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Suspect in US murder of Tipperary man dies in suicide pact

POLICE in the US investigating the murder of Tipperary-born Tom Walsh believe he was gunned down by a disgruntled former employee he fired two years ago.

Mr Walsh (43) a father of one from Templemore, lost his life in March when he was shot dead as he was closing up the restaurant he managed near Daytona Beach in Florida.

It was initially thought he was killed during a robbery as the night’s profits were taken from the premises, but now police believe that a double suicide last Thursday may hold links to the murder of the popular Tipperary man.

James Seagreaves (29) and his girlfriend Kayla Nemoto (20) died after apparently committing suicide following a shoot out with police.

Seagreaves had been released from jail in early March and is believes to have carried out a spate of armed robberies in Florida in the 29 days after leaving prison, including the one at the Mainstreet Grill where Walsh was murdered.

However, it has now emerged that he was known to Mr Walsh, who had fired him two years ago from the same restaurant and that Seagreaves held a grudge over the incident.

Police went to Seagraves home last Thursday to serve a warrant in connection with Mr Walsh’s murder, but Seagreaves and his 20-year-old girlfriend, who was said to be pregnant with a baby girl, barricaded themselves into their apartment.

After a stand-off of a number of hours where negotiators tried to persuade the couple to surrender, a SWAT team were sent in and discovered the pair dead inside.

Police would not released details of how they met their deaths, but it is believed that they died from gunshot wounds to the head, and that the baby Nemoto was carrying did not survive.

The family of Tom Walsh have demanded to know what background checks were made on Seagreaves before the restaurant hired him.

Brian Walsh told The Irish Sun: “Obviously it turned out he was a very dangerous individual. The job of firing this guy was left to Thomas a couple of years ago.”

He described his brother who emigrated in 1996 as: “living the American dream”.

“He built a great life for himself and this piece of scum took it away,” he said.

Tom Walsh was brought home to Templemore Church for his funeral in April

Thousands of children have been waiting for up to two years for speech and language therapy in the South of the country, figures from the HSE have shown.
While most local health offices in the South have waiting lists for treatment in excess of two years, Wexford has the highest, where even those deemed "urgent" can wait up to two years for intervention.

The figures supplied by the HSE show:
In South Tipperary, 430 children are awaiting therapy following assessment or awaiting more therapy having already had some intervention.

The majority of children in South Tipperary — both high and medium-priority cases — are waiting between four and 12 months.

Free counters

Denis Lynch was injured in a fall during his victory gallop after winning the €50,000 Derby at the 5-Star show in La Baule, France, on Saturday.

The 36-year-old from Tipperary, who earned one of Ireland's two places at the Olympic show jumping events this summer, required stitches to his head and elbow. Lynch secured the Derby honours in fine style with the diminutive 13-year-old gelding, Night Train, which picked up just four faults over the course of natural fences.

Night Train has been in flying form recently with a hat-trick at Hagen, Germany, and a double at La Baule where he was also successful on Thursday. But during Saturday's traditional victory gallop, Lynch removed his helmet and had just replaced it without closing the clip when Night Train appeared to spook at a fence, sending his rider crashing into it at high speed.

There has been much debate about safety during prize-giving ceremonies with some lobbying for compulsory use of secured helmets at all times.

Clonmel is set to remember one of its most famous and loved sons, pioneering DJ, broadcaster, presenter and producer Vincent Hanley, or Fab Vinny as he was also known. Following the recent 25th anniversary of his death, members of Clonmel Borough Council decided that the life of this revered and much loved music revolutionary, originally from Kickham Street in Clonmel, should be honoured and celebrated in the future.

There was unanimous support at this month’s meeting of the Council for a motion which called for a plaque or another suitable monument to be created and erected to mark the fact that Vincent Hanley was a Clonmel native and to recognise the huge role that he played in bringing new music to the ears - and indeed the eyes - of the 80s generation.

Vincent was behind a ground-breaking music video programme, MT USA, that aired for three hours every Sunday afternoon. Based in New York at the time, Vincent was the associate producer of the show, as well as presenter and its style was such that he would introduce each music video against the backdrop of the iconic sights of the City That Never Sleeps.

MT USA was ahead of its time being the first pop music video show broadcast anywhere in Europe and it was fitting and appropriate that the Clonmel man and past pupil of the High School, was the brains behind it, having had a very successful broadcasting career on radio and television to that point.

Sadly Vincent died on April 18, 1987, from an AIDS-related illness just three days before his 33rd birthday. But his legacy and memory have never been forgotten in Clonmel, Ireland and around the world.

Cllr Richie Molloy was behind the motion at this month’s meeting which called to officially recognise Vincent’s life and achievements, and speaking on the motion, he said that everyone remembered what a great person he was, and how he had achieved so much in his (almost) 33 years.

“I am keen that an official memento or memorial be put up to remember him and from a tourism point of view, it will give visitors a sense of what the people in Clonmel have achieved, and I hope this won’t be put on the long finger,” he said.

To progress the idea, a sub-committee will be formed with the specific function of exploring the best way to officially remember Vincent - whether it will be through a plaque or monument, or some other way.

Mayor of Clonmel Darren Ryan said that he will convene a meeting of this sub-committee in about two week’s time.

Cllr Billy Shoer said that he had been approached by so many people over the past few weeks since Vincent’s anniversary.

“He did so much for music and I would fully support a plaque to remember the tremendous work that he did for MT USA and also for opening up music to young people.” Cllr Gabrielle Egan recalled the phrase ‘kissey kissey from fab Vinny’ and said that it was fitting tat the Council should lead the way in remembering Vincent and she said that it would be an honour also for his family. Vincent’s brother Fergus and his family are still living in the Hanley family home in Kickham Street and will be consulted on the best way to remember their Fab Vinny.
Source: the Nationalist

Lar Corbett has rejoined the Tipperary hurling panel, it has been confirmed.
Corbett quit senior inter-county hurling earlier this year, citing business commitments as the reason he could not line out for Tipp.
But he will begin training with the Premier on Tuesday ahead of the clash with Limerick and begin another Championship campaign with the county.
The Tipperary statement said: "Tipp manager Declan Ryan and Tipperary County Board are pleased to announce the return of Lar Corbett to the Tipp SH panel.
"Over the last few months Lar has been heavily involved in developing his business activities and is now once again in a position to give the necessary commitment to being a member of the panel.
"Lar will recommence training with the panel immediately."

A Carrick-on-suir family carer has been announced as South Tipperary Carer of the Year.
The award was presented by The Carers Association as part of its National Carers of the Year Awards 2012.
Hugh Moss was chosen from a large number of nominations . He has been providing full-time care for his wife Sheila for the last ten years .
Hugh has been presented with a Certificate and piece of crystal at a ceremony at Clonmel Town Hall on Friday evening.

Family of cancer victim claims 'systematic failure' in Clonmel hospital

The family of a woman who died from lung cancer, when doctors thought she had pneumonia, has claimed there was a systematic failure in one of the hospitals in the southeast.

Relatives of Teresa Doyle, who was 50 when she died at South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, were speaking at her inquest today.
Ms Doyle had a hysterectomy in 1995 after having cancer and continued to smoke 15 to 20 cigarettes a day until she was admitted to hospital on the 22 April 2007.
The mother-of-one was told she probably had pneumonia.
She was discharged on 3 May, re-admitted two days later, had a CT scan, discharged and re-admitted again on 18 May as her condition had deteriorated.
Her partner Tony Ryan said he was told by Dr Isweri Pillay in no uncertain terms that she was not suffering from cancer.
She died three days later on 21 May 2007 in a very upsetting situation after being on a transportation trolley in the intensive care unit.
Post mortem results showed there was cancer throughout her lungs, diffused and not in a group or bundle, referred to as "ground glass shadowing".
Her family, which is not taking a legal case, felt the team in Clonmel did not follow procedures even though the family had told them they thought Ms Doyle had cancer.
Dr Pillay, a consultant at the hospital, said they believed Ms Doyle's condition could have been due to her having a rare disease called Behcet's disease, which she had been diagnosed with years before.
Dr Pillay admitted probably having told the family that cancer was not on the radar. The radiologist who carried out the scans said there was nothing to suggest cancer.
Coroner Paul Morris made a number of recommendations to the jury, which it accepted.
He recommended that information regarding cancer patients and their history of illness should be made available to medical professionals, including radiologists, and that concerns of family members be considered.

Source: RTE News

Community groups lose challenge to closure of hospital psychiatric unit

The High Court has today dismissed a challenge brought by two community group to the HSE's planned closure of an in-patient psychiatric unit at South Tipperary General Hospital, with the patients being transferred to Kilkenny.

The groups, Save our Acute Hospital Services Limited and the Cashel Action Committee, sued the Minister for Health, the State and HSE aimed at preventing closure of the 29-bed St Michael's acute psychiatric in-patient unit at the Clonmel based hospital.

They claimed the proposed closure and transfer breached a 1996 agreement, signed by the then Minister for Health Michael Noonan, providing for acute hospital services for South Tipperary to be located in Clonmel.

In his judgment today the President of the High Court Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns said after considering all the evidence in the case he was satisfied the defendants were not bound under the 1996 agreement to keep the unit open, and dismissed the proceedings.

The groups, set up by local people to protect hospital services in South Tipperary, brought the action after it was announced patient admissions to the unit were to cease and the unit would be closed by the end of last month with patients transferred to St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny.

The groups further claimed the move would cause irreparable harm and hardship to patients, their families and those working in the local mental health services.

Some of the most vulnerable people in society would be effected, it was submitted.


The HSE denied breaching the 1996 agreement and claimed the closure is part of the government's 'A Vision for Change' programme aimed at a more community-based mental health service, which the court heard were already being established in South Tipperary.

Gardaí in Cahir, Co Tipperary, are investigating an incident in which a man died after falling into the local river in Clogheen.

The man, who was in his 80s, had been a patient in St Teresa's District Hospital.
The incident happened at around 2pm yesterday afternoon.
A post mortem examination is expected to be carried out today.

TIPPERARY NUNS asked the British army to send a sniper to shoot jackdaws and crows which were “ruining” potatoes in the convent garden during the War of Independence.

The quintessential Irish solution to an Irish problem is revealed in a letter – sent more than 90 years ago during the final years of British rule in Ireland – which has turned up in an auction saleroom.

The Presentation Order of nuns in Fethard, Co Tipperary, had a convent garden to grow their own food. However the nuns were pestered by birds swooping on the crops and the reverend mother called on the might of the world’s most powerful imperial army to defeat the feathered attackers.

Sr Imelda was delegated to write to the “Officer in Command” at the local military barracks, home to soldiers of the Royal Field Artillery. She asked if he “could kindly send down one of your men to shoot some jackdaws and crows which are ruining our potatoes, peas and other vegetables in our garden”.

The nuns were forced to ask the British military to do the dirty deed because the Irish were not, officially, allowed to carry guns. The War of Independence was under way and Co Tipperary was a hotbed of rebels. Explaining the nuns’ predicament, Sr Imelda wrote: “We have asked several farmers around to shoot them [the birds] but all say they can’t use a gun even to protect their crops.”

The despondent nuns were also “very much inconvenienced” by the birds eating chickenfeed left out for their fowl. Sr Imelda concluded by asking the officer to let her know if he “could do anything in this matter”.

Sadly, it is not known if the officer responded to the request. Fethard military barracks was evacuated by the British after the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed in December 1921, and subsequently taken over by Republican rebels and burnt down.

The nuns’ letter is to be auctioned by Mealy’s, a rare book and manuscript auctioneers, in Dublin on April 25th, and has a modest presale estimate of between €60 and €80.
Source: Irish Times

Clonmel Titanic link ....

THE heroism of an Irish stewardess on the Titanic, who comforted stranded passengers as they awaited death in the icy seas, has been revealed by her Australian great-grandson.

Catherine Walsh (32) from Clonmel, was one of more than 1,500 people who died when the White Star Line flagship sank after striking an iceberg in the north Atlantic on her maiden voyage on April 15, 1912.

Among the stories of courage, tragedy and cowardice that have transformed the RMS Titanic into a modern legend, Catherine's cool heroism stands out.

Catherine -- who was married with one child -- had to pretend she was single to get a job on the luxury liner.

Sydney-based Adrian Nesbitt has devoted years to researching his great-grandmother -- despite the fact his grandmother, Kathleen Roche (93), Catherine's orphaned daughter, was extremely reluctant to talk about the Titanic before her death in 2001.

Kathleen even refused to watch James Cameron's Hollywood epic, 'Titanic'.

"I believe Catherine Walsh adopted her single persona to increase her chances of sailing," Mr Nesbitt told the Irish Independent.

Catherine had married John Roche and lived in London. They wed in 1897 and their daughter Kathleen was born in 1908.

Catherine had wanted to save enough money for the family to move to the US -- her Titanic earnings were a key part of this plan.

After her mother's death Kathleen was supported, until she was 19, by small payments from the Titanic Victims Relief Fund.

Mr Nesbitt discovered a reference to his great-grandmother in 'Titanic Voices' by Alastair Forsyth.

"Catherine is remembered by a passenger, Selina Rogers: 'We had a very nice stewardess. . . Miss Walsh.' And a few hours before the ship struck the iceberg, she wrote: 'I was feeling very sick. The stewardess was very kind and brought me a glass of milk'."

Titanic historian Dr Michael Martin said it was such incredible human stories that have made the Titanic tragedy such a fascination for the past 100 years. "That is why the ship has moved from history into myth and legend," he said.

Catherine's duty station on the liner's F deck meant that she was close to where the lifeboats loaded passengers -- but she clearly decided to stay at her post.

Having grown up in England, Kathleen decided to relocate back to Ireland where she settled and married in Limerick.

Source Irish Independent

A County Tipperary Councillor has written to the Justice Minister asking about the future of garda stations across the county. Nenagh based councillor John Carroll has said today that in his opinion the confirmation by Minister Shatter to close Ballinure and Ballinderry garda stations, along with nearly 40 other across the country is the the beginning of what he terms, a sustained attack on community policing.
He has asked the minister to clarify without delay, the number of stations he intends to shut down in Tipperary this year and the savings he has identified from closures.
Cllr Carroll also claims that the latest threats of garda cuts are causing a significant amount of fear in communities across Tipperary and he has demanded that the Minister confirm the future of all garda stations in the county.

Source: Tipp Mid west radio

More than 131 years after his hanging in Melbourne, the remains of Australia's greatest outlaw, Edward 'Ned' Kelly, are the subject of a dispute between developers and his family.

Kelly, the son of Tipperary-born John 'Red' Kelly, was only 25 when he was captured and hanged at the Old Melbourne. His headless skeleton was identified last year when the Victorian state government decided to hand his remains over to his relatives.

This week, however, the developer of the former Pentridge Prison suggested he may want to keep the remains in defiance of Kelly's family.

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine identified the remains last year using the DNA of Kelly's closest living relative, Lee Oliver. Attorney-General of Victoria, Robert Clark, later decided to return the skeleton to Kelly's family. But the issue is complicated as the exhumation certificate states the remains would be returned to Pentridge Prison to feature in a new development.

Despite the controversy, Kelly's great-grandnephew Anthony Griffiths still expects to bury Ned's remains on 'consecrated ground' in accordance with his wishes.

"As far as I'm aware, that process was still chugging along," he said.

Following Kelly's hanging he was buried in a non-consecrated yard at the Old Melbourne Gaol before his body was transferred to Pentridge in 1929 and exhumed in 2009.

Leading Ned Kelly expert and author Ian Jones insists the discovery of Kelly's skeleton only partially solves the mystery of his remains.

"At the very beginning of the Glenrowan siege on June 28, 1880, a bullet hit Ned's bent left arm. . . . after hanging his body was dissected-but you can still see where the bullet had struck the upper bone. A bullet also hit him in the right foot near the base of the big toe.

"So you had a man at the beginning of the siege with a crippled left arm and right foot, who hadn't slept for two nights, was wearing 40kg of body armour, and was exposed to sub-zero temperatures. He somehow attacked 34 police officers while bleeding for four hours. . . it's absolutely remarkable that he didn't die of his wounds," Mr Jones said.

"The mystery is only partly resolved because we don't know where the skull is," he added.

Source: Irish Independent