Ireland's Eye: What's going on in the old sod this week

A look at news from around Ireland

However, Judge Seamus Hughes pointed out that Mohamed had been seen by two doctors that night, neither of whom felt he had to be hospitalized.

It was also revealed Mohamed had answered “No” when asked by the member-in-charge at the Garda station whether he was injured or suffering from any medical condition, and that he had not reported his perceived “racial abuse” to him.

“Here’s my problem, Mr. Quinn. When it comes to specifics, his answers are evasive. I simply don’t believe a word he says,” said the judge.

“As far as I’m concerned he was over the top on the night, and over the top in my court,” said the judge before banning Mohamed for the mandatory four years, and fining him €750.

Mullingar Advertiser

Cop Tribute Vandalized
THERE has been outrage at the action of heartless vandals who smashed the memorial to the late Garda Gary McLoughlin, who died in the line of duty, before placing part of it outside his girlfriend’s home in Buncrana.

The memorial was erected by McLoughlin’s family in Lisfannon, Burt, near where the patrol car he was driving in December 2009 was struck by a car being pursued by Gardai. He later died from his injuries.

The plaque read: “For some moments in life there are no words.”
Gardai say they are “sickened and disgusted’ by the act.

They believe the plaque was targeted by vandals and smashed into pieces. Part of the plaque was later left outside the home of Shauna Bradley, McLoughlin’s girlfriend, almost 20 kilometers away in Buncrana, on the bonnet of her brother’s car.

Garda Superintendent Kevin English said, “I have no words to adequately describe what happened – it was sick, vile and sinister in the extreme and it has caused untold hurt to the family of Gary, the community and all his colleagues.

“It is a depraved act carried out by people who have no respect for anyone and it is a direct attack on Gary, his family and An Garda Siochana,” he said.

He added he spoke with McLoughlin’s family in his hometown of Fenagh in Co. Leitrim and they were “devastated” by the news.

“These people not only removed the plaque but also sprayed graffiti on it. I don’t know how anyone can stoop so low. I don’t know how much more this family can take,” English said.
A Garda investigation is under way, and he vowed everything will be done to track down the people who carried out the heartless act.

Raphoe man Martin McDermott, was sentenced last year to seven years for his manslaughter.

Donegal Democrat

Disgusting Yard Dump
A THREE foot high mountain of dirty nappies, or diapers, is among the large quantity of waste a Ballinrobe couple have continually refused to remove from their own back garden, a court heard.

Tom and Ann Sweeney failed to appear before Castlebar District Court last week for prosecutions relating to them dumping waste in their back garden and refusing to remove it since Mayo County Council first investigated the issue in August 2011. The couple has four children, aged from seven to two, who live in the house.

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Nster.com