General « Thurles Information

Emotional Appeal For Return Of Statue Head Stolen In Thurles

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, Kieran O’Reilly has made an emotional appeal for the return of the head of Archbishop Patrick Leahy (1801 to 1875), latter which was decapitated and stolen from his statue in June last.

**Original Statue of Archbishop Patrick Leahy** (1801-1875) – *Photo – George Willoughby*.

The 14-foot-high statue, constructed in 1911, stands in the grounds of the Cathedral of the Assumption here in Thurles and has left Gardaí to date totally mystified by the act of wanton vandalism, with no motive for the theft having ever been established. The body and plinth, latter which supported the now headless statue, remains surrounded by a grey wooden hoarding since it was vandalised.

Archbishop O’Reilly is now very anxious that the head be returned so that parishioners can proceed with repairing the statue, the body of which today stands protected prominently in the courtyard at the front of the Cathedral.

A reward of €1,000, held in cash, in a bank account, by website Thurles.Info continues to remain immediately on offer to any person (Informant will be dealt with in the strictest privacy and confidentiality), who can offer any morsel of information, which might lead to the immediate recovery of this decapitated head.

Death Of John O’Brien, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

It is with sadness we learned of the death today, Monday 4th November 2019, of Mr John O’Brien, Gleann Rí, Holycross, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Brittas Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Predeceased by his beloved wife Evelyn; Mr O’Brien passed away peacefully while in the care of Nenagh Hospital, following a long illness most bravely borne.
His passing is most deeply regretted by his daughters Sharon and Louise; grandchildren Ally and Aidan; brother Danny (London), sisters Margaret (Thurles), Eileen (London), Joan (London) and Majella (Spain), son-in-law Brendan; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews; extended relatives; neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements

The earthly remains of Mr O’Brien will lie in repose at Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, on Thursday November 7th, from 4:30pm to 6:00pm, to arrive at Holycross Abbey, Holycross, Thurles at 6.45pm.
Requiem Mass will take place on Friday morning, November 8th, at 11:30am, followed by interment immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Date For Tipperary Murder Appeal Likely In December

**Central Criminal Court, Dublin.** *Photo G. Willoughby*

An appeal against the conviction for murder in the Central Criminal Court, by a Tipperary farmer from Breanshamore, Co. Tipperary, is likely to be set this coming December.

Mr Pat Quirke appealed against his conviction for the murder of love rival, fifty- two-year old Mr Bobby Ryan in May. His guilt had been decided following a majority jury verdict of 10 – 2.

Following his trial and conviction, which lasted 15 weeks and was the longest murder trial to date in the history of the Irish State; the 50-year-old farmer lodged a notice of intention to appeal. However, we understand Mr Quirke and his defence team have yet to file grounds for this appeal, which are expected to centre around rulings made in the absence of the jury, by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon.

Mr Quirke had denied any involvement in the murder of Mr Bobby Ryan, latter a quarry worker and part-time DJ known locally as “Mr Moonlight”.

The prosecution had alleged Mr Quirke murdered Mr Ryan before hiding his body in an underground waste water tank. This action enabled Mr Quirke to rekindle a love affair with a widow named as Mrs Mary Lowry, who had begun a relationship with Mr Ryan.

Jockey To Undergo Surgery Following Thurles Racecourse Tumble.

Twenty-three-year old Grand National-winning jockey Mr David Mullins (nephew of multiple Irish champion trainer Mr Willie Mullins and grandson of Mr Paddy Mullins), will now undergo surgery, following his fall at Thurles Racecourse, Co. Tipperary.

Mr Mullins is understood to have fractured his collar bone and T12 vertebrae, on Thursday last.

Mr Mullins, latter winner of the Aintree 2016 Grand National, riding the British-bred bay gelding “Rule The World“, for the Michael (Mouse) Morris stable based in Fethard Co Tipperary; took an awkward tumble at the fourth fence, from “Lean And Kean” in a two-and-a-quarter-mile handicap chase, latter won by “Stylish Moment”.

Racing was delayed by over 30 minutes on Thursday as an air ambulance was summoned to transport the National Hunt jockey to Cork University Hospital for urgent treatment.

Horse Racing Ireland’s chief medical officer Dr Jennifer Pugh confirmed: “David Mullins has fractured his clavicle & thoracic vertebrae (T12) & will undergo surgery. David is very grateful for all the well-wishes & also to Order of Malta & Medical Staff.”

We wish him a speedy recovery

Death Of Joan Byrne, Formerly Stradavoher, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

It was with sadness we learned of the death today, Tuesday 10th September 2019, of Mrs Joan Byrne (née Fogarty), Swords, Co. Dublin and formerly of Stradavoher, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Predeceased by her daughter Joan; Mrs Byrne passed away peacefully while in the care of St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown. Her passing is most deeply regretted by her loving children Paula, Elaine, Thomas, Louise and David; sons-in-law; daughter-in-law; Oliver; grandchildren; brothers Michael, Paddy, Eddie and Larry; sister Ann; extended relatives; neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements

The earthly remains of Mrs Slattery will lie in repose on Thursday morning, September 12th, at the Church of St. Colmcille, Chapel Lane, Swords Demesne, Swords, Co Dublin, arriving for 10:00am Mass, followed immediately afterwards by interment in Holy Cross Abbey cemetery, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Note Please: Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.