News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

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A multi-agency approach is needed in Clare to tackle the scourge of heroin abuse. The proposal comes against the background of complaints that the illicit substance is readily available in Ennis and surrounding areas.

Clare Gardaí (police) has confirmed there is an increase in the use and availability of heroin on the streets in the county, in line with national and regional trends.
 [Source: Clare Champion]

CORK

Third time was a charm for Bishopstown man Francis Hynes, who was spotted by millions enjoying a spot of golf in his Cork jersey Friday, September 28 at the Ryder Cup. Francis, who was over in Chicago for the week playing golf, made a chance television appearance when he managed to get to the front of the crowd at day one of proceedings at Medinah, much to the amusement of thousands who were watching at home in Ireland.

“I had been at a couple of the practice days with my father,” says Francis, “but that particular day I was on my own, I didn’t even think about it to be honest with you. I was walking along and a guy with a camera asked if he could get a photo of me and I thought that was it. I also saw three Kerry jerseys and there was a Mayo and a Wexford jersey there as well so it didn’t even cross my mind that people at home would see it.”

This was Francis’s third Ryder Cup and so far luck is on his side as Europe have won the contest each time he has gone, although heading in to Sunday, a win seemed almost impossible.
[Source: Cork Independent]

DERRY

The North’s economic recovery will be damaged if significant upcoming anniversaries are blighted by violence, Martin McGuinness has warned.

The Deputy First Minister said negative headlines about the region would hit the prospects of foreign direct investment.

Mr. McGuinness also told the assembly that work on the long-awaited and, at times, controversial Cohesion, Sharing and Integration (C.S.I.) Strategy was nearing completion.

The centenary of the signing of the pro-Union Ulster Covenant two weekends ago passed off without disorder in the midst of a major security operation. It followed a summer when violence did flare over parading issues in north Belfast.

The next 10 years will see a number of potentially sensitive anniversaries, including the 1916 Easter Rising and Battle of the Somme.
[Source: Derry Journal]

DONEGAL

A Donegal coroner has criticised the online culture of websites that detail alarming information on self-harm and suicide methods, saying “we can no longer bury our heads in the sand” on the issue.

Coroner John Cannon made his remarks at Letterkenny Coroners Court, which heard the inquests of three deaths by suicide that occurred just weeks apart last December and January.

He said he has researched this topic recently and his findings made him “so angry” such information was available and, in some cases, was goading people to harm themselves or die by suicide. He called for such material to be controlled.
[Source: Donegal Democrat]

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