Thurles Information

Thurles, Co. Tipperary “Singin’ In The Rain”.

Rain has returned to Thurles this evening, Monday, July 27th 2026, after an unusually long dry spell.

Met Éireann’s provisional summer records show that much of County Tipperary experienced sustained dry conditions through the first three weeks of July, while the nearby Gurteen weather station had recorded a notably wet June. On the available evidence, the last proper measurable rain in the Thurles area appears to have fallen around June 30th, making this evening’s rainfall the first significant rain for almost four weeks.

“Singin’ In The Rain”.

Lyrics: American lyricist and a Hollywood film producer, the late Arthur Freed [Grossman] (1894–1973).
Vocals: American dancer, actor, singer, director and choreographer, the late Gene Kelly (Eugene Curran Kelly) (1912–1996) latter whose parents were both of second generation Irish decent. [Derry on his mother’s side (Harriet Catherine Curran), and possibly Co. Clare (but not conclusively) on his father’s side (James Patrick Joseph Kelly)]

**Late Great** **Gene Kelly**.
*(Eugene Curran Kelly)* *(1912–1996)*.

Few songs capture the pleasure of a rainy evening as perfectly as “Singin’ in the Rain,” famously performed by Gene Kelly in the 1952 musical film of the same name. First introduced decades earlier, the song became immortal through Kelly’s joyful performance as he dances along a rain-soaked street, splashing through puddles and turning an ordinary downpour into an expression of happiness and romance.
The sequence remains one of the most recognisable moments in cinema history.

“Singin’ In The Rain”.

“Singin’ In The Rain”.

Do, do-do-do,
Do, do-do-do-do, do-do-do,
Do-do, do-do-do,
Do, do-do-do-do, do-do-do,
Do-do, do-do-do,
Do, do-do-do-do, do-do-do,
Do, do-do-do,

I’m singin’ in the rain, just singin’ in the rain,
What a glorious feelin’, I’m happy again.
I’m laughin’ at clouds so dark up above,
The sun’s in my heart and I’m ready for love.
Let the stormy clouds chase everyone from the place,
Come on with the rain, I’ve a smile on my face.
I walk down the lane with a happy refrain,
Just singin’, singin’ in the rain.

Dancing in the rain,
I’m happy again.

I’m singin’ and dancin’ in the rain.
I’m dancin’ and singin’ in the rain.

END

Death Of Michael Perdue, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Sunday 26th July 2026, of Mr Michael Perdue, Lower Ballingarry, (South Riding), Thurles , Co. Tipperary.

Mr Perdue passed away peacefully at Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, South Tipperary, surrounded by his loving family.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Ann, sons Michael and Patrick, daughters Anne Marie and Amy, grandchildren James and Darragh, sister Teresa and nephew Patrick, his children’s partners Eoghan, Katy and James, nieces, extended relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Perdue will repose at O’Connell’s Funeral Home, Killenaule, Thurles, (Eircode E41 HH66) on tomorrow afternoon, Tuesday, July 28th, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, same evening.
His remains will be received into the Church of the Assumption, Ballingarry (SR), Thurles, (Eircode E41 X523) on Wednesday morning, July 29th, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:30am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards in adjoining old graveyard.

The extended Perdue 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.

Note: “The Perdue family wish to express their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and all the staff at Tipperary University Hospital Clonmel, for the exceptional care, kindness and compassion shown to the deceased throughout his time there.”

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Death Of Gus Butler, Formerly Of Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Sunday 26th July 2026 of Mr D.A. (Gus) Butler, Bray, Co. Wicklow and formerly of Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Mr Butler passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, while in the care of Eyrefield Manor Nursing Home, Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Mary (née O’Neill), son David, David’s partner Pauline, daughter Maeve (Matheson), son-in-law Andrew, cherished grandchildren, Eva, Hazel, Oliver and Mia, brother Richard (Kilkenny), sister Mary (Thurles), nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

The funeral cortège of Mr Butler will be received into the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, Main Street, Bray, Co. Wicklow to repose for Requiem Mass on Thursday morning next, July 30th at 10:00am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in Springfield Cemetery, Killarney Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow.

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

The extended Butler and O’Neill 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.

Irish Parents Warned About Violent Online Networks Targeting Children.

Parents and guardians across Ireland are being urged to speak to their children about dangerous online networks that manipulate young people into harming themselves, committing violence or producing sexually explicit material.

Irish cases connected to this disturbing online culture have reportedly been referred to Tusla, while An Garda Síochána has participated in an Europol operation targeting a network known as “The Com.”
One of the best-known groups associated with this network is called “764.”

