At first, we thought it was caused by storm Éowyn, but then we heard that it was possible that proposed notion(or was it motion, whatever), put forward last December, by Fine Gael Tipperary Cllr. Ms Peggy Ryan; latter seeking more short term parking in the centre of Thurles, that had suddenly materialised. But not so, on making enquiries, (facts not yet fully confirmed) it appears that one of the many heavy goods vehicles, laden with some 3500 kg (3.5 Metric tons) of produce; all of which are forced to pass daily through Liberty Square town centre, simply ran out of narrow road, while attempting to progress unto Slievenanon Road.
Railings removed for the second time, on entering Slievenamon Road from Liberty Square. Picture: G. Willoughby.
Thankfully, no Latte Coffee drinking pedestrians, normally seated in this general area, were killed or injured and the rate-paying businesses will happily have no problem in paying for the damaged railings. Engineers who came up with the farcical and ill-conceived planning of this area will not be found financially liable. Sadly however our one remaining local Thurles TD (we learned today) will no longer have speaking rights in Dáil Éireann, to ask for an update on funding for the 50 year old awaited ‘Ring Road’, latter the answer to this ongoing demolition problem.
Railings removed last August for the 4th time and not yet repaired. Picture: G. Willoughby.
However, look on the bright side; one additional benefit has come out of this latest piece of demolition work. Both sides of this junction, entering and exiting unto Liberty Square, are now almost a perfect match, thus greatly enhancing the Thurles town centre.
Last year (2024) was a key year for the EPA, in the provision of timely and targeted information on the environment.
In 2024, the EPA completed more inspections, monitoring, and sampling than ever before, including:
Over 2,500 waterbodies monitored
Over 1,300 inspections of industrial and waste facilities
Over 210 urban wastewater treatment plant inspections
200+ Drinking water plant inspections
Continuous air quality monitoring at 115 stations
The EPA’s 2004 State of the Environment report highlights that across the five key indicators (air, water, climate, nature and waste), Ireland’s scores range from Moderate to Very Poor, and requires immediate, transformative action.
30th January 2025: In its Annual Highlights, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showcases its work in addressing environmental challenges across Ireland.
Publishing the review, EPA Director General, Laura Burke said: “A key priority for the EPA continues to be the provision of timely and targeted information on the environment. In 2024, the EPA published our landmark four-year assessment of the State of Ireland’s Environment. The report highlights the progress that Ireland has made, however, it identifies that future prosperity and health are threatened unless we better protect our environment. Delivering on the five key environmental priorities identified in the State of the Environment Report would support providing a healthy, clean and resilient environment for ourselves and future generations.”
During 2024, the EPA also published over 50 major reports on water, air, circular economy, environmental compliance and more. Highlights include:
Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions decreased by 6.8% in 2023 – their lowest level in over three decades.
16 towns and villages continued to discharge raw sewage daily in 2024 – a reduction from 19 in 2023 but still unacceptably high.
A 2024 report showed that Ireland continues to rely on exporting municipal waste with 1.24 million tonnes (39%) of all municipal waste being exported in 2022.
79% of bathing waters in Ireland had excellent water quality in 2023.
EPA awarded funding of €18.5 million for environmental and climate research, a significant increase over previous years.
Latest figures show that less than a third of packaging waste is being recycled (2022 figures).
EPA’s Climate Change in The Irish Mind study showed that 53% of the Irish population correctly understands that climate change is caused mostly by human activities.
Concluding, Ms Burke added, “In 2025, the EPA will continue to use our expertise, extensive monitoring systems, evidence and research to protect, improve, and restore Ireland’s environment.”
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has stated it has been closely watching three giant asteroids that would be making a close approaches to our Earth.
One of them, called ‘2025 CF,’ and estimated as being 12 feet in width, was expected to come within 77,200 miles of earth; the distance being roughly one-third of the average distance between our Earth and our moon.
Same has not had a close encounter with Earth for the past 12 years and will not fly-by of our planet again until January 2033.
Two other space rocks, named ‘2025 CD’ and ‘2025 CE’, are estimated at being 22 feet and 43 feet wide, respectively. Relative to approximately the size of a bus, but are flying further away from our planet having made their way pass earth at a distance of 396,000 miles, and 680,000 miles.
While most flybys are harmless, NASA’s Planetary Defence Coordination Office continuously tracks Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) to assess potential risks. One asteroid, 2024 YR4, has recently raised concerns. Estimated to be 200 feet wide, it currently has a 1.2 percent chance of impacting Earth on December 22nd, 2032.
TheShannon Region (which consists of counties North Tipperary, Clare and Limerick) seeks to host EuroPride 2028.
Clare festival blends traditional matchmaking with modern pride.
The organisers of “The Outing 2025“ have announced that the world’s only LGTBQ+ matchmaking festival will return to the Shannon Region, this Valentine’s Weekend(14th-16th February).
Eddie McGuinness, Festival Director and Matchmaker of “The Outing” pictured with Elle Uminati at The Inn, Dromoland in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare.
Ireland’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) community will descend on The Inn at Dromoland in Newmarket-on-Fergus for a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí bands, queer arts, and the best of Irish and international performers, drag artists and DJs.
Special guests at this year’s 12th annual festival include Charra Tea, a fan-favourite from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6, and Actavia, the breakout star of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16. Irish queer artist Shobsy and English boxing manager and promoter Kellie Moloney, who managed Lennox Lewis to become the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world, also will be participating.
Organised in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, Blacknight, Visit Clare, Goudie Talent, The George, Limerick Pride and Quare Clare, the award-winning festival is being hosted by “The Queen of Matchmaking” Eddie McGuinness, alongside Paul Ryder and Victoria Secret.
Staff at The Inn, Dromoland in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare pictured ahead of The Outing this Valentine’s Weekend.
The Outing organisers have also confirmed that their joint letter of intent with Quare Clare, Limerick Pride and Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, to bring EuroPride to Limerick, Clare and the Mid-West Region in 2028 has been officially accepted for Wild Atlantic EuroPride 2028. Attracting over 100,000 people from all over the world annually, EuroPride is hosted by a different European city each year.
Speaking ahead of “The Outing”, Eddie McGuinness commented, “After what has been a tough January for everybody, we are excited to bring The Outing back for its 12th year. The Outing offers attendees a blend of traditional matchmaking with modern pride and with more than a hundred relationships and two marriages borne out of the festival to date, I am looking forward to playing my part in forging new relationships this year.”
“From ceilí bands to drag performances, we’re creating a uniquely Irish LGBTQ+ celebration that draws people from around the world to County Clare,” added Mr. McGuinness. “Having international stars like Kellie Moloney, Charra Tea and Actavia joining our lineup of incredible Irish talent shows just how much this event has blossomed over the years. We are extending everyone, whether you’re single or taken gay, lesbian, trans, straight or bi, to come along and join us this Valentine’s Weekend.”
Mr. McGuinness said the acceptance of the Region’s letter of intent to host EuroPride in 2028 has provided a significant boost for the Irish LGBTQ+ community.
“The potential to host EuroPride 2028 could be transformative for tourism in the Mid-West, showcasing our vibrant culture to an international audience. Should our bid be successful, our goal will be to paint the Wild Atlantic Way pink during 2028,” he concluded.
Karen Ronan is General Manager of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, which has worked to attract business and sports tourism to the Shannon Region over the past two decades. She said “The Outing has helped put Ireland’s Mid-West Region on the global LGBTQ+ map.”
“This unique event not only strengthens Ireland’s reputation as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ visitors but also brings significant economic benefits to the region. We are delighted to once again support Eddie and his team in hosting The Outing 2025 and in their bid to host EuroPride in the Mid-West Region in three years’ time,” added Ms. Ronan.
The Outing 2025 takes place at The Inn, Dromoland, Newmarket-On-Fergus, County Clare, on Valentine’s Weekend from Friday, 14th February to Sunday, 16th February.
Pre-deceased by his parents Alice and Mick, nephew Derek O’Brien, sister-in-law Eleanor O’Reilly; Mr McCullagh, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, while in the care of staff at Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Stephanie, daughter Ciara, sons Michael and Sean, son-in-law Dan, grandchildren Sienna and Connal, sister Maggie (O’Brien), brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, niece, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
For those persons who are unable to attend the funeral service for Mr McCullagh, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended McCullagh and O’Brien 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.
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