Save our rivers: The many faces of the Suir — and how endangered freshwater mussels could help

Ellie O’Byrne hears about the contrast between the Suir Blueway and the state of the river in Thurles, and learns that if they're saved from extinction, native mussels could play a vital role in cleaning our rivers

A new accessibility initiative? No, this photo of people kayaking on the Suir in the heart of Thurles was taken in the 1990s by Eamon Brennan. Decades later, Eamon's nephew Melvin Brennan is advocating for such access to the river.

Melvin Brennan is of the Féile generation. He grew up in Thurles, leaving at 19 when the annual festival at Semple Stadium hit its peak: The Féile ’95 line-up, featuring The Prodigy, Moby, Blur, and the Stone Roses, is often referred to as the best Irish music festival line-up ever.  

All his years growing up in the town, he says he and his peers took access to the River Suir for granted.