A new national approach to community safety could provide a welcome opportunity to make towns, villages and rural communities across Tipperary safer, stronger and more connected.
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has launched Ireland’s first National Strategy for Improving Community Safety 2026–2030, introducing a coordinated approach to tackling the issues that affect people’s safety and wellbeing.
The strategy recognises that community safety involves much more than policing and crime prevention. It also includes tackling antisocial behaviour, improving public spaces, supporting vulnerable people, encouraging community participation and ensuring that public services work together effectively.
For County Tipperary, the strategy could deliver significant benefits if supported by meaningful local action and adequate resources.
Communities across Clonmel, Nenagh, Thurles, Roscrea, Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary Town and the county’s many smaller towns and rural villages could benefit from closer cooperation between An Garda Síochána, Tipperary County Council, local organisations and public service providers. Potential improvements could include greater attention to rural crime prevention, safer streets and public spaces, better lighting, improved road safety, stronger supports for older people and vulnerable residents, and initiatives aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour. The strategy could also help strengthen community alert programmes, support young people through positive local activities and give residents a greater say in decisions affecting their neighbourhoods.
An important part of this new approach is the establishment of the Tipperary Local Community Safety Partnership, which held its first meeting in January 2026. The partnership brings together community representatives, public bodies and local organisations to identify concerns and develop practical solutions tailored to the county. One of the greatest opportunities for Tipperary is ensuring that rural communities and smaller villages are not overlooked when priorities are being established. Issues affecting a rural community may be very different from those experienced in a larger town. A successful strategy must recognise these differences and ensure that local voices are heard.
While the new national strategy represents a positive development, its success in Tipperary will ultimately depend on effective implementation, cooperation between agencies, sufficient resources and measurable improvements on the ground. The people of Tipperary deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their streets and throughout their communities. This new strategy offers an opportunity to turn that ambition into meaningful action and help build a safer, more inclusive and more confident County Tipperary for everyone.
Tipperary Fresh milk is preparing to expand into Tesco stores across Ireland in the coming weeks, marking another important milestone for the Thurles-based dairy brand.
The announcement was made by Centenary Thurles senior executive John Martin at Tillage Day 2026, highlighting growing consumer interest in locally produced, sustainably focused dairy products. Non-GMO milk is milk produced by cows that are fed a diet free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This means their feed is made from ingredients that have not been genetically engineered, avoiding genetically modified crops such as certain varieties of soya and maize. In the case of Tipperary Fresh, cows graze on grass and receive specially produced non-GMO feed, with regular testing and independent certification to ensure standards are maintained. Non-GMO milk offers consumers greater transparency about how their milk is produced, although it is not necessarily healthier or more nutritious than conventional milk.
Already available through Dunnes Stores, ‘Tipperary Fresh’ is supplied by 14 dairy farmers located within a 12km radius of Thurles, Co. Tipperary. The milk comes from grass-grazing cows whose supplementary feed contains no genetically modified ingredients or soya. This initiative brings together local dairy farmers, grain growers and Centenary Thurles’ milk processing and feed milling operations, creating a closely managed supply chain that supports Irish agriculture.
Tipperary Fresh currently retails at approximately €1.74 per litre, compared with €1.15 for standard supermarket own-brand milk. The 59c per litre retail premium reflects the product’s specialist positioning, with participating dairy farmers also receiving an additional payment for their milk. The co-operative has also supported local tillage farmers through competitive grain prices, paying €225 per tonne for feed barley and €237 per tonne for feed wheat this year, alongside a transport bonus.
Maintaining the product’s non-GMO certification involves regular testing, farm inspections and feed mill audits, with independent certification provided by FoodChain ID. The expansion into Tesco represents a significant opportunity for Tipperary Fresh to reach more households nationwide while strengthening the connection between local food production, sustainable farming practices and consumer choice.
The development is another positive step for Tipperary agriculture, demonstrating how locally produced milk and grain can create added value for Irish farmers.
Pre-deceased by his loving parents Patrick and Elizabeth, his sister Bridie and his brother Dan; Mr Morrissey passed away peacefully.
His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; sister Nan, sister-in-law Theresa, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mr Morrissey, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended Morrissey 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.
