared to be a disconnect between what people say about road safety and how some behave in practice. He pointed to RSA survey findings indicating that 12 per cent of Irish motorists admit to driving under the influence of alcohol, while more than 25 per cent believe driving a short distance after drinking is acceptable.

Superintendent Geraghty also defended current Garda road policing resources, stating that 647 personnel are now assigned full-time to roads policing duties. He said this is the largest specialist area within An Garda Síochána and is supported by uniformed and plainclothes members across the organisation.

He added, however, that enforcement alone cannot eliminate dangerous driving, noting that even if every Garda member were deployed on the roads, there would still be many stretches without visible Garda presence. He said personal responsibility remains essential and urged all drivers to act safely for their own sake and for the safety of all road users.

Thurles Celebrates St Patrick’s Day In Strong Community Spirit.

Thurles Co. Tipperary came alive today as the rural heart of mid-County Tipperary marked St Patrick’s Day with a parade that reflected the warmth, pride and community spirit for which the town is so well known. Despite the cold and cloudy conditions, large crowds gathered along the streets in great numbers, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere from start to finish. Thurles is a thriving town in County Tipperary, and St Patrick’s Day, celebrated each year on 17th March, remains one of the most important occasions in Ireland’s civic and cultural calendar.

Families, friends, neighbours and visitors of all ages turned out in good spirits, wrapped up against the chill but full of enthusiasm and festive cheer. The parade offered a proud display of local identity, bringing together a broad and mixed population in a shared celebration of Irish heritage, community and belonging. The sight of the crowd lining the route, applauding participants and waving flags, captured the very best of Thurles; resilient, friendly and united.

Video: Courtesy G. Willoughby.

Today’s event was a reminder that even under grey skies, the spirit of St Patrick’s Day shines brightly in towns such as Thurles. The success of the parade is a credit to the organisers, volunteers, participants and all those who attended and supported the celebration. Their contribution ensured a memorable occasion that honoured tradition while strengthening the bonds of community that continue to define Thurles.

Gardaí Seek Witnesses Following Serious Road Traffic Collision In Cashel, Tipperary.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a male pedestrian was seriously injured in a road traffic incident in Cashel, Co. Tipperary.

The collision happened shortly after 11.00pm on the Clonmel Road (R692) on Sunday night. The injured man, who is in his 20s, was taken to Cork University Hospital, where he is receiving treatment for serious injuries. No other injuries were reported.

A technical examination of the scene was carried out by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, and the roadway has since reopened to traffic.

Investigating gardaí are particularly anxious to speak with three motorists who travelled along the route and passed the pedestrian before the collision occurred.

Any road users who were travelling on the Clonmel Road in Cashel between 10.30pm and 11.00pm, and who may have camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, are asked to make it available to gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cahir Garda Station on Tel: 052 744 5630, the Garda Confidential Line on Tel: 1800 666 111, or indeed any Garda Station.

Death Of Irish Folk Singer Dolores Keane.

A great hush has fallen over Irish music with the passing yesterday of Ms Dolores Keane, one of the most cherished and soul-stirring voices this country has ever known.

Dolores Keane died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Caherlistrane, Co Galway, aged 72 years, leaving behind not only a body of music of rare beauty, but a deep sense of gratitude among all who were moved by her singing. Current reporting remembers her as one of the defining voices of Irish folk and traditional music.

**Late Ms Dolores Keane** *(26th September 1953 – 16th March 2026)* **R.I.P.**

For decades, Dolores sang as though she were carrying the memory of a people. In her voice lived the tenderness of home, the ache of longing, the strength of women, and the old unbroken thread of song handed down through family and place. She did not merely perform music; she inhabited it, and in doing so gave something timeless to Irish culture.

Born into the renowned Keane family, Dolores was shaped by a house full of songs, stories and visiting musicians. From those early roots in Galway grew an artist of extraordinary grace, first known for singing with her aunts Rita and Sarah Keane, and later celebrated through her work with De Dannan, her collaborations with John Faulkner, and a solo career that brought her voice far beyond these shores.

There was a haunting honesty in Dolores Keane’s singing that could stop people in their tracks. Whether singing a sean-nós air, a love song, or a modern folk ballad, she seemed to reach beyond performance and touch something more intimate and enduring. Her beloved interpretation of “Caledonia” remains one of the songs most closely associated with her; a recording carried for years in the hearts of listeners who found comfort, beauty and home in her voice.

To speak of Dolores Keane is to speak of more than acclaim, recordings or applause. It is to speak of feeling. Of truth. Of a voice that seemed to rise not just from the singer, but from the soil, the hearth, and the generations who sang before her. She gave the old songs new life, and gave contemporary songs an ancient depth. In every phrase, there was humanity.

In ár gcroíthe go deo.

Death Of Larry Buckley, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Sunday 15th March 2026, of Mr Larry Buckley, Gortataggart, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his parents Larry and Peggy; Mr Buckley sadly passed away unexpectedly.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving daughters Susan and Angel, their partners T.J. and Mark, grandchildren Shannon and Patrick, his brother Oliver and partner Julie, extended relatives, neighbours and friends and beloved dog Jessie.

May He Rest In Peace.

Funeral Arrangements.

Reposing on Friday afternoon, March 20th, at the home of his loving daughter Angel, 51 Hawthorn Drive, Thurles, (Eircode E41 K529), from 5:00pm until 7:00pm.
Interment will take place on Saturday, March 21st, at 12:00 noon in St Patrick’s cemetery, Moyne Road Lognafulla, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

The extended Buckley 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.