News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

Antrim

Antrim Borough Council has been urged to assist families who have been left to foot huge repair bills after car thieves went on the rampage in Antrim Cemetery - by one of its own members.


Shortly before 1.30pm last Saturday (November 12) police received a report that a car had reversed over a number of graves, causing substantial damage.


Three men who were in the car at the time are understood to have made off on foot from the scene.
One is described as being 20, with short dark hair wearing a pink tee shirt, track bottoms and a cast on his right forearm.
Another is described as being 16, with a crew cut style hair wearing a royal blue tee shirt and jeans. The third is described as being 16-17 years old, 5'9" tall wearing a blue hooded top and jeans.


The vehicle used in the 'joyride' was stolen from the Kingsmere Avenue area of north Belfast earlier in the day.


The car was taken away for forensic examination leaving toppled headstones, smashed surrounds and scattered flowers in its wake.
In total nine graves were desecrated, causing sorrowing families unnecessary pain as they grieved for their loved ones during Remembrance weekend.
 Alliance rep Neil Kelly told the Antrim Guardian that Council 'cannot simply wash its hands' of the carnage, despite advice from insurers that it is not liable for the estimated £7,000 of damage.
(Source: Antrim Guardian)

Armagh

Two teenage girls have been sexually assaulted in separate attacks in the early hours of Saturday.
One of the attacks happened in the Templegrove area of Londonderry at around 3.15am.

The teen was raped by an unknown male who was wearing a dark trench coat and lace-up boots.

The attacker is thought to be of medium build, 6'0, with long hair down to his chin and stubble.

A second girl was sexually assaulted in Portadown early on Saturday morning.

It is understood the victim, who is also in her late teens, was attacked in the Ballyoran area of the Co Armagh town, close to her home.

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Gemma McKenna condemned the attack.

"This young woman was returning home after a night out when she was subjected to a horrific attack within a relatively short distance of her home.
(Source: UTV News)

Carlow

The GAA community of Carlow united in grief last week, following the sudden death of county board secretary Tommy O’Neill. 



Mr O’Neill, a native of Ballycrogue, Carlow, held the position of county board secretary for a distinguished 25 years. 

Hundreds attended the removal of his remains to St Joseph’s Church, Tinryland on Friday evening and requiem Mass last Saturday. Many leading faces from the GAA, among them past presidents Nickey Brennan and Seán Kelly MEP were also there to pay their respects. Current GAA president Christy Cooney visited the family home to offer his sympathy. 

Many tributes have been paid to Tommy last week, honoring his commitment to the GAA, his efficiency in the role of secretary and his incredible knowledge of all-things GAA. 

(Source: The Carlow Nationalist)

Cavan

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Nster.com