News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

Around 100 bottlenose dolphins have taken up residence in waters off the coast of Co Donegal over the past few days, delighting boaters and wildlife enthusiasts.

The group of dolphins -- known collectively as a pod -- have been seen in the inner Donegal Bay, between Rossnowlagh Beach and Doorin Head, above.

Although common dolphins in Ireland are just that -- with thousands of sightings every year -- the bottlenose species usually tends to swim in smaller pods of about 30.

Patrick Lane of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group said the bottlenose -- which featured in the hit TV series 'Flipper' -- often swims closer to shore than its counterparts, giving anglers and anyone on shore with a pair of binoculars a good view.

And for dolphin watchers it is peak season, as they follow the fish population which is also at its peak, Mr Lane added.

"Two or three weeks ago it was hard to spot a pod," he told the Irish Independent. "But any time from the end of July to November is the best time to see them. It's really a hidden jewel in our crown," he said.
(Source: Irish Independent)

Down

The Housing Executive has closed two sub-offices in County Down after a member of staff was threatened.

It said an employee at an office in Ballynahinch was subjected to verbal and threatening behaviour by a member of the public.

The executive said another office in Newcastle was also closed as part of the risk assessment procedure into the incident, because it was manned by a single member of staff.

It said it hoped it would be able to re-open the offices, but it must be satisfied that staff will be safe.
It is believed the person responsible for the attack was known to the staff member.

"For the female worker who was working there in isolation, it was extremely traumatic," said Liam Gunn of the Housing Executive.

"The perception of the staff member was that there was the potential for violence."
(Source: BBC News)

Dublin

Gangland thug Shane Lyons poses with his girlfriend -- months before he subjected her to an attack so savage she was left fearing for her life.

Lyons (41) locked his then girlfriend Fiona Kelly into his bedroom and brutally assaulted her and a close pal, Kerry Lee Ball, in a shocking incident at his southside home on August 31, 2009.

The Herald can reveal that Lyons is a notorious gangster who has links with 'Fat' Freddie Thompson's gang.

He was also involved in a major dispute with gangland boss Eamon 'The Don' Dunne over a stolen car, before 'The Don' was shot dead in a Cabra pub last year.

Lyons is also a convicted drugs trafficker who was jailed for four years in March 2001 after he admitting importing IR£160,000 worth of cannabis from South Africa.

The violent crook has also links to veteran gangster Martin 'The Viper' Foley.

Last week, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Lyons (41) choked Ms Kelly before locking the door and telling her to "sleep on the floor like the animal she was".

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Nster.com