“The Morrissey family wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to all those who cared for Mr Morrissey throughout his life, especially the staff of Sacred Heart Nursing Home, Crosspatrick, who showed him such kindness, care and compassion throughout his many years there. They would also like to thank everyone who has shown such kindness, support and sympathy to the family during this difficult time. Your thoughtfulness, prayers and support are deeply appreciated.”
A joint-agency operation targeting a number of business and residential properties in Thurles and Cashel, Co. Tipperary, has reportedly resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of suspected cannabis-infused products.
The items pictured above include a range of products labelled as cannabis vapes, edibles and other cannabis-related merchandise. The operation highlights continuing efforts to tackle the suspected sale and distribution of controlled substances in local communities. The exact quantity and estimated value of the products seized have not yet been confirmed.
The growing availability of cannabis-infused vapes, sweets, jellies and other products across Ireland raises serious concerns about their origins, ingredients and potential dangers to public health. According to the European Union Drugs Agency, these products are manufactured and supplied through international networks. China is a major source of synthetic cannabinoid chemicals, while the United States and Canada have been important sources of cannabis oils, edibles and vaping products entering Europe. Some products are also mixed, filled, processed and packaged within European countries. However, the country of manufacture of any particular seized product cannot be established from its packaging or appearance alone.
Of particular concern is that many of these products are sold in colourful, professionally designed packaging resembling ordinary sweets, confectionery or disposable vapes. Behind the attractive packaging, however, the contents may include high concentrations of THC, semi-synthetic cannabinoids such as HHC, or potentially more dangerous synthetic chemicals. Products manufactured or distributed through unregulated supply chains may contain substances that are not declared on the label, making it extremely difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are taking.
The health risks can be extremely serious, particularly for teenagers and young adults. These substances can cause severe anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, confusion, loss of consciousness and, in some cases, drug-induced psychosis requiring hospital treatment. Cannabis-related vaping products can also expose users to potentially harmful chemicals affecting the lungs. Edibles present an additional danger because their effects are delayed, sometimes leading people to consume more before the first dose has taken effect. Their resemblance to ordinary sweets makes them especially dangerous to young children, who may consume them accidentally and suffer serious poisoning.
In August 2026, Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) warned that laboratory testing had identified dangerous synthetic cannabinoids and other potentially harmful compounds in vaping products being sold in Irish shops and through the illicit market. Some products advertised as containing CBD or other cannabinoids were found to contain different, potentially more dangerous substances. These findings underline why such products should never be regarded as harmless simply because they are attractively packaged, flavoured or readily available.
The message for parents, young people and the wider community is clear: attractive packaging does not guarantee a safe product. Greater public awareness, education and continued enforcement are essential to protecting communities from these potentially dangerous substances.
Deepest condolences to the family, friends and many fans of beloved Irish singer-songwriter Johnny McEvoy, who has sadly passed away at the age of 81 years. Originally from Banagher, Co Offaly, Johnny passed away peacefully at his home in Greystones, Co Wicklow, yesterday Sunday, 8th November. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his children Jonathan and Alice, his grandchildren, extended family, friends and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
The late Johnny McEvoy, R.I.P..
Back in 1965, Johnny McEvoy recorded a little song called “Those Brown Eyes” as the B-side of his famous hit Muirsheen Durkin. It went on to become one of his best-loved songs. It’s a beautiful, heartfelt ballad about love, longing and the memories of someone special.
Those Brown Eyes. (Lyrics: The late Tipperary songwriter Patsy O’Halloran).
A true legend of Irish music, Johnny enjoyed a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, touching the hearts of generations with unforgettable songs including “Muirsheen Durkin“, – “The Boston Burglar“, – “Nora“ and “Long Before Your Time“.
His distinctive voice, heartfelt storytelling and wonderful contribution to Irish music earned him a special place in homes and hearts across Ireland and beyond. Johnny will be remembered not only for his extraordinary musical talent but also for his openness about mental health and the encouragement he gave to others through sharing his own experiences.
A beautiful voice has fallen silent, but his songs and legacy will live on for generations to come.
Rest in Peace, Johnny McEvoy. Thank you for the music and the memories.
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