News from Ireland - news from around the 32 counties

What's going on in news around Ireland

ANTRIM

A former Antrim man, whose autistic daughter was refused a visa to allow her to move to Australia with her family, has spoken of his delight after receiving official confirmation that their move will go ahead.

Adrian Scott, originally from Brantwood Gardens, lives in Oxfordshire with his wife Julie, son Tevin (19) and Niamh (13). He and his family are thrilled with the early Christmas present.

The couple's twin sons, Stephen and Marc, are both already settled in Australia with their respective families. Julie's parents have also been American citizens for over 20 years.
[Source: Antrim Guardian]

ARMAGH

Two men were arrested after police stopped a vehicle on the Dundalk Road in Crossmaglen on Thursday, December 20, in connection with a counterfeit cash scam.

The arrests followed a number of reported incidents in Newry, Portadown, Armagh, Fermanagh and Tyrone where counterfeit currency was passed.

In the midst of the busiest shopping week of the year, a number of local businesses reported receiving counterfeit Bank of England £50 notes. Police immediately launched an investigation which resulted in the arrests in Crossmaglen around 3:40 p.m. on Thursday.
[Source: Examiner Newspaper}

CARLOW

A woman who died following a fire at her home in County Carlow has been named locally as 50-year-old Margaret Doyle.

She was pulled from the house by her son James (20) early Sunday morning, December 23.

James had returned home at around 4:30 a.m. when he found his mother in the house at Mountain View in Hacketstown.

Local Fine Gael T.D. Pat Deering said it was a real Christmas tragedy and that the local community had been left reeling.
[Source: Irish Examiner]

CAVAN

Cavan Icebreakers Swimming Club witnessed one of the largest turnouts in recent years for their 45th annual Christmas morning swim. Over 80 men, women, boys and girls took to the waters at Annagh Lake, Butlersbridge shortly after 11:30 a.m. The unusual good weather brought the crowds out for the occasion.

It was a welcome change following three consecutive years of battling the elements. The founder of the swim, Sean Walsh, completed his 45th consecutive swim, which is a national freshwater record and the club are very proud of the fact.

Sean's was not the only record to be recognised as some family and individual records were also achieved. Jacinta Dunleavy completed her 29th swim, while the Anderson girls Michelle, Gayle and Elaine have notched up 25 consecutive swims and Margaret Quinn 16 consecutive swims.
[Source: The Anglo Celt]

CLARE

Clare held its first Lights of Love remembrance service recently. Bereaved parents from the county and surrounding counties joined together in the cathedral to remember their children who passed away. The service was celebrated by Father Fergal O’Neill.

As parents, families, and friends entered the church, they were given a tag in which they wrote their baby’s name and heartbreaking messages of love.

​
Nster.com