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“Players transferring to overseas clubs since the downturn in the economy have also affected clubs in rural areas to such an extent that many fear they will be unable to field teams unless some radical solutions are found.

“We in Kerry G.A.A. will do whatever is necessary to help clubs but we must work together with Munster Council, and the association at national level, to ensure that rural Ireland is supported, and not neglected.”
[Source: Irish Times]

KILDARE

“You’d better watch out” is the traditional warning when Santa Claus is “coming to town,” but in Newbridge on Saturday, December 8, it was Santa who should have been watching out as he and his driver got an unwanted Christmas surprise.

Traveling in a vintage fire engine, Santa Claus (a.k.a. local man Robbie Devereaux) and his driver were horrified to be targeted by three teenagers who pelted them with eggs.

The incident, which could have resulted in a serious accident, is being investigated by local Gardaí (police). It occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on Saturday evening, after Santa had joined Newbridge Mayor Murty Aspell to switch on the Christmas lights. Following the music and festivities, Santa prepared to leave the town but first had to travel along Edward Street as it wasn’t possible to actually turn the engine on the street.
[Source: Kildare Nationalist]

KILKENNY

A number of students from a local school have received counselling after witnessing the horrific death of a man decapitated by a Dublin bus two weeks ago.

Eoghan Dudley (28) died of devastating head injuries when he went under the wheels of the 15-ton double-decker vehicle. It is alleged that he was pushed, and a 29-year-old man has since been charged with his manslaughter.

Around 100 students from C.B.S. Kilkenny, accompanied by their teachers, were in Dublin City Center Thursday, December 6, at the time on a class trip. They were near the busy junction opposite Trinity College on Nassau Street during rush hour, when the disaster happened.
[Source: Kilkenny People]

LAOIS

Garda (police) mountain bike patrols of Portlaoise’s housing estates and public areas are to continue during the winter months.

Sergeant Tom Walton told the Portlaoise Joint Policing Committee meeting that patrols were conducted over the last few months.

He outlined that the Community Policing Unit specifically targeted primary and secondary schools delivering talks on crime and the consequences of juveniles getting involved in crime, road safety, bullying, and cyber safety.
[Source: Leinster Express]

LEITRIM

The close knit Mullies and wider Manorhamilton communities have been devastated by the deaths of three members of the same family in a house fire in the early hours of Saturday morning, December 8.

Dessie McDonald (75), his wife Patsy (77) and their daughter, Patricia (34), were sleeping in their two-story home at Lisnabrack near Manorhamilton when the fire broke out downstairs. A passing taxi driver noticed the blaze and raised the alarm shortly after 2 a.m.

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Nster.com