Thurles Information

Awareness Levels Of Radon And Associated Health Risks Declining.

People’s awareness levels of Radon and associated health risks is declining, says the EPA.

Radon gas is Ireland’s largest source of radiation exposure and is a leading cause of lung cancer.
A new EPA survey of attitudes toward radiation showed awareness of radon gas has dropped from 82% in 2020 to 71% in 2025.
More than half of respondents were unaware of the link between radon and lung cancer. Even when people are aware of radon gas, fewer than half are likely to test their homes.
The most significant sources of radiation exposure in Ireland arise from natural radiation in the environment, including radon, and medical exposures. However, people are more concerned about nuclear facilities abroad and damage to the environment.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today published the findings of a national survey on attitudes to radiation in Ireland. Over a thousand adults were surveyed, on behalf of the EPA, to understand public awareness of, and concerns about, radiation.

The survey indicates that only 31% of respondents are concerned about radiation. Worryingly, the findings revealed the level of awareness of radon had dropped from 82% in 2020 to 71% in 2025. Radon gas is Ireland’s leading source of radiation exposure. It accounts for more than half of the radiation dose received by the Irish population and is the leading cause of lung cancer, after smoking. Radon gas can enter your home from the ground through small cracks in floors and through gaps around pipes or cables.

The survey found most people are:-
► Not concerned about the health risk of radon.
► Unaware that radon exposure is linked to lung cancer.
► Unlikely to test their home for radon levels.

Commenting on the survey, Mr Patrick Byrne, (EPA Director of the Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring), said: “The EPA is concerned to see a decline in radon awareness, and the continued reluctance among householders to test their homes. We found that many believe that their property is not affected. This is particularly worrying given that radon is our largest source of radiation exposure and a leading cause of lung cancer. Testing for radon in your home is simple and we urge all households to take this step to protect themselves and their families. It costs about €50 and the EPA website has a list of companies that supply the monitors. Reducing you and your family’s exposure to this harmful gas can be achieved using simple and effective methods.”

The survey found that one of the top radiation-related concerns was how nuclear facilities abroad affect Ireland.
Dr Kevin Kelleher, (EPA Senior Scientific Officer), responded to this, noting: “Although our survey indicates public concern over such facilities, our research indicates that a nuclear emergency abroad would not have a significant radiological impact on Ireland. However, it is reassuring to see that the public would follow guidance from Government and expert bodies in the event of such an emergency.”

The National Radon Control Strategy which is led by the Department of the Climate, Energy and the Environment, brings together departments and state agencies to take action to reduce radon risk. The EPA will use the findings of this survey to strengthen its awareness work under the Strategy to drive testing and remediation to reduce radon risk to people’s health.

Food Alert.

Recall of specific batches of various Marks and Spencer Pink Lady apple products, due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

Alert Summary dated Wednesday, 24th June 2026.

Category 1: For Action
Alert Notification: 2026.35
Product Identification: Please see table below for product details.
Batch Code: Please see table below for use-by dates.

Message: The below batches of Marks and Spencer Pink Lady apple products is being recalled due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.

Product Name.	Product Name.	Use-by date.
M&S Food Pink Lady Apple Slices.	225g.	24/06/2026.
M&S Food Pink Lady Apple.	90g.	24/06/2026.
M&S Café Pink Lady Apple.	90g.	24/06/2026.

Nature Of Danger: People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

Action Required: Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers & retailers.

Retailers: Same are requested to remove the implicated batches from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.
Consumers: Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batches.

Thurles Planning Alert From Tipperary County Council.

Application Ref: 2660001.
Applicant: Helen Maher & Stephen Kelly.
Development Address: Cormackstown, Thurles , Co. Tipperary.
Development Description: the construction of a single storey/storey and half dwelling house, domestic garage, septic tank and percolation area, access via existing residential entrance with proposed site entrance off the existing avenue and associated site works.
Status: Conditional.
Application Received: 02/01/2026.
Decision Date: 15/06/2026.
Further Details: http://www.eplanning.ie/TipperaryCC/AppFileRefDetails/2660001/0.

Korean War Hero Thomas O’Brien Finally Returns Home To Tipperary After 76 Years.

An Irish-born U.S. Army sergeant who was killed while helping save his comrades during the Korean War is finally making his last journey home to Co Tipperary after 76 years.

**Sergeant Thomas J. *“Tom Jo”* O’Brien**, **deceased.**

Sergeant Thomas J. “Tom Jo” O’Brien, from Emly, Co. Tipperary was just 23 when he lost his life in North Korea on October 26th, 1950. He had emigrated to New York three years earlier before joining the U.S. Army, serving with Headquarters Battery, 90th Field Artillery Battalion, 25th Infantry Division.

O’Brien was reported missing in action and presumed dead after his unit came under attack from Korean People’s Army forces near the Taeryong River. According to his family, he drew enemy tank fire towards himself, allowing 10 comrades to retreat safely. He was killed by tank fire.

For his courage and service, Sergeant O’Brien was posthumously awarded several honours, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defence Service Medal and Korean Presidential Unit Citation.

After the war, no body was recovered. Hiwever, in 1954, during Operation GLORY, [latter an American effort to repatriate the remains of United Nations Command casualties from North Korea], North Korea returned remains to the United Nations Command. One set, later buried as an unknown at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, was believed to possibly be that of Sergeant O’Brien, but identification could not be confirmed at that time.

That changed decades later. In 2018, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency disinterred the remains for further study. Using modern scientific testing, DNA evidence and circumstantial records, Sergeant O’Brien was formally identified on September 27th, 2024. A rosette was placed beside his name at the Courts of the Missing in Honolulu to show he had been accounted for.
His niece Shivaun said the family had promised her late father Michael, Thomas’s brother, that they would continue searching for him and bring him home if he was found. Michael, who died in 2014, had provided DNA to assist the identification effort.

“My father would be elated and pleased that we are finally bringing his brother home,” Shivaun said. “It is bittersweet. We all wish he was alive to witness this.”

Sergeant O’Brien’s mother Sarah, who passed away in 1957, had his name engraved on the family headstone in St Ailbe’s Graveyard in Emly, hoping he would one day be brought home.
In 2003, Sergeant O’Brien and 27 other Irish-born men who died while serving in U.S. conflicts were granted posthumous American citizenship. His brother Michael attended that ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Sergeant O’Brien’s remains were brought from Hawaii to Los Angeles on June 8th, where they were received by family members before cremation. His relatives are now accompanying him back to Ireland.
He will be laid to rest with his family in St Ailbe’s Graveyard in Emly at 3:00pm next Monday. His family said they hope many people from Emly and across Tipperary will attend to honour a young man who left Ireland, served bravely, and is finally coming home.

Food Alert.

FSAI warn of recall of a batch of Ortiz Sardines in Olive Oil, due to the possible presence of glass pieces.

Alert Summary dated Wednesday, 24th June 2026.

Category 1: For Action.
Alert Notification: 2026.36.
Product Identification: Ortiz Sardines in Olive Oil; pack size: 190 g (glass jar).
Batch Code: 73175G; best before date: December 2032.

Message: The above batch of Ortiz Sardines in Olive Oil is being recalled due to the possible presence of glass pieces. Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.

Action Required: For Manufacturers, Wholesalers, Distributors, Caterers and Retailers:-
Retailers: Same are requested to remove the implicated batch from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.
Wholesalers / Distributors: Same are requested to contact their affected customers and recall the implicated batch and provide a point-of-sale recall notice to their retailer customers.
Consumers: Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch.