News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

Several meetings have taken place between Marie Moynihan-Lee, producer of the market on behalf of the Galway City Business Association, and the protestors over the last week in a bid to reach a resolution on staging the event.

A number of councillors had publicly called on the group to remove themselves from Eyre Square, or threaten the very survival of the second annual Christmas market, which last year attracted 600,000 visitors and generated €10m in income to the city.

A spokesperson for Occupy Galway said after “a temperature check” within the group it was decided they would not move. The group of around 20 tents have been camped out on the plaza end of Eyre Square for a month in solidarity with similar protests around the world.

“The market can work around us. We can make some compromises – like if they want to get a truck in we’ll narrow the camp – but I think moving off the spot altogether is off the table.”
(Source: GalwayBay Fm)

Kerry

The GAA and soccer communities in Co Kerry have been stunned by the sudden death of a second young footballer in the space of a fortnight.

Connor Spellman died at home at Ballycasheen, Killarney on Saturday after suffering a suspected brain haemorrhage.

The 29-year-old starred locally for Killarney Legion GAA and Killarney Celtic FC.

He died just a week after the funeral of fellow local sportsman Brendan O'Driscoll of Annascaul and Camp United.

Mr Spellman is from a very well-known Kerry family who have operated a successful sawmill business in Killarney for many years.

He and his wife, Michelle McCarthy, were married in Spain 14 months ago and they have an eight-year-old daughter, Holly.

Kerry GAA commentator Weeshie Fogarty, who trained Mr Spellman at Killarney Legion GAA club, described him as a brilliant young GAA and soccer star.

"He was one of the best under age players I have managed and trained," Mr Fogarty said.

"When he was playing under 14 with us, I was present at an East Kerry game and Connor scored 10 goals, all from play. I have never before or since seen this repeated," he added.

Killarney Celtic first team manager Karl McMahon said the death had shocked the whole town and saddened everyone in the club.

"He was a great player. He was the first to arrive at training every night and the last to leave and he was a great example to the younger players," Mr McMahon said.

The previous Saturday, Brendan O'Driscoll was laid to rest. He died after collapsing during a local championship game.
(Source: Irish Independent)

Kildare

Gardaí in Kildare are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of a 16-year-old girl.

Deimant Daciolaite was last seen at the Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge Co Kildare on Tuesday last, the 8th of November.

She is 5 feet 6 inches in height with a large build. She has black hair and brown eyes.

It is believed she may have travelled to Dublin city centre or to Rathfarnham or Tallaght.

(Source: Irish Times)

​
Nster.com