News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

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The new work depicting the Táin is by Barry Finnegan and Killian Walsh.

The mural is the second artwork which the young artists have completed on this wall. They were previously commissioned to create an artwork for Dundalk’s participation in the Entente Florale. After some years, the mural had been defaced and vandalized, and it was decided to commission a new one.
[Source: Dundalk Democrat]

MAYO

A Castlebar woman bravely put herself at great risk in order to fend off brazen robbers who had entered her home/business premises on Saturday evening, December 1.

Regina Sweeney was getting ready to close up The Elegant Touch bridal boutique at herself and her husband’s house at Corheens, Breaffy just before 5 p.m. when she heard a smashing noise downstairs.

She went downstairs to see a 6’4” man in a balaclava standing with his back to her in the hallway and could hear at least one more man going through another room.

She could have turned around and went back up the stairs until they left but instead she made a brave dash for the alarm at the front door in the hope that its sounding would force the intruders to flee.
[Source: The Mayo News]

MEATH

Several road accidents were reported around the county last Tuesday morning, December 4, as motorists around Meath grappled with icy roads.

Although motorists were travelling slowly, several vehicles skidded off the road as they hit icy patches.

Gardaí (police) received reports of at least 11 accidents across the county and, in most cases, these were minor incidents.
[Source: Meath Chronicle]

MONAGHAN

A Monaghan farmer, who claimed he didn’t see a loaded shotgun at his feet in a car, has been jailed for firearm and ammunition possession.

Father-of-two Eamon Lennon of Iniskeen, County Monaghan was last Thursday sentenced to five years in prison with two suspended for possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition over two years ago.

He pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of the sawn-off, 12-gauge, side-by-side shotgun at Ecco Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth on the August 8, 2010.

He also pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to the unlawful possession of two 12-gauge, Eley shotgun cartridges on the same occasion.
[Source: Irish Independent]

OFFALY

Earlier in 2012, Offaly County Council embarked on a commissioning process for a new “gateway” sculpture for Birr, as recommended under the Birr Public Realm Plan.

Artists were invited to submit proposals, which would create an innovative response to Birr’s cultural and environmental heritage and create an iconic focal point for the public living in and passing through Birr Town. The chosen location is the Tullamore road into Birr, close to the junction at Woodlands.

Thirty submissions were received from artists all over Ireland and the U.K. and the selection panel (Rachel McKenna, Emma Nee Haslam, Jock Nichol, Michael Fortune, Frank Heslin, Clr. Michael Loughnane and Clr. John Carroll) shortlisted four to create models for public display.
[Source: Offaly Express]

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