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The priest told the congregation that everyone who respected the “precious, fragile gift of life” was asking why. “Why do so many people think it is no longer safe to walk the towns and cities of our country especially at weekends? Why can young people not go out and enjoy themselves celebrating with their friends, without the menace of an unwarranted attack from those who seem intent on random acts of violence?” he asked.

Mourners heard that the last thing his father said to him when he dropped him to a train on December 22nd last was “mind yourself Andy and be careful”.

Joe Dolan told his 20-year-old son that another young man had recently been assaulted in Carrick-on-Shannon and was fighting for his life in Beaumont Hospital.
(Source: The Roscommon Herald)

Sligo

Chris O'Dowd returned to his native Boyle to begin filming for a new television series and also to celebrate his recently announced engagement to TV presenter, Dawn Porter with family and friends.

It was Chris's first trip home to Boyle since his St. Stephen's Day proposal to Ms. Porter and the star of British sitcom, The IT Crowd and who also starred in Hollywood films, Gulliver's Travels and Bridesmaids was back at work last week, filming around the streets and roads he grew up in.

The new six-part comedy series 'Moone Boy'' is co-written by Chris and Nick Vincent Murphy and is expected to air on Sky next summer.

Set in the 1980s, 'Moone Boy' tells the story of 11- year- old Martin Moone, who conjures up a 35-yearold bearded man, Sean Murphy, played by O'Dowd, as his imaginary friend.

Ms Porter returned to London last week while Chris threw himself into the project which has been greeted with much excitement in the town. Householders received a letter from the production company during the week, warning them in advance of what to expect during filming and giving them a schedule of the locations that would be used all last week and what traffic restrictions to expect.

'Moone Boy' is based loosely on the actor's own experience of growing up in Boyle and he insisted that part of it would be filmed in the town.

"It was essential really, it wouldn't have made sense for me to do it otherwise," he said.

Mrs Moone will be played by Deirdre O'kane while Dublin actor Peter Mcdonald plays the role of the 11-year-old's dad.

Mr O'Dowd's father, Sean, is an extra in the series, which will feature a lot of local faces. It won't be the first time he has acted, he has previously appeared in local pantomimes and plays.
(Source: The Sligo Champion)

Tipperary

There is good news for residents and business people in Thurles last week with the decision of the Town Council not to increase the commercial rate, parking charges, burial ground charges or any other rates for the coming year.

The annual Estimates of Expenditure and Income were adopted by the elected representatives at the meeting last Monday night and the charges are being maintained at 2011 levels despite the fact that the Local Government Fund has been cut by some 9%, or 70,000 Euro. The Budget as presented by Town Clerk Mr Michael Ryan (pictured), and Town Manager Mr Matt Shortt, got the support of eight of the members with Cllr David Doran deciding not to vote for it in protest at 10,000 Euro being included for members conference expenses.
(Source: Tipperary Star)

Tyrone

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