These are not necessarily organised groups with easily identifiable members. They operate through changing usernames, private chats and online communities. Children may encounter those involved through social media, messaging services or online games.
Gardaí have specifically warned that individuals associated with groups such as 764 may encourage or pressure children to commit crimes, self-harm or adopt violent and radicalised beliefs.
The manipulation can begin with friendship, attention or a shared interest. An offender may then obtain private information or intimate images and use threats, humiliation or blackmail to control the child. Demands can escalate into self-harm, violence, cruelty towards animals or abuse of another person.

Warning signs for parents – Watch for sudden changes such as:
Secretive online activity or several new accounts.
Panic when a phone or gaming device is removed.
Messages from unknown people at unusual hours.
Unexplained injuries, self-harm or violent behaviour.
Threats involving private photographs or personal information.
A child being instructed to record, photograph or livestream something.
Sudden withdrawal, fear, shame or extreme anxiety.
The above signs do not necessarily prove that a child is involved, but they should never be ignored.

What parents should do.
Have a calm conversation rather than immediately blaming or punishing the child. Make it clear that they will not be in trouble for telling you what has happened.
Do not confront suspected offenders yourself. Preserve usernames, messages, dates and links where it is safe to do so. Do not download, copy or forward sexual images involving anyone under 18.
Report an immediate threat to life or safety by calling 999 or 112.
Other suspected criminal activity should be reported to your local Garda station.

Suspected illegal online material, sexual exploitation or sexual blackmail can also be reported confidentially and where appropriate anonymously, through Hotline.ie latter who has reported a sharp increase in sexual material created by children themselves, demonstrating why regular, non-judgmental conversations about images, privacy and online pressure are essential.

The most important message for every child is:
No online threat is too serious to tell a trusted adult about. Images can be reported, accounts can be blocked and help is available. They do not have to obey the person threatening them.

Please share this warning with other Irish parents, schools, clubs and youth organisations. Awareness and early intervention could protect a child from serious harm.

Irish Environmental Tax Revenue Hits Record €5.9bn, With Households Paying Nearly €3.5bn.

Ireland collected a record €5.879 billion in environment-related taxes during 2025, according to new figures published by the Central Statistics Office.

Receipts increased by 7%, or about €380 million, from €5.499 billion in 2024. This was the highest annual total recorded during the CSO’s 2016–2025 reporting period.
Households carried the largest share of the burden, contributing €3.468 billion, equivalent to 59% of the total. Businesses and other economic sectors paid most of the remainder.

Energy-related taxes continued to generate the most revenue. They rose by 12% to €3.924 billion, accounting for roughly two-thirds of all environmental taxes collected during the year.
Excise duty on petrol, road diesel, marked gas oil and other hydrocarbon fuels generated €2.09 billion. Carbon tax receipts increased by 10%, from €1.083 billion to €1.189 billion.

Revenue from the Public Service Obligation Levy on electricity consumers also rose sharply, increasing from €63 million in 2024 to €228 million in 2025.

CSO statistician Ms Clare O’Hara said the overall increase was mainly driven by higher receipts from the electricity levy, fuel excise duties and carbon tax.
Transport-related taxes brought in a further €1.925 billion, although that figure was 2% lower than in 2024.
Vehicle Registration Tax generated €933 million, while motor tax paid by households and businesses raised a combined €927 million, with businesses paying €232 million.
Pollution and resource taxes remained a very small part of the total. Levies including the plastic bag levy and landfill levy generated approximately €30 million, representing just 0.5% of environmental tax receipts.

Climate advisers call for targeted supports
The figures were published as the Climate Change Advisory Council urged the Government to maintain the planned increase in the carbon tax to €100 per tonne of carbon dioxide by 2030.
In its recommendations for Budget 2027, the council called for environmentally harmful fossil-fuel subsidies to be phased out. It argued that recent emergency reductions in fuel excise duty were insufficiently targeted and were likely to provide the greatest benefit to higher-income households.

The council said future cost-of-living measures should focus on vulnerable households while helping people permanently reduce their dependence on fossil fuels through measures such as home retrofitting and improved public transport.
The Government has extended temporary fuel-tax reductions until September 1st, 2026, after which the previous rates are expected to be restored gradually over four months. The extension is estimated to cost the Exchequer €270 million.

The advisory council also called for greater transparency over carbon-tax spending. It cited findings that only 61% of ring-fenced revenue was spent on its intended measures between 2020 and 2023.

Despite reaching a record cash total, environmental taxes represented 4.3% of Ireland’s overall tax revenue in 2025, compared with 7.7 per cent in 2016.